Strawberries of all Shapes and Sizes.....

.....and we really don't mind that they are not all perfect!

Up early (well early for me on a Saturday morning) and saw Mr. HCB in the strawberry patch picking, guess what? Strawberries! He didn't want to be blipped again, said he had done his turn this week, but was happy for me to blip the strawberries before he put the net back over. We need to net all our raised beds because the cats around here seem to think they are giant litter trays which makes Mr. HCB more than a little unhappy.

We had some welcome steady rain yesterday, so coupled with some sunshine, the strawberries are now beginning to turn - now isn't that just typical - we go away tomorrow - but the bonus is that our lovely neighbours who gave us their first honey, will be able to enjoy our strawberries. That's called quid pro quo, or give and take. I took a few over to them this morning and we all agreed they are delicious and all the better for having just been picked!

The salad leaves seem to have grown overnight, the mange tout peas are looking like triffids, the blueberries and raspberries are filling out nicely and the runner beans are flowering profusely - how blessed we are - and Mr. HCB has done it all, with a little help from his friend!

I always think it's a shame we only sing this hymn at harvest time, because of course, a lot goes on between the planting of the seed and harvesting.

All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord,
O thank the Lord,
For all his love.