74

 Monday 28th  to Batemans a lovely garden and beautiful day. We had tea and sandwiches. Then on to Bodiam castle lovely and sunny so had an ice cream. From there a short run to Northiam and The Annexe for comfortable with its own garden sofa and chairs. Wine and lollies in fridge! Natalie very nice. Liz went shopping so we had microwave meal. Slept well but still some back ache in the morning. Goose quilt quite hot! University challenge. Living liturgy talk hard to hear on kindle. Out like a light! 

Tuesday to nearby Great Dixter which is a superb country garden. Wills bakery for sausage rolls and St Mary's Northiam -unimpressive interior and organ looked unused and unloved! On to Scotney castle for tea and walked around the ruin. Some traffic on way back. Natalie produced a box of chocs on hearing about my birthday and we had more wine. Very pleasant watching sun go down, Bake off and the Write offs. Slept well again. Lovely art mug and card and chocs from Bruce. Elephants card from Liz. 

My birthday - for some reason no porridge. Packed up and to Sissinghurst. Road closed and no diversion signs so a big detour through Hawkhurst and Cranbrook took an hour. No problem. Coffee and cake  and shop. Lovely gardens and new Greek garden. Drove on A21 to Aperfield Inn 3rd time pork belly and creme brulee with birthday candle! Checked Dennis's and cream for leg from pharmacy. Unpacked and tea. Henry not very chatty. Ciaran is now an eco warrior and Sean has a most impressive toy - it took Tom 15 hours to build. Bruce rang and a long chat. LPO at RFH with Gardner Widmann and Sibelius. Watched Ambulance.  158 messages on Facebook plus Linked In!