Saturday 11-Tuesday 14 November

We have come to the UK to visit very old and dear friends. David and John were living in Tenby in Wales before recently relocating to Hereford. We fly into Cardiff and David picks us up and drives us the two hours to their lovely terrace in Hereford. It’s so lovely to catch up with them again, but sad to see John so affected by Parkinson’s.

Saturday is Armistice Day but in the UK they also celebrate Remembrance Day the Sunday after the 11th. David, Cherrie and I stroll down the road to observe the service at the Cenotaph. Of course, it’s raining but that doesn’t put the crowds off.

It’s a really nice service, with all the pomp one expects of the Brits

There’s not an unruly spectator in sight, and even the kids have been well briefed by their parents. Of course, with a bunch of volunteers looking over us, who would dare go off the rails?

Hereford is a lovely town

on the 4th largest river in the UK. Why am I telling you this? It’s the Wye River

And, it has a very beautiful Cathedral

David, who has a beautiful tenor voice, will join the choir here on Saturday night singing Bach’s Mass in B Minor. His sister Lynne, a soprano, is also singing. We’re sorry we won’t be there for it.

Medieval times were no different. There’s always someone lying down on the job

The house that David and John are now in

is in a terrific position. A short walk to town and to the local park, where Penny is walked at least three times a day

A local horticulture loving resident has labelled all the varieties in the hedge

This is a mitten bush

On matters horticultural, David the Welshman bought John the Australian, a glorious Mount Buffalo Eucalypt for their Hereford courtyard

After three days of laughter, tears, wine and food we wave farewell to these dearest of friends.

Off to Dublin. To be sure to be sure.