Lots today!

0. The ruby coloured jam is perfectly fruity and exquisitely sweet.

1. One dog, two cats and six chickens: I like having company as I go about my garden chores.

1b. The hose coughs up shards of ice.

2. We’re just finishing lunch when the doorbell rings: it’s our neighbour R asking, essentially, if we’re playing out. We are. As always, our conversation flows at 100mph and bounces from topic to topic but every moment of it is interesting and I learn a slew of new things (and suddenly have another pile of things to read up on).

2b. R gets my fascination with the history of rope. At last, someone understands!

2c. M, R’s dog, wags his tail as R strums the ukulele. Later, after a post-walk nap, he demands a constant flow of tickles.

3. Eight fat rolags prepared before bedtime. Future me will be pleased.