It’s a bright clear frosty morning on the plot

The good stuff: sacks of manure are stacked on the plot, ready to be dug into the soil. Photograph: Allan Jenkins/The Observer

The first early morning visit to the plot in too long. I am still walking with a stick, but our manure delivery needs moving from the gate. The too-sandy soil needs more worms. I need to see Howard. And Otto.

There is a heavy frost. A bright clear blue sky. Crisp tulip tree leaves litter the gate. Everywhere, fading flowers and vegetables are stooped and silvered.