It was back to work again after the Isle of Man foray. Research as always, and now also supervision.

But like little jewels, many lovely experiences have studded this two-week second half of our England trip:

-- Stopping, en route from the Isle of Man, in Buxton, where we strolled the gardens, took photos of the Opera House (which was designed, like the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas, by Frank Matcham, and even sports the same carpet), and ate Buxton pudding (with buckets of cream) at the Buxton Pudding Emporium















-- Continuing to revel in spring life (our week away saw the emergence of lilac, wisteria, laburnum, and hawthorn on the English scene, and family catch-ups have been facilitated by sunny gardens)









-- Enjoying a family outing to Twycross Zoo, where we hung out with snow leopards, amur leopards, gorillas, chimps, penguins, and more (the fish and chips there are not half bad either)













-- Exploring beautiful Newstead Abbey (house and grounds) in a continuation of our Byron trail

















-- Ignoring the royal wedding (apart from trying a piece of lemon and elderflower cake, and smiling at the way many local communities and businesses threw themselves into the occasion)





-- Strolling the very pretty Droitwich Junction Canal, feeling the old desire to go narrow-boating flaring into life again, and enjoying the wonderful baked ham on offer at the Eagle and Sun









-- Indulging in an English breakfast at the Pear Tree near Droitwich (they do a cracking eggs benedict)



-- Walking from Lincoln to Washingborough, on a path that runs between the river and the dyke, lunching at the Ferry Boat, and exploring the pretty church (parts of which go back to the 13th century)







-- Walking round the lake at Clumber Park





-- Popping in to the Riverside at Farndon for an unusual and exquisite beet and feta salad (with roasted squash and capsicums), and a chocolate-and-banana-accented version of bread-and-butter pudding



-- Attending the Royal Air Force Centenary Concert at Lincoln Cathedral (superb performances by the Band of the Royal Air Force College, and poignant visuals and readings)



So much... Such an undervalued region...

I worry about Britain. The demographics seem all wrong; life is tough in many ways for the young; Brexit drags endlessly on and on; there's a bit of a tendency to look back rather than forward; and the softening of industry into heritage has both positive and negative faces.

Yet there is so much that is charming and admirable. An army of volunteers looks after waterways, historic buildings, gardens, and other heritage, or staffs charity shops and food banks. Entrepreneurship still springs up to fill the niches offered by modern life. There's a refreshing courtesy about people's demeanour (or at least there is in this part of the country).

Au revoir, once again, awkward but lovable land. Go well till we see you next.