Woke this morning to go mushroom hunting. We were talking with Trevor our neighbouring farmer to see if he had seen any this year while inspecting his sheep but he has not spotted any at all. We have had loads of horse mushrooms popping up in the large greenhouse but they do not have the flavour of field mushrooms.

Loads of scarlet rose hips and hoar berries in the hedgerows add a touch of colour now that the leaves are starting to turn and the paths and drive ways have drifts of autumn leaves that will need gathering up. I might take the American blower out and make short work of this task. The small tractor and large rolling brush will clear the drive. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

Only a few weeks now until our Anna Maria Island Florida holiday. If you want to see where we are going take a look at the gorgeous new web page at http://www.amisland.com/

Apparently it has all the new features including online booking, up to date availability calendar and the house, Villa christina, looks divine. I told a friend about it and they phoned to tell me they booked Villa rosa as it was such a good deal in November.

I have apples and pears from the orchard stored in the garage and made a smashing dessert with pears poached with just a little water and a sprinkling of demerara sugar. Remove pears, reduce syrup, add a good splash of Courvoisier and allow to cool to just warm. Toast some almonds in a dry pan and sprinkle over. It is quick and easy