Up at the crack of dawn so we had time to feed the menagerie here before heading out on our annual pilgrimage to Lowdina Orchards to buy Moor Park apricots.

A quick stop at the supermarket on the way home was necessary to purchase enough sugar to preserve them.

I bought 55kg, actually meant to buy 60 (maths was never my strong point).

Nevertheless it’s going to take a while to process these.

Btw – a must try should you go there is their apricot ice cream. It’s always delicious but this year it’s the best yet.

As the day progresses, with bottling in full swing, The (unhired) help are not always exactly that.

This chook, Flopsy by name, loves to keep us company wherever we are. She decided things looked interesting and decided to come into the kitchen.

Oh no you don’t, not on Flopsy! She was much offended and only a little mollified by a piece of apricot that followed her unceremonious ousting from the kitchen.

After a quick check on proceedings, ex-feral Maggie May decided she would rather be outside rolling in the warmth of the sunshine.

Poppy Puppy soon gave up and went for a nap down in the house, her favourite pastime.

One day later and the last of the apricots are done – 67 jars of halves and 24 of stewed, plus a batch of apricot jam. Not a single apricot went to waste (if you don’t count the two very ripe ones that went to Cilla the pig).

Exhausting work but SO worth it. We now have enough for breakfasts for the entire year, as well and plenty for treats like crumbles, cakes, slices, pies and more.