Thanks to my enforced break, literally, from the business and garden, I'm going to have a lot of catching up to do when the bones in my ankle have finally knitted. From what I can see of the jungle out there, everything seems to be growing just fine without my tender ministrations and, no doubt, the slugs are having a high old time. I'm hoping the present inclement weather will hold back the goose- and strawberries till I'm walking again and I managed to see to the rhubarb when still hobbling, whilst hoping I'd only sprained the ankle! So there's plenty of chutney with dates; and jam, with or without ginger. I've missed a couple of markets and the next one could prove logistically challenging...picturesque cobbles (lethal in wet weather) and no disabled access.

Red Onion Relish

My Red Onion Relish started life as a 'marmalade'.....just like the recipe said; until Trading Standards stepped in and said it was misleading. People might be tempted to put it on their toast for breakfast and besides, it had to be made with citrus fruit. Actually, mine does have orange juice and zest in, and the advantage of direct sales at markets means I can answer queries as they arise. So what, I'm asked, does it go with? Well, pates and terrines for starters or perhaps soft white cheeses like baked brie or camembert. Add some warm crusty bread and a glass or two of cool Chablis.... job done!

Four Seasons Pantry

I'm still finding dead bodies in the garden i.e. young plants which didn't make it through the winter; such as some (so-called) hardy fuchsias and a couple of dahlias I didn't dig up in time before the arctic blasts arrived. Various ancient clay pots which belonged to my parents will also have to be recycled as drainage crocks, having crumbled with the frosts. Why is it that plants you wouldn't mind seeing thinned out a bit, like crocosmias and dandelions, soldier on come what may.

The rodent population has also suffered a drop in numbers; I've found 2 dead mice by the cold-frame in the last week, without a mark on them. Either my hound of death has scared the living daylights out of them or nibbling my sprouting scabious disagreed with them, fatally.

For most people, the first signs of spring are to be seen in the garden as buds and shoots struggle to escape the icy grip of winter. But I like to think the arrival of the Seville oranges in mid-January pips them (sorry!) at the post. A few months earlier and the combination of orange with cinnamon and cloves conjures up cosy images of roaring log fires, long winter nights and other such cliches. Whereas now, the sharp citrus smell stimulates the senses and galvanises me into action....OK, slight exaggeration...but it's marmalade-making time and I have been slicing pounds and pounds of fruit. I've got 5 main varieties in production; Traditional, Dark Chunky, Ginger, Rich Whisky and Apricot with Orange...so there's something to suit everyone.

There was a right hullaballoo up at Caer Rocks today as a buzzard tucked into his Sunday lunch, much to the vocal dismay of a horde of jackdaws...no doubt mourning the loss of a distant cousin. The moles have also been pretty busy up there. It must have been getting real stuffy underground during the freezing weather; but with the thaw they've been emerging for a breath of fresh air and creating a rash of molehills.

All is quiet with Four Seasons until the Seville oranges appear in a few weeks time, which means I've got plenty of time to catch up with paperwork ( picture, if you can, the cartoon elongation of my nose).

Yes the snow has gone, for the time being, but it was a nice shot of Ollie.