SATURDAY 22nd

A nice day.
Started cold though, had to scrape ice off the car at 07:30 when we went shopping - first time this Autumn.  (No great deal from the butcher today, but that's OK.) Stayed sunny, but the temperature didn't get above about 14C.

Ali cut the big leylandii hedge (it's smaller than it used to be, about 5' high, but still something like 90' long). Did a great job.

I went for a walk while she was recovering, up to the dam at Bartley Green reservoir (part of Birmingham's water supply system) so walked about 1.8 miles. Irritated that I still can't carry anything, but working on it.
Went shopping to Northfield to buy some bits and pieces (would you believe account books and bagels?)

We're worried about our neighbour. He isn't young and seems to be having a lot of health issues. Obviously don't want to interfere, but he's a good guy and his family don't live close. 

I cooked (Ali did dessert). We ate:

Duck rillettes, with salad, crostini, cornichons.
Duck breast, fondant potatoes, creamed peas with shallots, red wine sauce.
Creme brulee. 

(I thought it was rather good: I was escpecially pleased with the potatoes and peas, as these were experiments. I can finally cook duck consistently!)