Chitting has started!

Yes, the time has come to set out the seed potatoes bought in January. I checked both bags today to find that the 2nd early variety (Maris Peer) has already started, and they are quite well advanced. The main crop, (Victoria) has just started sprouting too. So, both sets are now in trays 'chitting' in one of the cooler bedrooms.

Just 'chitting'

Just as well I've managed a few hours on the allotment gently forking over and preparing part of the plot for the seed potatoes - likely the end of March before the 2nd earlies go out. I've still plenty of catching up to do on the plot, nothing too serious, just last minute cutting back and soil preparation. Knowing how fickle February and March can be weather wise, I'm fairly relaxed about this - given previous experience; plants always seem to make up for late sowing/planting.

Lynne and I spent a very wet weekend in Canterbury (last weekend). Lynne doing a seminar on Genealogy business,  (she does Genealogy don't you know!) whilst I 'entertained' myself walking in the rain. Well, actually, I spotted a free entry CD and record fair - couldn't miss this I thought. Loads of old records and CDs being viewed by various 'characters' - I'll say no more. Spent 5 minutes wandering around, and much to the relief of Lynne did not purchase a Barry White live DVD! awwhh... Still, I had a few  nice coffees, read a magazine, browsed a second hand book shop and purchased two gardening books.

Spent Sunday morning driving around to see the sites at Whitstable and Herne Bay - rather gloomy and damp. Tried to visit a garden displaying hellebores and snowdrops, but when we got there we realised that the walking underfoot was going to be really muddy and boggy, and with the range of shoes we had thought better of it. Back to Canterbury and spent a while in the Cathedral. Loads of visitors all taking photos with their infernal digital cameras - twas like a circus..

Back at home, this week I visited Snowshill Manor (NT) to attend a volunteer meeting - though not sure to what extent I'll be able to volunteer this year as I start and run the business. After working in other people's gardens and my own + allotment, I might not want to 'volunteer' to do more gardening! I'll just have to see how things pan out.. Bought a couple of Snowshill snowdrops from the head gardener, so I'll have a piece of Snowshill in the front garden now.

It's been 4 weeks now since leaving paid employment, and the feeling of being on leave has diminished. Lynne has also realised I'm not going 'back-to-work' and that I'm here to stay!

I'm also looking forward to getting back out on the bike again. It seems so long since I've managed to ride any decent distances. The local club ride this Saturday takes in a lot of climbing so I'm avoiding that one until my legs have regained the strength I had last year - nothing more depressing than being continuously dropped off the back of the group on every climb!