This may, I know, be a little too specific to make sense outside of my American old-time music world.

But then again, perhaps others who are a bit anoraky about something will recognise similar reactions from people who can only see whatever it is as a big generic mush.  

My kids have enjoyed telling me for years that old-time all sounds the same (although they'll also admit to actually liking it!) but I love the huge variety there really is, as well as the subtleties only appreciated when you know it well...

I'd been feeling sad every time I saw my friends' farm delivering their veg boxes from an unmarked white van like some fly-by-night upstart, although they've been working hard at this for over 21 years. Ashurst Organics started up the first box scheme in this area way back when such things were pretty well unknown but their first van, painted with their name and number, had long since failed its MOT and subsequent vans were either short-lived replacements or hire vans, so obviously couldn't have their info painted on. 

It suddenly occurred to me that I'd seen removable magnetic signs on other vehicles, and maybe I could make them a temporary one they could use for the time being. I found magnetic sheet online, and then began the fun of working out how to do it, as the surface is shiny vinyl which won't even take a pencil mark, nor would most paints adhere well to my little test piece. 

The carrot leaves were too tricky to pre-prepare with a stencil, so had to be simply painted straight on with the same thick, unwieldy Hammerite, hoping for the best. Having never done anything like this before, the first strokes were scary and terribly unpromising but the end result turned out decent enough to do for now - whew! 

​Next will be a big boxful of their luscious veg painted on another panel to go alongside one of these on the back of the van,  more a proper illustration than just one carrot. This should be done before the end of the month when deliveries start up again after their very short break. Watch this apace, and if you're not too far from Plumpton you can order your box here!  

Directions for making beans on toast? How silly and unnecessary is that?

Except that when my son Z says he's making that for breakfast, well, beans are included, and toast is included, but there the resemblance to the normal concept of the dish ends. I should point out that while the graphic recipe pictured here shows what he made the day before yesterday, it is but is one version and other things will be included as and when available. 

The double layer of baked beans is important. I'd initially neglected to represent the lower one, and was told that was very necessary in order to soak nicely into the bread, hence it's shown as more sauce than bean. 

The bread is usually a delicious sourdough made locally, but apparently even terrible soft white bread will do.

Enjoy!

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