Posted in The Vege Patch

It looks as though something has been eating my hedge plants. I can't be sure though - it could be a disease, but it has got me thinking about how I'm going to protect my vegetables once I get them planted out. There are lots of rabbits out there. Does anyone have any tips on how to keep them out other than putting a 12 foot brick wall all around the garden or having to fence the entire plot?

My husband Robin found a mouse in our ensuite! And we haven't even painted the walls yet. He's now thinking that we'll need to get a couple of barn cats. We can't have them in the house because one of our sons is allergic to them and gets bad asthma from cat hair. And our builder's dog - a Jack Russell - is having puppies. In spite of the fact that we have our own dog "Cricket" (a labrador), our children adore this little Jack Russell - she's got a lovely nature and is not at all yappy or jumpy. I have wanted to get another dog for ages, so I'd be thrilled to get one of her pups. She's due at Christmas time.

I made scones for lunch the other day. They're the real traditional English scones, and you can add raisins or dates to the mixture before baking. They're very quick to make and simple and they come out really fluffy. They're absolutely fool proof! They're gorgeous with jam and cream! Here's the recipe. This comes from my Aunt who lives in the Marlborough Sounds. My Grandfather who lived until he was 90 loved them and was always requesting them.

SCONES

2 cups plain flour

4 teaspoons Baking Powder

1 teaspoon sugar

Melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir, but not to much.

Pat down onto floured surface until about an inch thick. Slice into squares and place on a tray close together. Brush with melted butter. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes.