There's something very reassuring and traditional about Bank Holiday weekends. So far, our weekend has been a classic. Andrew finished work on Friday afternoon and we went to the garden centre (TRADITIONAL ACTIVITY NO 1) to select some bedding plants. Enjoyed ourselves and came home with a selection for our pots and tubs out the back. Dithered about the weather forecast (TA No 2) as it had been lovely all week but was apparently set to take a turn for the worse. Had a long debate about whether or when to have a BBQ (TA No 3) . Decided to sleep on it.

Saturday, decided to risk a BBQ and went to Tesco. Shelves stripped by locusts (TA No 4 - see also Christmas shopping requirements) especially meat aisles and any ingredients that could be used outdoors. Huge piles of charcoal being sold by door. At home neighbours clearly visible inspecting and cleaning BBZQ implements (TA No 5) - again, mostly men.

Saturday night enjoyed a lovely BBQ (although I was wrapped up warm in a jacket). Fantastic. No Bank Holiday weekend is complete with out one. Did sweet potatoes in the embers, and mackerel parcels grilled with lemon and rosemary. Also asparagus spears. Dogs were very wary of hot apparatus but enjoyed sniffing around us at the table.

Then rounded off the evening in style by watching Eurovision. Amazing. This year, we pressed the red button and were able to savour the song lyrics in all their glory. The weirdest ones were undoubtedly Bosnia Herzogivina which talked about "lying on our back, eating a banana - which made us sad". Finland's entry was impressive too - they went all out for a defiantly metal approach (lots of leather and studs) complete with manly pelvic thrusting, head banging and incomprehensible lyrics about being heroic where there are no room for sheep, yes really. I couldn't make this stuff up. Am pleased to say I voted for them..

Today another typical activity (No 6) - we went down to the Swansea Show although it was pouring down (TA No. 7). Both of us were wearing lots of layers, Andrew had gloves on and there were severe weather warnings on the BBC website. By the time we got to Swansea, it had stopped raining and was positively tropical such that I was able to unzip my coat for a bit. Sadly the show was very poorly attended, but we were able to secure ringside seats to enjoy the classes, and in particular the Knights of Arkley - a medieval re-enactment. Absolutely stunning horses and costumes and riding - loved it. Our friend Penny from GRW acts as Lady Penelope - the "ringmistress" for this and it was lovely to see her. After her bit, stayed to watch a few more showing classes and took a peek at the Working Hunter ponies. Popped down to the horseboxes to say Hi to Penny and then trundled home. Spent a relaxing afternoon on the sofa with the paper, except for a minor crisis when we realised we were out of gin.

Should finally add that Booty's new collar and lead arrived yesterday and it is beautiful - nearly as beautiful as she is. Have attached a few pics of the weekend (TA No 8).