Author Archives: james

It’s aircon, Jim, but not as we know it

Posted on June 23, 2026 by james

It’s so hot today that I’ve taken to removing something from the fridge every half hour or so, just for the waft of cold air that comes out 😀

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I think we’re establishing a pattern now

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

Took the drugs a bit late today, but the readings are still following the same pattern. Morning, early afternoon, evening…

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Sometimes I do wonder what the Met Office are thinking

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

From today’s forecast: So, at midday they’re showing a less than 5% chance of precipitation, but showing a “showers” icon. Then from 1pm there’s a 20% chance of precipitation, but no “showers” icon. Errr, what?

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Speidel apple press bleed valve replacement

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

Some time back I posted a photo of one of these presses where the top of the (brass) bleed valve had snapped off flush with the top of the central stainless steel support for the bladder. In an attempt to … Continue reading →

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I think this dog must be quite ill

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

It has been throwing up all over my polytunnel…

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A shaggy inkcap story

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

At least, that’s what I think this is. I discovered it, all by its lonesome, in the polytunnel when I was watering this evening. If my identification is correct then I gather they’re considered very tasty, but you have to … Continue reading →

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What a storm!

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

This is the lightning strikes map for the storm that passed overhead today (as mentioned in my previous post). Different colour dots represent strikes that occurred in various time ranges from up to ten minutes (red) to between fifty minutes … Continue reading →

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No dig diary, 22nd June 2026

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

With a forecast of ridiculously high temperatures here in the wilds of West Somerset starting today, I got out early and opened up the greenhouses and polytunnel (which was already very hot). Some of the peppers were looking rather droopy, … Continue reading →

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My Dog Vomit slime mould is bleeding!

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

Sort of 😀 Looks like it is, though clearly that can’t be the case. I can’t find any information on what the liquid is though.

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And once again…

Posted on June 22, 2026 by james

This is getting predictable now…

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