What sort of spade?

To "call a spade a spade" is a figurative expression which refers to calling something "as it is", that is, by its right or proper name, without "beating about the bush"—being outspoken about it, truthfully, frankly, and directly, even to the point of being blunt or rude, and even if the subject is considered coarse, impolite, or unpleasant. 


On the way back from visiting Pete's Mum we dropped in to the farm shop at Deeping St. Nicholas where there was a small museum with a dazzling diversity of spades, each fashioned for a particular purpose, whether it was cutting through heavy clay or digging ditches in peat. Modern spades seem to be much duller...


Although the farm specialises in growing bird seed, the shop had an excellent range of local produce, including superb cauliflowers (both traditional and Romanesco) and a splendid range of pumpkins and squashes in a plethora of shapes, sizes and colours. I was also excited to find some quince and am planning to try making membrilla (when I have a spare moment).