April 2021 - Lockdown rules relaxed

The first few days in April were glorious - warm and sunny with temperatures reaching 24C in some places.  We then began to receive an icy blast from the north on the 6th of April and it was freezing!  we had -2C for a couple of nights and even -4C one night.  The fleece came out again to cover the plants in the greenhouses overnight.   I walked most days, except one day when I met Marie at the garden centre, and another when we took our first venture to the shops since before Christmas. We've also had snow and cold and frosty nights which meant I had to cover the greenhouse plants with fleece.  We have also had sunny but cold and windy days. 

Brian had a nasty tumble down the stairs early one morning which left him with a very bruised and swollen foot and ankle. I think he basically just slid down the stairs as he had a nasty carpet burn on his back.  It could have been so much worse.  So he has stopped going for long walks until the swelling goes down. 

From 29th March we have been allowed to meet with up to six other people or two family groups, but only outside.   The stay-at-home rule was also relaxed, which meant Brian and I took a short trip to Costco and then on to nearby Aldershot for a few extra items.  Well, that was the plan.  I like visiting Costco, but Brian not too keen.  I wanted to pick up a couple of trays of chicken breasts, washing detergent and conditioner, and loo rolls.  We picked up the items and then made our way to the till only to be told that the card had expired!!  We had to leave our shopping in the trolly.  My card is on my eldest son's card, and when I told him he was horrified.   Seems he usually renews at Christmas, but because of the lockdown he did not go.  Apparently, Costco is very good at sending out information on their promotions, but not that membership needs renewing.  Nothing I  had in the trolley was urgently needed so no harm done.  It made me laugh! 

We both had our second Pfizer jabs in April. having chased the Surgery up as we were getting worried at not having heard anything.

The most memorable happening was the death and funeral of Prince Philip.   We watched the funeral which was very dignified.  Sad to see our Queen sitting all alone during the service. 

A frosty morning

Forlorn ponies

Enjoying he sunshine on a sunnier and warmer day

Pygmy goats enjoying the sunshine

I came across these donkeys

And then these sweet lambs who were very friendly

Looking right

Another donkey

The following are photos of the oak trees we see on one of our walks.  These are taken at the end of April and you can just about see they are about to come into leaf.

Finally - After a year without ducks on the pond, you might remember that at the beginning of this year we had a pair of Egyptian Geese.  They left we spotted a pair of Mallards on the pond.  Now we have a female mallard and 14 ducklings - yes fourteen.  What has become of dad I do not know.

Mum and thirteen of her fourteen ducklings

The one that got left behind.

More next month......