Yesterday there were 6 for lunch. I picked some greens and leeks from the garden and parsley from the greenhouse, then shredded it all and braised it in a little butter. A few potatoes freshly dug from the polytunnel, quickly cubed and then tossed in a little butter and sauteed strips of salmon and lunch was in the table in just 10 minutes. When they rolled in from working in the orangery and the greenhouses they tucked in and pronounced it delicious. Followed by pancakes with our own apple and blackcurrant and a little ice cream (I confess here I did not make the ice cream, but I often do) it made a quick and healthy lunch. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

Joyce and John are off home on Saturday after putting so much effort into to making the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate's glass houses spic and span. Everything now works and is spotlessly clean. Don't know what we would do without their visits.

Everyone's efforts see the brick paved paths brushed and free from leaves, windows cleaned and ground prepared for more planting. Guests are due in on Saturday in Barley Cottage may be in for a couple of hours of snow - not much is forecast, but it is still going to be exciting - love those snowflakes dusting the landscape.