RUNNERS

My friend Jack gave me these seed beans a couple of years ago. I ran out of space to plant them last year, but this year I am so enjoying them. They stand almost two metres tall, glowing like a Christmas tree with their spectacular red flowers and just dripping with the lovely pods, like a superabundance of gift packages. Trim the ends, slice diagonally and steam gently for a few moments on top of some crispy fried bacon, onion and garlic, then toss in some fennel flowers. Heaven.

I have been wrestling on and off since 5 am with a formatting issue, but think I have it sorted. In between, it's been gentle autumn tidying and harvesting in the garden. Off out now to our local practice group. Feel tired, but I just know it will rejuvenate me.

The Professor has a new laptop. It's all very exciting , but Windows 8 is very frustrating.