Sumer is icumen in

Dateline ... North Yorkshire, 27 July

The harbingers of summer have been spotted at last. It takes a while, but summer arrived here a few days ago and survived for only a few days.

The first indication came when it was noticed that the village idiot was abroad without his cap. Just over two years up here and it is possible to claim acceptance of a sort when one is on nodding terms with the village idiot. At least it could be the village idiot, but one can't seek confirmation without risking a smack in the gob from a relative.

Anyroadup, he was spotted sitting on a stool outside the Old Wurdling Shed during the late morning, his grin indicative either of a certain contentment or lunacy. Mind you, there hasn't been any wurdling around here since the 1950's. The nearest you'll get is the Bank Holiday demonstrations at the Nidderthwaiteforthside Museum in Scagglegarthsidekirkbythorpe Parva.

We've had not one but two harbingers. Eddie across the road is wont, in warm weather to march to and from the shop in shorts and sandals - with socks! But no, the socks have been eschewed, either reflecting the higher temperature or because his family have had a quiet word.

At the time of writing, the rain is persistent, the cap has been returned to its rightful and constant place and the socks have returned. The mien of the village is restored and Eddie's toes are warm once again.

The relative warmth and abundance of precipitation has been a boon to gardeners (and slugs and snails), and it is likely that many readers will have a surfeit of produce, for example, courgettes. So here are a couple of ideas.

Zucchini Fritti

Cut the courgettes into thin 'sticks', batter them and deep fry briefly. Serve hot, salted and with dips, particularly a garlicky mayonnaise.

Grilled Courgettes

Cut into thin slices lengthways and place in a bowl with crushed garlic and olive oil (quantities to suit). Put on the barbie or use a griddle pan and cook for 4-6 mins until tender and slightly charred. Put them on a plate and mix in some lemon zest and juice and olive oil (add a bit of chopped chilli for the adventurous), and allow to marinate.

Serve cold with shavings of a hard cheese - Parmigiano Reggiano, or summat else, such as the Upper Swarfwoldhowside Barnetby Gold.

And remember, for those chilly evenings, the fleece is the cardigan de nos jours.

Old Arthur.