IN AN ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN

John and I were invited to two open garden days both in the same week. The first was in the beautiful quissential English village Ilmington on the edge of the Cotswolds. It was a sunny day and after getting our tickets from the Lord of the Manor we explored the gardens, each one seemed to be lovelier than the last and the Morris Dancers completed the scene This is one village that I could happily live in, plus the fact our close friends Margaret and David live there

The following weekend we visited Moseley's open gardens and again some were truly breathtaking.Our friends open their garden to the public every year and the river that used to flood our BBC Bar at regular intervals flows through their garden. During my 37 years at the BBC I travelled through Moseley and always hoped that one day I would be able to see the private park that can only be accessed by a key. After visiting many houses that backed on to this park, I suddenly came across an open gate and at last I was able to walk through this wonderfully kept secret haven. It was there that I saw this delightful family and couldn't resist a photo.

During the week after a another rewarding "Living with Cancer Course", I hurried home to give my grandaughter Lucinda her 1st birthday party. What a joy to be able to share the milestones in our grandchildrens' lives.

Over the last couple of weeks it feels as if the sunny Summer we were promised has now finally arrived. John and I spent a lovely evening in Henley-in-Arden, where Philip, the future President of John's Rotary Club entertained visitors from all over the world to a barbecue with a Jazz Band,in his very English garden which ran down to the river. Our American friends were completely enchanted by the whole evening and many Anglo/American friendships were sealed that night.

My week continued with my complimentary therapies to help keep up that old immune system and yoga and reflexology are so important in helping mine. At last after months of treatment I finally had my root filling and no more trips to the dentist chair. Hurray, another problem off the health list!

Our last garden was Bodnant Garden in Wales where we watched a falconery display and then we were all asked to lie down and this beautiful barn owl with the biggest yellow eyes flew right over us almost brushing us with his wings and yet his flight was silent, no wonder they are such great hunters.

The resident peacock gave us a wonderful display in the garden as he strutted his stuff.
Imagine my surprise when I went into the garden shop and there he was again in front of the mirror flirting with his image. The shop assistant said he was lonely and he thought this was his friend. Perhaps one day they will find him a mate and he needn't hog the ladies' mirror!