Nature

 Disappointing to see that the snails have got to the tomato plants that were starting to grow in the greenhouse. I didn't want to use slug pellets but...

Even worse is the box tree in the garden. This well established tree is completely overrun (if that is the correct word to use) with caterpillars, hundreds of them. They have basically eaten it.

I have read that the moth has gradually spread through the country and is decimating box hedging. What an awful pest. I do have some untouched cuttings but will it be worth growing them on in future?

Another day, another closure

 Another shop is closing in Clevedon, CM3 which we used to know under one of its previous incarnations as Cheapjacks.

But before then it was the only 'supermarket' in Clevedon really a grocers - called International.

I wonder how many remember it?

Biscuits and flapjack

Whilst not strictly the time to make some Easter goodies, because of very welcome visitors I made some biscuits today. Instead of Simnel cake I made some Simnel/Easter biscuits. 

I think that it is fairly specific to this area to use Oil of Cassia in cooking - for Easter biscuits, So I used that instead of mixed spice and currants, marzipan and whole almonds in the final mix.

I don't have the specific recipe as I made it up from a mish-mash of other recipes but they were very tasty.

Keeping in touch

 Does anyone else have close family/relatives that live abroad - if that doesn't sound too odd. What I mean is that we have children and grandchildren that live in different parts of the world.

The internet has been very useful for keeping in touch so when they come to visit - which because of the idiotic covid restrictions etc.  we are not completely unknown to them. We were fortunate recently to see our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Whilst unfortunately the parents had to still do some work and one day were both away for the whole day it meant we had to look after our granddaughter which was lovely and because of the familiarity of seeing us online she didn't get upset and enjoyed her day. I wonder whether she would have been so relaxed had she not had that 

Lent and no Roses

 Sugar. After a great Shrove Tuesday and plenty of pancakes, what to give up for Lent? I always like to do something extra for Lent too but what to give up?

Sugar. I am going to try and give up sugar wherever possible. So that means none of the obvious - sweets, biscuits, cakes, fizzy drinks and I don't add sugar to tea or coffee so what else? It seems sugar is in so many other foods it will be hard so I think I will stick to avoiding those listed above.

Is anyone else doing something for Lent?

Freeze

We have had some lovely weather recently, clear sunny and cool days. The air seems so fresh to breathe too.

Today I spent making a farm out of Duplo ably assisted by my five year old grandson. Whilst he enjoys Lego, he still likes to play with Duplo.

Did you know that Lego brought out an even larger version called Quatro? It was only around for a couple of years as it didn't catch on. It would be interesting to know if anyone has some.

Exercise is good for you, laziness is not - The Wombles

 January is traditionally a time when people take up exercising.

It is not a bad time to start either, short daylight hours means there is a good opportunity to exercise indoors when gardening isn't too much of an option.

There are plenty of offers on equipment too. Though apart from some weights I have never thought most pieces of kit are worthwhile.

YouTube has some excellent exercise videos from the BHF and NHS which are aimed at all levels of fitness.