Hi Mum, thinking of you today on your birthday 13th Sept 2013. I am adding Jenny's poem about Hop Picking here today: Hop Picking I remember, I remember The entrance to the farm The buddleia laced with butterflies September and its heady charm Huddled around the fire at night Dad recalling tales with wit My brothers foraging for fresh laid eggs The stinking toilets dark as a pit I remember, I remember The hop poles straight and tall The brimstone taste to our sandwiches We greedily ate them all. At midday the sun shining so bright Made our toil seem like a drudge But the afternoon saw dappled shade Beneath the bines we'd trudge. I remember, I remember The stories you used to read Mrs Cauldicott and her Easter Bonnet Whilst we snuggled close indeed The straw bales filled and plumped up tight Like a grand four poster bed It wasn't long before we slept Sweet dreams 'bout the day ahead I remember, I remember The children where they played The trickling streams in the woods nearby Hop measures and the trail they made The sense of a holiday adventure With all my kith and kin I'll never forget, it's with me forever 'Get your hops ready' Oh never again! Jennifer Elizabeth Weaver 2013