Dead wood, confession and sign of summer.

1. Yesterday I cleared the dead twigs from under the little weeping willow in our front garden. Today, when I open the curtains in the front room, I can see what a difference my work has made. It gives the understorey a chance to speak.

2. I confess to Nick that I finished the bar of chocolate while he was napping, and he's all right with that.

3. I take Alec round the Grove hoping he will sleep through supper. No such luck... but I do see some dancing midges gilded by the evening sun.