As anticipated the grapes on the vine are starting to ripen as the long hot summer continues [see entry dated 14th. August]. This only happens - in Hertfordshire at least - during the longest hottest summers and this one is surely going to break records.

 I'm enjoying the sun but we need rain. Some say it would be rather pleasant if southern England became more like the Mediterranean. Trouble is that would mean the Mediterranean becomes more like the sub-Sahara.

 The figs are also becoming ripe. Blackbirds are pecking away like mad at them but that's ok.