Big Lily

Following our visit to see Clive and Elaine in Uppingham in early June, Clive said, 'You must come back when the big lilies are out!'

We arranged last Friday, but then Clive rang to say that the lilies had not come out of bud. It was just as well as it rained heavily in Uppingham. So we decided on today instead.

And the lilies STILL hadn't fully emerged. There were a few, notably this splendid white lily. OK, it still rained but I think raindrops on flowers are very attractive.

We had a splendid time gossiping. Clive and Elaine are still indirectly in contact with Hilary Mantel. Her husband took over my job in Botswana after I left. Even now, the Geological Survey has a recruitment alert out for a Senior Archivist.