Sort-of-brother-in-law Alan makes very good bread, a mixture of spelt and rye. I had to abandon rye flour, except for the starter, as it was just too solemn and heavy. His is made with yeast, not sourdough, though. So I bought some spelt and added that, 50/50 with wheat flour to today’s mixture. We’ll see how it turns out, I’ll leave it overnight, then put it in the tin and let it rise for a few more hours before baking it.

I had an invoice today, from a company that my tree guy hired a digger from. However, I’d paid in advance, including a £500 refundable deposit in case of damage. I queried it, the DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY didn’t seem to know the difference between an invoice and a receipt, but it didn’t itemise what I’d paid anyway. I suspect it was ineptitude and not dishonestly, but quite poor, anyway. I trust I’ll have my deposit returned by Monday, or else I’ll be back asking about it. Rob has provisionally booked the digger again for a couple of months’ time, but I’m now doubtful that they’re worth sticking with, especially as the machine broke down twice. However, I’ll tell him what I think and leave it to him, because I prefer minimum stress nowadays.

There are quite a lot of firework parties about, but Eloise cat is completely unbothered. I looked up recipes for veggie burgers today. My friend the Country Smallholder has an excellent recipe, she brought some along to last year’s party – but the list of ingredients is massive, including beans, beetroot, mushrooms, quinoa, tofu and many flavourings. Considering there is only one vegetarian and this would serve at least 8 people, if not 12, I couldn’t face it. In the end, I’m sorry to say, I bought veggie burgers. 3 different sorts, so he has a choice – or I can cook them all, I’m sure they’ll be eaten. I completely forgot to buy Phil’s favourite beer: Adnam’s Broadside. I’ll have to nip out in the morning. Nothing but the best for my favourite son-in-law.