1. We sit on the further bench: the view of the town is obscured by some trees but the layers upon layers of hills are enough. We notice how the field shapes and sizes will have changed and enjoy thinking about how the land was developed over the last hundred years. The air is disturbingly still.

1b. The path has practically washed away – the plastic drainage pipes are exposed and split, visibly filled with sand and gravel so the water has no choice but to pour down the surface, carving a foot deep valley. I remark how it’s exactly what happened to the landscape we were just admiring – just on a smaller, shorter scale.

2. Lily’s tail bangs against the floor when her granny comes home and pays her some attention (and gives her some treats).

3. The marinade (on the fish) contains peppercorns which are fruity and intense, as well as straight up peppery.