Green and Country in the City 30 December

• Haven't done much of my to-do list this break (and I deliberately made it short so more achievable!) but I have done quite a bit of sawing of off-cuts of wood recently rescued from nearby skips.
• I made a felt reindeer Christmas tree ornament that was a free gift from Mollie Makes Craft magazine
• The weather had meant only 2 bike rides and 2 short walks this break. On Thursday, which was cold with blue sky, I went in a Friend's side car to High Beech and the Owl at Lippets Hill - both in Epping Forest.
• At High Beech we met a biker friend of Tony's he hadn't seen for 2 years and when we got back someone passing was a biker Tony hadn't seen for over 40 years. Bikers recognise the bike, and even if they don't, a bike is always an excuse to come over and start talking. I am always a bit dubious about talk of various "Communities" outside the local one, but bikers do seem to have one.
• I saw 2 discarded Christmas trees yesterday (30 December) and Valentines cards in Tescos and a local card shop. I can imagine someone buying a Valentines card early if it is really appropriate for your loved one's interests, but these were very ordinary ones.