Well here we are again, another year older and deeper in debt. Well the last bit isn’t actually true, but the first most definitely is. So a happy New Year to you all, let’s hope that it’s a good one. To be honest, when I look back and reflect on 2024 it wasn’t a great one for me, there seemed to be too many setbacks and calamities for it to register any higher than ‘meh’ on the satisfaction chart. The weather didn’t help, the winter and spring were horribly wet, resulting in a late start to the growing season. Then I bashed my head with a substantial post knocker and still have the crescent shaped dent on my bonce to show for it. A little later on I cut the tip of my finger off with pair of secateurs, and whilst it is difficult to spot the damage as it healed so well, I still don’t have much feeling in the end of that digit. The summer holiday in Cornwall was a big disappointment, courtesy of pretty dreadful weather. Then I got shingles, which went on and on, my psoriasis got worse, then Covid, then Jennifer suddenly lost virtually all of the sight in one eye after a burst artery in August, and after 4 months of treatment at Addenbrookes eye clinic there has been no improvement in her vision. So you see it’s not 12 months that I will look back fondly on, so as the song lyrics go “things can only get better”.

Having said all of that many have had a far worse time, so I shouldn’t be so miserable. I have got generally good health, I have a wonderful group of supportive customers, and I am doing what I love doing. This is my 20th year at this, starting all those years ago in the walled garden at Langham Hall before moving to Moyns Park over 10 years ago, and many of you have been with me for much of that time, for which I am so very grateful.

I hope that you had a pleasant Christmas and New Year and avoided the flu and other nasty bugs that seem to be doing the rounds. I have enjoyed having an extended break and have been quite restrained, only going to the garden on a few occasions, just to check that it’s still there, and to feed the birds. I have got back into reading, having already consumed two of the books that I received as gifts. I hope that I get back reading regularly having lost the habit for quite some time. I would like to thank those of you that generously gifted me a Christmas present, it’s always a thrill to feel appreciated by you, I love you all (said theatrically with a Noel Coward flourish whilst wearing my quilted silk smoking jacket).

Did you see Venus last night shining brightly up close and personal alongside the crescent moon? It was an impressive sight, as was the star strewn sky generally. Not so this evening, thick cloud heralds the approach of a warm front, with the possibility of snow as it collides with cold air before turning to rain. The past couple of mornings with penetrating frosts has made for fantastic dog walking conditions, with both walk and walked coming back relatively unmuddied, in complete contrast to those filthy mild and murky days around Christmas. After the silly 12° of tomorrow (Sunday) it looks like being a cold week ahead, which is fine by me – particularly if there is sunshine with it.

Being the first week back after the festive break the offering in the shop is limited, as the supply chain takes some time to refill. Next week everything will get back to some kind of normality. There are, however, a couple of new items to unveil with a fanfare and a drum roll. Ready? It’s the season for marmalade making, so Seville Oranges are back. I have ordered a limited quantity, but will have them for weeks to come, so don’t worry if you miss out this week. Also, I am giving Avacados a go. I haven’t seen them, so I don’t know how big they are or how ripe they will be, so it will be a voyage of discovery. I will have my fingers crossed that they are everything that we want them to be, because they are ever so good for you. In addition there will be regular oranges, lemons and Clementines. I am hoping that there will be apples next week.

As for vegetables there will be purple sprouting broccoli, January King cabbages and Cavolo nero. Sweet potatoes, beetroot, swede, carrots, parsnips, squash and cherry tomatoes make up the other highlights. I have ordered the first batch of mushrooms from Armagh, so lets hope that they are good.

The farmers’ market at Wyken starts up again on Saturday after its winter break, so come along and stock up, or just say hello. John the fish won’t be there until the following Saturday because the boats haven’t been out for long enough after Christmas to land their catches.

Right I’m off to shine up the runners on the sledge and go for a midnight toboggan down the hill before the rain arrives. I’ve got this wonderful new headtorch that will illuminate the way for me, and will assist those that may come to recover me….or not.

Have a good week, I look forward to seeing you again at the start of yet another new year.

Phil