Home, at last

This morning, L  the heating engineer, came to service the  boiler at my Mum's house. He's been caring for the central heating system there for many years. (He installed the  current boiler over twenty years ago !).Such a nice chap. My parents always enjoyed his visits. When Martin and I had coffee with him, L said he had a feeling of deja vu, as it brought back memories of  chatting in the kitchen over a coffee, with my parents!   
About noon we set off for home. It was warm and sunny when we arrived in  Winchester.  The garden was looking very lush, and I was surprised to see the  Japanese anemones, Sedum, and roses still flowering as they were, six weeks ago, but now alongside the  autumn Cyclamens and Nerines.  Here is my Mill on the  Floss rose. 
The  highlight  was  that Peter tortoise  was out, enjoying the afternoon sun. He soon retreated to bed  but it did feel as if he had got up especially to welcome us back.  
Indoors, was a huge pile of post our neighbours have been collecting  for us.