Hello, Ducky

We needed more eggs so had a wander down to the smallholding outside the village where we get them. On the way we passed some cows and calves in the lane which I've added as an extra. The smallholding is run by two ladies in association with the British Hen Welfare Trust and I was impressed to see that in the three years since they opened they have rehomed over 4600 battery hens. They have their own hens, turkeys and ducks for laying and most are bred on site. These ducklings (with their proud mum) came rushing round for some food and when they saw the water bowl first one, then four, jumped in for a swim.

Update on the gas leak; the gas man (a dead ringer for Donald Sutherland) arrived at 9pm and replaced the leaking valve with a temporary replacement. He then drove to Bridgnorth in Shropshire this morning to get the right one (as the valve is no longer made) and still managed to get to us by 9.30am to fit it. Bearing in mind that was a round trip of about 120 miles to get to us, I was impressed. Apparently our tank is due to be replaced next year so he is arranging a replacement (with modern valves) as soon as possible. I don't think that's bad for £15 a quarter even if the LPG is more expensive than mains gas.