My basil and coriander have been eaten by snails. I picked four off my mini cucumber plants. My new rocket seedlings, looking so promising, are stumps. I have a sense that I've been here before.

The last time I was at the allotment was Friday afternoon and evening - before the rain. I dread to look at the damage the rain's done. There were many promising rows of lettuce and purple sprouting brocolli. I will look tomorrow sometime.

The state of the world bears no comment. Why can't we stop shopping?