Nature's Prozac give away

Guess what; despite the fact that the day started at 3.00am when Miles chucked up for the first time, (to be followed by yet another chunky eruption at about 4.45am), I am still smiling; despite the fact that I stayed up till gone midnight finishing hen proof curtains which have not even been closed today I am still smiling; despite the fact that whenever I pulled on my coat and boots this afternoon to pop out and spread a bit of manure the heavens opened and soaked me, I'm still smiling.

Before I tell you why I must show you my hen defence mechanism which will hopefully prevent access by all flying pests too. They are weighted in the corners with pebbles so that they stay put on the floor when drawn.

Now, here's the good bit, when the children had gone to bed there was still enough light left to pop up to my patch with a glass of chardonnay in one hand, spade in the other and earth up my potatoes, pick some of the first bits of salad and transplant a few mangetout that are rapidly outgrowing their guttering.

I sometimes ask myself why I go to such lengths to grow my own veg when I could just pop out and buy it just like that. That dusky half hour tonight is one of the reasons why I don't do that. It's nature's Prozac. Time spent creating, playing an active part in the life cycle and meeting the very basic needs of family and friends to the best of my abilities. It's great stuff. It's so great that I would like to share. I have a slight surplus of pea seeds (Cavalier) and am happy to send a few to anyone who would like to email me with their address. Go on - join the home grown revolution and reap the benefits!

Incidentally, Miles is fine now and I am beginning to wonder if it was something to do with our tadpole expedition last night.