My extended family - The Shakespeares - has a predilection for family gatherings, so the visit of one of my Canadian cousins, Maureen Duncan (née Shakespeare), and her husband Cliff was the opportunity for one such. On a windy Sunday we were invited to another cousin's home in Leicestershire for a happy reunion with one who left these shores in 1948. As is usual, the occasion was recorded photographically - an essential of which our mutual grandfather would have approved. The many topics of conversation included 'Shakespeare 2010', to be held in Worcester. The success of 'Shakespeare 2000' appears to have ensured widespread support for this next venture.

In weather that was ideal for the purpose, I paid my annual visit to a walking friend with whom I spent a day in the Dark Peak. After skirting one of Yorkshire Water's many reservoirs, we crossed moorland to pick up a disused railway line. The easy walking that this afforded also provided magnificent views over the Don valley towards Royd Moor - now disfigured by wind turbines whose green credentials are, in my opinion, very questionable.

Despite the miserable summer, progress on my garden has not only been possible but is pretty well on target. In fact, at the moment, I am waiting for a well established plant to finish flowering before moving it to its new home. Then much more replanting becomes possible. When it's raining I work instead on putting the finishing touches to volume III of my memoirs - 'Through the Woodsmoke'. The proof edition has arrived, in which errors not noticed on a computer screen shout at you in hard copy!

At other times I enjoy my new conservatory and the adjacent greenhouse, to which I frequently retire during the heavy showers that have bedevilled my gardening sessions.

The month ended with a visit to Baddesley Clinton, my favourite local 'stately' home. This was whilst returning from a photographic trip to Lapworth, in connection with a book I am editing. The dahlia border is, at this time of year, a particular delight.

Blogs such as this one lend themselves very readily to that most satisfying of pastimes: the riding of hobby horses. Were I so inclined I would inveigh currently against a) the BBC's mispronunciation of names such as the good old Irish surname of Mullany (Mullarny according to them) and the Welsh seaside town of Abersoak and b) the practice of driving whilst using a mobile 'phone. I am very tempted to publish the registration marks of the latter.