The ducks love to swim in clean water so they were happy to find fresh water in their bath this evening.

Just time for a swim before bed. In the new polytunnel the strawberry plants are throwing up the occasional fruit.

The warm autumn allows outdoor tomatoes to ripen and helps the Jack be Little pumpkins and the beetroots. we continue to pick runner beans and a few, late cucumbers.

No lesions were found on her lungs ( we had never seen her cough). A tissue culture test is underway but unlikely to be positive. Poor old Beattie. Good news is that Lucy only needs one more test so fingers crossed that she won’t react.

Our Wednesday walk took us along sun dappled paths

But as we turned into the open field we heard gunshots.

The farmer and local landowner is a champion shooter. We held our breath and got over the footpath without injury.

We were going to send the youngest cockerel to a neighbour as a gift for him to dispatch and consume. But the youngest cock is such a handsome fellow so we have decided to build a small flock around him. Saved by his size, colour and beauty.

A much in demand ticket to the Annual Village Barn Dance.

The mixed squash patch has a variety of pumpkins except for my favourite (boo hoo – I know I shouldn’t complain) the delicious butternut squash. Note to the head gardener – please plant some next year.

Planted the year after the barns were finished, the small garden behind one of the barn bedrooms is maturing beautifully.