Horse shit success

As I wanted plenty of time in the garden today, I only went for a short ride despite the sunshine. I cycled past the riding stable and thought, "Typical, no horse droppings when I have come prepared to gather them up". I had cycled round and was cutting back across the south of Leyton Marshes, at the back of the ice skating rink, towards the riding stable when I nearly cycled past some horse droppings as I wasn't expecting any there (I've never seen any horse droppings round the marsh before, only on the paths around the stable and paddocks.)

It's the folding bike as the ordinary bike is at the bike shop having a new back wheel fitted.

Elderflowers and horse shit!

Despite the weather forecast it was luckily dry this morning so was able to pick 6 elderflower heads to make elderflower champagne. Someone else had obviously been picking them too, the grass had been trampled round the bush and most of those within easy reach taken.

There was also some horse dung on the path nearby, but a lot of joggers passing at that time so I felt too shy to start picking it up. A little further along I found some more and no one passing just then so I was able to start with two trowels shovelling into into a strong plastic bag. Strange, but once I've started I'm OK about being seen doing it!

I then did my usual circuit then started round again, stopped and picked the dung I'd missed earlier then took the path round the stable paddocks.

Elderflower champagne - use 4 pints hot water to dissolve 2 pounds of sugar, add 6 elderflower heads, juice of 2 lemons and 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar. I was supposed to use the rinds of the lemons as well but they weren't unwaxed so I couldn't.

Now I stir night and morning for 3 days before bottling in bottles with strong tops, leaving plenty of room, then leave for several weeks. It makes a lovely drink for summer.

Horse dung or horse shit? Can't make up my mind which expression to use!