So far, so good.

No aches, no pains,  able to do all my back exercises again and now that we really do have summer......30 this afternoon on the terrace.......am also swimming easily.  Last week it hurt to swim and I blew up a rubber ring to hold and just kicked my legs.

So a new project - one that wasn't planned but like a lot of things has just evolved.   The awning over the seating area by the pool gives just the right amount of shade but billows in the breeze and  gets damaged if there is a strong wind.   So we thought about planting something green to eventually cover the framework - ivy or grape vines - wasps would be a problem with grapes but I'm sure we can find a way round that - cut off the grapes early.    Last Friday  saw the start of low walls to create some beds and Monday we emptied the first of 3 compost heaps,  cut out enough rooted ivy to start it all off and today I've added geraniums that were struggling in pots,  gazania seedlings,  and next in - to a shadier bed - will be herbs such as parsley and basil.

Recently planted out and also doing well are courgettes, 3 different types of squash,  peppers, cucumbers  and  celeriac.  The lettuces are still hanging on, some beginning to bolt though,  dwarf beans in  but not up,  the coriander is setting seeds, the garlics are  swelling,  parsley and purple basil in pots all around the place and we found some forgotten-about sprouting potatoes which we've planted and are keeping our fingers crossed.  I think potatoes can go in at just about any time....  if we get a few meals of little baby spuds as an extra that'll be good enough.

And strawberries!  Wimbledon soon - we'll have to sit out here and eat strawberries and cream but probably not watch unless there's an exciting final.