Thursday 12 September 2024 - Another Visit to Bridgewater RHS Gardens

A brisk cycle ride for me and Sue, for a change, as we were late for meeting with Andrew and Jacqui, having made a late decision to use the bikes, thanks to the rain suddenly stopping and our bit of motorway being in bad shape.

So no canal photos, (we took 50 minutes for the ten mile ride that usually takes us an hour) though we did see a cormorant as well as the usual coots, moorhens, herons, mallards, grey wagtails, Canada geese, etc. The previous day we'd admired four kingfishers that were touring the canal in Timperley - a lucky sighting that may not be repeated.

Anyway, the others strolled slowly around the gardens, whilst I chose a faster pace during which a few pictures were taken. They are self explanatory (I mostly can't name all the flowers I'm afraid) and can be viewed as a slideshow if you click on an image.

Here, the Chinese pagoda and the Chinese Riverside Garden.

The sheep and the fences were used earlier in the summer for activities with children.

Geranium trials

Spurge

Sue took the following pictures that I've stolen from her Facebook entry:

Sunflower

Hops at the top of the pergola were admired

Pruning needed? [Just like at home!]

Glasshouse grapes

... and succulents

In the Paradise Garden

Part of the helenium (sneezeweed) trials

The Chinese pagoda and the Chinese Streamside Garden

Inside the roof of the Chinese pagoda

Reports on other visits to these gardens can be found here. Many pictures may be 'repeats', but it's always a fun place to visit.

Monday 2 September to Saturday 7 September 2024 - Miscellany

Monday 2 September - a jolly evening at Eagley Jazz Club, where there was a good turnout to welcome the return of Worth Valley Hot 7 with Ruth Gardziel, coming from West Yorkshire for their only appearance at Eagley this year.

Tuesday 3 September - 'baby' sitting duties with Millie, whilst her folks were away. This once nervous and shy rescue cat is getting to need comfort from the humans around her in her old age.

Friday 6 September = Isabella Day (73)

Starting with den building...

Then a spot of TV - Octonauts - Sue found it very educational!

After that a visit to the park for some scooting, whilst grandad joined a few other 'oldies' at the cafe for a chat. Some coffee would have been welcome, but the courtyard cafe couldn't run to that today.

Back home for a 'learning' jigsaw.

The Duplo house is much more fun.

Soon after that, Isabella went home to Didsbury, and Sue and I went to Solihull.

Saturday 7 September - Brueton parkrun number 666.

515 runners and walkers turned up for this event. Starting at the back meant a half minute delay before I went through the start, but never mind. Sue was way ahead and finished first in her age category. (So did I.) Here's the crowd at the start.

A bit of drizzle was ignored, and the volunteer marshalls had a long wait for Margaret, a former runner who is now in the 90-94 age group, and these days completes the course with the aid of a zimmer frame.

This time Sue didn't miss the finish, where she lurked to cheer the slower runners home.

Full results are here.

Later on Saturday 7 September

The purpose of our visit to Solihull was to join in Sue's parents' 60th wedding anniversary celebrations. Eight of us, including siblings and neighbours, enjoyed ceviche, lamb shanks, whisky cake and berry pavlova. Delicious.