It’s one of those Diary entries where I have to think what’s been happening between the Cricket, time for other things has not exactly been on my side, but there again, looking back, I’m quite surprised at what I have achieved!

Left: The Sweet Corn and Squash growing in perfect harmony. Right: Holland in a strong position (but lost)

The Garden Farm – Vegetables

Never mind about June, it’s August which is busting out all over; the Runner Bean crop is certainly the biggest and best for years and I’m amazed at the Sweet Corn. Although they’re shorter plants, most have five cobs on them!
Between, the Squash are doing famously and I look forward to some Roasted Squash Soup in the not too distant future, without a doubt a big favourite of mine.

Once again, although after a slow start, the best of the Beetroot is growing between the Runner Beans and there’s some whoppers! Not only do I enjoy them in Salad, but roasted with Lamb or Chicken is a real treat. I never put them in vinegar, all the taste goes and I’d imagine, a lot of the goodness as well.

In the Greenhouse the tomatoes have gone crazy as well, so much Chutney, Relish and Sauces to be made soon.

All in all, it’s very good this year with just the French Beans and Cucumbers not coming to much. The Courgettes have also been slow, but now catching up with vengence!

The Garden Farm – Chickens

The six ex-battery hens from February are doing famously and giving me 4 / 5 eggs a day – plus, they’re whoppers (poor things!!!).

A couple of weeks ago I finally finished the Straw I was given last year, so they’re back to Wood Shavings now. I thought, as they’ve had straw the whole time since coming here, that it may affect their laying and behaviour, but none of it – all’s well in the Chicken Coop.

Workwise Down the Lane

There’s much Cricket being played at Canterbury with the last 6 days being Festival Week. Although always a fine showpiece for the game, it’s a lot more work and this year is no exception.

It’s odd that I cycled more or less a thousand miles just a few weeks ago and felt remarkably fit afterwards. A few days of hoovering, carrying drinks, ice and everything else and I’m spent!

Left: The Chickens seem to think that 24 x 24 feet isn’t enough! Right: The Beetroot between the Runner Beans

However, we won both games; Surrey got a trouncing from us, their worst defeat for ten years apparently.
Yesterday Holland came to play. From my point of view, this was a good day. It’s always nice to have the National Teams and they’re a good bunch. They also left the Dressing Room all tidy with no bottles, tops or rubbish anywhere – that I’m afraid to say is quite rare.

On Friday week we entertain India. I still maintain that the last time they came was one of the hardest days I’ve had and I’m sure by looking at the logistics plus the expected crowd, this one could excell the last!

But, I love the place. Yesterday was ex- Kent capped Players day and to see the likes of Underwood, Iqbal, Shepherd, Tavare, Ufton etc. all standing together is quite something. A good week.
Last week I didn’t get home at all once, this week will probably be three times that amount!

Social wanderings

Before Cricket Week I managed a few days in Southampton. After the car brakes disaster (see last entry), I was only there for three days, but three days well spent catching up with family. On the Sunday we were joined by other family members, so a chance to have a chinwag.

Other than that, not a lot really. I’ve started keeping an eye out for wood and am very aware that it’s probably only 6 / 7 weeks away to lighting the Rayburn again, but I like late August, Septemeber and October. Everything is kind of reaping the benfits of Summer and putting them to good use.

I said to someone the other day that someone somewhere looks down on me with favour. Sure I get the down days, but these are offset by days when I truly wouldn’t change anything.