Monday, August 27, 2007

Tomatillo Verde



I mentioned earlier that my tomatillos needed a bit more sun. It looks like they just might get what they need if the forecast holds out. This little husk needs to fill to bursting over the next couple of weeks. All of my fingers are crossed.

If you're experiencing a little too much sun and heat where you are, perhaps you could send some our way. Much appreciated.
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Summer Sun II

 


Looks like Squeak's not the only one to see some creative shade...
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Sunday, August 26, 2007

My first piece of art...


Click on photo to enlarge

Our time at home has been spent out of doors this weekend. We caught up on our gardening and did a couple of projects, plus Alastair had a good twenty mile cycle around nearby villages.

The project in the photo above has been on my mind for months but I've been slow to put it together... in fact, my first attempt failed as I overcompensated with the mitre saw which complicated things because I couldn't walk myself through the error. Thankfully Alastair repaired my attempt, was keen to play with my framing tacks, et voila!

Inside is a selection of sempervivum and a couple of other succulents that I've collected over the last couple of years. Behind it is layers of mesh, sphagnum moss and sisal. It hangs in our back garden on the far fence, but can be seen from the front gate. If you come for a barbecue, it's the first thing you'd see.

Had you been here last night...



Last night, had you lived nearby, we would have invited you to dinner. The weather was warm with little breeze, the barbecue was hot and the sweetcorn just pulled off the stalks in our garden.

Our menu was:
Grilled swordfish with salsa verde (pineapple sage, capers, lemon and mint)
Steamed corn on the cob
Green salad (mixed lettuces and tomatoes (from the garden) plus avocado and celery.

Fresh apple and blackbery crisp with oats

New Zealand Montana 2006 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Missed you!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Summer Sun



Until Sunday, life here has been sunny and warm; even Squeak chose to find some shade. It's been lovely here, warm enough to eat outside and even barbecue. Things just changed and consequently, I think everyone on this island simultaneously shook their heads and sadly wrote off summer... not me though, I'm not British yet. I have tomatillos that still need a few more weeks of good weather to flourish.