Wet, soggy, muddy, misty and miserable,

We didn't go to the allotment at all last week. If we hadn't Ruby to consider, we probably wouldn't have ventured out at all, other than for Martyn to attend a hospital appointment.

Not only was it bitterly cold, with frost decorating everywhere, but it was also very misty.

The afternoon that we visited Nostell, the mist gradually thickened and later in the evening the fog rolled in.

In spite of the miserable conditions, we managed an hour or so walking round the lake.

Everywhere under foot was really wet and soggy so we didn't venture into the meadows where it can be quite boggy.

It's a pity really as now that the cows have been taken in and the electric fences taken down we could have enjoyed a much longer walk.

Although we stuck to the paths, Ruby didn't. She doesn't let the conditions spoil her fun and makes no allowances for mud and wet grass. As she likes to sniff everywhere,  she is especially drawn to cowpats, molehills and drainage channels, it's not just her feet that end up in a mess.

When we arrived home we headed straight for the bathroom where legs, paws and the ends of ears were given a good wash.

At least, on an evening, we could shut out the weather and enjoys a hot meal.

Meals last week that used our produce were a turkey and black bean quinoa bake that incorporated our onion, garlic and frozen sweetcorn.

I made a vegetable hash in which I used some of our squash, potatoes, shallot and garlic. As I didn't have any kale I substituted this with some spinach.

Another warming meal was a potato curry. Into this went some of our potatoes, onion, garlic and frozen peas.

In spite of us having no actual rain, everywhere is so wet, so it looks as though any gardening will be put on hold for a while but we will need to visit the plot this week to replenish our vegetable stocks.

I also foresee another feet washing session for Ruby, but don't tell her.

That's all for now - keep safe and well and let's all hope that this new Covid variant doesn't turn out to be the beast that we are all being threatened with!

Copyright: Original post from Our Plot at Green Lane Allotments http://glallotments.blogspot.co.uk/ author S Garrett