Our ex-neighbours newest bungalow

Two years ago we had temporary neighbours who tried to build a log cabin using our trees. Luckily for our trees, they didn't stay long and moved on. I thought they had crossed over to a parallel stream but they had in fact just moved further up our stream, first building s dam in the forest and now a new dam further back towards us, in the middle of fields with no cover. Hopefully they don't come closer. They and their dams are protected by law and if they caused flooding in our garden it may not be easy to get them relocated.

The dogs were fascinated by all the beaver slides, constantly searching and sniffing. No beavers to be seen.

Has been a misty, damp day without any rain. Planned garden clearing got moved a day (or so) but ought to get on with it as it's due to get very cool later in the week and snow possible. Time to think about putting the winter tyres on Angie's car, mine has All Year tyres which are a compromise but importantly legal in snow. Driving with tyres "unfit" for the conditions carries fines and can cause all sorts of insurance problems - gross negligence.

To cheer myself up baked a quick apple tart with apples from the garden. Never made one before and was impressed especially as it was so easy. Not sure if tart is the right word. Put a 5cm thick layer of sticky flour/sugar/egg mixture in a tin, 5cm of apple slices on top and 40 mins in the oven. A sort of sponge cake with loads of soft apple on top.

Before that, tried my Saturday's homemade Branston pickle with some cold meat leftovers. It should have been left to mature for a week or two but couldn't resist - to me and even Angie it tasted very good, just a tick too sweet.