One of our birds (who we gave to Di) sat on some Gables eggs and this morning there are baby chicks. It’s all about chicks today

Three hatched overnight and more to come. Sit tight, nearly there.

The two goslings have spent the last fortnight hiding in the undergrowth around the edge of the goose pond. Too frightened of the big birds they paddled in the water and never ventured onto dry land. Yesterday Jeremy found one of them on the bank bravely facing some pecking from the adults. The other bird remained in the water. When I returned from London this afternoon I went down to the pond. The brave teenager was managing quite well but the other bird was hiding. I found her and used a stick to encourage out of the undergrowth.

She swam around a few times, calling to her sibling. Then, at last, she made her way up the duck board (or should that be the goose board?) and stood her ground.

All the ladies look lovely, hair trimmed and shaped, blow dried or permed. There are lots of smiling faces – through the window

Mum has made some really good friends in the care home. They support each other when they feel down and they celebrate birthdays and family successes together. The staff are truly wonderful and caring. Early on in the crisis they all received a much deserved pay rise. I would like to see care staff everywhere valued, properly trained and properly paid. Here’s hoping. After the children had gone mum and I carried on talking. She told me how relieved she is to be in a supported home rather than in her old flat. She made a wise choice. When I left I saw a sad sight. An elderly gentlemen was calling out to a lady in a wheelchair on an upstairs balcony. I would guess it was his wife. She was terribly distressed and he was unable to go inside and comfort her. We are reduced to talking through windows or calling outdoors or occasional meetings in gardens wearing masks and gowns. All to preserve life?

When we forget to clip the duck wings they fly out of their enclosure – and surprise themselves. They happily return to their run, their bath and the safety of the duck house.

I found a simple recipe that used lemon juice instead of rennet and did not even require a cheese thermometer. That’s my kind of recipe. More importantly it worked!