SPELL of hot weekend weather is not wasted and we indulge in breakfast in the garden, a trip to the outdoor pool and a barbecue at the Keynes Country Park.

We pack all this into one day mindful that in this country you have to grab the good weather with both hands. It could be raining tomorrow.

We are a family of three this weekend as daughter is away at Brownie camp and the house is noticeably quiet.

Son and husband do their best, but noise levels just cannot compete with a daughter who has no off switch. Marvel at Brown Owl s ability to cope with 30 squealing young girls who are away from home and want to SHOUT VERY LOUDLY because they can.

In daughter's absence son is allowed to taste the first strawberry of the year on the allotment.

He declares it "so sweet" and greedily pulls at another only to find that it has been half-eaten on the underside by a nasty pest.

Oh well, he's learnt a harsh lesson in life. Never go back for more - you'll always be disappointed.

One thing that we can't get enough of at the moment on the plot is salad. Yes, it's the first glut of the year.

Lettuce leaves are abundant and I am planning all of my meals around them.

Anyone who wants to try roast dinner with a salad on the side should call in for Sunday lunch at our house.

Even the slugs are fed up and are bypassing the salad in favour of my tender butternut squash plants.

June and July calendar is now completely full with school events including the summer fete, concerts and choir recitals.

Thankfully adult time is well catered for and already includes two summer parties and a Radiohead concert.

Here comes the summer!