Feeling cold and wintry and trying hard to get the onion sets planted before the end of the week. The ground has been dug twice and fed well with manure. But there is so much to do for the book launch! What is good is that, locally, there is a general air of excitement. Mandy, at the Wine Vaults, used to be my allotment neighbour. She has kindly put up a poster about the book and seemed unfazed when I said that we had no idea how many might come. Other posters will be put up around town in the next few days. Prize for the one who spots them all!

Time for a winter dish and tonight we are having Beetroot Bourguignon. For good measure I have added into it some kidney beans, left over from the weekend, and a good pinch of chilli flakes. The smell is tantalising and I note that William has already opened a bottle of Chilean wine and put it in the kitchen to warm. -Susan