We've had all sorts of problems with duck hatchings this year - I suspect partially because of the weather, it's been stinking hot and unbelievably dry in these parts.  Finally we resorted to some duck eggs under a clucky chook, and even though the hatching rate has again been very minuscule, at least we've finally got some!

Given that it's been unbelievably dry it has been a big big struggle in the vegetable garden thus far.  Despite that we're already eating some things, although I can't keep the moisture levels up enough to get seeds to germinate reliably.

The upside of all of this is the holy grail of my gardening life .. ripe tomatoes for Christmas!