Hello all,

_{Whilst still being officially in Summer, although one or two days have felt distinctly Autumnal, Caring Together have ensured its members  are able to get out and about now that we can enjoy more freedom!}

_{A walk round the Woodhouse Moor Allotment was a joy to see just how the vegetables and plants were thriving since our previous visit when the raised beds were very much in their infancy. Sterling work carried out there.}

_{A visit to the new ‘Stick or Twist’ in town for lunch was most enjoyable, Lisa having reserved tables for us in a far corner which enabled us all to chat easier. Fourteen of us enjoyed snacks to full lunches and what good value when hot drinks at 99p are refilled as many times as one can drink! I reminisced that we were actually on the exact spot of the old ‘Cinderella/Rockerfellas’ nightclub, replaced by the Grosvenor Casino then another Wetherspoons pub before this one was born.}

_{A walk around the Gardens at Roundhay followed by a cuppa and cake (of course) in the Canal Gardens added to our new found freedom as did the visit to Golden Acre Park. The latter being a cloudy day, didn’t stop the many photo opportunities of the lake, swans and demonstration gardens. Finishing our walk, naturally, at the Cafe the clouds broke up and our chat over refreshments on the terrace was bathed in very warm sunshine, so much so it was almost tempting to re-take all the photos again, against a different backdrop! A short walk to the bus stop, our ‘resident horticulturist’ (as I refer to him) Ben decided to extend his walk by heading towards Cookridge for the bus home. In reality he took one or two wrong turnings along the way, ending up at one point at the end of the Airport runway, the roar of an incoming aircraft so low nearly blowing his cap off! I think in future we’ll keep to Lisa’s walking routes and not be influenced by Ben!}

_{Those of us who have continued to enjoy ‘Elevenses’ on Zoom each week, went out on location again, this time to Pat’s at her lovely home with a wonderful garden to relax in and enjoy. Thanks to the wonders of technology we were able to link up ‘Elevenses’ with anyone unable to attend in person.  We chatted to Denise and her grandson Theo whilst Lisa gave them a visual guided tour of the lovely garden. Who would have ever thought at one time this would all be possible!}

_{A real sun-trap we enjoyed our coffees and teas, some being treated to a homemade lemon balm variety from the garden. So much to look at and admire, plants, fruit trees, garden ornaments and bird baths, our attention was constantly drawn to something else espied through the greenery. Then it was time for the goldfish in the garden pond to be fed, which we understood numbered around 40! Suddenly there was a mass of bright orange as hungry mouths surfaced which obviously prompted another photo opportunity.  Thank you Pat for your warm welcome and hospitality.}

_{I understand there are a few more ideas for outdoor events in the pipeline to enjoy before the weather changes and it would be wonderful to see more join us. We will take advantage of the rest of the Summer, before ‘indoor’ events, such as lunching out take over. All too soon the lightweight clothing will be replaced with jumpers and heavier coats but then it will be Autumn – my favourite season – and we will be blessed with the rich golden tones,  of reds, rust and browns as the trees also shed their Summer outfits. Let’s  make the best of what is on offer, we all deserve it.}

_{Thank you Caring Together for your continuing support to all, for encouraging the companionship and camaraderie enjoyed. Many of us will remember when our family Doctor used to prescribe a bottle of ‘tonic’ to improve our well-being and lift the spirits – but this is far better!}