For the first time in about three years our corn has come good. I picked the fat cob in the center of the photo just after it was taken to check, and with that we were rushing home to get it (and two others) into the pot within the magic half hour.

It was FB’s first corn on the cob, and it was priceless watching him tucking into it.

Two babies, safe and dry. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of their mothers.

But we had lots of fun regardless. :)

Look at the bounty I came home with!

I picked the gooseberries yesterday morning during our regular trip to the allotment to hunt for strawberries.

A week ago there were about twice as many on the bush, but we’ve ended up sharing our crop with the birds (again.) W tells me that they took to landing on the netting, which lowered it enough for them to get the fruit.

I admit to being impressed. :)

There were just enough here to make a fool, which was delicious.

Today I lifted the bucket and picked the first rhubarb of the year.

I’ve never felt as happy that spring is here as I have this week. The willow tree is unfurling it’s leaves, and the warmer weather* has dragged us outdoors more than usual, for evening walks, and morning walks, and time spent digging (W), and sitting (me) and sleeping (fb) at the allotment.

* Jaq (via text yesterday): I’m wearing sandles!

Me: Me too!

(Note: Getting the dyeing up and running again is taking longer than I hoped, and it’s something that is going to need patience – from me – to get working properly and safely. But I will get there, and there will be new stock in the shop soon. ish.)

The Shop is now back open!

We’re home, after a wet week in Padstow, to find out that Oxford had one of it’s best weeks of weather so far this year!

However I am not disheartened. I have FOs to share, have read inspiring books, and feel set to get on with the rest of 2008! There is lots to do.

For now I’ll leave you with two delicious things:

Orangette’s Butterscotch Pots, which I am a little in love with at the moment, (they look faffy, but really aren’t and regardless, they are so worth the effort.)

and,

My friend Mootthings, who writes posts exactly the way she tells stories out loud. (If you don’t get to hear about her adventures over knitting, drinks and bowls of chips on a wednesday, you can read about them instead.)

More later, (after washing and cooking, sleep and catching up on the Tour de France. Go Millar! You argyle crazy boy!)