We have had some lovely days and the warmth is much appreciated, especially by the chickens and other birds who lie basking in the sunshine and taking dust baths.

In the barn, the swallows' nests are full of baby birds who make the most frightful racket when their parents approach with food. The parents fly around the barns with aerial displays as they gather insects and grubs. I could waste a lot of time just watching them, and do.

The dogs have been having fun too. Cecily has learned not to try to take bones from the other dogs or to invade Fair's bed. She thinks it's fun to chase the cats and is most bewildered when Ban, my black and white laid-back cat, pays no attention or swipes her if she gets too intrusive. Brillo has also learned not to pinch a chew from Cecily. The result was a visit to the vet for an antibiotic for a nick in
her ear.

It will take a while for the dogs to work out a pecking order, but they all play with each other and seem to be starting to work out the hierarchy. All cuddly toys are dismembered with frantic growls and gusto, usually in the sitting room.

My local Help the Aged shop has a huge supply of such toys, which I buy in bulk. (I openly admit to having a much-loved and ancient teddy which has suffered from dogs before. It now lives on top of the bookcase.)

I know that the shop staff are desperate for some decent books and clothes and things so I shall go down with a load for them very soon. The manageress has asked me to mention they need things.

The other night I saw the amazing light from high clouds at about 2am. It was spectacular and almost eerie. The daylight fades about 11 at the moment and is back by about 4.30am when I usually wake, let the dogs out and then, when I've collected them, go back to bed for a couple of hours. I do not ever remember seeing this phenomenon before and I was mystified until it was explained on the telly the next day. It was light enough to wake me.

The festival has started down in the village. The place is swarming with tourists and there are many events going on. There were fireworks the other night. I could hear them even though I am more than a mile away.

At work, the pub is busy. This last weekend bought in some lovely people, but also some of the rudest and most offensive customers. In one case, a man thought it was his mission in life to belittle our lovely young waitress.

I was at the point of going out and telling him a thing or two when our manager politely explained to him that if he couldn't be civil, he would be asked to leave. He didn't even bother to apologise.

The Buckden Singers' concerts are looming fast. We had a rehearsal up at Hubberholme this week. Our tenor soloist was away but we had a splendid understudy. He and I refer to ourselves as "the two fivers", and in one song we sang with great enthusiasm but, unfortunately, three beats ahead of everyone else.

This resulted in everything grinding to a halt amid howls of mirth. We got it right the next time. That's what rehearsals are for.