Well, Baldrick was fun last night, although I didn't feel they really revealed THAT much more about the Henge. Shame really.

Its been very hot here for the last few days - too hot to sit out. Chinese people next door are spending every daylight hour working on some monstrous erection in their back garden. Possibly a shed, but weirdest construction if it is. I'm thinking maybe a DIY conservatory. The noise is somewhat annoying; it is usually peaceful round here, at least out the back, but now lots of yapping and hammering. God I hope that doesn't mean they are planning to breed. Too many blasted kids round here already, and the 'imported' ones are SO flipping loud! And then there's the little bugger who has obviously been expelled from school. He's been about, wandering up and down and playing with himself (literally and figuratively) for a couple of months now. Makes me really cross. Expulsion isn't an answer. He's not learning anything the way he is at the minute. How will he ever become a useful member of society? There should be some sort of compulsory alternative for expelled children - uber-detention where they are taught by people specialised in dealing with problem children.

Other Chinese woman who lives opposite is continuing to hang knickers in the stree-facing bedroom window. Its SO un-English! I really don't like it. I know she is doing it to get clothes dry, but has she not heard of clothes airers or washing lines? This is a respectable neighbourhood! Well, ish. Present company excluded, of course.

Ventured out to the shops today to get an anniversary card for David. Three years tomorrow since our Civil Partnership. Three rollercoaster years which saw us marry, move from Middlesbrough to Manchester, take on a Lodger, get rid of a lodger (LONG story, probably best not published) and my year of hell battling through lymphoma. Thank God I’ve had someone as wonderful as David. He’s been magnificent. Really, if it wasn’t for him and my Mum I don’t think I’d be alive now. That’s not to play down the superb medical treatment I have received, but having David there for me every day gave me a reason to want to live. And he never complained, despite all we have been through, and the difficulties of caring for a very ill partner. I love him so much.

So, shops for a card and called in at Wilkinsons for a couple of tubs so I can plant on a few of the experiments I’m growing in the back garden. Have a load of tubs and pots with a variety of herbs and veg. Not sure that it is any greener or more economical when you do the sums, but it is giving me something to do and having plants to tend helps me shift my focus sometimes when I’m feeling down. I started all this late in the season – I wasn’t well enough to get an early start, so it is touch and go as to what will be a success. Have lots of radishes up though, and some potatoes. The onions are doing ok, as are leeks, sweetcorn and tomatoes. Looks like the tomatoes are putting out their first sets, so we should get some sort of crop. Lots of herbs coming up and planted some more parsley today. Also the beetroot is germinated and has first leaves, so that is pleasing. David likes beet – I can’t stand the stuff; more mess than worth the effort if you ask me! And good news – it looks like I have at least one pea germinated! I was worrying as they have been ages showing any shoots, but the first one is just breaking the surface now, so I’m dead chuffed. The strawberries are starting to swell and may be a reasonable crop this year, if the blasted slugs don't get them. Slugs seem to be an incurable problem here - they love pellets! Finally today I sowed some sweet peas, as a contrast to all the edibles and because I love their scent. If they grow they’ll be lovely. Its a dwarf variety designed for pots, and according to the packet is heavily fragranced. Wish me luck!

More Twittering, although it is quiet online today. I think people are being sensible and enjoying the sunshine while it lasts, which, according to the forecast, won’t be for much longer. Probably back to jumpers tomorrow!