A romp in the fields with samson makes it all worthwhile

So much has been happening recently, I really don't know which task to attempt next. The list has been written, prioritised, rewritten and constantly added to.

The Easter week was our busiest week since we took over the Bricklayers, and it was greatly appreciated. At the moment work has just been started on the garden. Total evacuation - no half measures here. As always, we do not have thousands put away in an account for these extra little things, so it's digging, weeding, planting and more digging in our split shifts - remind me, what are they again? So, as long as the weather holds, fingers crossed, we should see alfresco dining courtesy of yours truly this summer.

We had our planning application accepted by the local council a few weeks ago, as we don't have any guest accommodation. Plans have been drawn for a three-room extension with the addition of a demonstration kitchen: exposed beams, slate-tiled floor, five-oven Aga (we're still looking for a sponsor if you happen to be reading this, nice people from Aga) and large double windows looking up at castle ruins.

However, we are at the stage where nothing seems to be happening. It's becoming more frustrating as, even at these early stages, they are talking of putting the date back. Well, hopefully by Christmas, we shall see.

We received notification from the local authorities of an award scheme that they have been running for several years in connection with food hygiene. As our inspections had all gone well, we were invited along to a ceremony and presentation at the town hall - all good, solid publicity, and it's nice to be recognised for the effort we all put in.

Our Web site should be finished in the next couple of weeks, as photographs have been taken, menus finalised and all additional material collected. Now it's up to Nick and his team to do their bit.

We have had another little - well, not so little - addition to our family: a great Dane puppy called Samson. He's 16 weeks old and weighs five stone, eating everything in sight and growing by the minute. He is getting on fabulously well with Ella, our two-year-old Dane, as Dennis, our local farmer, loyal customer and good friend - you have to grovel a bit - allows us freedom on his land to walk the dogs. It really is a godsend on busy days to be able to drive into the fields, close the gates and spend an hour or so in the open countryside with Sam and Ella.

Sara Pezzack is the proprietor of the Bricklayers Arms, Montgomery, Powys

Next diary from Sara Pezzack: 23 May