Sunday 3rd March
Another storm was set to hit us this afternoon, It lashed down with rain, the wind blew, hailstones joined the party. Not the weather for doing outside jobs.
We fared the storm came out the other side with very little damage.
The usual broken branches, wind is natures way of pruning the dead and weak branches.
And we had a tree down
It was one we had marked to come down, It had Ash die back a disease that is devastating the as trees in the UK.
The stump I have plan for in the garden, the rest of it will be firewood.
Monday 4th March
After the storms and all the rain that fell much to the delight of the ducks Compost and Speak No, new puddles sprung up for them to explore
Tuesday 5th March
Martin is away at work, had a long chat with a friend on the phone got the washing done and other bits and bobs around the house.
Candled the duck eggs that were put in the incubator last week
They are all viable, that dark blob is a little beating heart
The weather still is very inclement
The Alpacas have been grazing over in the sheep field, at feed times we only have to call them and they come galloping back.
Wednesday 6th March.
I had to pop out to the fruit and veg wholesalers this morning to pick up some fruit and veg for the goats
I got 2 crates of grapes for £2
A crate of tomatoes for £1
A crate of ginger for £1
as well as some boxes of apples for £1 for the goats
The Grapes I put through the steam juice extractor
remove from stalks give them a wash
Then onto the stove for an hour
Three and a bit bottles of grape juice. Which can used for drinks, lollies, jellies or even wine.
Thursday 7th March
The grape pulp after extracting was left to cool over night then they went in the dehydrator
Raisins, that I can use when baking.
The tomatoes were sliced and dehydrated over night
1 crate sliced filled 7 trays
reduced down to 3 pints
then blitzed down to a jar of powder, spoon fulls can be added to soups and casseroles etc.
Friday 8th March
I had a new book arrive
I didn't need another vegetable book, but this one is special as it has been beautifully put together by a local gardener and I am all for supporting local business.
The whole book is illustrated with lovely clear photos
Easy to read and understand
The author Huw Richards lives in Tregaron just up the road from me. He also has a fab you tube channel Huw's Nursery. The best price on the book I have found to be Amazon
Saturday 10th March
I pottered around sorting out a few things and getting on with some crafts starting to build up stock for up and coming events
Pop along to my craft blog to catch up with what is happening there
That sounds a really good buy that book Dawn - he will be writing about the kind of soils you have so that you can trust his words on which varieties to plant etc. You always sound so very busy
ReplyDeleteI like to be busy I cant imagine just sitting around, not having hobbies not having friends to meet up with.
DeleteThat looks a very good book. Must check out the Youtube video too.
ReplyDeleteI know where you've been shopping! I just bought a tray of apples there this week (small Cox's) for £1. Never thought of dehydrating tomatoes like that (he often has boxes of them doesn't he?) for blitzing and adding to stews etc. Great idea. I remember you doing the grapes before. You can't get much more self sufficient than that (unless they are home grown of course).
last years ones were home grown
DeleteHi Dawn
ReplyDeleteLike the idea of the grapes being turned into juice and then raisins. Using it all up that way. Wish we had a fruit shop like yours - mine is not too bad but the prices your way sure beat ours.
check out if you have any wholesalers that supply market traders
DeleteWill do and thank you for that.
DeleteTricia
Wow - A crate of ginger for a pound? That is an amazing price.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks cheerful and amazing.
It was a real bargain.
Delete