Three days in London had left me desperate to return to the Gables and Bedfordshire which is, reputedly, the second driest county in England.  So, although there are deep ditches dug all along the country road sides, the water dries up quickly and the mud disappears fast from the fields.  I eschewed Tesco produce and headed straight for Pells farm shop just outside of the security conscious Wilden where I bought local vegetables covered in real mud and soil.  Fat, red beetroots that taste delicious when boiled, skinned and roasted accompanied with sour cream and chives.  Desiree potatoes and misshapen leeks with lots of flavour.  The salad comes in from our poly tunnel and has to be well washed but repays the care with a mouthful of flavours from three types of lettuce, chop suey greens, dill, parsley and rocket leaves.

Outside Craig is doing a magnificent job of fitting out the garages and he has booked the plasterer to come in on Sunday to work on the ceilings.  The three rooms and bathrooms are really taking shape and once the electricity supply is connected we will be well on the way to providing further accommodation for friends and family.

There will be plenty of field digging to be done so bring your spade, a fork and ( even though it’s so dry In this lovely county) a pair of stout wellingtons or working boots.