Eats Shoots and Leaves

Tanned and Gorgeous!

2007-03-02T10:13:00.000Z

I'm back from Tenerife! Straight back to work and just finished my night. Well it should have been two nights but I did a swap a while ago and cashed it in on Wednesday night to go and see 'The Vagina Monologues'. It was very funny and definitely a womans sense of humour. There was the odd brave man (perhaps a morbid curiosity or wanting to get intouch with his feminine side?) but the theatre was predominantly women of a certain age! Know what I mean?

I know I haven't been on the blog for a month but I haven't had a minute! The allotment has taken a back seat - not even been to see it yet! This weekend hopefully we shall go venture to inspect the damage. We are quite far north so will be starting later than you southern softies - thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it

A Year Today - It Must Be My Virtual Birthday!

2007-01-28T13:07:00.000Z

Hip hip hooray! A year since my first posting. Wow. I don't know where the last year has gone. I believe it's true to say that time goes faster the older you get. I'll have to start cramming more into the little time I have left. We have 4 holidays planned for this year, one in 2 weeks and another booked for May. The other two are booked as annual leave but plans haven't been finalised. We are going to visit my mum and her husband overseas so that will be nice. The May hol is to Majorca with 3 other couples - we'll let the jury decide that one and the others - well we just don't know. Perhaps Cornwall might be nice. I was there last in 1974 so expect a few changes if we go. We have a friend who has a farmhouse near Bergerac in France but its a little way to the sea! I really would like to go somewhere that I can do a little snorkeling. Did I mention that I now have a snorkeling mask (if thats what it's called) with my prescription lenses in. I was so excited to use them last year. We went to Nidri on Lefkada and although there wasn't much of a beach we went out on a day trip on something almost like a Turkish gulet (is that how you spell it?). It took us round lots of little islands with frequent stops for swimming. It took a while to get used to being able to breathe underwater and to hear yourself breathing but I got used to it. It's a different world underwater.

I remember going to Zante with a group of girlies (all in our 40's!) and taking a day trip around the island, again with swim stops. Now I don't know whether you are aware but there is a rather famous photo taken of a cove with white sand and a ship wreck. It looks idyllic. Well we arrived and dropped anchor (hark at her sounding like she sails!) in this lovely cove. I couldn't wait to get into the water and the dare devils we are ( my friend and I get into lots of trouble together) decided to jump of the top deck into the water and do the famous Bridget Bardot in the bond film walk out of the sea up the beach bit. Don't you believe it. Bare footed the pair of us we took our first tentative steps onto the soft white sand out of the clear blue sea. And then we looked at each other. The lovely soft white sand was very very sharp white stone. Not only could we not walk but the incline onto the beach meant that we had to crawl our way out. Knees and shins were grazed and bleeding. We looked like two elephant seals!!!! Of course this was much to the amusement of our fellow crewmates. In the end it was easier going back out to sea! And as for our crewmates? They ate their sandwiches and threw crusts at us and the fish shoaled around us!!! I did get a round of applause when a stray crisp packet blew off the boat into the sea and I swam and retrieved it. I also collected two fag packets and a plastic bottle. Some people have no respect for nature have they?

Ok that''s your lot for today - on nights tonight. I may get time to update the blog. I think I'm going quite well so far this year. Long may it continue.

Kalispera!

REmember the Sloe Gin?

2007-01-28T12:56:00.000Z

Well I almost didn't! I was searching at the back of the cupboard and guess what? There it was as good as gold. I have strained and bottled it and it looks a picture! Hic it tastes good as well! This is also my first attempt at Picasa so comments welcome for this novice.

Where does the time go?

2007-01-17T15:29:00.000Z

I went onto Allotment Lady's new blog and read about her walk around Derwentwater. I too went to see the daffodils at Ullswater and then onto Derwentwater when I was about 10 years old. Our teacher (who used to wear red long legged knickers, but thereby hangs another tail for a rainy day), was very up on poetry and gave me my love of it. As we lived in Carlisle, she freqently had us visit places in the lake district and none touched my heart as much as Derwentwater. She also had us read 'Marmion' by Sir Walter Scott, as Netherby Hall was nearby at Longtown (where I used to live but much later). So, as good children do, we went on a trip out to Netherby Hall and stood at 'Netherby Gate'. She had us all recite the poem! And for fear of copying Lottie I just have to let you read it.

Lochinvar by Sir Walter Scott

O young Lochinvar is come out of the west,
Through all the wide Border his steed was the best;
And save his good broadsword he weapons had none.
He rode all unarm'd, and he rode all alone.
So faithful in love, and so dauntless in war,
There never was knight like the young Lochinvar

He staid not for brake, and he stoppd not for stone.
He swam the Eske river where ford there was none;
But ere he alighted at Netherby gate,
The bride had consented, the gallant came late:
For a laggard in love, and a dastard in war,
Was to wed the fair Ellen of brave Lochinvar.

So boldly he enter'd the Netherby Hall,
Among bride's-men, and kinsmen, and brothers and all:
Then spoke the bride's father, his hand on his sword,
(For the poor craven bridegroom said never a word,)
'O come ye in peace here, or come ye in war.
Or to dance at our bridal. young Lord Lochinvar?'

'I long woo'd your daughter, my suit you denied;
- Love swells like the Solway, but ebbs like its tide-
And now I am come, with this lost love of mine.
To lead but one measure, drink one cup of wine.
There are maidens in Scotland more lovely by far,
That would gladly be bride to the young Lochinvar.'

The bride kiss'd the goblet: the knight took it up.
He quaff'd off the wine, and he threw down the cup.
She lookd down to blush. and she look'd up to sigh.
With a smile on her lips and a tear in her eye.
He took her soft hand, ere her mother could bar,
- 'Now tread we a measure!' said young Lochinvar.

So stately his form, and so lovely her face.
That never a hall such a galliard did grace;
While her mother did fret, and her father did fume,
And the bridegroom stood dangling his bonnet and plume;
And the bride-maidens whisper'd, "Twere better by far
To have match'd our fair cousin with young Lochinvar.'

One touch to her hand, and one word in her ear.
When they reach'd the hall-door, and the charger stood near;
So light to the croupe the fair lady he swung,
So light to the saddle before her he sprung!
'She is won! we are gone, over bank, bush, and scaur;
Theyll have fleet steeds that follow', quoth young Lochinvar.

There was mounting 'mong Graemes of the Netherby clan;
Forsters, Fenwicks, and Musgraves, they rode and they ran:
There was racing and chasing on Cannobie Lee,
But the lost bride of Netherby ne'er did they see.
So daring in love, and so dauntless in war,
Have ye e'er heard of gallant like young Lochinvar?

OOO I can almost smell the freshly cut grass and taste the egg sandwiches and feel the crystal water on my feet. Pass me a tissue!

Oh Bugger!

2007-01-17T14:31:00.000Z

We've been had. We really have. On passing the allotment yesterday I noticed something. The thing I noticed was the allotment. I could see the allotment from the road. I COULD SEE THE BLOODY ALLOTMENT FROM THE ROAD!. Sharp intake of breath. Now this in itself isn't like world breaking news but is does mean that every other person driving or walking down the road can see the allotment. They can see that we have been very very (and I was going to use another very then but stopped myself in time) negligent in our tending of our plot. It also means that we have to put more effort in as ours is the first one that you see. And there was me thinking that because the hedge was 5ft high and our allotment sort of dips in behind it, that we were, well, cocooned for want of a better word. No such bleedin' luck. Plans have to be made and work started much earlier than we thought.

Hey Ho!

Well thanks!

2007-01-16T14:33:00.000Z

So - you picked on me did you Miss Pumpkin Pie-us? Velly intelesting! Gosh five things people dont know about me eh? This really gets the old grey matter going (eh you watch it - my hair isn't grey yet you know).

The problem is that I know not of any other folks on blogs which I can pass it on to - how sad is that?

Anyway here goes........................

1. I have a steam engine named after me. My grandad made me a working scale model of a tank engine and he made a brass name plate for each side. It's capable of carrying 2-4 people dependant on size. It took thirty years to complete.

2. When living in Carlisle I swam for the school and won - back stroke if you don't mind! I was 12 years old.

3. I have worn glasses since being 4 years old and remember quite vividly the moment when I could see. One saturday afternoon My mum came in with my glasses and put them on me (no fitting in those days). It was horse racing on the telly and then wrestling. I sat there mesmerised and I was 6ft from the screen (I used to sit right infront of it). When at school I was the only one of 275 pupils who wore glasses. Colin and I stuck together (he wore calipers).

4. From a very early age I wanted to be a doctor. Not a nurse, a doctor, which 40+ years ago was really unheard of. I went to be a radiographer instead (a 7 year big mistake) and now am a paramedic which I love!

5. In 1971 I came second in a singing competition at Butlins. It was the semi final. I sang 'My Cherie Amour' (ambitious yes I know) and the winner sang Cilla Blacks 'Your My World'. She went there to win - she was dressed up really posh and she had a wig! I hadn't even practiced or anything as they asked if anyone would like to sing as two of the acts hadn't turned up! Me? Outgoing? Not a bit of it!

Well there you have it. Don't know who to pass it onto!

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-06T00:23:00.000Z

Onwards and upwards. I have made a few new year resolutions. Shall I keep them? That remains to be seen.

1. There will be no more buying of goods from TV shopping channels
2. I will use all - and I mean all - of the stuff I bought from Kays Horticulture and not leave it in the garage and curse when I trip up over it.
3. I will prune and tidy the garden and allotment - and even dig when it is demanded of me
4. I will spend more time writing my blog

These are so far - I have a few others but think I have to convince myself. Build up to them slowly!

The sloe gin was a success. The damson vodka an aquired taste. The boozy truffles havent as yet been constructed. I may run into difficulties with this as they dont freeze that well due to the alcohol content. Ah well - learning has taken place. I dont know why I didnt think about it as I make iced chilli vodka (ice cold, then the alcohol then the burn - not for the faint hearted) and should have known that it doesnt freeze. I thought the short term memory loss was bad enough but the long term seems to be going as well.

Does anyone know if I have to go onto the new blogger thing? If I dont will I become a dinosaur? I know my way round a keyboard but struggle with anything really computer technical. I think Ive done really well so far. Still having probs with the photos but still working on it. When I read other peoples blogs they always seem to write far more interesting and funny things than I do. I love reading them and have learned so much. I'm a long way off being a top blog - not a hope in hell!!!

Heres hoping that your year has started well and may it continue to improve all the way through. Cheers!

And sloe it goes on.....

2006-11-14T14:01:00.000Z

I picked 4lb of sloes (never done it before and had to take a sloe with me so I knew what I was picking - could be deadly night shade (althought it was daylight) for all I knew). Well I was told not to wash them and place in a jar (pickled onion jar as we got rid of the demi-johns after the disaster with the plum wine). I then weighed and added sugar. At this point I knew I would have to go back to the drawing board. Too much stuff - and not enough room in the jar for the bloody gin. Right - pour everything out and start again. I had a brain wave. I would sift the sloes from the sugar. The holes in the seive weren't big enough to let the sugar through. By this time I was thinking about ditching the whole idea for a bottle of gordons but I soldiered on. So, sloes in the jar, half the quantity, then the sugar. Tip it all out again. Remember to put half the amount of sugar in with the sloes this time. Right. Sloes in the jar, half the amount of sugar, add the gin. I did the same with 6 jars - go out and buy more gin. The shopkeeper gave me a second glance and lifted his nose as to smell my breath. I pick up some chewing gum and pay for my goods. Back home. Add the gin to the jars. There appears only to be 4 lids? I go through the cupboard methodically trying lids till I get two that fit. I stand proud of my achievement. I pick up the instructions and read what I have to do. I realise every last bloody sloe should have been pricked. Bollocks! They will remain in the gin because I can't be arsed to go through all that again.

Damson vodka. Follow the same instructions but this time run out of jars, lids, vodka and forget to prick the buggering things. Continue tomorrow after contacting friends for missing equipment and pledge some of my makings in exchange. Should have said I was preserving lemons - they wouldn't have wanted any then would they mmmm?

The sloe gin is the most gorgeous shade of red. The damson vodka is sort of pinkish-red. Both should be ready for christmas. Apparently you chuck the sloes when you strain it but you keep the damson flesh and mix in with some melted chocolate and cream to make very very very boozy truffles. Hic! Bring it on Santa Claus!

Oh so cold....

2006-11-10T13:09:00.000Z

I'm at home feeling sorry for myself (no but yeah but more than usual). I have cold. The whole lot, bungy nose, headache, muffled hearing, watery eyes, green snot (I want you to feel my pain) and can't eat (which is the tragedy really). I may try a little soup later. Cough cough oh I forgot to say about the productive cough but not a chest infection as yet (at this point you may shower me with awwwws). The fire is full on as is the heating. All I want to do is sleep but have forced myself to come and share this with you all. Cue some more awwwws. I have hot honey and lemon with paracetamol and have had hot lemonade - I have no idea if it works but it is surprisingly nice - although I cant taste much the bubbles on my tongue indicate I still have feeling in it! Sniff sniff. I have do blow by dose. Yeuk! Much better! I don't think it's man flu (the worst affliction known to man) but I think its close to it. I had chicken the other night - do you think it might be bird flu? I can't even smell Albas Oil - now thats bad!

I have to go out and get some more paracetamol. And lemons and honey. But I'm off sick and you feel really guilty being off and shopping in tescos. Well I do. Its an errand of mercy to ensure I'm back for nights on Sunday night.

Off for a bath in my Molton Brown Eucalyptus bath bubbles. How terribly civilised! I think I feel better already.

It's bin a while....

2006-11-04T16:41:00.000Z

Hi - I have been busy. Yes so busy that I haven't had time to .... no you don't want to hear that.... but yes I'm back. Much of the old drivel. The story goes something like this. They changed the shift pattern I work. This in itself isn't a problem is it? It damned well is when you've booked all your leave around your shifts and then find out you are working when you should be off and off when you should be on leave and and and so on. A right mix up. It's amplified by the fact that I can't have the leave I want because the allocation of leave is full. I have had to swap shifts etc so have had to work more shifts to get what I want as I have had to swap with colleagues. The knock on effect of which is that I haven't had as much time as I would normally have. I have missed out on a Robbie Williams concert (long story), last night of the proms at Castle Howard, my grandsons christening (almost, but had to work a night for a day), a wedding evening do to name but a few. I have been replaced in the pub quiz as my shifts now do not coincide with a Sunday night. And the sad thing is that I am not the only one. I counted up that I didn't see my husband or children for 8 days due to work. Like I say I am not the only one. Can you believe that they are going to do the same thing again and give us a 90 day notice of change next year sometime. And there's not a damned thing we can do about it. Plus the fact that the British Sugar plant in York is closing (don't get me going) means that Baldrick will be out of a job as of February. Something will turn up I am certain. Grump over.

I ordered garlic and onions on the advice of pumpkin soup. Not disappointed in the slightest. I ordered black stuff as greenmantle said and is spread over the site. The two water butts I had in the garden have gone to the site, as did the composter. Have not ventured to livestock (remember wild burro hmmm?) but will suffice with meal worms and things for the birds. They must be getting hungry as it's now much colder (or are they just greedy I wonder?).

Efforts must be made in the garden. It has been somewhat neglected of late and now we have a green wheelie bin I can get rid of green rubbish to hearts content. I looked out of the bedroom window which overlooks the back garden. Next door they have a very tidy yet if I may be so bold as to say, unimaginative garden, however I looked at mine in comparison and was staggered at how untidy and unkempt it looks. No time off til Wednesday now and only two days - doesnt leave me much time to do everything which needs to be done. I don't know about you lot but when the kids where at home, although I never stopped doing things I always had a lovely clean and tidy house. Now that there are only the two of us I can't keep up with it. Perhaps I hang onto all the crap in this house so that its a reminder of the kids - no that sounds daft. Maybe just turned into lazy cow. We should not have got a telly!!! Think I might get one of those things which limits telly watching and just use it during the day so that I can't turn it on.

Well it's lovely to be back. Hope you are all well.

Chin chin.

That old black magic.....

2006-08-16T14:50:00.000+01:00

...... has me in its spell. Oh yes fellow blogsters it is here! Enough black sheeting to cover the whole allotment. Excited or what. Those weeds have no idea whats coming! Evil Jooles tut tut tut. They have been the bane of my life and now they must die. No light, food or water shall be given to those nasties. I have to work out when its best to do the dastardly deed. Daylight? Nah they'll see me coming and delve their roots further into the unfertile soil. (There's also the chance I may be seen struggling with said sheeting and one would not like to make a fool of oneself now would one huh?). I think the best plan would be at dusk. I feel a plan coming together. I shall dress all in black (balaklava optional - is that the correct spelling - looks suspect to me) and creep up on them and ambush them. Oh Yes!!!!!! Their days are numbered.

Leaves the room with a swish of black cape and echoing laughter ................! Eat your heart out Christopher Lee!

Rose - Silver Anniversary

2006-08-14T04:44:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately, the rain had damaged the petals of the rose - we were given it as a present 3 years ago for our - yep you've guessed it - our silver wedding (baldrick has renewed the contract for another 12 months), and this is the first year it has flowered other than 2003. Pretty little thing ain't it?

It's four in the morning.....

2006-08-13T01:30:00.000+01:00

...... and what's more the dawning has woken up the wanting in me..... I forget who sang it - must check. Well it's nearly four in the morning. And I'm at work. And they are all drunk. By they I mean all the folks in York. Not all the folks in York you understand but all those who are out in the town with access to alcohol. And it's raining - and cold. Now this makes a huge difference to how the night goes. It usually means that the majority of clubbers go home in taxis instead of hanging round the burger vans and kebab shops. Not good news for them but it is for us!! We usually get what we call 'proper' jobs later on. Genuinely poorly people. That's what we do best.

On the allotment front, the black plastic has arrived and so have the cloche hoops to go with the fleece. We are not messing about now. It's a serious business this allotmenteering! I read with interest other blogs and find that they do far more on theirs than we do - it's all to change. And I need to update this more regularly. I have some office furniture ordered and when that arrives heaven help all of you!!!! I will be so organised.......... at which point I awake and find ...yeah I was only dreaming

Anyway I'll leave you with a Billy Ocean song - 'When the going get tough the tough get going'!

And the plan is...

2006-07-27T10:11:00.000+01:00

The allotment has not been the runaway success it should have been this year. Primarily due to lack of enthusiasm I guess. I really must go and do something more than I do. I have lots of stuff to put in and if I don't get it in then that has a knock on effect for next year. The important thing (as suggested by claire at pumpkin soup) is to cover all the ground with as much weed suppressing fabric as possible. So I have been on the kays horticulture website (as I have dealt with them before. They are very good, quick and reasonably priced but the website isnt really easy to navigate and use) and ordered up some of said fabric along with some cloche rings (as the last order I made, I overestimated how much fleece we would need so I have to find a use for it - well 50m doesn't sound all that much does it - however it does go a long way!). The royal we have every intention of making a success of it next year.

It will be a challenge if nothing else. We shall however be over the moon if - and I mean if - the sweetcorn come up trumps later in the season. There is - if anyone is interested - a maize maze in York. It is at Grimston Bar and well worth a visit. We also now have a giant wheel (it looks nice from the ground - and thats as far as I will be going!) which is neon blue at night. It's next to the National Railway Museum (also well worth a visit - it smells like my grandad bless him! I dont mean of urine - he was an engineer and the smell of oil always cunjures up a picture of him in his beige lab coat......... I miss him and my grandma).

Back on nights again tonight. It will be busy as York Racecourse has a night meeting and everyone it seems has been paid - what a combination.

Bowl of Beauty

2006-07-23T19:11:00.000+01:00

Bowl of Beauty, originally uploaded by jooliscious.

Just a little teaser for you all!!!

Testing testing 123....

2006-07-19T19:15:00.000+01:00

What do you think to this then? An allium in my garden. Has it been worth the wait? I need to adjust the size of the photo but I am pleased I can finally do it!

Courgettes - poor things

2006-06-29T16:51:00.000+01:00

I really have to go and plant my courgettes and squashes - they have been in their pots for long enough bless em. Tonight. Yes it will be tonight and I shall take photos and I shall post them on my blog and I shall feel fulfilled. Oh yes I will. Ye of little faith.

1. the peas are non-existent

2. beetroot germination rate 3:750 - but they will be nurtured

3. the greek beans are broken but dont know why

4. the shallots are looking very sorry for themselves

on the up side......

enthusiasm returning
energy levels on the up
generally wilting in the heat

I shall return...... of that you can depend and never worry ('Aint no mountain high enough - Diana Ross c1970)

You put your right hand in.............

2006-06-28T17:02:00.000+01:00

........... you take your right hand out, grab a weed out the soil and then shake it all about. I have so to speak taken the bull by the horns and 'got stuck in' . I feel lethargy and lack of enthusiasm led to the demise of the allotment. There were soo many weeds we have taken radical steps to stunt their growth and get something else growing on the allotment. Well - and I'm sure there will be the purists among you who object but ...... well we have just skimmed the allotment (skimmed and not strimmed) surface and planted our 84 sweetcorn in 7 rows. We made this harsh but time saving decision last week. Something drastic had to be done. We will hoe in between the corn as they grow - the weeds and the corn!

On an up note we have been harvesting strawberries, early rasps, potatoes and garlic. We have taken up one row of garlic and they are lovely and a decent size to boot! They are hanging in the green house to dry.

Sugar - is that the time ? Am at work at 6 and havent had shower....... will post through the night if I get chance.

You leave it for just one minute... just one lousy minute....

2006-06-18T15:46:00.000+01:00

Weeds! Everywhere. I cannot believe it. Where do they come from? Well let me tell you this infestation is beyond a joke. Everything and I mean everything is under 2' of weeds. It's enough to make you cry. How come it takes a whole season to grow things to eat and a blink to grow a perfect crop of weeds? We are seriously considering getting rid of the allotment. It has come to this. All our hard work down the bleeding pan. I mean what are we doing it for? Enjoyment? Not much there then. Exercise? Plenty of that! I can go to the farmer's market and buy organic veg and fruit. So why are we putting ourselves under this added pressure? At the moment it feels like a lead weight around our shoulders. The greenhouse on the other hand is coming on leaps and bounds. Not much of a problem with weeds but I suspect given a few weeks it will be an infestation of another kind - whitefly. I could nematode them with wasps (HB you could have made a fortune) but have to have the door closed for them to do their damndest. Toms and peppers have to be watered twice a day then as it gets too warm. Oh I dont know anymore.

It's such a shame - such a damned shame.

Sooooo proud are we!

2006-05-28T18:53:00.000+01:00

It is 0719. The phone rings. I get up. I am half way down the stairs (not posh having phone in bedroom) and it stops ringing. The mobile rings upstairs. I dash upstairs and it stops ringing.
I decide to adorn myself in a dressing gown. I don't want to be reported for streaking - the neighbours you know. The mobile rings again and this time I answer it. The voice says "Goodmorning Grandma!" A gorgeous baby boy born at 0650 weighing in at an admirable 9lb 1oz (I work in imperial) mother rather sore and tired and dad ecstatic! "He's got feet and fingernails and everything!" the voice enthusiastically announces. " She was so good and I am so proud of her and ..... and everything!" "Oh how wonderful" I say. I can't focus - I can't find my specs having knocked them off the table onto the floor. I dare not move. I am paralysed with emotion and I may stand on my specs. And with that he's gone.

Wow.

Hi - I'm back!

2006-05-23T16:52:00.000+01:00

It's been a funny old month. We are expectant grandparents - tomorrow all being well. I just can't get my head round it really. My youngest child about to become a mum? Well it just doesn't seem right somehow.

All is well in the greenhouse. I saved the tomatoes the little life saver I am and performed CPR on the peppers. The courgettes are a little late this year owing to the fact I forgot to sow them. So far on the allotment we have.....

Onion sets - Stouron
Onion seeds - kelsae and some illegal immigrants
Garlic - from the isle of wight

.....I know its not a really good list but all the stuff is downstairs and I'm doing this from memory!

I continue....

Shallots - Jemor
Peas - Greenshaft and Feltham First (I think thats how you spell it)
Broad Beans - Aqua Dulce - put in in the autumn
Potatoes - Arran Pilot, Kestrel, Pentland something

I'm trying my best here you know...

Carrots - Nantes extra early I think)
Beetroot - Detroit ....... something

Ahem.....

In the green house we have (this is my domain and I know all of these)

Tomatoes - Alicante, Gartenperle, Gardeners Delight, Costoluto Fiorentino, Super Marmande, Shirley, Sungella, Cour de Bue, Astro Ibrido, Roma

Impressed?

Peppers - Big Banana, Asti Quatro, Corno Rosso,

Chillis - Jalapenos, Cayenna, there are a few more I know

Courgettes - some from Baldricks Dad and some Italian Nero something

For the allotment

Red Sprouts - free with GYO
Green Spouts - Toledo and Musslebrough
Cauliflower -
Cabbage - Greyhound, Tundra and Advantage

Butternut Squash - Cobnut

Sweetcorn - Swift

All are doing well - Still having probs getting photographic evidence -

Thank you for reading - over and out.

Yes yes I know....

2006-04-17T14:42:00.000+01:00

....that I haven't been shall we say prolific in my epistolic duties but you see I've been at work (so have we I hear you all cry) and then the family came round (as did ours) and then my little girls washer conked out and I ended up doing washing and drying duties as well as ours (so what?) and.... and .... then I cooked for 10 (your point being?) . Ok here I am to give you the next installment on the allotment and green house epic drama. I forgot to water the toms so they are now droopy and almost pot bound. The peppers are similar. All I can do is apologise profusely. I don't know what came over me. It was all going so well. I think that my main problem has been a) the greenhouse capsule which has raised the temperature, b) stupid seed trays which have holes in and all the damned water drained out and c) lack of enthusiasm. I know that there are three problems there all contributing to the overall picture. Pathetic.

Must try harder.

Today, I are mostly........

2006-03-29T10:48:00.000+01:00

.........going into town to collect my new digital camera. This of course assumes that I had an old digital camera to exchange it with. Wrong! The last camera I had was a present for my 21st birthday - a dim and distant memory - but I do remember the camera as being a very small rectangular thing made by agfa gaevart. You could add a flash by plugging in an upright block of six flashes - a bit of a bugger if two went off together. You couldn't see for about 10 minutes. The whole thing opened out to reveal a view finder and it made one hell of a whining noise whilst it charged up. We have very few pictures of our dog as she would never sit still long enough to be able to take one. We have lots of photos which are blurred due to movement. Anyroadup I am going in the next half an hour and how excited am I? I've done lots of research on the net and have settled on a Sony Cybershot DSC W15. Good lenses, good macro, idiot proof (we'll see) and a reasonable price. It's got other things with it like batteries and chargers and things but they dont really interest me although they probably are a necessity. I am looking forward to pointing and shooting.

I have tried to add photos before to this blog but it wont do it. I've tried taking off the pop ups but it wont go. I've tried to get in touch with someone who can help me but no joy at all. I don't think anyone is bovvered. Never mind I am reformatting the computer next week so hopefully that should solve the probs. I may be some time........ smoke me a kipper I'll be back for breakfast.

It's all go isn't it?

2006-03-23T16:24:00.000Z

Where do people find the time to do all the things that you want to but never get round to doing? They all seem to do far far more than me. Take the ironing cupboard for instance - no PLEASE take the ironing cupboard. There is the world mountain of ironing in there. Being a mother I have mother powers ..... like being able to put my hand into the ironing pile and by touch alone (and in the dark without the use of a safety net) can locate the item which has been requested. Voila! Since the girls have fled - too hurriedly for my liking - I have not lost these powers. The pile is now of dangerous proportions. The ironing basket (a farcical term) is perched upon said pile and could fall at any time. The ironing board is wedged in between the door and the pile. One false move could cause an avalanche of gigantic proportions. Yet why oh why do I not take my life in my hands and tackle it? Every time we go out (an infrequent event due to not having anything to wear) do I have to call upon my powers to find items of clothing to iron. This usually calls for Baldrick to state that the dog needs to go out and will I be safe opening the cupboard. I swear and curse like a trouper. As soon as the ironing board is moved the avalanche begins. This moves the pile and therefore the position of the item of clothing in question. More swearing and cursing. There is also the added danger of the iron itself being knocked off the shelf and cause a serious head injury along with wetting all the clothes with the water I left in from the last ironing rally, which I should have emptied out (according to the instruction manual).

What confuses me is when I go to put more ironing in the cupboard the pile NEVER falls over. Whats all that about then? I didn't used to be like this say 10 years ago. Little mrs perfect I was. Slim, fit and very organised (not any of those things anymore). Tea ready at tea time with food cooked from scratch, washing and ironing done. Clean linen and towels. Paperwork all up to date. School stuff all sorted for the girls. Was chairman of the governors. In fact if I had me as a friend 10 years ago I would have been pretty pissed off at how well organised I was. And I had a full time job and had two children and husband. I have no idea where that person has gone. Do I want her back? Yes and no. I'm far more mellow now. More chilled. I don't fly off the handle any more - well we are all entitled to once in a while! Perhaps the ironing would be a start. I'll go and have a look!!!

Toms at the ready!

2006-03-13T22:20:00.000Z

They've done it! The tomatoes are up. Now I had distinct reservations about them as I had problems with the temperature control. The capsule worked really well however I dont know if it's anything to do with the capsule in the green house being on the side where it gets the sun or the heater itself. I have monitored the temp for days now and its maintained at between 18 and 20 degs so not too bad . I only hope its warm enough for the peppers. The problem arises when the temp in the capsule is as above but the temp in the rest of the greenhouse is less than this and I can't risk putting the tender new toms in it - but on the other hand (left or right?) the peppers need to be warmer. Do I risk increasing the temp for the peppers to do their stuff at the risk of loosing the toms to higher heat. What a dilema.

Anyway the following have germinated....

Gardeners Delight
Cour di Bue
Costuloto Fiorentino
Roma F1
Shirley
Alicante
Gartenperle
Super Marmande
Astro Ibrido F1

6 of each the little beauties!! I am sure I've missed one out - will check and report back.

The peppers are ..... in no particular order

Corno Rosso
Cayenne
Jalapeno
Bell Boy
Apache
Big Banana

and others!!!!

My head is a shed. Just finished nights. Back to work tomorrow. I had to swap a shift to be able to take next Sunday off so the four days I usually get after 4 12hour shifts (2 days 2 nights) has been broken up. Anyway, will be working with a great guy tomorrow so it will be a pleasure to share the day with him. The last two nights have been hard. Saturday night is always busy with drunks and assaults and Sunday is usually proper poorly folk who don't want to ring the doctor it being the weekend. It was extra busy as we had some shifts down and some stations were not covered so it was all hell and no notion till about 0400. That's seems to tie in with the time the burger vans etc close up for the night. Went to an RTA (I think they are called MVC's now - motor vehicle collision not insinuating that it's an accident anymore) where two guys provided a positive breath test. The CPS may or may not decide who was driving the car. The two gentlemen (and I use the term loosely) couldn't decide so they may both be convicted!

The rest of Sat night was assaults - what is it about alcohol and some folks that they want to knock seven shades out of another person? Women are just as bad. Maybe Harveys Bristol Cream is the answer - it doesn't make me want to hit anyone! Althought Bacardi has made me fall down the stairs once or twice in the past! It was soooo cold last night and there were still girls out with next to nothing on. As my gran said - they'll get cold in their kidneys and piles from sitting on cold walls. I don't think I will ever get cold in my kidneys as I'm a good girl and am always well tucked in and wear a double cotton gusset at all times!!!

Am glad the heating is now working. It is siberian out there! I expect a letter from Powergen in the very near future about the drain from the national grid to heat the most expensive greenhouse in the world.

And just for the bird watchers out there - baldrick has had a lovely pair of tits on his nuts and the robins are nesting in the bird box he was given for his birthday - so spring must be round the corner. I noticed some pigeons at it in a tree the other day. Most precarious!