All things considered, not so bad

We're back from a week's holiday on the island of Anglesey, where it has been uncommonly hot. Along with the rest of the country, we fried. It was all a bit too much for our poor old dog Dolly. She really struggled and spent a lot of time asleep.

Thoughts turned, naturally, to the veg patch back home and how it was faring under the wilting heat. Susan warned me not to be too disappointed if some things had gone disastrously wrong because of lack of watering in my absence.

So there was a mounting sense of anticipation tinged with trepidation as we returned home. As it happens, to quote Jimmy Savile, things were not too bad. In fact, surprisingly good.

We'd moved the tomatoes out of the conservatory and into the open to catch whatever they could. They'd thrived so much that it proved difficult getting up the front footpath because of the spreading leaves.

It turned out there had been a day of showers prior to our return, giving the crops a well-needed soaking. The Cherokee Trail of Tears beans, about which I had been so worried, are now halfway up the pole and there are even signs of life in the one I had written off as dead.

Some of the runner beans have gone beyond the height of the pole (what happens then?) and there's a good bit of spinach and lettuce waiting to be harvested. In fact, we're having some of the spinach in a curry tonight. I like to think it will be the finest curry we have ever had, all because of my fresh produce from the garden.

The one thing I am really concerned about right now is the potatoes. They have still not flowered and some are looking distinctly blighted, ie leaves looking not too good. I haven't had time to do a proper fettle of the garden today and will have to have a trial lift of the potatoes tomorrow to see what they are doing.

Not bad overall. The veg don't seem to need me to be around.

We're going on a summer holiday. To make our dreams come true. For me and you.

Fun and laughter on a summer holiday.
No more worries for me and you.
For a week or two.

We're heading off north tomorrow towards Hadrian's Wall, somewhere we have never been. Actually, it's only three or four days. But it does raise a concern which I am sure worries all gardeners and allotment holders. How will the crops get on without tender love and care?

They will get a good watering tonight, but after that they're on their own until our return. Hope they cope.

The vanishing act

I became a true British workman today. All the signs were put up around the vegetable plot and then I disappeared for the day.

Not a stroke of work was done as we all went off for the day to Sheffield to see the Vivienne Westwood exhibition at the Millennium Galleries. It is my holiday, after all. It was a great show and well worth seeing.

Must get out into the garden tomorrow and make progress.