19-Feb to 25-Feb 2012

Sun 19-Feb: Today was Flask of Tea 2012 day... the first day this year Linda and I were able to sit out at the allotment enjoying the sunshine with a cup of tea in one hand, McVities digestive biscuit in the other. In spite of frost overnight and a biting wind, once in shelter it was pleasantly warm. Here's the scene just after we'd finished and got back to digging and edging the main path. Lots more such days to come!

Mon 20-Feb: As we walked through the churchyard of All Saints Parish Church this morning on our way to the St Ives Monday market and coffee at The Dolphin the church bells were ringing out. Not sure whether it was just a practice, but a lovely sound nevertheless.

Tue 21-Feb: Spent this morning and well into the afternoon loooking at kitchens. Jewson display in Huntingdon very poor and didn't spend long there. Trawled around four retailers in and around Cambridge, one of whom was shut. Loved the kitchens in John Lewis of Hungerford and Harvey Jones... really taken with this type of style, a traditional or maybe Shaker style kitchen in two colours, cornflower blue lower cabinets and cream wall cabinets. Very expensive though, so will have to check alternatives in case there's better value for quality elsewhere. As usual we ended the trip with a blazing row and little progress.

Wed 22-Feb: Here's a new adventure started, courtesay of Richard from the allotments... a sourdough German Friendship cake, believed to be of Amish origin. Got to nuture and feed it for ten days, then divide and give some portions to friends, adding cooking apples and vanilla essence to the remaining amount before cooking. Read that it's delicious and can be used for all kinds of recipes. I know it's working 'cause I forgot to take the container top off Tuesday evening when Richard delivered, but the dough had taken care of that itself by the morning... the top of the container was a couple of feet away! Apparently you're forced to give some to friends otherwise it'll take over the kitchen. The house is filled with a lovely, slightly sour, smell. Look out family, a share of cake and dough coming your way soon!

Thu 23-Feb: Had another foray into the world of kitchens this morning, this time with some success! Liked the look of the Anglia Interiors showroom in Huntingdon, the first one that displayed loads of kitchens each put together with some care. And liked the gentleman we asked advice from... no sales b*lls**t, calm, reassuring and trustworthy. So he's coming next Thursday to measure up and discuss further. Here's an example of the style we're after... though not that colour, and not that sink. Oh, and probably not that worktop. And a bit simpler Shaker style on the doors. More freestanding kitchen dresser style. Did I really say 'with some success'?

Fri 24-Feb: Went on the five mile Great Gransden walk, a new walk but definately one we'll now add to our regular treks. Obviously an ancient footpath going between two villages, taking in lovely ancient woods. And best of all, three pubs to choose from for refreshment, though didn't try any since mid afternoon and shut. So had to console ourselves with a visit to Waresley Park Garden Centre and their lovely cafe. Here's the source of resucitation at the halfway point, a raspberry and white chocolate slice.

Sat 25-Feb: The Heath Robinson arrangement I'd hastily fixed up to hold the huge amount of manure delivered in December hadn't stood up to the test of time... the big pole I'd spent ages sledgehammering in had gradually leaned over into the pathway. So with some gentle prompting from Linda, who envisaged a passing car becoming engulfed in the manure if the pole gave way, here's the much better Heath Robinson arrangement I knocked up this morning. Today was also T-Shirt Day 2012... the first day it felt comfortable just to wear a t-shirt.