Monday 8th July. Harvest of white foxgloves, calendula, ravenswing & corn poppies. Brown paper bags everywhere. Made broad bean pesto with lemon and fresh peas from house garden.

Tuesday 9th July. Took box of seeds to The Newt.. Tried to deliver in person to the shop to have a look round but sent round to the tradesmen’s entrance, much to A's amusement. Made up for it with breakfast in Bruton.

Wednesday 10th July. Back to work. Morning in the office and then Bath in the afternoon. Stopped the car on the way home and gazed at a smoke bush in full glory. A hot hot day.

Thursday 11th July. Corfe Farmers' Market. Bought jams, bantam eggs and bags of fresh salad. Someone lit a bonfire on the other side of the village and for a moment, it smelt like autumn. Debated an honesty box at the front of the cottage.

Friday 12th July. Rain in the night. Air feels fresh and the grass is wet up to thighs on the morning dog walk. Cut honeysuckle back where it is choking the young beech hedge.

Saturday 13th July. Trip to busy Bridport with A to buy an arch for akebia. Bought two perfect Sarah Gee Ceramics mugs instead. Hugo came. Behaved moderately well.  

Sunday 14th July. Hot but coming cool in the evening. Cut and photographed the sweet pea harvest. Piggy Sue still stand out variety in terms of productivity, health and beauty. Stem length starting to shorten as the vines reach the top of the tunnel.