A little kindness goes a long way.

Morning everyone,

I had a lovely surprise this morning as I was sat eating breakfast. I had left the back door open and heard a voice shouting " Is anyone at home?" I wasn't expecting any visitors so wondered who it could be. Access to the rear of our property and, indeed, the 10 other properties in the row, is via a private road so we rarely get anyone using this entrance. It was my neighbour bearing a dozen red roses for me. It made my day! My neighbours are elderly but self sufficient. It was his birthday last week so I baked him a birthday cake and hubby took it round to him. He has mentioned, a couple of times since when I've bumped into him, that he really enjoyed it. I know that he likes cake because if hubby is out doing jobs in the garden and I make him a cuppa with a slice of cake said neighbour seems to miraculously appear and so I usually offer him some too. He once told me that his wife doesn't bake so, now and again, I do send them a slice or two of cake round. It just goes to show that if you are kind then it really is appreciated. 

Brings a smile to my face every time I walk past.

This morning we went for a walk around Astbury Mere Country Park .While we were there, we went to look at the small pond they have with a view to taking our grandchildren there over the summer for a free morning out. ( It gets quite costly to take five of them on outings ) When we were working, we used to take groups of pupils with special needs to pond dip and they always enjoyed it - it was great fun. Over the years, we have got to know Matt (the park ranger) who has always been really kind and lent us nets, trays and identification charts. Unfortunately, it is not to be as the hot weather has completely dried out the pond and Matt told us he feared that the creatures in there had almost certainly died. He also pointed out a huge tree (silver birch, I think) that had brown, shrivelled leaves and looked like it might not survive. It makes you stop and think that while we are enjoying this lovely summer, it's not great for everything. 

This is all that's left of the pond. So sad.

Here are a few photos that I took while we walked at Astbury. It's such a lovely place and has the added advantage of a cafe that does excellent whippy ice creams! 

First thing this morning and not so sunny today.

Where do you go for free or inexpensive days out? How do you keep the children/grandchildren entertained over the long summer holidays? Have a lovely evening, until tomorrow,

Jules x

I will try to read all comments and reply. Please be polite and kind. Thanks :)