Basil

Many years ago I figured out how to keep basil fresh and alive while sailing by hanging it in a plastic water bottle, tied to a hand rail.
Since then the cuttings hang in an apricot tree and within a very few days they produce loads of roots.
Seeds can be harvested and dried for out of season use. They are much better than dried or frozen leaves. Pesto can be frozen.

Despite forecasts of heavy rain during the night, not a single drop fell.
We have been swimming almost every evening which is a great way to cool down, even though the water is much too warm for my taste.
This is the second year that seaguls have taken posession of the outside pool, using it as a perfect place to park their youngsters while they go away to catch food. The obedient chicks stay on the side of the pool and do not move until mummy or daddy return to feed them. They are as big as the parents but still have grey tummies.
Recently, we have had to chase them away as they were taking over the pool and making too much mess. Now the chicks are parked on roof while they wait for us to leave
 Then it is straight back in with great flapping and screaming. 
S's older brother had his windows blown out in a recent gas ecplosion in his 6th floor apartment Rome.

We have had many dogs over a period of fifty years and there have been occasional ticks and worms but not a single flea to deal with. Baldrick has had no contact with other dogs for almost a year, so we were surprised to learn that his scratching and moaning was caused by a flea infection. Our super vet who is always open, 24 hours a day even on Sundays, including shop and vet. chemist, was able to give us some pills that got rid of them within a few hours. Amazing.
I'm going to watch Wimbledon in the afternoon. Today there are three Italians; Cobolli, Sonego and Sinner.
After that, off to the pool for another swim.