First picnic of the year

If the weather permits, when Mike is at Church on a Sunday morning, I am on the allotment. Last Sunday the weather was perfect and I had a thoroughly enjoyable morning on the plot, planting a freebie fragrant rose near the shed and erecting a second (very cheap from Wilkinsons) arch. I had reached that stage where another pair of hands was needed when, as if by magic, when Mike appeared, and together we were able to complete the job. I am hoping, if all goes well, that I will be able to train some Hooligan squashes up the arch along with a few flowers and/or climbing French beans. Mike set off back home, promising to return with some lunch for me. In fact he returned with a picnic for both of us, and some of the Sunday paper and, for the first time this year we enjoyed an al fresco meal on the patio (as our granddaughter once referred to it) outside the shed.

I returned to the plot at the beginning of the week in order to burn a rather small heap of uncompostable bits and pieces, as the bonfire ban starts at the end of this month. My neighbour John was in the process of doing the same thing, and his flame-gun came in very handy. I'm not really a great fan of nasty, smokey (which mine was) bonfires. For many years we lived next door to a compulsive pyromaniac who insisted on smoking us(and all in the vicinity) out, particularly on fine days when windows and doors were open, and washing hanging in the sun. Occasionally she even set fire to her nasty pile of wet weeds when my babies were outside in their prams. Come to think of it, there never was a 'fire'. It was just acrid, grey smoke. So, sorry Haydn, for engulfing you in the same, when you came down to talk to John!

After seeing Julie's tidy and well organised greenhouse, full of trays and pots of seedlings, I thought it was time I re-organised my own (again) and set more seeds. I do have a few seedlings doing OK, but still feel a bit hesitant about setting too many too early. Once again, as usual, we will be away on holiday at a rather vital time in the plant growing season. Although I have a self-watering system in and around the greenhouse (at home) I always feel rather guilty about asking my family and friends to keep an eye on things. Still, experience has proved that later sowings usually catch up quite successfully, if not better.

At the bottom of the garden, the snowdrops are almost over, but in their place the hellebores are gradually opening their buds (here's a photo of a few I brought into the house to enjoy). There are crocuses, cyclamen and daffs beginning to flower and pots of tulips to look forward to, as well as my favourite yellow ones that come up in the front garden every year.

Yesterday the walk was at Hopton and Middleton Top, near Carsington in Derbyshire, and what an excellent walk it was, led by Molly. The wonderful snowdrops were still in flower at Hopton Hall as we passed by. Then on up the hillside, winding our way between the humps and bumps of the old lead mine workings towards Middleton Top Engine House, built in 1829 and housing a Butterley Engine, used to haul wagons the 1 in 8.5 incline. Fortunately, we were on our way down the incline, passing quarries and rusting railway relics. The weather was kind to us - pleasantly mild, but rather overcast with just the occasional drizzly spots of rain. After climbing up some reasonably steep hillsides, the rewards were the panoramic views from the top. The day was fairly eventful, with two of our walkers incurring minor (hopefully) injuries, Let's hope they aren't feeling too sore today, and making a speedy recovery! Arriving at Carsington Meadows, there was a good view of the reservoir far below. We then had to negotiate the steep and rather treacherous path downhill and onto Miners Lane. Lots of concentration

was required, as we zig-zagged our way down with great care. Couldn't resist this photo of Frank and the 'one careful owner' car. Perhaps he could make an offer for it. If the ladders were thrown in he could start a window cleaning round.

During the walk, Ray informed us that the walking club have made an appearance on Google Maps Street View. We remember the Google van passing us, as we walked near Drayton Basset church some time ago. At the time we did wonder if we had been caught on film. Checked it out this morning and sure enough, there we are!

Well done 'Miss Molly - you sure like to walk' (and your trusty reccy companion Ray) for a super day.