They are the prettiest, tiniest toys that live and breathe and feed

Click below

Click below

As I opened the kitchen door tonight I was shocked and thrilled to come across a hedgehog. It is not my first sighting – J and I have both seen a hedgehog around the house, at nighttime, but less than half a dozen times in the last year. This time I was quick enough to grab my iPad and snap the iconic creature. Numbered at 30 million in the 1950’s there are thought to be less than a million today. So please come back again, little fellow, you are always welcome at The Gables.

Baby pumpkins and huge butternut squashes (this one weighs over 5lb in old money). Much more to come.

The South American Achocha produces hundreds of tiny soft spined fruits on a vine like plant. Native to Peru and Bolivia it is said to be a crop grown by the Incas. It is a cucurbit and has a cucumber like taste. They can be eaten raw or sautéed or stuffed and baked.

I tasted one raw

And survived

Whose daughter in law gave birth to a big and bonny boy yesterday. Her first grandson (she has three lovely granddaughters).

Then, as we walked, we met Clarice and Boo taking their owner for a walk.

It was more talking than walking today.