Mr M was honest enough to admit that when he'd first considered digging up the two "plants" in his front garden so that they could be moved a few months ago, they really were just "plants"...as opposed to the small trees they'd become now.

Armed with a great array of tools, most of which were needed as the ground was rock solid, we got to work on the living tree that he does want to replant in his back garden, and after a bit of judicious digging, cutting of a few roots and much brute force, it came loose and we had it bagged and moved.

The second tree, now sadly expired, but still needing to be removed, proved an easier task as the soil was a bit softer around its roots, and by now we were experts with the tools and the level of force that needed applying. Again after much pushing and pulling and cutting, the roots came loose and it lifted out ready for disposal.

We levelled the disturbed soil, brushed the pebbles back over, and you'd never know they'd even been there...

For those of a certain (pre-screen) age, and to while away long car journeys, you used to play a game where each player in turn added an item to an ever increasing shopping list...until someone's memory failed them and they were out.

Today was a return to that game for Mr M - "I'd like the same as last week, but one more vegetable soup, and this particular loaf of bread"...of course I could have noted it all down on my phone, but where's the fun in that...

Mrs S was feeling a little warm this afternoon - with no breeze and a small fan in her kitchen, the ongoing hot spell is tiring her out. To this end she was determined that I get her a large tub of ice cream, and when I asked if she had any particular flavour in mind, she replied "Nope, plain vanilla is good, as I'll tart it up with loads of other stuff..." - noting Mrs S's culinary skills, I don't doubt this would end up as being quite some creation...

It was one of those random shopping karma moments this afternoon - there was no little gem lettuce to be found, and Mr R had made a specific request on his Andrex (4 rolls), of which there was also none to be located - however there was the (more expensive) 9 roll pack, so I took a chance that the £20 he had given me would still be enough in spite of the extra rolls...when it came to pay, the total hit £20 exactly...sometimes it's the simplest of things that bring most pleasure.