Starting off before dawn it was an early visit to

By 10 am I was chatting with mum through the care home window

Then it was a doorstep delivery to daughter of an Arsenal video swopped with a book, Hillbilly Elegy, and a hadassah plant (left for us at Daughter’s home by a London friend). Back on the road and a quick pit stop for petrol at Apple Green service station where, for some unknown reason, they sell my favourite Snyder snacks

The straw barn Silkies and Bantams are laying well in their hand crafted nest box

In the raised beds peas are popping up under glass frames made of old windows

It may be winter but the sun is shining, the plants are growing and my spirits are soaring – even though it will be dark before 5 pm!