She's a good sport

Hasn't it been a lovely day today. I went another walk this morning, no not my usual hike, this time it really was a stroll in the park. My friend Irene did a three mile sponsored walk for Sports Relief, along the roads surrounding Central Park. I went to keep her company. There was the usual razamataz at the beginning, the warm up session that had us hopping about and clapping our hands, the colourfull fancy dress outfits, and the pop music blaring out. It was nice to see a lot of families with small children taking part, groups of teenage girls enjoying themselves, and a few serious runners who were quick off the mark. This is Irene.

It didn't seem to take us long to complete the circuit, even though we were last in the three mile event, mind you we were nattering all the way. I think Irene did extremely well considering it wasn't that long ago that she had an operation, and she also has a few back problems. As far as I could see, Irene was probably the oldest person to take part, and I was probably the second oldest, ha ha.

When we got to the finishing line Irene was given her goody bag and a medal, then I was handed one as well. I said I wasn't taking part, but they insisted I had one because I did the walk. So we both have a medal. I think Irene might get hooked on this walking lark, maybe I have found a walking buddy.

I called in Tesco on the way home and found a few bargains. I spent £4.45 on reduced price, bread, crumpets, hot cross buns, mushrooms, potatoes, and cauliflower. That is all I need, I still have lots left from my big shop last week.

I did a bit of work in the garden this afternoon. Normally at this time of year I have got my seeds in trays on the window sill, but I haven't done anything yet. I will have to pull my finger out or I will have no veg to eat in the summer. I am going to keep it simple this year, only grow stuff that doesn't need pampering, I will get it started then it will have to look after itself.

I found some seed potatoes for £1 a bag at Poundland. They were well chitted so I put them straight into the raised beds. I have sown runner beans, tomatoes, and cucumber seeds, in plastic drinks cups. I didn't buy any new compost, but used the old compost from last year out of the raised beds. I don't know if the seeds will germinate, we shall see.

I've still got some sprouts left to eat from last year, as soon as they have gone I can use the bed again for something else. I am not going to do brassicas again, it is just too much trouble to keep them covered. You get them going in the spring, the butterflies somehow manage to get under the net curtains and lay their eggs, and the slugs attack them from the bottom. I just can't be bothered.

I will just grow the things that I know will do well, like the courgettes, cucumber, salad leaves, runner beans, a few tomatoes, carrots, and of course spuds. They will have to look after themselves while I go gallivanting about.