Ood have thought it

I'm rather concerned about my celeriac. It was all going so well last year. The plants were growing had large, lush, green leaves. They are thirsty things, so I kept them well watered, and later on in the year removed some of the lower leaves, as instructed. Those that I did dig up last year were fine. However, the last two I dug out more recently were hardly worth the effort - and it was an effort, as instead of a large swollen base, there was just a mass of very healthy roots that had spread far and wide, and under the slabbed path. It's a pity I'd chopped off the majority of the roots (and very likely its hindbrain!) before taking this photo, as it really did resemble an Ood. I suspect it was seeking out John's manure heap.

Celebrated Burns Night on Monday, inviting our good friends D & D to join us. They were welcomed through the door by a pipe and drum band. No - we couldn't run to the real thing, so I'd downloaded the music from I-tunes. Apart from D's waistcoat, our tartan tablecloth and the Scottish menu of smoked mackeral, followed by haggis, tatties and neeps, and cranachan with shortbread, Rabbie Burns played little part in the evening. However, D surprised us all by quoting Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626) 'It was no summer progress. A cold coming they had of it, at this time of the year; just, the worst time of the year to take a journey, and especially a long journey .............'. What that had to do with anything I'd no idea. Then we all ended up laughing about nothing in particular. A good night.

After a break of about two months, I was ready for a day out with the walking club yesterday. We started at Moira Furnace in Leicestershire, walking about 8 miles in total, mainly along tow paths, the remains of old railway lines, and through woods and fields, stopping off for our lunch at The Bluebell Inn, Blackfordby, where we were made very welcome and enjoyed some excellent sandwiches.

Then we continued on our way back to Moira Furnace. It had been a rather raw, grey day, but as it was a fairly flat walk we were able to keep up a consistently brisk pace. Mike and I joined the club about five or six years ago, and although he is no longer able to join us on the walks, he likes to keep in touch with everyone. They are a lovely crowd and have been a good support to us over a difficult period. Looking forward to the next walk.