Unlike the people in some parts of the UK, we had no problem at all when we went to vote. As Andrew was off to London, we were at the polling station just after seven. There was a brisk throughput of people which was very encouraging. I still feel very privileged when I vote. Democracy and an open, free vote are precious things that many people all over the world do not currently enjoy and the situation is even worse for women. One of the things that I feel very encouraged by is the gradual "normalisation" of women in politics. It is no longer remarkable to see female candidates - although there is still some way to go to ensure better female representation at the very top levels. When I think back to the 1980s and the appalling hostility to women politicians then, not just Margaret Thatcher, I shudder.

Of course we are now in a very peculiar situation waiting for the negotiations to bear fruit, that may lead to a new government. It's odd to think that even though one party has the largest number of seats and votes, they are not occupying Downing Street and it looks as though Gordon Brown could be with us for some time to come - which prospect does not fill me with joy. It seems possible or even likely that Labour may change their leader - but if they then stay in power, we could be in a position where we will have had two successive General Elections where Labour have fought campaigns then changed leaders - not entirely fair on voters I feel. Anyway I think there is a lot more to come in this particular saga. All I will conclude is to say that if this is a foretaste of PR, count me out. I loathe the idea of tiny parties like Plaid Cymru or the SNP effectively holding the larger ones to ransom when they have so little political mandate. We are already seeing some odd decision making in Wales as a result of the Labour/Plaid Cymru administration - I'd hate to see this in the larger and more important context of Westminster.

Anyway, on Saturday, we travelled over to Somerset for a weekend with Andrew's parents. Andrew went to horticultural college when he was 18, at Cannington, not far from where his parents live. The college was having a Wisteria Weekend so we attended with Andrew's mum. To all our surprise and delight, one of the lecturers from when Andrew was a student was present, and remembered Andrew very well, so it was lovely for them to have a chat and catch up on news. We enjoyed looking round the beautiful old walled gardens and the huge glass houses which each show representative plants from a range of habitats, such as arid (lots of cacti) and tropical (masses of jungly rainforest things). There were also stalls selling plants (I bought a sweet cicely for the herb bed), the WI were selling cakes and eggs and jam, plus there were school demonstrations of garden ideas. Unfortunately, although dry, it was bitterly cold and not the weather for either the ice cream stall or sitting around decoratively. I had hoped earlier in the week to be swanning around in sandals and had even bought some bronzer for my legs in the expectation I'd be wafting in a floral skirt. Instead I was very grateful of my mac and scarf and thick opaque tights! Rita was wearing her woolly gloves and Andrew was wrapped up in his wet weather jacket from Rohan plus layers of fleece. I attach some pics.

After we'd finished, we strolled back to the car via the main campus of the college which teaches what are now called Land Based Studies so this includes things like Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Dog Grooming, various equine courses and so on. It was interesting to see where Andrew had studied and he was able to point out many features to us as we walked. Back to the car and then back to the house to defrost - I was really chilled after being out in the cold wind.

After a lovely dinner on Saturday night (Andrew not drinking on the eve of a race), on Sunday he raced in the Bristol 10K. I stayed at his parents to wrangle the woofs so he departed solo, which is unusual as of course I normally accompany him to support and cheer. He did an excellent time, sub 0.48 and was back in time for a well-earned lunch. Unfortunately while he was away, Andy disgraced himself by pinching nearly a full half pound of butter that was on the butter dish with a butter knife in the kitchen. Note for American readers - in the UK, butter is traditionally sold in half pound pats. Since going metric, the pack size has been altered slightly to 250g but like many people I still think in imperial terms and can estimate and cut by eye quantities such as 1 oz, 2oz and so on.

Fortunately, Andrew's parents saw the funny side of the theft and had a spare packet of butter, so all was not lost. Butter and cheese are highly sought after by Andy and indeed most greyhounds although we never give them milk. And then, shortly after lunch, we headed back home and spent a quiet evening watching "Lewis" and enjoying the digestive effects of Andy's theft as the air slowly filled with greyhound generated methane......