Eryngium "picos blue"

The plumber came today and replaced the ball valve in one of the toilet cisterns. It probably needed only a new washer, but plumbers nowadays seem to find it easier to use a completely new ballcock. There was no mess and now there is no water overflowing. It's the first time I've claimed on the plumbing insurance and was much easier than trying to find a plumber locally!

Much more important: we spent the morning in committee putting together the programme for our autumnn walking festival. It's looking good so far and it's a really exciting phase of the planning.

Then I did a big supermarket shop, came home, caught up on missed sleep from the weekend, made our meal, made tea for plumber and finally enjoyed the garden in the warmth of a lovely summer evening. This sea holly keeps on surviving every year, despite very variable conditions. I love the detail on the leaves. Playing with 100mm macro, hand held here.)