Posts Tagged ‘Home’

A summer of strawberries

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

2009_strawberries

We don’t know what we’ve done right this year. The strawberry plot we planted two years ago seemed all but dead. We had a handful last year, but nothing much to speak off, and only a few more the year before. We’ve since read that it can take two years for strawberry plants to get established in the garden, and it appears that fact is right.

Even the cuttings from the runners that are in soil nowhere near the bulk of the plants are bearing lots of red fruits. The first year we used straw under the hanging fruits to cushion them and stop them being eaten by soil-dwelling predators, but this year we’ve forgone the dry yellow stuff, and the fruit has been fine; clean and nibble free.

The only other thing we’ve not done is to weigh what we’ve had. There’s been at least three bowls the size of the containers in the picture above, and already there’s probably the weight of one more sitting outside. We quite literally can’t keep with them. And, as with all our home grown produce, these are much tastier than shop-bought red fruit. Anyone for strawberries?

Last night and today, the cat slept…

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

…here:

2009_oscar_asleep_desk

…and here:

2009_oscar_asleep_bag

The longer summer days are really wearing him out. Tonight when I came in from work, it really was a case of letting the cat out of the bag.

The chickens have a new perch

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

2009_chickens_perplexed
‘Hen-pecked to perch? Us?’

It took them a couple of days, but those feathered ladies now know what to make of it. We’ve wanted to put a new perch or set of perches into the enlarged compound for a while now; it’s just a case of sourcing the right materials.

Logs or thin tree trunks would be fine, although shiny broom handles might be a little too small in diameter. In all cases, it’s the job of attaching them to the compound frame or wire sides that could prove to be a logistical downfall.

So, at the weekend we changed around the current log configuration, and at once doubled the area on which our three birds can rest their legs and feet. The longer branch that was previously almost on the floor is now at least 30 cms off the ground, making for truly higher vistas.

2009_margot_perch_face_on
Margot, stunt chicken, strikes a pose

Reluctant at first, they now quite like it, and strut up and down as if they’ve had their new climbing frame since day one. It’s not only the new perches that are giving them more stimulation either, as we’ve started to scatter premium bird seed in the bark chippings so that they can scratch and peck their days away.

In other chicken-related news, we’re still thinking of getting Barbara, Gerry, and Margot some new playmates, and they may be of the ex-battery variety. Arriving featherless and with one beak puts us off slightly, but we’re told they soon adapt and grow back their feathers. Quite the opposite of Margot then, who, through moulting, is still intent on losing a few of hers.

The dawn of spring

Sunday, May 10th, 2009

The weather’s been unseasonably good for a couple of weeks now, but it was only this weekend that we had time to really enjoy it properly. Steven and Anthony were up from St Neots, and after a day of jobbing yesterday getting ready for their overnighter, we settled down for a tuna lasagne, Eve’s Pudding, and cards. We didn’t start Poker until 23h30 which was really too late, but we played for an hour or so and muddled our way through the rules, betting where and how much we thought we should.

Today dawned light and bright, if a little breezy. After an egg on muffin breakfast, we got the bikes out and cycled through the park to Writtle, where we stopped for ciders and cokes. It was the ideal excuse to give Nik’s new project bike a test ride, and flattening tyre and squeaky brakes aside, it did well. It turns out you can buy a used bike for £25, spend a little more on parts, and have a decent machine.

2009_aliums

While we were out, I really noticed how much everything green has come on in the last couple of weeks. Not just in the garden either; the paths to Writtle were full of leaves, and here in the garden what flowers we have are in bloom, and the pink tree of unknown origin is about to do its’ bloom for a month and then it’s gone’ thing. The greenhouse is full of beans, chillies, lettuces, and tomatoes, and some have even made it into the plot proper. Which only means one thing; summer must be just around the corner.

Entertaining, entertaining

Monday, April 6th, 2009

We’re so tired. Emilie, Luke, and Kathryn visited last weekend, and mum and Bart came this last one, so two full weekends of fun, food, and frolics have taken their toll. And even though I’ve been lucky enough to not be at work today (and Friday, too), I’ve almost been too tired to settle to, or do anything this afternoon.

But, just like last weekend, we’ve had a fun two days. Mum and Bart arrived from Lowestoft on Friday evening, and we caught up over a butternut squash and leek pie supper. With Saturday’s changeable weather, we headed into town for a walk around the market, buying some cheese, and mooching around the shops.

Saturday evening was cards (‘Blob’), a speedily made sausage plait and Eve’s Pudding, with champagne and wine, while yesterday’s sunny spells let us whiz over to Harlow, to look around its very large and renowned garden centre. Bart is developing a penchant for gardening late in life, and so filled the boot of the car with lots of greenery, eager to plant his new babies out the back of the house.

We had a night off last night, and went to Immo for supper. Usually busy, it was very empty, and the food wasn’t quite up to the usual standard, either. My spaghetti carbonara was a little wet and runny, but the Frisco Parmesan wafer starter and ice cream dessert upheld the tasty tradition. We still enjoyed what we had, though, and got home in time for tea before bed, and pre-11pm early night – we must have them around more often.

This morning’s breakfast was a little more low-key than both Saturday’s and Sunday’s (only eggs and muffins for our sleepover visitors), and the only job to do today was to replant the dragon tree in the front room, which true to mum’s word, had outgrown its pot and become root-bound. A new container was the easy remedy, and with cheese and crackers for lunch, mum and Bart were on their way home.

It’s always more than lovely to have visitors for the weekend, but it does take it out of you, especially two weekends running. But, both were worth it, with lots of fresh memories made and relaxing times had. The tables are turned a little this weekend, as we’re off to Viv’s in Darlington to meet up with Andrew and Sheila, and to enjoy the relaxing Easter weekend up north.

And, although we’ll do our bit to tidy up ourselves, at least this weekend, there’ll not be copious amounts of cleaning. Only maybe copious amounts of food, which, after the last two weekends, isn’t necessarily a good thing – the super-slim beach body due to my lack of willpower is a long way off yet!