Hawker's Pot

'In the thirteenth century a new threat arises in the east - Genghis Khan and his horde of fearful worriers

"Are you sure this is the right way?"

"Oh no, I don't think I shut the front door" '

No, this is not my work but that of Bill Jones, an artist and writer living in Stroud. As part of his new business plan, he will be selling his postcards from his battered old suitcase, now the height of cool, in Stroud's Shambles market. Having received word of this by email, I strolled down to say hello, and to buy some of his illustrated punning postcards. My favourite is the one about the Smirking Ban.

The Shambles was extraordinarily busy, and once the early mist had burned off, the sun was exceptionally bright. Shoppers were clad in shorts and vests, and everyone stopped to have a chat with everyone, as happens on market days. I checked out the rumour that Bill has shaved off his beard (true) and bought a copy of the Star Anise cookbook from Dennis the bookseller, whom CleanSteve has blipped here, and CleanSteve bought some young goats' cheeses. Next, we strolled off to the Farmer's market, where we bought some chicken satay from the Thai snacks stall, and a sticky ginger pudding for a rainy day. CleanSteve thought the chicken snacks were expensive at £2, but then we noticed that the designer doughnuts were £1.25, each!

Next stop, the park where the Festival of Nature was going on. Earlier, we had bumped into an acquaintance of Steve's who groaned, on hearing of the nature festival, "Will there be women, knitting their own orgasms?"

The short answer is No. I did not see a single hand-knitted orgasm, or rainbow. It was more of an educate-everyone-about-the-environment day, with lots of activities for children. We could not find the Birds of Prey which had been advertised, but I did see a bird nestbox with camera fitted, for less than £100.

There was also a miniature steam train and track that I rode, and CleanSteve blipped. I have decided that I like the idea of blipping trains more than the reality. The model engineers, who run the trains, could do with a course in people skills. Not everyone can become vivacious and outgoing, but meeting and greeting customers can be learned, and is generally thought to have a positive effect.

Back at home, I have finished putting the cookery books back in the shelves that got ever so slightly rotted by a fridge leak last month. They have been relocated to prevent further damage, but the completion of this project means that:

a) the room looks neater
b) I have no excuse for lack of culinary inspiration.