Homemade Pastis Batch #2 - Bottling

 

Time to bottle my pastis.

Tostock Cars On The Green

Yesterday evening we had a little walk from Beyton to Tostock and back to see the Cars on the Green.

Homemade Pastis Batch #2 - Distillation

Today it was time to distil my pastis.

Homemade Pastis Batch #2 - Dilution

It was time for the next step in production of my second pastis batch.

Melton Walk

Today we had a walk from Melton Riverside carpark.

Times for the Times Summer Gathering 2026

Yesterday we had what has become an annual London summer get together of cruciverbalists at The George on Borough High St in London.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 157 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's my turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 157 - In The Ball Park

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is my turn. It is number 157 in the series. The title, "In The Ball Park" is a hint to the theme.  

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Great Cornard Walk

Today we had a circular walk from Great Cornard on both sides of the River Stour.

Homemade Pastis Batch #2 - Initial Maceration

Today I started on my second batch of homemade pastis.

John's Walks 2026 Updated

Elveden Estate Visit

Today we had a visit to the Elveden Estate for a tour of the farm, its crops and facilities.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 156 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Sawbill's  turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 156 - by Sawbill

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Sawbill's turn. It is number 156 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Colchester Beer Festival

Today it was my 3rd Beer Festival visit in 3 weeks - this time to the 39th Colchester Real Ale and Cider Festival.

Nacton Shores Walk

Today we had a circular walk from Nacton Shores on the banks of the River Orwell.

Sheringham Park Walk

Today we had a day out to the North Norfolk Coast to do a favourite circular walk from Sheringham Park.

Cambridge Beer Festival

Today I had another day out - this time to Cambridge for the Cambridge Beer Festival.

The Times Crossword Setters After-Lunch Drinks

I had a day trip to London today, culminating with drinks at The George with a number of setters of The Times crosswords.

Norton Walk

 Today we had a circular walk from Norton Church via Tostock.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 155 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Phil's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 155 - by Phil Jordan

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Phil's turn. It is number 155 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

Helmingham Hall Walk

Today we had a shorter walk from Helmingham Hall.

Long Melford Walk

Today we had a circular walk from Long Melford to, around and back from Glemsford.

Biggleswade Beer Festival

I had a day out by train today to visit the Biggleswade Beer and Cider Festival.

Woodbridge Walk

Today we had a favourite walk with a new extension from Woodbridge.

Needham Market Walk

Today we had a walk in some lovely May sunshine from Needham Market, a favourite place for a walk.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 154 - solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's my turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 154 - A cry for help?

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is my turn. It is number 154 in the series. The title, "A cry for help" is a cryptic hint to the theme.  

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

RAF Lakenheath Visit

Today we had our eagerly anticipated visit to RAF Lakenheath, home of the USAFE 48th Fighter Wing known as "Liberty Wing".

Calamondin Marmalade

It's nearly four years since I last tried making this.

From The Pocket Pickler

At the Suffolk Food Hall on Monday I spotted this book and Dawn bought it for me.

Bluebell Walk

Today we did our annual Bluebell Walk from Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead.

U3A Trip April 2026

Today we had a coach trip with U3A Bury St. Edmunds to The Manor in Hemingford Grey and Island Hall in Godmanchester.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 153 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Sawbill 's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 153 - by Sawbill

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Sawbill's turn, Number 153 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.

P.S. Sawbill has provided us with a Nina. Can you spot it?.   

Jersey Day 7

We've been on holiday in Jersey with some of Joyce's Weekly Walks group for a week walking (most of) the Jersey Tidal Trail around the perimeter of the island and visiting a few of the sights.

Jersey Day 6

We've been on holiday in Jersey with some of Joyce's Weekly Walks group for a week walking (most of) the Jersey Tidal Trail around the perimeter of the island and visiting a few of the sights.

Jersey Day 5

We've been on holiday in Jersey with some of Joyce's Weekly Walks group for a week walking (most of) the Jersey Tidal Trail around the perimeter of the island and visiting a few of the sights.

Jersey Day 4

We've been on holiday in Jersey with some of Joyce's Weekly Walks group for a week walking (most of) the Jersey Tidal Trail around the perimeter of the island and visiting a few of the sights.

Jersey Day 3

We've been on holiday in Jersey with some of Joyce's Weekly Walks group for a week walking (most of) the Jersey Tidal Trail around the perimeter of the island and visiting a few of the sights.

Jersey Day 2

We've been on holiday in Jersey with some of Joyce's Weekly Walks group for a week walking (most of) the Jersey Tidal Trail around the perimeter of the island and visiting a few of the sights.

Jersey Day 1

We've been on holiday in Jersey with some of Joyce's Weekly Walks group for a week walking (most of) the Jersey Tidal Trail around the perimeter of the island and visiting a few of the sights.

Family at Easter

We have had all the children here over Easter.

Newbourne Shorter Walk

We have had Kirsty and David staying for a couple of days.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 152 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Phil 's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 152 - by Phil Jordan

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Phil's turn, Number 152 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.  

A Norwich Day Out

Today we had a splendid day out in Norwich.

Dedham Walk

A trip to Essex today for a walk from Dedham.

Thorpe Woodlands Walk

Today we crossed the border into Norfolk for a walk there from Thorpe Woodlands.

U3A Bury St Edmunds Cryptic Crosswords Group

It is coming up to two years since I started the U3A Bury St Edmunds Cryptic Crosswords Group.

Newbourne Walk

Today we did another of my favourite walks, from Newbourne.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 151 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's my turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on TfTT . You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 151 - A Musical Game

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is my turn, Number 151 in the series. The title, "A Musical Game" is itself a cryptic clue to the theme (hint - the answer is 5 letters long).

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.  

John's Walks 2026 Published

I've published a new index page to walks on my blog to capture walk blogs for this year. You can find it here, or via the menu link at the top or the widget in the sidebar. I will continue, as previously, to update it on a 2-3 monthly basis. If you find any broken links please let me know.

Wimpole Estate Walk

Today we had a trip into Cambridgeshire to walk in the estate of Wimpole Hall.

Bardwell 3 Mills Walk

Today we had a favourite walk of mine from Bardwell - The 3 Mills Walk.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 150 - solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Sawbill 's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 150 - by Sawbill

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Sawbill's turn, Number 150 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.  

Snape Walk Reprise

Today it was my turn to lead a walk for the U3A Bury St Edmunds Longer Walks group and I chose to repeat the walk from Snape Church that I led on Monday as it was so popular and the weather forecast was similarly fine.

Snape Walk

Today it was my turn again to lead a walk for Joyce's Weekly Walks. This time it was a circular walk from Snape Church.

Mellis Walk

Today it was Karen's turn to lead a walk for Joyce's Weekly Walks.

Homemade Pastis #4

The last stage of my first attempt at making pastis today - bottling.

Fornham All Saints Snowdrop Walk

Joyce is away at the moment and this week it was my turn to lead a walk for the group.

Weekend Quick Cryptic 149 - Solution

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it's Phil 's turn. 

You can find a link to the crossword here and the answers below.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions here as you would do on  TfTT .  You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here. 

Weekend Quick Cryptic 149 - by Phil Jordan

Phil Jordan, Sawbill and I are continuing to produce our series of Weekend Quick Cryptic crosswords. We take turns, publishing one a fortnight, and this week it is Phil's turn, Number 149 in the series. 

You can try and solve the crossword interactively here on MyCrossword or here on crossword.info. As usual you can download a PDF to print which you can find here. Alternatively you can copy and print the image below. Comments and queries are welcome with the solution post (which also gives tips on some of the clues).  I will react to any comments or queries there as soon as I can. You can find an index to the complete series of crosswords here.  

Homemade Pastis #3

Today I distilled my pastis brew.

Seedlings

Dawn has been planting some seeds of tomato, chilli pepper and sweet pepper.