We discovered a pheasant’s nest in the Rectory garden yesterday. Actually the furniture men discovered it as they staggered round the corner with a couple of recliner armchairs for our old age. We’re downsizing, so they took away the old and totally clapped-out suite and we now luxuriate in soft leather, which we’ll take up to the bungalow with us when I retire in August.
As the men unloaded the armchairs they said, “And you’ve got eggs as well.”
“What??”
“Eggs. There’s a nest, against the wall of the house.”
“A nest? What sort of a nest?”
At this they shrugged helplessly, but took us round to see it. And sure enough, there it was, right against the wall of the house with ten eggs in it. They’re no good, though. She’s not sitting and we have no idea how long the nest has been abandoned. Probably some time as there are masses of baby pheasants emerging from every twig of undergrowth.
I blame Melchizedek. The cat, not the High Priest.
Yesterday evening I drove to Norwich to teach Readers (they’re like lay preachers in the Church of England) how to take a funeral service. Quite enjoyed it, so hope they did too. There’s nothing more rewarding than a good funeral.
Today is crammed. I’m just off on a post-funeral visit (two, if I can fit another one in) then it’s the meditation group this afternoon followed by a governors’ meeting at the school followed by a wedding rehearsal (I have a wedding the day after we return from Singapore, so hope the jet lag is going out rather than coming back) followed by a PCC followed by packing.
I think I’ve decided to ditch the PCC and concentrate on the packing instead. Then tomorrow it’s off to Singapore.
Bye! See you when we get back!
(To comment, click on title)
Busy day yesterday involving the usual Clergy Dash - a race from one church to another – and then another. Timed to perfection over many years, it would have worked fine except that I found myself nearly at St Margaret’s when I suddenly realised I should be at St Andrew’s, at the furthest reach in the opposite direction.
Fortunately I’d just passed a track into a field when this inspiration hit me, so was able to reverse into it and belt back along the way I’d just come. Had to slow down for the little country lane which is full of potholes since the winter snows and which, when you’ve carefully negotiated about fifty potholes, solemnly warns you: ‘Danger – damaged road surface’. Oh. Thank you very much. Except that you then discover the road is even worse from that point onwards.
Anyway, made with at least a full minute to spare and without undue damage to car or person.
Then had a good old-fashioned traditional Evensong in the evening (as you do) and sang with the choir, so that meant getting there an hour and a half early for the choir practice.
All in all a busy day, but at least I can lounge around today doing nothing as it’s a Bank Holiday here in the UK (so naturally the wonderful weather we’ve had for the more than a month has turned freezing cold. Never mind. Singapore on Thursday where I shall swelter. Hopefully.)
(To comment, click on title.)
Today’s wedding was fun. Took place in our smallest church which seats 80, but there were 120 guests! With extra chairs we managed to seat the 90 adults, which left 30 kids sitting on Mums’ laps, crying and squealing and laughing and fidgeting. No microphone in this church, so although I bellowed at the top of my lungs, I doubt many people heard me above the din.
Still, it was a pretty wedding, with the bride in cream and the four grown-up bridesmaids in dark brown. Sounds horrific, but was actually very effective. The youngest bridesmaid, aged just two, looked like a princess in a beautiful white frilly dress but was a typical two-year old! Contained until she discovered the indelible pen on the table, ready for signing the registers. Then things hotted up somewhat.
Got the couple married in the end and hopefully, they’ll all live happily ever after.
It’s such a long time since I posted to this blog – before Easter, I believe.
Everything went pear-shaped in the Scott household on Easter day (yes, I know. perfect timing for a priest!) and is only just returning to normal.
After a hectic Holy Week, culminating in a service of over two hours at the Cathedral (most of which was standing) on Easter Eve, Ian (Ed to some of you) was taken ill at the third Easter Day service. We got him home to bed, where he remained practically comatose for two days. The doctors came and went and eventually anti-biotics began to kick in and he’s now practically back to normal, save for a complete lack of energy. The cause was an infected kidney stone, a nasty business.
Since we move out of the Rectory in August to live permanently at the bungalow, we’ve also been involved in building works (knocking two bedrooms into one) and quite a bit of refurnishing, all of which has taken its toll.
Next Thursday we’re off for a fortnight’s holiday in Singapore with out eldest daughter and family. Fi is setting up a training course for Health Professionals involved in autism, so Ed and I are keeping Stu company and (of course!) babysitting. Since a very busy Easter followed by the trauma of serious illness in the family has produced its own stress, I’m really looking forward to getting away from it all.
Roll on Thursday!
(To comment, click on title.)