I'm aware that it is over a week since my last posting and I haven't been idle although a lot of what I do is quite ordinary. I'm trying to cycle 10 miles two or three times a weeks - this is a time trial not a gentle ride and at the moment I've peaked at covering the circuit in 54 minutes. It's getting tougher because I set off just after 7 am so it's now quite chilly however I feel a lot better for it.

When it's wet or windy I go for a walk on another circuit which is around four miles and takes a little over an hour. At least on the walk I take time to photograph the trees which are looking beautiful before the autumn leaf drop starts.

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The vegetable garden is coming to an end so the last potatoes are out of the ground; Bramley apples have been picked and pureed; courgettes finished; runner beans now stringy; carrots ready for eating and the peppers quite small.

I've also been privileged to see a painting that my college friend Tim has done. It was taken from a photograph he took on the last occasion Jane and I were out together. She, as always, with that wonderful smile that melted my heart all those years ago.

And of course West Wolds U3A continues to keep me busy as chairman and also on visits such as the one to Sheffield Assay Office and Cutler's Hall with a quick stroll around the galleries in the Winter Garden.

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