A morning in Lichfield.

As the weather looked as if it would be more settled this morning rather than this afternoon, when heavy downpours were predicted, we took ourselves off to Lichfield. It is only 6 miles from us by car, or a 15 minute train journey.
We went in the car with contingency plans if it suddenly decided to rain, in the form of an umbrella and another jacket each.
 On arrival, we walked into Beacon Park, and took the footpaths around the outer edge which meandered through huge overarching Weeping Willow trees, and eventually bordered the golf course, which was not in use.
It was becoming very warm at 21C, and very pleasant. 
Eventually we had come full circle. Good to see families out enjoying themselves, even though the play equipment for the children is not able to be used yet. 
They had bikes and little scooters, or simply enjoyed running on the grass. 
The small Bistro there was open for takeaways, and drinks, all very well ordered and marked out. As the inside where the tables are, was closed still under present conditions.  
One family ordered bacon baps, and sausage rolls, as well as their drinks. The bacon ones had proved very popular, and they got the last two!
We had a Cappuccino and an Americano, wandering on until we came to an empty bench in a small garden area, which contained herbaceous borders and rose trellises, over which beautiful pink roses were clambering. We sat in warm sun and I felt as if I was on holiday. It once again  was if the tilted world was beginning to right itself a little.
Before we finally set off for home once more, around 12.45 pm, we had a wander over to see the Cathedral. It is now open for private prayer. We didn't go in this time. 
The street market was in full swing, and several more shops were opened. But it was still fairly quiet. 
This morning at breakfast our road had a lot more cars dropping children off for the school opposite. They come a staggered intervals, but now, once more, groups of two to three socially distanced mums can be seen on pavement having a long and animated chat. Lots to discuss after so long.  
After lunch, I decided to mow the bottom lawn, ans the sky was showing distinct signs of thunder-type clouds bubbling up, though it was still very warm and sunny. I did a bit of random weeding and replenished the bird feeders yet again. They have voracious appetites at the moment! 
    By 4.00 pm we thought we might even manage our evening meal outside. 
Then the skies really did  begin to look a lot more threatening. Sure enough a little later it was a mad dash to retrieve stuff from the patio table and close up the summerhouse. Rather large drops of rain soon became a downpour. 
Since then these have been intermittent,  with rumbles of thunder. 
Stephen has just said to me, "It's getting a bit dark again! "
  As we have a Skype get together with a  mid week group community chat, twelve of us. It's a small group from our church. As the church is fairly big, it has lots of smaller community groups scattered in different areas. So our group meet on a Tuesday evening. It's good to get together and swap news. And any items for prayer. 
I think a lot of "prayer mats" have been in use all over the world right now. 
Time to go. 
Back tomorrow. I'll try and catch up with your blips then!