Sun ripening

This giant squash grew in the heavy damp clays in the shadier part of the garden. One of five. Last year they were attacked by our friend the porcupine. But not seen hide nor hair of our pal. Although a badger (tasso) has clearly been visiting judging by the tidy midden.

The heat is returning with a rejuvenated African high pressure system. The weather the last week did not live up to the grim forecasts as Atlantic depressions tracked further west over Corsica and Sardinia and down to Calabria. On our last night at the sea we could see big orange purple flashes of lightning far to the west.

Plus free extra: Self-portrait with plum jam