The Swallows are back!

Just to let you know we saw our first swallow back from its long journey from South Africa yesterday, April 8th - wow! In 15 years living here, this is the earliest we have ever known them arrive. And it is all the more surprising, and welcome, coming after the hardest winter in living memory. The symbol of summer has arrived two weeks sooner than usual!

Easter at River Cottage

Easter was cold and showery with south-west gales but that didn't dampen our spirits here at river Cottage. Eileen was busy attending the Achill Country Market with our free range hen eggs for sale (see www://achillcountrymarket.blogspot.com/). An Easter tree made from a willow branch graced the hall hung with coloured paper eggs and curly hens' feathers.

Now we are busy painting Fuchsia Chalet/studio and filling our new raised beds with compost so we can get on with growing beetroot, carrots, parsnips, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, leeks, spring onions, shallots and courgettes. It's going to be a great year for eating and we can't wait.

I'm away to paint another coat of gloss on the mezzanine rails. Take care.