Shepton Show

On Sunday we went to the Mid-Somerset Show. It's a great place for people watching, especially people with dogs. There were a lot of whippets and lurchers, terriers of all kinds but I didn't see one single Smooth. Oh, Maisie, you were very special.

There were people with cows and bulls,

and owners and breeders of all sizes with their sheep.

This being Somerset there were a great many tents selling cider along with all the usual show ground favourites,

and some good music from the Harlem Rhythm Cats.

I resisted buying another wicker basket, although I was tempted.

We are for ever finding pieces of clay pipe in the garden so I was interested to see this clay pipe mould amongst a display of old farm utensils.

Then we went into the flower marquee. The smell of crushed grass, the strange tented light, the perfume of flowers, all so incredibly nostalgic. There were gardens on plates,

'petite' arrangements

and 'tea for two'.

Cucumber sandwiches, of course!

Then we came to the serious stuff - vegetables!

The same chap seemed to have scooped most of the prizes.

I don't know how good the 'Black Cherry' variety of tomato tastes but it would have to be pretty sensational to make up for its very strange colour!

I had an earnest conversation with some vegetable admirers.
"What do you cook with an onion as big as 'e?"
I suggested batch cooking for the freezer and ratatouille.
"Rata?!!"

We agreed that the first prizewinner really knows his onions.

How sensational is his display!

But how good do vegetables taste that have been force fed to such huge proportions for showing?
We weren't too sure.

Outside Himself was having a lovely time ogling old cars and chatting to the owners.

In another marquee we looked at ducks. We used to keep Khaki Campbells. I love ducks, they are so sweet tempered.

'Only third place,' said this Indian Runner, 'What a disgrace, I can hardly show my face.'

'On second thoughts it's quite good, I could have been last. I'll just sit it out and smile.'

(I've heard Indian Runners being described as hock bottles on legs!)

Outside in the ring it was time for the driving pairs. Every aspect of the driving event was a pleasure to watch; the people, the horses, the rigs, the driving skills and not least the very particular judge.

Driver and groom going by,

and back again.

We thought that this very fine lady would be the winner, and we were right. She and her horse came round the ring in great style. Each time she went by everyone applauded and received a very gracious "thank you."

Horses were clipping the fences as we left, too nerve-wracking for me!

The car was parked in a distant field. We could hear the Wurzels singing behind us in the distance as we bumped over the meadow, heading for home before the rush.

Clevedon

We went to Clevedon the other day, a town on the Bristol Channel. Years ago, when we had an old clinker-built National 12 sailing boat, we used to launch from the slipway on the small beach. The foreshore is muddy, the currents are strong and the rise and fall exceptionally high; people rarely swim in the murky water. We were coming ashore one day when I saw a small child run down the slipway and drop over the side. He disappeared completely from sight. No parent came running after him. I brought the boat alongside while Himself got into the water and searched about, eventually bringing up the small, spluttering boy who ran back to the beach. None of the adults sunbathing on the rocks took the slightest interest!
Two Victorian features in the town are the pier and the bandstand. The pier was restored thanks to energetic fund-raising. Planks for the walkway could be bought and fitted with a brass inscription and we purchased one for our daughters. On this visit we were offered some Brasso and a cloth if we wanted to polish the plaque. I politely declined. Another time, perhaps!
The small gallery had an exhibition of deckchair designs. Here is one by Neil Murison which is going to be auctioned to raise money for ongoing maintenance.

Now it is the turn of the bandstand to receive some much-needed attention.

And just in time, the decorations are in a very poor state.

There are some attractive houses on the sea front. I took a peep through this gateway

and admired the pots of lilies.

Then we went for an ice-cream. Well, we were beside the seaside!

Fettling up

I'm busy cutting back plants that have flowered, hedges and shrubs that  have grown out of shape, and generally having a right good fettle up, as they say up north!  I've put the soft growth on the compost heap but there remains a huge pile of debris. Once it has dried out and there is a steady west wind I shall have the pleasure of lighting an enormous bonfire.
The flowers with late summer colours are starting to emerge.

A small clematis is attempting to rise above the fennel. It is actually blue, but the camera occasionally seems to make up it's own colours on a whim!

I've spent today sorting out my garden store. This is my sole domain - Himself has the garage, a painting shed and a carving room, but he sneaked up with the camera to record what I was up to.

The little building is crammed with things that some might think a load of rubbish, such a various bits of string and bent wire.  I'm sure they will all come in useful sometime or other!

I'm winning!

Okay, so it looks a tad scruffy. But I can assure you that it's a whole lot better than it was before.

Salad days.

The torrential downpours have certainly perked things up, the lawn looks almost green again, the water butts are full to the brim

and the squash are swelling!

I'm very pleased with the King Edward Red seed potatoes that I bought at the seed swap, they've produced a good sized, clean crop and have a lovely texture. I'm storing a few to plant next year.

I've grown nearly all my tomatoes indoors because I wasn't expecting such a lovely summer.

I usually grow the cucumbers outside on the flat but this year they too are indoors, climbing up canes. They are performing very well, four large cucumbers harvested so far and another four on the way.

It's all very well, but there is hardly any space left for us!

We can just about squeeze in under the lilies and the cherry reds!

I've picked some sweet peas from the garden and carnations from the greenhouse for Jane's flowers in the house.

I'm a little late for her party - apologies - but I'm busy harvesting crops,

and eating them! Salad, salad....

salad!