Balgone estate sunflowers

We were disappointed this afternoon to arrive at the Balgone estate with tickets for the sunflower trail, only to find it closed. The staff on site explained that they have been obliged to delay this year's opening due to storm damage on Monday. It had crossed our minds that this could be a possibility, so we checked the sunflower trail web site and Twitter before we set off. We found no information there about any closures. 
 
Apparently the news was posted to Facebook and Instagram, and emailed to anyone who had bought tickets for today. We didn't look at Facebook or Instagram, and the mass email about the cancellations didn't reach us. In fact, the only email we received from the Balgone estate today was a confirmation of our 2pm booking. This landed in my junk email folder just after midday! Mr hazelh had a theory about the failure of the mass email. He shared this with the staff, along with the advice that they contact their service provider.

Even though we couldn't visit the sunflower trail, we were able to drive along the edge of one of the sunflower fields and stop to take a few photos (one of which is my blip).
 
North Berwick then became our new destination for the afternoon. Here we spent a happy couple of hours walking on the beach in the sunshine, visiting the craft fair, popping in and out of the shops on the High Street, and taking a tea/coffee break.

Our evening entertainment comprised Pimms in the garden at Liz and Tony's house in Dirleton, followed by a barbecue cooked outside and eaten indoors. As ever it was great to see our friends. Liz, Clarissa, and I were all in the same year at school, so we were able to indulge in some childhood reminiscences together, as well as contribute to the more general conversations around the table: deteriorating parents, siblings, living on the eastern side of Scotland, concerts, the Fringe and the festival, downsizing, club membership... It was also nice to see Millie the border terrier. She is now a very elderly dog, and showing her age.

It pains me to mention that Mr hazelh stole the win from me at end of this morning's game of Catan. If only I hadn't thrown a 7...

Exercise today: 1 hour on the exercise bike; small amount of walking (7,189 steps).