This afternoon we have been out with Mum collecting sloes.  I have formed the theory that they are so called because they are quite small and take a long time to collect.  This was fine by me as the canine part of the job was very important.  We had to run around the field playing and occasionally return to Mum to ensure that she hadn’t got stuck in the hedge, fallen in a ditch, scratched herself or torn her clothing.  I’m pleased to report that none of these disasters befell her, especially as scratches from the thorns can be nasty.  The sloes now need to go in the freezer for a while before being added to some gin along with some sugar. (I believe that some people prick them with a darning needle instead). Eventually it will turn up as sloe gin.