I have finally conceded that summer is over. We've had foul weather today, pouring rain and wind. Having just seen Dan Chusid's galleries on what's happening in his home town, I feel that it's insensitive to grumble about a bit of rain though.

My greenhouse is no longer the lush, burgeoning place it was a few weeks ago so the last of the tomatoes become Green Tomato Chutney this evening. In fact, they are simmering away in a huge pan as I write this. It's a long time since I last made this yummy chutney because we've been greenhouseless for a number of years now. It's amazing how satisfying it is to have the preserves pan out for the first time in so long. It's making me feel really good about what we have achieved here this year.

It's funny - if you'd asked me what we've done this year, I'd have said 'very little' - we've spent so much time waiting for a buyer to come along for David's house. So much time used up in maintaining his place for it to stand empty and unused. The truth is though that even with all of that going on, we've still managed to do stacks of stuff - not all of it terribly commendable or virtuous but even so.....