both xxx
Emptybox
well done getting most of your housework done in preparation for your visitors. 
Do you mean they like Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate in their tea? If so, I have never heard of that before. Or do you just mean cow's milk from the local dairy?
The gardens here too seemed to suddenly go from extra dry to very overgrown and wet. As you say, it is so wet now, it is hard to cut. Ours looks awful, so overgrown and full of weeds! And it rained again this afternoon.
Sidecars, that was the word I was looking for! (a car, not house word!)....I always think of Olive from On the Buses when I think of a sidecar. 
That is nice your brother developed an interest in motorbikes in his 50's. Our local seafront cafe is one where all the motorbikers meet and they all look over 50.
Hicky
didn't realise you had to leave beetroot a couple of weeks to pickle. But makes sense I guess, as it needs to be full of flavour.
I ddin't realise you could grow 3 different types of pears on the same tree. I bet all of yours are very tasty.
I bet your MIL enjoyed getting her bag of produce. When I buy cherries and tomatoes from costco I share them with my neighbour but of course that is nowhere near as good as you sharing your home grown produce.
Those crows are so cheeky disturbing your peace fighting!
Yes I always leave a window open whilst drying clothes at the moment, so we don't get any condensation and it is still very warm in the house so it dries quickly. In winter it also dries quickly because the heating is on, so it is warm and dry. Your drying frame looks dead handy. I have 3 different driers around the house because of the sheer volume of washing
Today daughter and I went swimming whilst son was at the gym. Even though my muscles in general are still achy after it, I think the pool is helping my painfull knees. I could still feel the fluid around my one knee whilst swimming though, but at least it was not painfull. I am still waiting for a date for the scan on it. My friend has heard she has been successful in being awarded a blue disablility badge, so that will make things a lot easier for her when we go to the pool or meet for coffee. Wonder if your OH could get one Hicky?
Looking forward to CBB tonight. Wonder when the eviction is? Hope the American lady stays, as I am not keen on Hardlyup. (?)... not sure of his name...
Not a bad day, about 18c and cloudy, just a bit of drizzle.
Have a good evening both xxx