Carpe diem (et vepres)*

Whisper it - it didn't rain today. There may have been a slight smirr after darkness fell, as the road looks a bit black, but the day was dry and there was some sun in the morning. Not that it was much use to me - I was at Pilates, where the teacher said she'd worked us extra hard because I was going on holiday (cue laughter and groans). My pal with the car was back after a post-operation absence of several weeks, so the entire refreshing ethos of women having a laugh together was intact again. 

Back in our usual routine of the afternoon, involving not only a walk but a return to the bramble bushes we've noted coming to ripen on a south-facing wall along the farm road where we often end up to avoid rain. This time we had bags, and despite the fact that someone had beaten us to the first berries, we managed to collect well over a kilo between us before the weight of my bag and the nettle sting suffered  by Himself made us give up and go for a peaceful last amble along the beach road.  Why is it that the choicest berries are so set about with nettles? 

Because it was too daunting to contemplate doing something with them after dinner, I dealt with the berries first - a quick float in a basin of water to float out the wee beasties, then a good stew with equal quantities of sugar and gin. I've just decanted the cooled result into freezer bags and stashed them carefully in the freezer - I love finding them there when I have nothing for a pudding.

Have you seen the weather warnings for rain coming our way? Just asking!

*As well as seizing the day (see title) I have also for the first time learned the Latin for "brambles", so I have to confess that I'm feeling just a little pleased with myself ...