Pumping

Ellie slept through. Indeed, I was up, breakfasted, showered and had completed my call with the cousins before she emerged. Clearly, she was in need of a solid night's sleep. So that I didn't wake anyone, I skipped my morning Nespresso (the machine is noisy) for a coffee bag brew, and after my breakfast and shower, I took the cousins' call on the MacBook in the Orangery and garden, rather than my study. The sky was clear, and it was already pleasantly warm and quite comfortable sitting in the garden.

I had some admin to clear while Diane and Ellie started to review the various toys that had accumulated in the garage. While they were doing that, Kim and Jon arrived. Jon had brought an industrial wet vacuum cleaner with him. This was plugged in and switched on. In a couple of minutes, the rill was almost empty. It took a little while to scoop out the last remnants of water and debris, but the rill was finally clear. We left it for the afternoon, refilled it with clean water, and started the recirculating pump. Crystal clear water is now cycling through the rill.

I had cooked a batch of sausages and bacon. We gathered at the garden table and tucked into bacon and sausage baps, soaking up the warm spring sunshine as we chatted. Zoe turned up to collect Ellie just after we finished.

Kim had brought her MacBook. She wanted me to read and (if necessary) edit the essay she has to submit at the end of the week. I was very impressed with the style and content and, frankly, could add no further value. I think she has done well.

By the end of the afternoon, we were on our own again. I shuffled indoors to cook a curry and prepare Diane's salmon. It had been a lovely day.