Some might say/A room with a view

There I was, one day happily singing along to Oasis, as I worked in the kitchen. The following day I was laid low with a temperature, hacking cough and violent sneezes and, even worse, no voice. Some might say (sorry, couldn't avoid an Oasis connection) that this could be a good thing as singing has never been my strong point. It's something I do quite enjoy, but only if my music is turned up very loud, and there are no strangers about (I can just about cope with the rude comments from my family). In fact, if anyone ventures down the hill towards my plot, they could be mistaken for thinking there is a small, injured animal trapped somewhere in the vicinity. No - it's just me singing along to my Ipod as I work.

So, for the past few days I've felt so rough that there's been nothing for it, but to take to my bed. In any case, it was best I kept the germs to myself. It seems that lots of people are going down like flies at the moment, including our daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and friends. As a result I missed the walking club Christmas do, and another buffet yesterday evening, but Mike kindly brought home a goodie bag containing a variety of items. Unfortunately, I've also lost my sense of taste. We should have then been going straight on to Lichfield, for carols in the Cathedral, but that was off, and our pre-Christmas 'do' at friends D & D's tomorrow has also been postponed, as the bug has also hit their household. Still, I'm very fortunate. I don't have to go out to work, or to look after small children, and I'm being very well cared for, in a warm and cosy house. Mike made some very soothing soup from the remaining Blue Hubbard squash, which has gone down a treat, even if it didn't taste (to me) as good as it should have done. Today I'm feeling a little better, but not yet ready for the great outdoors.

From my sick bed, where there is quite a panoramic view, as far away as Cannock Chase, I have been watching the changing weather conditions. The power station at Rugeley is a good indicator as to the wind direction. Today it was from the west, and this was confirmed when weather forecast predicted snow sweeping across the country from the Cheshire Gap. The direction of the steam plumes changed slightly towards the south, and what had been quite sunny and benign conditions, soon developed into a white-out. Between weather watching, there are flocks of birds and fields of frolicking horses to keep me occupied. It beats watching day-time TV.

Sounds like we are in for some severe weather so, to conclude, I have decided not to include any snow photos this time. I appreciate the chaos and difficulties it can cause, and if it's going to spoil things for most people, then let's hope it's not going to be a White Christmas (well, just a little bit ......maybe). Instead, how about this plate full of the ornamental gourds that I grew on my allotment during the summer.

Frills, feathers, flowers and furbelows

When I drew back the bedroom curtains on Monday morning, the view across the fields just took my breath away. Everything was coated with a thick layer of hoar frost, sparkling and glinting in the sunshine, and I couldn't wait to get outside with my camera. After a quick breakfast, I was off down the lane, where I chatted with a friend for a while, during which time I missed my window of opportunity. As I emerged from under the trees onto the open field, a layer of mist had come down, cutting out the sunlight and blue sky, remaining like this until I approached Dead Man's Wood at the top of Hillwood Lane, where the mist lifted and the tops of the ice-coated birches stood out against the blue sky. Every tree was laden with ice blossom, each head of seeds a white corsage, holly leaves edged with diamante, grasses had become ostrich feather plumes, the most ordinary clumps of leaves had taken on the appearance of crimped and pleated frills, and even the smallest blades of grass had sprouted tiny horizontal spikes. This was nature's haberdashery department. Looking at the scene in less detail, it could easily have been blossom time in the Evesham area as every winter tree now appeared to be in bloom. I turned left at the top of the lane to take more photos of the trees re-appearing from the mist. There was no one around apart from me, and a rather miserable looking kestral perched on a wire. The kestral was still there on my return journey. Although I could hear birds chattering away, they were not much in evidence, presumably trying to keep warm somewhere hidden away within the bushes. With a blue, sunny sky behind me and a grey mist ahead and still taking photos I headed back home, rather reluctantly, as I could have enjoyed staying out much longer.

Yesterday morning, if anything, the frost was thicker and everything looked even better, so I was off again, after breakfast. This time I made a visit first to the allotments. The first thing I noticed on my plot was the little metal owl on its post. It looked rather pretty, with its frosty edging. I thought I'd check out my shed, but although I managed to get my key into the padlock, it was frozen solid and wouldn't release. There were some very attractive cobwebs, particularly those on the shed and the blue waterbutts. They reminded me of crotchet mats, Obviously, the ground was as hard as iron, so we'll have to wait some time before I can bring home any more parsnips or leeks and the onion sets I bought a few weeks ago (and didn't get round to putting in) will have to wait too.


Walking the perimeter of the field opposite our house, I could see so many animal and bird prints in the frozen snow, but they'd all become rather distorted due to added frost. It may not have been the best tree that I photographed, but I just had to take one of the wild pear in the hedgerow. The real blossom, although rather pretty, has never looked as good as the ice blossom. This tree is a haven for butterflies, when the pears are at their ripest. They particularly enjoy the fallen pears, and flutter up from the ground, if anyone approaches the tree. I wonder how long the tree has been a part of the field boundary, if it is a garden 'escapee' or indeed a true wild pear. In the late summer it bears quite a lot of small fruits. But that's a long time off. On the way back up the field I met a young man armed with camera and tripod, who was also enjoying the spectactular scenery.

Walking the frosty fields took my mind off what was in store, later in the afternoon, when Mike was due at the QE for his latest scan results. We travelled to the hospital by train as usual, but unusually, the frost and snow was still in evidence right into the centre of Birmingham, where the temperature had been as low as -11 degrees in the early hours. Fortunately, the results of the scan were 'no change', which is, probably, the best we can expect, and to be honest, what I was hoping to hear. So, we carry on as 'normal'.

I was delighted to read, in today's Telegraph, that Monty Don is to return as presenter of 'Gardeners' World', along with Carol Klein, Joe Swift and Rachel de Thame. It will be good to get back to a programme aimed at gardeners (of all abilities) instead of the gimmicky excuse that it became, although it did pick up, somewhat, after all the criticism. It's also good to know that Monty Don is back, fit and well.


I've now finished reading 'The Morville Hours'. I'll put it on one side to read again, when I'm sitting in the garden, in the sun. A brilliant read.

The cold snap

It set me wondering. When did the term 'cold snap' first come into use? And why 'snap'? It's something, I feel, that my parents probably used, but I can't swear to it. It seems to have been around for ever and, at the moment is frequently in use during weather reports and forecasts. Still, whatever its origins, it is an appropriate description of the little ice age that we are experiencing at the moment. Here, in Sutton Coldfield, we seem to have escaped much of the heavy snow, but the temperatures have certainly been as low as I can remember (and still are).

Monday was spent in the unheated gazebo at our grandchildren's school, along with my daughter in law and a few others, turning it into a grotto for the forthcoming school bazaar. Fortified with lots of hot drinks and a school meal, we worked together for six hours, until we were happy with the end result. We had to admit, by the time we left it looked quite magical.

On Monday evening I had a phone call from my sister in County Durham, where they were experiencing very heavy snow, along with thunder and lightening. So heavy, in fact, that she compared the conditions to those in Norway, where they had lived for many years. K & A had been out on their skis, the mode of transport for A to reach his place of work the following morning. Like K & A, Mike and I remember experiencing similar conditions when we lived in Sheffield, but never in our 31 years in the West Midlands.

By Thursday, after being couped up in the house too long, I set off down the lane, suitably attired, just as the 'snow' began to fall - mini polystyrene balls with an uncomfortable sting, whirling and swirling out of the low, grey sky. It wasn't pleasant, and not far into my walk I realised I'd made a mistake by wearing far too many layers, when my own personal central-heating system kicked in. Eventually the snow stopped and the masts re-appeared out of the mist, as can be seen from the first photo. What a difference a day makes! Yesterday morning was a real sparkler, so I was up and out early, to take more photos of a winter wonderland, stopping to take another shot from the same spot. Standing under an oak, I realised that it had begun to shed its leaves, which were falling all around me, crackling onto the crisp snow, and I've even managed to catch a few in the second photo. It was the same with all the oaks that I passed. Underfoot, the snow was as soft as talc, glistening as far as the eye could see, under the blue sky, but still not even ankle deep. Perfect for a brisk walk. Look who I found - a familiar friend from my first Blog, wearing its warm, red coat, and accompanied by a friend. And here is yet another shot of MFT or, as Mike said when I showed it to him "Not another photo of your favourite tree!"

After some retail therapy at Boundary Mill (most of it Christmas present shopping) it was home for a quick sandwich and coffee and back out again to our grandchildren's school for the Christmas Bazaar. If the crush was anything to go by, it seemed to be very successful. Chris, on the keyboards, was playing seasonal music and requests, the hot pork bap was the best I've eaten for a long time, and we even won a couple of prizes on the tombola. Our granddaughter was working hard on the bric-a-brac stall, and our grandson enjoying himself dancing to the music and eating chips with tomato sauce (not both activities at the same time, although I'm sure he could manage it). Eventually, it was the turn of our family group to visit Santa in his grotto. ( Lucky for him, he had a blanket over his legs and a heater at his side). The children rushed in to meet the main man - I don't know if they noticed the finer details of his 'log cabin in the forest' but we adults thought it looked pretty good. R, on his return from work, joined us towards the end, just in time, probably, to help S and the rest of the PA to do some clearing up.

After more snow last night, woke this morning to find it thawing - ugh! This will please some people. Still, there are warnings that the cold weather could continue into the New Year. Suits me.

Back again

Drat! I missed out on the Wednesday walk, on what turned out to be a perfect day for enjoying the countryside. Still, by then my back was slowly recovering and at least I was able to shuffle around the house a bit. I wasn't the only one shuffling about, as Mike was recovering after having a large cyst on his leg dealt with by the doc. Feeling a bit fed up I suggested we venture into Lichfield for a bit of lunch at The King's Head, where my shuffling and Mike's hobbling fitted in well with the other oldies there. The women on the neighbouring table talked about other peoples' ailments. Not a very uplifting experience. Still, I returned home feeling quite pleased about my bargain purchases from the garden centre, where I'd picked up quite a few half price bulbs and plants, and also used my money-off vouchers, returning home with a bag full of goodies that cost me less than £3.

By yesterday I was feeling a lot more mobile, unlike Mike, who had been down to the docs for more treatment, this time very painful indeed. I was up and running, managing to do most of my household jobs, apart from too much bending and lifting, but keen to get out for a walk. By the time I did get out, the sun had gone in and it had clouded over, but dressed for the bitter cold I set off to walk the perimeter of the field opposite our house. I have to admit that, under the grey sky and in an almost sepia landscape, I didn't feel too cheerful as I plodded around in my wellies. As usual, I scanned the earth, already sprouting with another crop, for anything interesting, but nothing caught my eye. Originally, as Sherralls Field, this was once part of the open field system of Hill, and I would have expected to find, at least, bits of broken pots or the stems of clay pipes. A couple of years ago the field was full of metal detectorists from Brownhills, but I never found out if any of them were successful in finding anything. My short walk then brought me to the length of waste land known as The Slang, runnning down the hill, alongside the allotments. To quote Roger Lea, our local historian, the 'Langlands' are "five original strips, now two long thin fields with an internal boundary hedge, the larger one being converted into allotment gardens when the Gibbons Road estate was developed. The surviving 'fossil' strips can be seen, much overgrown with brambles and young trees." (The Story of Sutton Coldfield by Roger Lea). These strips can be seen clearly on the Corn Rent Map of 1824. From our windows we can see both the Slang and the neighbouring allotments, curving down the hill. The Slang is overgrown, as mentioned, with brambles, coppiced hazels and some fairly large trees, including oaks. I like to think, when I'm busy working on my plot, that I'm continuing with the history of land cultivation on what was, and still is, a part of our local history. Occasionally I find a few pieces of clay pipe stem as I dig - a little reminder of the past.

It was too much of a temptation. Through the undergrowth I could see the backs of sheds, and someone walking up and down a path. I just had to make a short visit to my plot to check up on things. The front of the plot was frozen solid, and there were ice lids on the water buts. Pushing up from the icy earth there were the little green shoots of my onion sets, and neighbour Eric's doing well too, despite the earlier set-back, when some low-life drove onto his plot and churned up all his newly planted sets. Earlier this year I had Eric to thank for the wallflowers along the front of my plot and, just to finish on a bright and cheery note, here is a photo of one of the plants, in flower, despite the icy conditions. It brought a smile to my face.

Back home, where Mike was reclining on the sofa, feeling a bit worse for wear, we settled down to watch the DVD of 'Julie and Julia', a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing film (involving a lot of Blogging!). Fortunately, my very large Greek cookbook has already been translated into English or I could have been tempted myself! (You'll know what I mean, if you've seen the film).

I spoke to my sister yesterday afternoon - the snow was falling thick and fast in County Durham.

'Season of mists ......

..... and mellow fruitfulness'. Well, Mr Keats, despite my love of your well-known and oft-quoted poem I doubt if 'mellow' would be an appropriate description of this stunning autumn. 'Fruitfulness' - yes, for the trees have never been so boughed down with hips, haws, berries and fruit, much to the enjoyment of the birds. The rowan in our front garden, not so long ago bearing its heaviest crop of berries, is now a busy fast-food outlet for numerous male blackbirds, nimbly balancing right out on the furthest, slimmest stems, to feed on the remaining fruit. It's good, too, to welcome back the goldfinches, emptying the feeders in the tree as fast as we fill them, along with blue and great tits. We've even had a visit from a solitary fieldfare, plus the usual robins and a wren. Unfortunately, both the car and caravan are parked under said tree - and are now covered in bird droppings.

'Mists' - yes. The scene from our bedroom window on Monday morning was almost Tolkienesque - all the valleys between us and Cannock Chase on the horizon, hidden under layers of mist, with the towers of Rugeley Power Station highlighted in the sunshine looking for all the world like some magical castle, and nearer to home, rather dark and sinister, another valley filled with the black smoke from a bonfire. How appropriate that it was 'Gandalf' who brought me my morning cuppa. When our granddaughter was small, this was exactly what her version of 'Grandad' sounded like, much to the amusement of anyone within earshot - particularly when a tall, bearded, grey-haired man appeared as a result.

Both our grandchildren took part in 'Kids on the Catwalk', at their school, on Monday evening. Our granddaughter looked very grown-up and elegant, strutting her stuff alongside her friend, but I have to say that it was our 4 1/2 year old grandson, who stole the limelight and had the place in uproar as he threw in some pretty amazing break-dance moves. Trying to take decent photos was almost impossible - both his mum and me laughed so much that we cried. A most enjoyable and entertaining evening.

At last, on Tuesday morning, I eventually got around to setting some broad bean seeds, and erecting a fleece tunnel to protect them. I returned home with giant parsnips, leeks, and a bag of salad leaves, plus a bunch of parsley and sage. It was Hill Allotments AGM that evening and, disappointingly, a poor turn out for what was an interesting and full agenda, followed by the distribution of cups and trophies, and a tasty buffet laid on by the committee. The Committee put in a lot of hard work to make Hill Allotments run so successfully. Many thanks to all of those involved. Brian and Pauline took home the trophy for sharing 'Best Half Plot' with me, and it will be my turn to have it next week.

Our son A returned from his latest working trip abroad, on Thursday. This time it was a couple of days in Athens, where he sqeezed in enough time between working to visit the Parthenon, along with some colleagues. Unfortunately, when they got there, it was closed, due to the elections! Had he been successful, we'd have been very jealous indeed. Then he flew to Cyprus for the remainder of the week, before returning via Athens and Munich, to Birmingham, spending Thursday night with us. What a good son - he managed to bring us a bottle of our favourite ouzo. His next trip, in the new year, will be to Taiwan.

We were up early yesterday, ready to man our stalls at the Sacred Heart Christmas Bazaar. As usual Mike was kept busy running the tombola, and for the past few years I've helped out on the cakes and preserves stall. Just look at all these beautifully presented jars of pickles jams, and delicious cakes, and to think that most of them were made by Frank and Pauline. I have to make a special mention of the superb chocolate marble cake, made by ten year old Ellie.Six of us had been kept busy all morning and when the doors closed at 1pm, there was barely anything left on our stall, and nothing left on the tombola. So, despite the recession, the bazaar seemed to have been very successful, once again. The best part was to follow, when the stalls and decorations were all cleared away, tables set up down the centre of the hall, and the helpers sat down to a three course meal with wine and coffee, prepared by the ladies who had been working hard all morning, in the kitchen. Aching backs and feet are soon forgotten as we enjoy the food and happy chatter. I suppose this is the first of the festive get-togethers of the year. For me, it was then home, feet up, coffee and the Saturday Telegraph. No such luck for Mike, who was off to cook the main course for 30, at the annual Green Mans Morris feast. Fortunately, he'd done quite a bit of prep the previous day, but it was a long day, on his feet, for him. Why then, was it my back that went, suddenly, this morning, and for no apparent reason? I'm now sitting propped up with cushions, and wearing a heat pad and hoping I'll recover in time to cook the evening meal - or Mike may have to do it!

A frosty start

Now that there's little to be doing down on the plot, I took advantage of a glorious morning and set off across the fields, armed with my camera, hoping to catch a few decent shots before the sun had melted away the frost.

After a very welcome bacon buttie for breakfast, it was time to complete the onion pickling. Another job on my list is to make my Christmas cake. I always have good intentions - I promise myself every year that I will make it in October - it never happens. Last year's cake was a bit of a disaster. Instead of sticking to one of my tried and trusted recipes I went all out with a rather fancy one, which included chocolate in the recipe. I might have guessed - it was pretty awful. I couldn't even bring myself to eat it with custard! For the first time ever, a large part of it went into the bin.

Just had a mail from our youngest son who is, after two days in Athens, spending the rest of the week working on Cyprus. I'm jealous - he'd just enjoyed a lovely Greek salad - and the temperature there was 25 degrees. It's been a pretty cold day here, and especially now that the sun has gone down, and we are looking forward to tucking into some warming jacket potatoes.

Putting to bed, potting up and preserving

It's just as well I've been keeping myself very busy, otherwise I'd have settled down in a cosy armchair and read my way through the aforementioned book (The Morville Hours) until I'd reached the end. I suppose I could compare it with a box of good chocolates - to be opened and enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than devoured in one sitting. Mike has just read this, over my shoulder, laughing and remarking (in a rather sarcastic manner) "Who are you kidding?" Actually, I could quite enjoy working my way through a few chocs at this moment - if I had the chance!

Sandwiched between two dire days, Wednesday turned out to be pretty good for the weekly walk, this time in the No Man's Heath/Austrey area, and led by Brian and Jill. It's a real bonus, at this time of the year, to be able to sit eating our lunch in the warm sunshine, and this day was no exception. Despite being quite a flat area, there were panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with numerous church steeples reaching into the blue sky. Here are two shots of Austrey church, one as we approached it across the fields, and the other as we entered the churchyard at the end of our walk.

We'd talked about a final trip away with the caravan, but having changed our minds, we took the opportunity of some fine, dry weather yesterday, to put the van to bed for the winter. Cupboards were emptied, water drained off, and the van tucked in tightly to the side of the drive. On dreary, winter days we can plan where we hope to take it next year, once the weather is reasonable enough.

This was followed by leaf clearing, bulb planting, and emptying the remaining summer pots. Then, finally, I got around to harvesting the grapes from the second vine, which grows along the side of the garage. These have never looked so good - large, heavy bunches of plump fruit but, unfortunately, rather a sharp taste. Had things been going well with the wine making, which it is not, I could have been tempted to try it with these grapes, but I opted instead to follow Hazel's suggestion and to make some grape jelly. After stripping and washing the grapes I put 2K in each of two large pans over a low heat, mashing them down when they were soft, finally leaving the fruit to strain overnight into a large bowl. This morning I added preserving sugar (almost 1K) and the juice of 2 small lemons to the juice and brought to a rolling boil until the liquid began to set on a cold plate. Then the liquid jelly was poured into small glass pots (ex creme caramel containers), labelled up, covered and put on one side for little pressies at Christmas. Next came pickled onion prep, which will be completed at some time tomorrow.

Last night we looked after our grandchildren as The Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North went off to a fancy dress party. Let's just say that we've never seen our eldest son wearing nail varnish before! The green face and black moles weren't too flattering either. Quite a contrast to our d-in-l, pretty in pink, with long, curly locks.

The plan was to have put in some broad bean seeds, down on the plot, and to have set my sweetpeas in the greenhouse, but it is now nearly 5pm and the next thing is the evening meal. It will have to be left-overs bulked up with things out of tins because I'm k.......d!

The Morville Hours

I knew I was in for a good read when I saw the glowing comments on the cover, but wasn't prepared to be hooked quite so soon. It began 'Some people watch birds. I watch clouds. Sometimes it's the same thing, as when buzzards soar on a rising thermal above the garden.' I could have written this myself! We are fortunate that the uninterrupted views from our windows are perfect for both cloud and bird watching and in particular, for many years, it is the buzzards that have been soaring over our own garden. I can remember the hot summer day when I first spotted them, high above me. Since then their numbers have increased considerably, but it's still a thrill to hear their cries and watch them circling high above. As for clouds - well they rate very high on my list of favourite things, possibly on a par with trees.

Then, in the following paragraph, Katherine Swift moves on to mention the items found in the earth in the garden of the Dower House, Morville Hall, Shropshire 'fragments of blue-and-white willow-pattern china, white marble floor-tiles, rusted iron nails ...a litter of broken clay pipes in the flower-beds, their air holes stopped up with soil.' How many gardeners, like me, have come across similar items - little reminders of past lives. Since my first experience of field walking, with a local archeaological society, when I lived in Derbyshire, I can't walk alongside a newly ploughed or harrowed field without scanning back and forth for anything interesting. On that particular occasion, after a tip off from a local man, we found numerous mesolithic flint tools and cores, and the result was a full scale excavation on the site. Fortunately this was close to home, so for days, after the children were off to school, I was able to join the archaeologists, and given my own little square to work on. The results of the dig proved that this was the summer camp of these hunter-gatherer people and the highlight, for me was, after carefully trowelling away the earth, to find a posthole in my square. A group of children, from our sons' school visited the site, and I was given the job of bringing the results to life, by explaining how these mesolithic hunters set up summer camps, on top of hills, where they could watch the animals travelling along the banks of the rivers and streams far below. Amongst items found on site was a lump of red ochre which, it was suggested, could have been used on their faces, as camouflague, not unlike the American (or 'Red' as it was then) Indians.

So, back to the book 'The Morville Hours' by Katherine Swift - a birthday present from my sister K, who obviously knows me very well, and couldn't have made a better choice (thanks K). I'm only on page 11 and wondering why I'm writing up a blog, when I could be enjoying a good read.

Down on the plot, yesterday, I managed to pull up all the frost blackened nasturtium plants, untangle remains of the Morning Glories and squashes from the arch, and likewise the beans from their canes. It would have been a very pleasant morning except for the racket from a helicopter, flying back and forth overhead, for nearly 3 hours. I wouldn't have minded too much had it been the Police or Air Ambulance, but I suspect it could have been taking photos of the farmland, on behalf of a developer, which would be rather worrying. If there's anyone who knows otherwise I'd love to know. Things have been happening on the allotments - good and bad. To start with the bad things, a large number of sheds were broken into, but apparently nothing much taken, but money was taken from the store shed. I couldn't understand how my shed had escaped, but Hadyn suggested that 'they probably didn't like the curtains'. No one has owned up to performing the three point turn across Eric's newly planted onion sets, and I doubt if they ever will. Still, as mentioned in an earlier blog, they have probably sustained some damage to their vehicle! There has been some swopping and changing of plots, and as a result of the introduction of new quarter plots, there are some newcomers to the scene. Wendy and Carl, who had the amazing quarter plot, opposite the gate, have now 'expanded', so we can expect an even better show next year.

As I haven't any suitable photos to go with this blog, I thought I'd include some very, very old shots of us on our first ever plot at Sheffield Road. Those cabbages look pretty good. Don't we look young!

Stunning Staffordshire

The walkers needed to take great care during the steep ascent from Waterhouses, in Staffordshire. The path was narrow, muddy and slippery, and it was evident, from the footprints and slide marks that the descent had been even tricker for some recent walkers, so we were pleased that Brian had decided to reverse the direction. He also told us that had he led us in the original direction, it would have involved even more steep ascents. So that was the easier option Brian? Glad we didn't do it the other way round then! Still, the rewards for steep ascents in this area of the Peak District, are the magnificent views from the tops. A little further on, whilst negotiating even more mud, I came a cropper, but I doubt if any of the others even noticed, as they picked their way carefully alongside a stream. Later though, here were some remarks about the state of my trousers.

The weather couldn't have been better with, once again, a bright blue sky, sunshine and the magnificent colours of autumn. With a stone wall to lean against, and our faces to the sun, lunch was taken high above the Manifold Valley, with Thorpe Cloud in the distance, and the fields and farms in miniature far below. There was another steep ascent, which left me (and others) quite out of breath, and questioning Brian about the 'not so many hills this way' statement. The final descent, down a long lane was quite a relief, although that too was a bit of a strain on our tired leg muscles, but it had all been worth it, thanks to Brian. Another super day, enjoying the countryside in the company of good friends.

Just one complaint - there were some of the stiles were very difficult to negotiate and could do with attention, and we even noticed a way-marker next to a gap that had been completely blocked with barbed wire. Fortunately we weren't going that way!

Heavenly Herefordshire

We returned, yesterday, from another short break away with our caravan, at The Millpond, Little Tarrington, mid-way between Ledbury and Hereford. The benefit of being a passenger is that I spent the whole of the journey home delighting in nature's rich tapestry of autumn colours, as we travelled through heavenly Herefordshire, glorious Gloucestershire and wonderful Worcestershire. Even Birmingham looked pretty beautiful. In the bright sunshine, and under a cloudless, blue sky, the reds and golds of the trees were the best I've ever seen. This was possibly due to the sudden drop in temperature the previous night, but more about that later.

It turned out to be a good first time camping experience for our friends D & D, who joined us there in their newly acquired mobile home. Apart from some heavy rain during the first night, the weather was perfect, with blue skies and bright sunshine.

On Saturday, we all visited the Taste of Herefordshire Food Fair, which was very enjoyable if a little over-crowded, so much so that part of the marquee floor had collapsed. There was lots of food and drink sampling, and we returned with bags of goodies. D & D were impressed with the site, set as it is amongst lots of trees and on the banks of a very attractive lake, and were sorry to be leaving, as they set off home on Sunday.

We stayed on an extra night, and what a night it turned out to be. We were told that it reached minus 5 degrees, and although we were warm enough under our extra duvets the air around our faces was freezing. It was a pretty unpleasant experience to have to get up in the morning. The windows had frozen up inside and the gas had frozen, so we couldn't turn on the heating (we will be changing over to 'red', as recommended by other campers), the nearest water taps had frozen, and as the sun gradually melted away the frost, the warmest place to stand, clutching our mugs of tea, was our little light weight porch awning. Still, we have now experienced our first night in a frozen metal box. We'll change our gas to the one that doesn't freeze up, buy a litte electric heater to supplement our gas-only heating and, in future, it would be a good idea to keep some form of heating on during the night if we are to expect sub zero temperatures - even for hardy folk like us! Once the frost had melted, it was warm to be outside in a t-shirt - well, for me.

Once I'd emerged from our frozen caravan, I enjoyed taking photos around the pond, including this close-up of tiny toadstools and lichens on a frosty log. The vibernums were particularly colourful, and the berries looked like little jewels.

Passing the orchards, on the way home, I couldn't help noticing how many apples lay on the ground under the trees. It seemed such a waste. I wondered if they would be gathered up at all, or would they just rot away. It's been such an excellent year for fruit.

Our youngest son, who has been travelling the length and breadth of China in the course of his work, will be flying home from Beijing in a day or so. I notice the temperature there is somewhere between 11 and 15 degrees, so not too different to ours. Hopefully he had moved on from the south of the country, before the predicted typhoon hit. We are looking forward to hearing all about his experiences when he returns.

I will be too busy today to visit the plot. The weather isn't too inviting anyway. When I was last down there, I noticed rips in the long fleece cloche, covering my newly planted cabbages. I was about to attempt to repair it when the whole cloche began to shake and from the far end a cat ran out. As I was a bit pushed for time, I just threw an old rug over the end, but I doubt if that will have done the trick. I'm expecting my cabbages to have been flattened.

Last Saturday I started the day with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs - well, it was my birthday! The day continued in that vein, with Mike cooking all the meals. We finished the night off with a glass of bubbly. In between, there was present and card opening, and a visit from our son and granddaughter (our grandson wasn't too well, so he stayed at home with mum), and a text from our other son, presently in China. Lolling around indoors, reading the paper and popping in the odd chocolate, I enjoyed being spoiled, but by the late afternoon I was becoming fidgety and joined Mike outside in the cold, to help him put some new trim on our caravan. Then my day suddenly became rather pear-shaped when I lost one of my well-loved earrings, as it pinged off somewhere amongst the ornamental grasses in the front garden. Panic over - I found it eventually, as it hung delicately half way down one stem of a very large clump of grass.

Sunday was ear-marked for an allotment session and despite the lovely weather, I was surprised to find I was on my own, down there at the bottom of the hill. Still, perhaps it had been busy the previous day, which was also a good, fine, sunny day. I came home later feeling that I had actually achieved something, having cleared away the courgette and squash plants, re-set the strawberries over some membrane, planted out garlic, and also some onion sets. I'd noticed that Eric had been busy setting out onions at the front of his plot.

Tuesday was a kitchen day - apron on, radio on, ingredients out and off we go - weighing, bagging and freezing various veg and fruit, baking cakes and preparing meals. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, but I was quite exhausted by the evening. I can garden for hours and walk for miles, but all that standing in the kitchen really takes it out of me. "I won't be going walking tomorrow if I still feel like this." I muttered, as I retired early to bed.

A good night's sleep did the trick, and upon opening the curtains and seeing what a stunning morning it was, I was ready to be off with the Wednesday walkers. Just as I was about to leave I had a call from my neighbouring plotter, John, to tell me that someone had driven over the front of Eric's plot, disturbing his newly-planted onion sets, and leaving deep ruts. There was nothing I could do at the time, as I was off to Lichfield, but I didn't think Eric would be well pleased.

Repton looked particularly picturesque, with the church spire standing out against a deep blue sky as we set off, climbing through the woodland at the back of the houses, passing the small enclosures containing pigs and geese. Anywhere out of the sun was pretty cold, and by the time we'd reached the banks of Foremark Reservoir, where the icy wind was whipping up waves, even the hardiest amongst us had to admit that it felt almost Siberian, although it looked almost Mediterranean. I wouldn't have fancied a dip in that water! Our walk leader, Jo, led us through a delightful orchard of old varieties of apples which, I have to admit, were a little too tempting! I've no idea which variety it was that I tested, but it was delicious. Newly ploughed and harrowed fields looked like samples of rich, brown cloth, under the blue sky, I could have taken dozens of photos, but it was a chatty day, so my camera was forgotten as we walked and talked together. Back in Repton, after a most enjoyable 9.5 miles, a group of us enjoyed cuppas (and cream teas) before returning home.

I just had to nip down to the plot, to see the damage, where I took some 'scene of crime' photos. The culprit has very likely sustained some damage to their vehicle.

Berry harvest

It was grape harvesting time a week ago, and I don't think we have ever had such a good crop. At the very last minute I changed my plan to open-freeze them, then bag them up for later use. Mike thought it was a pity not to make wine with them, there and then, so we brought out all the wine-making equipment (some ingredients were rather old and had to be replaced) and spent the rest of the day cutting down the bunches, stripping the grapes, and washing and weighing them until we had the required 11K, leaving a few bunches on the vine for the birds. We still have another vine, growing along the garage wall, and bearing yet more grapes, although these are possibly destined for grape jelly. Since then, the must, has been steadily fermenting in a large bucket. Let's hope all continues to go well.

Taking advantage of a warm, sunny day during the week, Mike and I parked by the church at Canwell, and strolled along the lane, carrying a couple of plastic containers, just in case there was something worth collecting from the hedgerows. As the blackthorn bushes were heavily laden with sloes, we spent some time gathering as many as we could, until the sun went behind the trees, and the temperature dropped considerably. The second photo shows the ripe sloes, looking just like bunches of grapes. The resulting sloe gin is turning a very pretty shade of deep pink, and there are enough sloes in the freezer for a further batch..... when I've bought some more gin.

The Wednesday walk, led by Judy, began at Baggeridge Country Park, near Wombourne. After a dull and rather raw start, the day suddenly improved and we all enjoyed the blue sky and warm sunshine during what turned out to be a particularly pleasant area. The trees continue to look spectacular and were mirrored in the lakes around the park. At the end of a long walk along the old railway track we had time to enjoy the rest of the sunny day, sitting outside the Old Station cafe, enjoying tea and home made cakes, before continuing on our way. This was the first time I'd walked in this area, and hopefully it won't be the last.

At the moment, we have our atlas open at the map of China, where our youngest son will be working over the next two weeks. He arrived in Shanghai on Thursday will be travelling to a number of cities there, by plane and train. In the meantime, we are following his progress on the map, and fact-finding on the internet, about

the places he'll be visiting.

A couple of days ago our new neighbours brought round a large bag of apples, so most of yesterday was spent chopping and preparing them for the freezer, and making two crumbles with the rest - one for us and one for our neighbours. The freezer is now packed with veg and fruit - enough to keep us going through the winter. Which reminds me, I must get down to the plot to plant the garlic and onions, not forgetting the cabbage plants.

Enjoying the blue skies

"Cancel everything - we are going out!" After all the miserable weather, last Thursday turned out fine and sunny, so Mike and I set off to spend a day in Kenilworth - a return visit for me, as I'd enjoyed my recent day there with the walking club. We did the tourist thing, walking around admiring the buildings, enjoying lunch in a cafe, sitting by the lake in the Abbey grounds and, finally, exploring the castle. I must say I was impressed with the historical information and displays. English Heritage haven't overdone or over-dressed the place, unlike some of the National Trust properties we have visited. What I can't get over is the amount of money lavished on Queen Elizabeth's visits there, by Robert Dudley. In particular, it is said that it cost him around £1,000 a day, during her her last visit of 19 days in July 1575, which almost bankrupted him at the time. I've included the photo of flowers on the mature ivy, growing up some of the large trees in the area. The air was heavy with their perfume, and the bees were loving it.

Yesterday turned out to be another good, fine day, in between the wet ones, so I spent a good part of it clearing out large clumps of day lilies, that have taken over part of the front garden. They look good when in flower, but there are too many strappy leaved plants there now, and I've decided that more colour is needed, particularly as there are already quite a few ornamental grasses. It was hard work, but now I'm left with a decent space where I can plant some suitable brightly coloured flowers. I had hoped to start harvesting some of the grapes, but that will have to wait for another day. Instead I joined Mike, sitting in the sun, under a clear blue sky. I couldn't resist taking photos of the heavily laden vines at the side of our house. The black grapes, in particular, looked so good against the blue sky.

And here we were, feeling very sorry for my sister and her husband, spending two weeks in an isolated cottage on Mull. What a holiday - in all that rain (we'd been watching the clouds over the West coast of Scotland, on the weather forecast). Then we received a card from them, telling us what a great time they were having, and no mention of bad weather. Last night my sister K rang me to tell me again about their wonderful holiday on the island, and that they can't wait to go back.

Yamass!

Happy Birthday to R! Tuesday was a day of celebration. At some unsociable time of the morning, forty years ago, and just three weeks late, our eldest son first made his appearance into the world. Being a clone of his dad, and a true Yorkshireman, he hasn't made a big deal of such an anniversary, although R & S (who also turned 40 recently) had, a few weeks ago, hosted a very successful fancy dress party with their friends It suddenly dawned on me, though, that I am older than I think (and on most occasions, feel), having a son of that age. After our grandchildren had returned home from school, we all sang 'Happy Birthday' to R, and enjoyed a piece of cake.

Leaving R & S's, we headed back home to pick up a large pan of gigantes ('big beans') to take down to the allotments. They'd been cooking slowly all day and the smell was wonderful. We'd already packed the car with the other essentials for our allotment party. I must say it turned out to be a fairly decent evening weather-wise, and our little band of plotters were able to enjoy a friendly get-together, until darkness took over and the bats came out. Thanks to Alma, Brian, Hazel and Catherine, who joined John, Mike and me at the bottom of the hill. Despite John's remarks, Hazel's wine (see her Blog) was rather good.

Just to make me very jealous, our friend's C & D sent me a text from Samos yesterday evening, to say they were just about to enjoy their last meal there (rabbit stifado) before returning home. The weather and the holiday had been good. Today our friends D & D will be back from Portugal. I suppose the weather has been good there too! I must say I wimped off and didn't go walking yesterday. I should imagine Chris, who was leading the walk, wished it had been like today, which has turned out to be very pleasant.

Prolific production

It's a good thing that I managed to get down to the plot on Saturday, followed by a shorter stint on Sunday, as today is grim. Across the road a tractor is slowly ploughing (well, actually 'planting') its way up and down the field, followed by a flock of white gulls, the only things that stand out in the dark, misty drizzle. At this time of the year there is plenty to keep me occupied on the allotment. I'm afraid the garden has to fend for itself at the moment. It has always been overplanted, and as a consequence there are few bare patches of earth where the weeds can take hold. Where they have found a space, they (particularly the dandelions) are growing larger by the day, so the next reasonable day will be a weed eradication offensive. Some of the grapes are already ripe enough to pick, and tasting reasonably sweet. I will probably collect these, before they drop to the ground, or the birds have them first.

But back to the plot. Walking slowly down the path, camera in hand, there were plenty of bright splashes of colour - blowsy dahlias, vibrant rudbekias, pumpkins and squashes. Black eyed Susan (thunbergia elata) was scrambling up the pole at the end of Carl and Wendy's prize-winning mini plot (soon to become a half plot), and the rudbeckias fronted another plot (can't remember whose). I usually arrive too late in the day to see, on my own plot, the morning glories in full flower, and scrambling amongst the small, golden squashes on the arch, but at least there is evidence that I have achieved what I intended. Must get up early on a decent morning, and catch them in all their glory! It won't be long before I will be collecting the ornamental gourds (see photo) for drying out. There is a monster marrow lurking under the leaves on Jane and Peter's plot, growing bigger by the day. We haven't seen them for a bit as Jane, like her marrow was, until recently, also growing bigger by the day. Congratulations to them both, as they have just produced a little (!) baby daughter. Hopefully, they'll be bringing her down to meet the friendly folk at the bottom of the hill.

Hazel was huffing and puffing as she turned over the green manure at the front of her plot and I can confirm (see her blog) that her face was a rather deep shade of red. I was most impressed with her crop of exceedingly large potatoes, and am looking forward to the culinary results. Growing potatoes has not, so far, been a priority of mine, although I did have a few rows of earlies, including Vales Emerald (very tasty) which, apart from earthing up, I just neglected. Perhaps I should make more effort next year. They just seem to take up so much room, and for quite a long period, and I can't say we eat that many anyway. I've been looking at the very healthy parsnip foliage and wondering what is going on below ground. We are still harvesting runner beans, squashes, those prolific courgettes, carrots etc, that I had decided to leave the parsnips until later and after the frosts when they should be sweeter. However, the thought of Sunday's meal of roast belly pork accompanied by roasted parsnips was too tempting. I must say they were my best yet - large, unblemished and very good to eat (Tender and True). Apart from the pig, all the other ingredients for the meal were home grown - the last of the sweetcorn as a starter, followed by potatoes (Rocket - the last of the 'earlies' which I'd only recently dug up), cabbage (Hispi), carrots (can't remember the variety, but the second batch grown in a large container), runner beans (seed from Brian - huge, long beans, also some Red Rum), then crumble made with apples (from Margaret) and Autumn Bliss raspberries. The kitchen is garlanded with plaits of garlic, shallots and chillies. There's a jug of freshly picked sage and parsley on the window ledge, and a bag of cooking apples from E's garden, a bowl of small squashes, plus quite a collection of courgettes in the garage, and plenty of fruit and veg in the freezer. Reluctantly I'm having to buy cabbage but that is my fault for not growing enough, and neglecting to look after the few I did grow. Also onions, as mine were a flop this year. Still, some you win and some you lose - and the successes far outnumbered the failures.

The wrong side of the hedge

Just read a mail from our ex neighbours Pauline and Graham, who sold up, downsized to the bare minimum and set off on a slow journey through France to Spain, where they are now about to settle into their rented property, until they eventually find somewhere to live permanently. What an adventure! For the weeks prior to leaving Sutton, they were selling off and giving away most of their possessions, even down to their well-loved cat, who had become quite friendly with Mike and I, and enjoyed sitting on the bench in our front garden, reminding us of our lovely Emma, and her predecessor Daisy. I must say I was very tempted to take on Tibby, but we have been pet-less for some time now, and free to take off in our caravan, whenever we want, so she is now living (very happily by the sounds of it) with one of their friends in Wales.

Due to our little get-aways in the caravan, I have missed quite a few of the Wednesday walks, but when I have had the chance, I seem to have hit on some particularly good weather, especially during this pretty miserable summer. Yesterday was no exception, when we enjoyed Molly's walk in the Kenilworth area. Here are some of the 'girls' having their mid-morning break, sitting in the warm sunshine, under a blue sky, at the edge of a maize field. I couldn't resist the following photo of Molly. There had been some friendly dispute about which side of the hedge we should be. She was right all along - we should have been on the other side. So we all had to climb through. I warned her that it would appear on my Blog.

The hedgerows were full of ripe haws, hips, damsons, sloes, crab apples, and shiny black elderberries hanging heavily and ready for the picking. We did pass a lady collecting them, near the castle. She was going to make elderberry and blackberry jelly.

On our way back, not far from the castle, we crossed an area of lumps and bumps in a field, where Henry V had built The Pleasance, a banqueting hall (amongst other things) for entertaining, and which he preferred to use, rather than the castle. This was later demolished by Henry VIII. Passing below the castle walls, we then crossed the road and around the lake in the Abbey grounds, before heading back to the cars, where we changed out of our boots. Then it was down the road to a little cafe, for cuppas or cold drinks, and for two of us, some very nice scones with jam and cream.

Last Sunday Mike went to Coughton Park with a group from the parish, to see the Pope. He'd left home at some ridiculous time of the morning, and rang me when they'd arrived at the park, to let me know that he was 'sitting on the hill opposite the stage'. I did watch most of the proceedings on TV and was very impressed with the event. As for spotting Mike - well, as nearly everyone was sitting on the hill opposite the stage, there was no chance. Eventually I made it down to the allotments, to find Nick, Pat and Catherine busy working on John's plot, as he sat watching. I hadn't realised that he'd had more health problems and had been in hospital. I'll be telling him off if he doesn't look after himself. Eventually everyone left, and I spent I spent the rest of the day digging over some of the empty sections of my plot, and tidying up in general. Hazel came down to collect grapes from John's greenhouse, and we spent some time having a friendly chat, then I returned home, laden down with produce. It wasn't long after that Mike arrived back, after enjoying a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable day himself.

Our friends C & D set off for their holiday on Samos today. Just wish we were with them. We've spent so many happy holidays in various parts of Greece, over the years.