Dear fellow gardeners,

The battle against the slugs and snails has begin again. I cleared the last of bushes away which was a damp shelter for them and put all I found in a bucket and killed them. I put slugclear granules around the most affected veggies but a few days ago I saw that magpies are picking up the white granules and eat them? Am I missing something here? Anyone else had this issue?

I have been wearing Doc Martins for decades, seem to recall I was 10 when I got my first pair back in the 70s, I have both boots and shoes, several pairs don't wear owt else, apart from trainers.

4 weeks ago I went to the Doc's with a painful shoulder.  He asked me if I check my breasts to which I replied not for years.  Well, he said, you have got a lump, and I will arrange an urgent at the breast clinic.
I have kept it to myself and told nobody.  I thought well I cannot change it anyway, so I kept silent rather than worry others.
I went on Tuesday.  I had 6 mammograms and then a CT scan, the scan specialist was called and he sent me to another mammogram which took a deeper picture.  Back to the CT room, and then into the specialist, who said.  There is a lump, but we do not think it is malignant.   Watch and see.
What shocked me most of all was listening to chatter from other ladies.  One who was about early 40's with three teenage children and one of six years, she has had to have both breasts removed and re-constructive surgery.  She had to have radiotherapy at a hospital in Brighton, for 29 consecutive days, also chemo.  Imagine all that with a young family.  I remarked that she should have a family holiday now.   She replied,  No, I have to have a hysterectomy in 2 weeks time, as they have found rogue cells.
I came out feeling so sad for this lady.  There's me 80 years old in June, and came out ok, and this poor woman is undergoing all this.
Money, cannot buy health.   But  please keep on checking yourself.  That goes for you men as well, you have vulnerable bits, so have a feel.   Mrs Bouquet  PS.  You can get breast cancer even if you are 70+

They are trailing giant flowering ones.  I have put one in the centre and four around the sides. Thanks, if I cn do a 'photo later I will.   Mrs B

The same thing has happened with my dahlia tubers, some growing well, some half-hearted and some no shows  GG.

I've put it down to either low quality compost or perhaps I've over-watered them, so they've rotted