Also in true busking style, Boo will be accompanying us (not on an instrument, though she does sing in a lovely contralto howl)

Being something of a Babe and Bloke Magnet, she should attract the attention of passers by and as she'll inevitably look downright miserable (they say dogs look like their owners, don't they?) then hopefully people will take pity and chuck in loads of cash.

It was a pretty laid back sort of gig - laid back in the sense that hardly anybody took any notice of us - but we DID collect nearly £15 for charity as people threw their small change at us. Almost everyone missed, thank goodness.

The only "Boo" we heard was when various people fussed round Boudicca Bedlington - told you she was a babe/bloke magnet.

Any road, it turned out to be a lovely sunny day and there were some nice stalls, but not as many as the organisers had hoped. I bought 3 veggie black puddings and can report that they taste very, very nice. I also got details of the organic produce service which you can order online and they deliver to your door - Growing With Grace, they're called.

The market's on again tomorrow, by the way.

I went back at about 2:30 and there was a very good steel band performing.  Got a Yorkshire curd tart and some tomatoes.  Jack and I shared an ice cream cone.  Whatever the financial success, there was a good turn-out and it was nice to see the square full of folk.

Why does vacuum packed meat look so unappetising?

Forgot to mention that Elaine also sold another 6 copies of her CD, bringing total sales in the first week to nearly £200. I expect it will slow down a bit now as we've got through most of our family and acquaintences.

The reponse from people has been very encouraging. Many say it's a wonderful alternative to a bland "Get Well Soon" card to give to someone who's just been diagnosed with cancer (only marginally more expensive, AND your money goes back into cancer care and research).

If anyone wants a copy, just send £4.50 (cheques payable to 'After The Storm'). We'll gladly post to anywhere in the world.

How did you cook the veggie black pudding?

We had a nice turn through the market and it was nice to see Growing With Grace there - I have visited their shop several times when I have been up that way - they're near Settle.  I bought some very nice Victoria Plums from them on Saturday which were yummy.  The dogs were greatly disappointed at the absence of a takeaway stall selling hot sausages or sausage rolls, but Jadey Greyhound was thrilled to make the acquaintance of the stilt walker who, it turned out, was from Colorado. She as also thrilled to meet Heather and thrilled to meet - well, everyone, actually

We really enjoyed the music, Heather - we both commented on how pleasant it was to the organisers.

The V Pud - I nearly came over all health conscious and boiled/microwaved it, but in the end I decided it would taste better if I lightly sauteed the slices in garlic-flavoured Olive Oyl. I was right - the extra few calories were worth the delightful taste and texture.