Sunday.

Took above photo of Cavendish earlier in the week on our way home from Clare. Pretty village green scene.

Took  this  photi earlier in the  week, on our  way home from Clare. I think it  is, therefore, the village green  of Cavendish.  It is supposed to be one of the prettiest villages in England - well East Anglia possibly, or South Suffolk anyway. Asked our Swedish granddaughters what they thought once, and they discussed the matter then decided that it was an impossible choice (sounding like elderly ladies of my youth  deciding that "comparisons are odious").  They eventually settled on Kersey as being the prettiest village they know. Couldn't argue with that.

Tuesday.

Took photograph of Clare Church on the way home from giving daughter Kerry lunch at a garden centre in Fordham. I've always rather liked this sundial over the Church porch. It seems to give the passer by such solidly good advice, instead of lingering about peering at sundials.

Friday.

Coming back from Sudbury a  week or so ago  we got a little lost in the  lanes, and found ourselves coming into Kersey from the  wrong end (as we see it) so took the above snapshot through the windscreen and a shower.

I must say I still find it difficult to recover snapshots from the camera and then to persuade them to develop themselves onto the  computer screen - sometimes it works - sometimes it don't. Still - must bash on regardless and hope.

Goodnight All. 

Thursday.

Yesterday we went to a funeral. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that we went to a memorial service held in Stowmarket Church in memory of Matthew Jack, who was husband of Ann's niece, Rebeccah.  They  had two children - Jacob, who is at Exeter University, and Megan, who is in her mid  teens and still at school.   Matthew was a teacher  (sports master) at Claydon School.  He was in his late forties, and always cycled the eight miles or so to school and back. He was out on Good Friday morning on his bicycle when he and a Land Rover were in collision  and he died as a result.  Stowmarket Church was crowded yesterday.  It was, of course, a very moving service.   I was particularly impressed that his widow, our niece Becky, was able to give a eulogy, as was their son Jacob.

 I think Becky and Matt started courting in their late teens, and they seem always to have been a couple,  so I was the more surprised to hear her quiet confidence when speaking of her husband; and although Jacob's voice shook a little at one stage, he recovered and played his part in the service manfully and well. That sort of thing restores one's confidence in the younger generation.

We've been in the habit of calling in on them, when we've been Stowmarket way (and vice versa), so we must make sure that we continue to stay in touch with them.

Tuesday.

Today senior daughter Sarah (and I'm not allowed to specify how senior she is!!!!)  motored over from the South Midlands, and we all three went out to lunch at Hollowtrees Farm Restaurant. Excellent lunch there, which we all enjoyed, and indeed lingered over. It is always very good value for money.  Got home and Sarah pottered round the garden with us-  as above. Last Saturday I started to  do the Telegraph Prize Crossword and rather surprised meself. Did all bar six clues, which is very unusual for me these days. After lunch, completed the  crossword with help from Sarah,  which pleased me immensely - haven't been able to do that for over a year. Must knock off now as Sal wants to hit the road before three pip emma.

More later perhaps. Cheers, Mike.

Friday.

Ref yesterday's mystery object, above is a photograph of  the  pewter snuff box in the  shape of  adouble barrelled flintlock pistol. This time the  pistol is lying  flat on its back with the  lid  of the snuff box wide open. I hope  this makes the use and purpose of the snuffbox clearer.
                                         Regards, Mike. This is  about  the third of these I have seen.
                                         I think  they are English.

Wednesday.

Bit of a mystery object. Which of  these five objects is 'odd man out' ?   And why? They were all made at much the same date (within a thirty year period probably).

Please give dates, nationalities, and what they are.    Never feel shy about stating the obvious.