Saturday, August 26 - in Bolton with Shyamala and Rajkumar

 The overcast began late for me. However, at breakfast I learned from Shyamala that she had spoken with Prashanth who reported that his speech yesterday in Amsterdam went well, that he felt good about it, and that there are 30,000 attendees at this conference. He has a poster presentation today. Sunday and Monday he can enjoy with Joanna and Asher. Shyamala had also spoken with Priscilla who reported that her regular flat inspection went well and that she hoped to see me in California. We talked about their family visiting me in Pasadena and Prashanth's comfort driving on the right hand side of the road,

  Shyamala left for a long walk,  and sun came out briefly,  and I began packing. When she returns we will do her grocery shopping for the coming week at Aldi.

The German grocery store had only a handful of items from Germany, far fewer than the Pasadena Aldi - most interesting. We had sweet corn and chicken soup and Rajkumar had a Sri Lankan inspired tomato-based soup, both from Aldi. To that we each ate a Cornish pasty, warmed in the air fryer.

As it wasn't raining Shyamala suggested we visit a Rivington gardens nearby. Located on a 45 acre hill, the gardens are in the process of renovation after they and the former residences were left uncaredfor after WW2. Shyamala stated this was a first visit for her and that she chose not to explore it alone and was glad that I accompanied her. Walking up hill on uneven rocks made me glad that I was wearing sturdy shoes. The reward was a pond surrounded by the former Japanese garden. It was still lovely with a couple ducks, a small waterfall and creatively arranged large and flat rocks.  Walking higher we had a clear view a great distance, even to Blackpool.  We walked around the former tennis and sports grounds, nice and green. A forest of trees and bushes lined ourvwalk up and down, andvwecwere both glad for the discovery, and talking about first time travel experiences.

With tea and snacks and an important cricket match we saw the skies grey, heard Shyamala predict thunder, and saw a downpour of rain. It lasted less than 30 minutes, for Rajkumar was out walking at the same time.

TV cricket, video phone call with Prashanth and Joanna and Asher in Amsterdam a Google search for classical music concerts in Budapest, a warm supper eaten in front of the cricket game, and it was dark.



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