1. More digging, more prep for spring. John’s dad arrives with dustbins of wood chippings which fresh and warm – they look almost clean compared to the old chippings brown on the ground.

1b. A woman is passing with a dog – I say hello to the latter as much as the former. It turns out that she had my newer allotment plot before me: I tell her all the things that have changed with the site and thank her the good soil. She says she’s glad to see someone is using it.

2. I’m glad I’m home – just got home – when things suddenly take a turn for the worst.

3. The sound of the beck calms us.