On behalf of Sam, Ella, Emily, Rose, Mavis, Gladys and Ethel

I'd like to thank Mrs Almost Average over at the Rubbish Diet who has honoured me along with some other excellent sites with a Hen Party Award for inspiring her to keep chickens. I really don't deserve it. And Sam or Ella doesn't either because she is still laying in a mystery spot somewhere on these acres and I can't find it. (The fact that I can't actually tell the difference between my chickens is another sign I don't deserve the award - yes I've named them but no real idea which is which.)

And while I'm on the subject of The Rubbish Diet, I just want to say that I shall miss it. Mrs Almost Average is winding down - she's achieved in a year much more than most blogs ever do. I know she's working on a book - as an ex-editor and current long-suffering-wife-of-an-author, I hope things are going well and wish her (and Mr A) luck, inspiration and a speedy publication.

Passing on the award

Okay. I am now clean. The bread is rising. Jelly is being made and so is soup. And I've had time to think about awarding awards.

First up, arduous blog by Ruchi who sets herself high standards and lives up to them.

Second, Hills and Plains Seedsavers, a co-operative blog from Australia with many good bloggers, but a special mention for Kate and her recent round-the-world trip to fellow gardeners who blog.

And finally, Laura and her blog at (not so) Urban Hennery - chickens and a lot more, in Washington State, USA. An often thought-provoking blog.

You are awarded



This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day.

I'd like to thank...

Daharja of Cluttercut for giving me an award. Thank you.



This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day.

I didn't realise I was doing that while writing about chickens, mostly. So thanks! I am blushing here on the other side of the planet in wintry Wales.

I get to tags blogs I love too, but as I am still in my dressing gown, I shall ponder this in the shower and get back to you later in the day.

Thanks again.

A silly grin has appeared on my face

A big big thank you to Earthwoman for awarding this blog an "E for excellent". I am speechless which as Tom would tell you is rather unusual.

And, by accepting this award, I get to give it to some of my favourite blogs. Now as my co-winner, Rachel at Big Sofa says, it's tricky finding people who haven't had one already. But Meryl Streep has never said no to the second, or third. It's even trickier making my mind up. So in no particular order:

Bread, Water, Salt, Oil - based in Somerset, written beautifully (though not often enough)

Soilman's Allotment Blog - yes I know Earthwoman gave him one too, but Soilman has helped me out in the past and is thoroughly entertaining and self-deprecating even when showing off his magnificent cauliflowers, so he deserves two in one day

Vegmonkey and the Mrs. - for useful non-intimidating gardening advice and encouragement, a blog friend of mine, I like to think

Cannelle et Vanille - the photographs! the recipes! incredible mouthwatering puddings that look like they came from a patisserie or restaurant

A Wee Bit of Cooking - a Scottish food blog with gorgeous photographs, good recipes and a lovely dog

Kitchen Witch - funny personal blog from deepest Devon