Ready for action

What a boring photo! No - not really. Because, to me, it's one of my plot, dug over and ready for a year of sowing, planting and producing, and I can't wait to get going. Like some of my fellow plotters (who I've met up with again after a long break) I am, once again, out of hibernation. We've been enjoying some good, spring-like weather, and it's been a pleasure to get out in the garden and on the plot, with plenty of birdsong to accompany us. I'm still digging up some good parsnips, but imagine my surprise when 'Octoparsnip' surfaced on the end of my fork. For a few seconds I thought it was one of those ood-like celeriacs but, no, it is definitely a very odd parsnip, and growing in a row of perfectly formed, single-rooted parsnips. There was a scattering of white feathers on John's plot - something (probably an ex-pigeon) had met its fate by sparrow hawk. Perhaps the hawk would like to frighten off any future pigeons from our vegetables over the coming year. Yesterday, as we returned home in a friend's car, Mike spotted a hawk (possibly the same one) finishing off another pigeon on the pavement, not far from the allotments.

Wednesday, walking at Weddington, 22 of us enjoyed a good, if overcast day. Thanks to Molly and Frank who led us. Before setting out from our house, we listened to the skylarks above the field across the road, and during the day they were in full song, all along our route. Back at the car park near the church, we celebrated Jill's 70th birthday with champagne and cake, dispensed from the back of Jill and Brian's car, much to the amusement of some tanker drivers, who were dispensing something much less delicate on the neighbouring field. We finished with round of 'Happy Birthday to you', and after a lot of noisy laughter and chatter, eventually left the village in peace.

By now, our eldest son and family are back from a holiday at Disneyworld, and our youngest from working in Nigeria. He will soon be off to Vietnam and Thailand. Perhaps he'll have a little spare time, between working, to sample some of the local food. Watching 'Masterchef' last night, I was amazed by the complexities of Thai cooking. Must talk to Boula ( my neighbouring plot-holder) about it, when she next appears. As for the holiday-makers, they had a wonderful time, by the sound of it.

Next Thursday, 8 March, I will be holding a coffee and cakes morning, to raise money for Oxfam's International Women's Day, so if any plot-holders from the Hill would like to turn up at my house at 11am they will be very welcome. The money raised will go towards education, health care and, for example, the purchase of sewing machines etc so they can set up their own businesses. I've sent out invitations to women, but I wouldn't turn away any men who would like to contribute towards some cake and tea/coffee - besides, Mike would appreciate some male company, I'm sure.

In between various social events, and baking cakes, I'm hoping (weather permitting) to get more gardening and plotting in, over the next few days.