Jim's Wood

We had a late night last night, arriving in Hoddesdon after 10. After we'd put the trailer away, moved the fence panels, had a cuppa and caught up with mum and dad, we didn't get to bed until midnight.

So getting up this morning should have been difficult, but with the sun shining in through the big bedroom windows, we were awake at 7.30.

We went to Jenny's for about 9.30 and after a cup of tea got working on jobs. I tidied the front garden, Jon and Henry were fixing things inside, and there was the huge task of emptying and sifting through the loft. In the end, Martin guessed about 20% was cleared - so lots more to do. The skip filled gradually, plus the recycling boxes, bins and charity bags. In brought memories to the surface, generated laughter and sadness. We definitely made progress. There is still lots to do. At 4 we needed a break. We decided to visit the Woodland Trust area of woodland in Hoddesdon woods, which has been dedicated to Jim, through the generous donations of his many friends and family. We had a map, and went in search of the one acre of woods. What a lovely peaceful space. Somewhere everyone can go for a relaxing walk, at any time of the year. It was what we all needed at tge end of the day. We were very grateful to friends who live nearby, for allowing us to park on their drive. It isn't a place that is easy to access unless you drive, but not good for parking!

We collected our bits at Jenny's, then drove back to mum's where we spent an hour or so in the sun drinking shandy. Then the 90 year old deck chair I was sitting on collapsed! It split in two places and I was on the floor. Henry thought it was amusing.

We had a nice spag bol and now it's tv. I think we'll be in bed earlier tonight!