tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51062734146722371932024-02-02T11:26:56.181-08:00Me and Two VegMy life, my garden, my allotmentJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-37490681539703168992013-07-17T08:25:00.000-07:002013-07-17T08:25:18.784-07:00Picture timeHi there! Well I think a show and tell is in order now things are being/been nearly ready to harvest, don't you???<br />
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Not many of these are making it home!<br />
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Super yummy red electric onions - This is the only time I've had any success with onions :-)<br />
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Shallots - Split in to many shallots but dissapointingly small<br />
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Garlic - Germidor - Absolutely FABBY crop and strong with it! YUM<br />
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Courgetterama! YAY - now who thought that five courgette plants at the allotment was a good idea? (never mind that I have another 3 at home too!) I think this one is Atena Polka<br />
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A good ole Defender<br />
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Yellow ball or One ball courgette<br />
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And just look at this monster at home - If anyone can count how many there are on here they win a prize (clue I got up to 21 and then lost count!) And I've picked two already!<br />
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right tonight I'm goign to make Nigella's "Happiness Soup" - a very good suggestion indeed from one of my fellow gardeners on the Grow your Own Magazine forum :) <a href="http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/forum.php">http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/forum.php</a><br />
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too hot for any more news<br />
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Ciao for now :O)Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-89161510217442229472013-07-10T07:02:00.000-07:002013-07-16T07:53:24.643-07:00Well I've got some good news and some bad news... and a trip to the O2Good news first Ladies and Gents<br />
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I have FINALLY been offered my permanent contract at my JOB! Only been here two years, but bless em they managed to tell me before my contract ran out this time too. No more 6 monthly colly wobbles :) I'm in with the in-crowd, on the team, part of the GANG! My manager and one of the HR bods both have said (seperately) this doesn't change anything, but I would refute this. It means a lot to me and they cant simply not renew my contract and just jiggle about the other jobs to make it look like they don't need the position any more... did I mention it means a lot to me! They are now prepared to invest in me as much as I am prepared to give to them. Or as a few WAGS have put it "time to put my feet up"!!!<br />
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BAD NEWS......<br />
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It wont be too much of a surprise.... I will not be taking the current allotment on again next year.... As my regular few loyal readers will know, its not my allotment, but somehow I got roped in to "helping" (read doing all of it) and the brother has not heeded my previous warning! I advised if he didn't pull his finger out I wouldn't do it again. Well he hasn't, so I'm not. Fear not dear readers, I am not a girl without options. HA HA no. A friend of mind who lives locally works an allotment nearby with one or two others, I get the feeling its more of a community effort which I feel would suit me more, in fact right down tot he ground. Its not a formal council allotment but more of some land I think the farmer doesn't know what else to do with. So at last I will be veg gardening with others who A) enjoy it, B) have the time to do it, C) I will be able to go in the evening as its local and not a 30 min drive! WIN WIN WIN I will of course be erm liberating a few bushes and rhubarb and what not before I leave ahem.... I will be seeing out the season but hope to go and visit the new place soon! Scope it out and see how they work together. :)<br />
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At the lottie well, the beans are slow but coming up, the peas are coming up too but not as many as I would have liked. I have put my foot down and am point blank refusing to plant even 1 more seed in the ground this year! The garlic has been amazing - I picked the first lot last weekend and the rest this Sunday and its drying in the 4 tier plastic greenhouse at home. Far better than last year the Germidor came up with lots of lovely fat cloves. The Edenrose was small but still worthwhile. The Elephant garlic! WOOOOHOOOOO as soon as I have a pic I will upload it for your entertainment! I have also picked some strawberries, and about 5 sugarnap/mangetout and about four red onions! Oooooh and a small bag of new potatoes! I had my first dinner on Sunday of all home grow veg... apart from carrots... YAY<br />
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Anyhoo I shall hope to take some pics in the next day or two :)<br />
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Ciao for now XXX<br />
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PS - My choir performed at the O2 Arena on Saturday, not to a paying audience but for each other. I'm going to link you here to the sound of over 9000 people singing together to about another 5 or so thousand of our family and friends<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF97-k1yLWA" target="_blank">Rock Choir at the O2 Arena - All over the world</a><br />
<br />Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-64393342144257963842013-06-13T07:59:00.001-07:002013-06-13T08:15:21.996-07:00Going great guns!Hey Everybod - its all going off! Finally caught up with myself and have spent a coupla weekends working flat out but we are there! I have planted out nearly everything! Just haven't got any sweetcorn this year but hey ho still have some in the freezer.<br />
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I've done a video if you please so I will see if I can upload that! The only patch that is more or less untouched and unplanted is the bit that the brother wanted natch! So I'll let the video do the talking on this occasion - I'm off to Corfu for two weeks tomorrow so I'll see you then. I apologise if this video is a bit fuzzy, it was when I uploaded it to Faceache too... But you'll get the gist!<br />
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Ciao for now XXX<br />
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<br />Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-84576230173928111362013-05-18T00:46:00.001-07:002013-05-18T01:11:16.995-07:00Vegging out!WOW - once again - long time no post<br />
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I should work out how to set up a default template so all of my posts start like that. To be honest have been mulling over stopping blogging. As much as I love having my secret little thing, a little place to blast or rant or just share, ponder and bore on about my passion for growing.... life does have a habit of getting in the way. Work this year has been manic. I am here now (supervising a desk install!) I also would like to pursue other interests - would love to try dress making (other garments need not apply). Also been having a bit of a flare with the Arthritis. If any of you say "but you're too young for arthritis", you can line up for a slap round the chops. Inflammatory forms of arthritis are more common in those aged between 25-40. Anyhoo its not a pity party here but I have been exhaustipated. When I do get to the allotment (once a week tops with the current crappy weather) I dig for a bit, sit for a bit, do a bit more, sit, dig , sit. I'm sure the neighbours think I'm A - Batty, B - Lazy C - BOTH!<br />
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Enough already of the excuses. I have my tato's in (only 2-3 weeks ago so no applause please!) first earlies cant remember which off the top of my head. Garlic, shallots and onions which I planted last year are doing really well! I have some broad beans (currently in the car) in tray ready to go out this afternoon. Again late but my super star allotment neighbour (I shall call him Mardy-bum) has small ones coming through and I though I could catch those up if I started them at home and I have indeed caught up size wise - just need to sink 'em! The mother and I have prepped the runner bean station, the salad bed is all ready to go and I have dug a bit off the pea/other bean spot.<br />
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I have had a face off with the brother also about the allotment and stated that if he does not pull his finger out this year and help that I will not take on the allotment again for him next year. His response "okay then don't".... Slightly shocked that no row was ensuing but so be it - a line has been drawn. He has asked for a large bed to himself on the allotment and Mum says he has started on this section. I didn't go last week (rain) so have yet to see the fruits of his labour (I'm not expecting too much). He did mow the grass once though....<br />
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In other news..... errr work.... still here, still busy, still on a bloomin contract although again expecting good news this time round (yes been there heard that!) ever the optimist.<br />
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Saw the Star Wars film last night - EPIC. In fact if you looked up epic in the dictionary it would say watch the Star Wars film. Not even a trekkie :o)<br />
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Anyway - I shall see if can take some snaps today so I can piccy up the blog!<br />
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Chat soon - probably! XXX<br />
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<br />Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-75991507664269848822013-04-02T07:57:00.000-07:002013-04-02T07:57:17.471-07:00Ive started!YAY - finally had a free day to get to the allotment! I went yesterday (Easter Monday) and spent the afternoon. It was still cold but when the sun shone it was FAB. I strimmed, pulled and laid carpet on a couple of bits that were unruly last year. I know strictly speaking I shouldn't but I need all of the time saving help I can get. I put some at the top between me and the neighbour and some either side of the Goosegogs. The top bit really caused a problem last year as the weeds really strayed into the potato patch. (This years onion and garlic). I just can't be doing with spending nearly all of my allotment time strimming and cutting grass by hand. The bits without carpet I am hoping to give a really good dig over to get rid of most of the rest of it. HURRAH. <br />
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I weeded and pruned the Gooseberries too.... Evil bastard plants. I look like I have been mauled by a troupe of marauding tigers. YOWCH. Long sleeves this week for me then. I will be able to get there again on Saturday and here we go again - just one visit and I've got the bug again! Must look up what I should be sowing and get on with it!<br />
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I also potted up the perennial plant collection that I sent for.. and dropped all over the floor. Now I've no idea which is what... OOOPS! Theya re for the garden though. Apart from that I've got tomatoes, and chillis on the go.<br />
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Back in the saddle - It was lovely to be outside yesterday but a radox bath for me tonight I think! I got cramp in my bum this morning and I think I've pulled it! LOL :O)<br />
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Ciao for now XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-10079019200311126022013-03-27T12:47:00.001-07:002013-03-27T12:47:37.486-07:00Easter BluesIts still snowing and crap! Yes I know its Easter this weekend - this time last year we were all sun burnt - this year we have frost bite. I've still done nothing on the allotment I've only just sowed some tomatoes and chilli's at home! Although I seem to be doing my best to get that wrong - Keep forgetting to take the lid off the propagator and they're going all leggy...<br />
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So no news really - The Major Big Boss of all of the Universe at work is visiting from Japan next Friday so everyone is in a tail spin redecorating, re-branding cleaning and worrying about shit such as what the disabled loo (ahem the VIP bathroom) smells and looks like. Yes I have bought matching hand towels and a cabinet to put it in!<br />
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Anyway got to go, having some desks put together GAAAAAAAHHHHH<br />
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Ciao for now XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-87291792243875350902013-01-24T07:27:00.000-08:002013-03-27T12:48:11.250-07:00Hey there! Snow time bluesDear All<br />
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******** snow stopped play *********<br />
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the end - that WAS January.....<br />
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Not sown a seed or turned a sod. I have been lazy. I have not even rifled through the seed packets. Most unlike me. I have normally started Chilli's and maybe even tomato's by now.... Hmmmmm ennui strikes.<br />
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Perhaps if it snows again this weekend, I will get the house done early and spend an hour or so in the potting-shed-alike... I dooo have a few seeds (chilli's) that could be doing with getting on. The Rainbow chilli's in particular were brill and super hot this year. If I use one tonight I shall be sure to save a coupla the seeds!<br />
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Anyhoo - Hope that you are all finding your Mojo... If you find mine, smack its bum and send it home please :o)<br />
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Chat soon XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-36020480519764742462013-01-04T06:12:00.000-08:002013-01-04T06:12:03.840-08:003000!OH EM GEEEEE people! Just logged on today and I can see the read count is 2999! It cant all be me obsessively checking and re-reading surely!<br />
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Congratulations if your my 3000th reader - I wish I could know who you were. I have a loyal but steady regular crew of about 10 so you can all pat yourselves on the back!<br />
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I am just at the point where I am starting to think about getting the seed stash out and starting off some chilli's. The good think about having this blog is its easy to look back and see when I did things last year and if they worked, rather relying on my memory!<br />
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I used to know a poem that started off:<br />
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My forgetterer is getting betterer, but my rememberer is broke, to you this might sound funny but to me this is no joke!<br />
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Me in a nutshell I'm afraid - if its not written down or I'm not reminded its gone.<br />
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Anyway in other exciting news - choir - we sang in Trafalgar Square in December in aid of the Children's Hear Foundation - It was bitterly cold but FAB <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtx0Cj_jAlQ" target="_blank">R C Trafalgar Square</a> you can't really see me in this as my face is hidden by a massive fluffy mic but my ponytail is putting on a stirling performance.<br />
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Yet more excitement - I seem to have stumbled across my dream job... I wont say too much here just in case but its organic, friendly, small, a little bit hippy dippy, closer to home and they want to pay me more money. I say they do but I haven't met them yet! I have met the lady from the agency however and it sounds AMAAAAAAAY-ZING! I'll keep you updated. Interviews likely to be next Weds/Thursday!<br />
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Anyway must choose what chillis to start of - numex twilights are a must!<br />
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And thanks for your support and love and just for generally reading all the rubbish I come out with<br />
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BIG LOVE XXX<br />
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Chat soon XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-75207297504996268452012-12-03T07:55:00.001-08:002012-12-03T07:55:53.835-08:00FinaleeeeeeeeeHey I ave finally got the garlic in the ground! Whoooo hooooo! Although having had a chesty cough and three days off work last week, it was looking dicey for this weekend too! However like a good girl I got up, packed my lottie bag, guilt tripped Mr B into coming with me an off we set. <br />
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I used the top bed for this as I have not had onions in it before and it will be nearly a whole section of the allotment planted up! I have varieties messidrome, germidor, edenrose, chesnok red and elephant garlic. I can't remember off the top of my head in which order though I did do a nifty little diagram! Beside that I do have three rows of eschallot grise, apparently a prized ingredient (excellent marketing which I fell for!) and then only two of electric red onions. This was all I could fit in as a) I haven't dug enough and b) the ground which was slightly uncovered at this edge and was frozen. I reckon there are about as many again which I didn't get to plant so I will come back to these in the spring perhaps....<br />
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And as for broad beans.... sigh ... not done. I have a vague entertainment of starting them off at home in loo rolls and then when the ground is soft again in spring putting the little plantlets in the ground like that. So the advantage of growing them early in to non frozen compost and hopefully and early harvest to combat the greenfly... I shall think on it. I may have some free time on Tuesday. <br />
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Having my pre Xmas haircut tonight (have had a bit of a hair disaster vis a vis colouring and over straightening and now some of the ends break!) and then Weds running club if I'm fit enough and Thursday Choir is singing in Marlow... Just have to learn my solo for "all over the world" by ELO. Oh yes a solo and this time by clever choosing I don't have to share! YAY! Mine all MINE!<br />
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Anyway back to the allotment, I got the planting done and Mr B took down the beans and the poles and helped me re-spread the tarpaulin over a bit lower down the plot. Looks much neater and ready for the long winter. I doubt I will get anything else done until its chilli time next year.... apart from the broad beans that is.... eventually :o)<br />
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Hope you're all well and Chat again soon X<br />
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Ciao for now !!!Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-80873178839000741592012-11-23T02:00:00.002-08:002012-11-23T02:00:15.540-08:00When will I see you again?Hi there!<br />
<br />
I must admit to a heinous crime... I have not been to the allotment for the past THREE weeks! shocker. I think that apart from the depth of winter this is the longest that I haven't been since I got it! I couldn't be bothered the first weekend, then had a family funeral to attend and was mega busy last weekend. Sigh. Must do better would be my report card.<br />
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The long awaited garlic, onion and shallot order arrived! YAY I hear you say "she can stop twanging on about it now" ALAS the weather is sooooo bad (rained all night) that I fear I wont be able to get there this weekend either..... BAH - I also have to drop the car off for its MOT Saturday so that's out anyway. We will see what happens on Sunday. Maybe I can go and cut the beans down at least!<br />
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I think I will start the broad beans anyway at home. I can then get them out when the weather is drier. Yeah thats a plan stan.<br />
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Diet is going well. Still on the Dukan and about 9 lbs down so all good.<br />
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Work is slightly frustrating still - they are still fannying about and no further contract has been offered. Really hoping for a permanent one this time (as always). I wouldn't say no to an extension but I would seriously start to look for something else. My boss has promised me a definitive answer by the end of the month. 7 days it is then.... (watch this space I suspect it will be just like last time and only be offered something 2 days before the end!)<br />
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Anyway Christmas is coming. Need pressie ideas for Mr B. sigh.<br />
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Better get on Ciao for now and chat soon X<br />
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OOOOOOOoooh - Films - ARGO is the best film I've seen for AAAAAAAAAAGES! Go SEE GO SEE :0)Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-74051140064350432802012-11-01T03:39:00.000-07:002012-11-01T03:41:49.972-07:00Like a cream cake at fat clubWell a moan then a retraction, now a moan again... I KNOW it says on your website I can expect them any time from September - December but DAGNAMIT I want my onions, garlic and shallots NOW. The bed is ready and raring to go. I finished digging it all on Saturday and its looking inviting - like a cream cake at a weight watchers fat club. I haven't started my broad beans either, but one of the people at the allotments who knows what he's doing (not just guessing like me), says he just bungs the seeds in the prepped bed in November and leaves them to it. Less work = less work so I like the sound of it!<br />
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Anyhow - back to cream cakes (drool).... I have started the Dukan Diet after having bumped in to a friend (we'll call her Maude*) at the garden centre natch, and commenting on how good she looked and what plan was she doing - <u>this is a normal convo for me and this particular friend</u> - we met at a slimming world class and only lost a fiver a week and an hour of our time! But we gained a friendship that is largely based on slimming, our respective allotments and swapping weight loss plans. "The Dukan diet" she replies "and I get to eat food!" - a low blow I thought as she knew I'd been doing a meal replacement milkshake diet, "<i>I've lost two stones in 6 weeks</i>" she trilled knowing how to hook me! "tell me more" says I - and a week later I've ditched the milkshakes and am on a low carb, low fat roller-coaster WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! She was right it is FAB to eat! Mmmmmm best of all I get to cook, which I miss. I cant knock the not eating Cambridge/slim n save - I have lost THREE stones (Maude* <u>THATS <i>THREE</i> STONES</u>) since January (in bursts - I have eaten food in between!)<br />
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I don't think it covers cream cakes though... Ooooh and I'm making Maude* come to choir with me on Monday - so dont tell me its not a loving an giving relationship! Oh ho no!<br />
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Anyway I am off to Derbyshire for a Family thing this weekend so its unlikely that they will be providing me with made to measure diet food so lets see how we get on.<br />
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I hope there's cake! <br />
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Ciao for now, chat soon X <br />
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<u>*UGLY substitute names given to protect the <strike>guilty</strike> innocent</u>Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-55483095799807056842012-10-15T06:03:00.000-07:002012-10-15T06:03:10.603-07:00Well butter my buttocks and call me SusanAfter a rather disparaging post on Friday maligning Thomson and Morgan and their Customer service - I am rather forced to eat my words. I did indeed email them on Friday at 3.36pm - I received a reply at 3.49pm. Good news - Not only have I ordered Garlic and Shallots but some onions too! Bad news - I have to do lots more digging to get the beds ready! Oooops :0)<br />
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I got the the lottie on Saturday and have made a good start on this years potato bed - I will be putting the overwintering things here. I'll get it dug over and then whap in the onions, garlic, shallots (broad beans too if they will fit), then I can make a start on the others in my own good time. Having stuff in the ground overwinter really encouraged me this year as I could always see that some of the allotment was actually doing something and looked good. So the more that I get sorted out now the better.<br />
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Also got hailed on and soaked to the skin but never mind! Worth it - came home with yet MORE beans - the Frenchies are STILL flowering! WOW.<br />
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Anyway this means more work to prep them for freezing. Thank god for Chest freezers. :o)<br />
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Have a good week and chat soon XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-79306124732041007112012-10-12T01:29:00.002-07:002012-10-12T01:29:58.488-07:00Not a whole lot going on...As the season draws to a close, I find I am spending a lot less time at the plot and spending my time doing things like (don't faint) jogging. I am still going tot he plot either Saturday or Sunday for a couple of hours but that's all I seem to be able to muster at the moment. The beans perversely are still producing beans although at this time of year a lot of them are on the tough side. One set of french beans were flowering like mad last week but I am sure that we'll get frost before too long. Maybe I should wrap them in fleece to give the beans a fighting chance! Who knows we could be picking until November at this rate. Everything else has definitely given up the ghost. I think I have ordered some garlic but I think I have deleted the email confirmation and now cant remember if I have some coming or not. How long should I wait? Should I just bung some in and then if I get what I think I've ordered see it as a bonus??? I don't know it just seems like too much effort. I think I'll email T&M and see if they can trace an order to this address..... although they are notoriously shit with emails... phone calls... service.... sigh... I have two hopes!<br />
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I am however thinking of controlling the paths better (gaining some control) by laying down spare carpet. I meant to do this this year too! I'm crap really aren't I? however this will mean that I'm not spending the majority of my time strimming or cutting with shears! There are some paving slabs at work which the handyman has not only said I can have but he will deliver too! So we should be able to have a paved area for two next year instead of just one! YAY two seats! :) I also have some plans involving wooden pallets..... However we'll see if I can get the carpet thing done first eh! I think I'll measure up at the plot and then cut the stuff at home which should make it a bot more transportable. I am only a girl after all - a good one however there are limits to my capabilities!<br />
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Films watched recently: Judge Dred - Good, Looper - Great, The Sweeney - Excellent! Thank god the school holiday kids shit is out of the way! <br />
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Right lets go and put another job off.... Google here I come!<br />
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chat soon XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-85770834858539441072012-09-26T08:07:00.001-07:002012-09-26T08:08:08.074-07:002 weeks in Greece (or how many women can you get reading 50 Shades of grey round a pool?)Hi there!<br />
<br />
Its that time of year again when me and Mr B take our annual sojourn to hotter climes. We love Greece and the Greek Islands as the weather is pretty much guaranteed at this time of year. We went to Kefalonia and were not disappointed. The weather was mostly at the 30 mark (apart from some spectacular storms) Hotel FAB and we even did an Island tour (very interesting) we saw gorgeous beaches, an underground lake and a secret cave with stalagmites and stalactites, a winery and a variety of pretty villages. We ate like piggy porkers and now my belt has had to be let out! The majority of the time was spent reading, sunning and swimming. And now I'm back to work and the rain! YUK Cmon Mr B win the lottery for goodness sake!<br />
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On my return I had a letter from the local authority offering me an allotment... nearby... DIMELLA...... but I hear you cry "you already have your own allotment". Those of you who haves staved off the boredom and managed to stay awake from the beginning of this blog will know that this is in fact my brothers allotment. I was roped in to help (also known as you'll do it for me wont you?) and this allotment is near my brothers house which is 30 minutes from me (if I break land speed records). I have had my name on the local list in the hope of having a plot of my own nearer home.... My brother is now qualified as an osteopath (just recently) Very proud of him too. So in theory he should now have more time to start to pick up the reigns. However only bean picking seems to have occurred while I was away. I love my little plot I've worked hard (ish) it also gives me Saturdays with my Mum and they do water and pick stuff while I am away. So with a heavy heart I turned them down on this occasion. I did however make up an excuse and asked to remain on the list. Next time I may not feel like sticking with it on his plot (especially when he's being critical!).<br />
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I have lots of pics of my produce that I have not yet posted so will have to catch up soon. I do point you however in the direction of my fave veggie website and their Virtual Veg Show (I have several entries) so you can have a gawp there! You can also see a few fine examples of fruit and veg grown by accomplished growers. I can only dream <a href="http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/fruit-vegetable-showcase" target="_blank">Virtual Veg Show 2012</a><br />
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Anyhoo - I have yet to get down to the lottie to check on progress. I will update soon<br />
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Until then YIAMAS - as they say in Greece! :o)Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-35444978934701661842012-08-18T01:48:00.000-07:002012-08-18T01:49:26.481-07:00Its harvest time!As hard as we work all year round it really is this time of the year that I love the best. Long days spent doing what I love best and reaping the rewards. Lots of dinners with stuff I can point to and say "I grew that!", "and that, and THAT too!"<br />
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I have at last realised my dreams of actually having too many peas and I have some gently freezing on a tray, ready to be bagged. I made my first batch (of hopefully many) of courgette and feta muffins (although I didn't have enough feta so bunged cheddar in instead) as we are rapidly approaching a courgette critical mass. Mr B will shortly be heard darkly muttering "one more courgette and I will explode". But until that hits I can still quietly enjoy my new potatoes, peas, courgettes (beans soon fingers crossed).<br />
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I actually gave away a cucumber and some chilli's yesterday! Spread the love! :o)<br />
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I leave you with a pic...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bdh5NdKrRZyyIU9qKuYIQh3jZ0-3iBqrJqRvE-HWkPhrZ8U89nCmAVANoN37pRjivyCnKiizRkQ27MdrPCxLGjUg2eCcPdn10dZ4UKjbD3tNcFlqkM6DKFp-4P-X0emYlw-4hW6n_5M/s1600/board+of+plenty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bdh5NdKrRZyyIU9qKuYIQh3jZ0-3iBqrJqRvE-HWkPhrZ8U89nCmAVANoN37pRjivyCnKiizRkQ27MdrPCxLGjUg2eCcPdn10dZ4UKjbD3tNcFlqkM6DKFp-4P-X0emYlw-4hW6n_5M/s400/board+of+plenty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not that I'm showing off or owt.....<br />
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Okay maybe just a little! :o)<br />
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Now I'd better go, I'm at work (yes again on a Saturday) oh Joy!<br />
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Chat soon XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-1868890580675469552012-08-03T09:03:00.002-07:002012-08-05T13:15:25.526-07:00From the Sublime to the ridiculousIn month that has featured some of the worst rain, hail, quick build me an ark or I'll float away days, to the sunniest of heatwave, flip flop wearing, sunburnt nose, get me an ice-cream now days. The same extremes can be seen in the veg patch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEpjqJy7zoWE5Sd2aJQao2-KGjOvIx1k-TC7bikUxum2RdyKRTRAL1rNDk0lWDHK4RwSSyRIuNxS11u37jcvgYmENKlT_e9srb9EjZTXMJk9xnnSXlQjw3WMHDHX4PaxJAHzApCpCAlY/s1600/tinytoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEpjqJy7zoWE5Sd2aJQao2-KGjOvIx1k-TC7bikUxum2RdyKRTRAL1rNDk0lWDHK4RwSSyRIuNxS11u37jcvgYmENKlT_e9srb9EjZTXMJk9xnnSXlQjw3WMHDHX4PaxJAHzApCpCAlY/s200/tinytoms.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM5Tad1HWlXijWNvK63LroTKCM0d5kBHqlTZSdQImSDttFil84kIgPSAHanZ-zV52sIyZqRKE9eJT1B9rYRvWRsrpbA05bbGGvfy38d9UkZA3q3hgefnjtBpnq9TJNMObEa-0gG7API8/s1600/giantradish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM5Tad1HWlXijWNvK63LroTKCM0d5kBHqlTZSdQImSDttFil84kIgPSAHanZ-zV52sIyZqRKE9eJT1B9rYRvWRsrpbA05bbGGvfy38d9UkZA3q3hgefnjtBpnq9TJNMObEa-0gG7API8/s200/giantradish.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
from the tiniest of tomatoes<br />
to the largest of the radishes! <br />
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Yes that IS a 5p! The variety is sweet pea current and the plant is enormous, sprawling everywhere in the conservatory. I knew they would be small but I thought they would at least be a blueberry type size!<br />
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I have also Picked one of my Black cherry tomatoes and last night my first white Oxheart... It was very meaty with no seeds at all that I could see! I ate it in a courgette and Aubergine bake! Along with another couple of Toms from the shop! YUMMY<br />
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Mmmmm Finally with the bit of sun we have had the courgettes are finally doing summat to earn their keep</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM-j_AJ4mw1DigoOQXd7aSEbaEhYz6ewutOsxc2jMc4m-ztoMJ2vqKk8Be-a6I0RVM5gB6QjrA2TF0cJypYcYeemez2zmoLO_-muE0d7C5K4-XKrqAN8E5YU9qUdabghwpRsHvZEBnXQ/s1600/courgette1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM-j_AJ4mw1DigoOQXd7aSEbaEhYz6ewutOsxc2jMc4m-ztoMJ2vqKk8Be-a6I0RVM5gB6QjrA2TF0cJypYcYeemez2zmoLO_-muE0d7C5K4-XKrqAN8E5YU9qUdabghwpRsHvZEBnXQ/s200/courgette1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPULgA961QiwuHdF-r__Hx7iTXybVu7hFjDz9jdyt9nAu898ii1ERpe5iAbq6YFe3tJrvpOUzxNHLkG30hNC3jAJPORmXxChTIUjYaTB7Z1mPAlCSpHSQLBed8VbMG6d4ccT-OJuXV0qo/s1600/courgette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPULgA961QiwuHdF-r__Hx7iTXybVu7hFjDz9jdyt9nAu898ii1ERpe5iAbq6YFe3tJrvpOUzxNHLkG30hNC3jAJPORmXxChTIUjYaTB7Z1mPAlCSpHSQLBed8VbMG6d4ccT-OJuXV0qo/s200/courgette.jpg" width="200" /></a>Yes these both ARE courgettes! The one on the left is a Blanco Medio Largo I think from seeds of Italy and the one on the right is a Yellow One ball from a seed swap (twas the courgette in my courgette and aubergine bake! Courgettes are great. Last time I went to the lottie, the plant had one miserable looking fruit, then this visit I picked three of the One Balls. I just know there will be more waiting my arrival this weekend! YAY</div>
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My peas are going great guns, so we have had a good few dinners with those, and My chilli's are just going CRAY-ZEEE they are absolutely laden. In fact I have a couple in the windowsill that have grown right up to the top of the window. I think I need to stop them now before they topple and break. Blinkin' covered in blossom and fruits though YAY! The Garlic I Picked has been disappointing and is rotting away. I am trying to separate the ones that I think will keep from those that wont in an effort to get some to keep for a few months! Never mind I don,t think it was ;bad for a first attempt. I thank the garlic for keeping me going when nothing else was in the ground!</div>
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The beans have enjoyed the sun too, however are still not all the way up the poles and are just starting to flower. I was picking runners this time last year I think.... must read back... also not sure that we'll get much off the French beans at all either. Booooo. I think I shall have to start thinking about what we can get in to overwinter so it looks like something is growing!</div>
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Anyway that's pretty much it. Ooooh on my own at work AGAIN at the mo - My colleague has broken her foot.... in a spinning class - don't ask, it makes me judder to think about it! I also have to work tomorrow double booooooo! Should get to the Lottie and praps the cinema on Sunday though... Ted is out. I hope its good - Batman the dark knight rises was AWESOME! Another hit! :)</div>
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Okay then lets have another snigger at my tomatoes</div>
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<br />Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-82583258782892294822012-07-16T03:15:00.003-07:002012-07-16T03:15:59.420-07:00EEEEEEK its hideous!Hi Guys<br />
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I did get to the Lottie on Saturday - I did grub about in the mud for a couple of hours, but gave up after that. It was thoroughly depressing and damp. Still I cleared a few weeds and all of the allotments on site seem to be a bit ragged, so I'm not alone.<br />
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I did pick some lettuce which seem to carry on regardless, some more peas, sugar snaps (which are now too overgrown) some GIANT radish some bonus broad beans that have popped out of nowhere, and duh duh duuuuuuuh the first of the GOOOSEGOGS!<br />
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To which end I made a pie...<br />
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Errrr Can I just state that it would have worked better if the recipe had told me to remove it from the paper and not roll the pastry so thin (and I hadn't just been a bit laissez faire with the ingredients!) It did taste good though! YUM.<br />
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Saw The amazing Spiderman yesterday - it was Awesome. What 3D has been waiting for! Also watched this week was - seeking a friend for the end of the world - again very good, a lovely love story, and the Green Lantern - I am loving the superhero films at the mo!<br />
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Anyway I'd better go I'm at work! LOL<br />
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Chat soon XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-71400713572221905922012-07-13T08:24:00.000-07:002012-07-13T08:24:46.483-07:00Picture time<br />
Hi there<br />
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Now as you all know its still raining torrents every day. so not too much has happened. Think my outdoor toms are going to die without producing anything. I digress. We have still managed a few harvests so I thought that instead of moaning at what is doing badly I'd have a little show and tell.<br />
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So here is a pic of my Garlic harvest (next to my only but fine looking aubergine) the one bulb I have taken into the kitchen and three of the four cloves that went into our dinner last night! YUM Strong though - I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be as strong as "Shop" garlic!<br />
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My cukes in the conservatory are doing really well - They are both mini varieties one home grown and another from B&Q lovely - we haven't had to buy cucumber for weeks!<br />
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My first Chilli of 2012 (also in last nights dinner ) a purple gusto - again taken aback at the "purpleness" Brill!<br />
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And here are my sugar snap peas - even Mr B likes these and he's not keen on regular peas!<br />
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Also we are having good potatoes - early varieties. Particularly the pentland javelin!<br />
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I am looking forward to going tomorrow as I didn't get there last weekend - we had a family wedding to go to (I think my liver is still recovering!) Mind you its forecast rain so we'll see!<br />
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Chat soon X<br />
<br />Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-24736706101937766222012-06-26T14:47:00.001-07:002012-06-26T14:47:18.942-07:00Squeaky bum time!Well once again its been a long time since my last post. Think I am just about managing once a month now...apologies! <br />
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Well things are still wet, windy and a bit dull all round. Although we are having a few more dry days and some sunshine its rare to have a full day without a drop of the wet stuff. My garlic has rust and some sort of rot, but I still think that I'll get some. I will have to wait and see! We have been picking lettuce and a few radish but the first thing to come up was the broad beans! As you may know I only planted about 6 plants last year and they all succumbed to black fly (YUK) so this year I overwintered and got a few beans!<br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIpjJSsHFOdhGeyYY0hYEmGIGPHnXZz1zmEloHsUXQMnk0E91z19HP4aezjcM2mYEnNIUKf328QjvX0vbtIMN01iJksU5WV6dkU5Y7gpiP_HO1RAr-pxpQmn2x-KQv1LV0ltV-mQAlE0/s320/broadbeans.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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I WILL be doing this again but I'll do LOTS AND LOTS - A whole bed I think! They were scrummy and Mum liked them too :o)<br />
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I picked the first new pots this week - smashing - some swift (not very many and small) and Pentland Javelin... Very good will get these again! I have had about 5 strawbs also and a few raspberries (although I wasn't keen they were a bit flavourless) I have planted courgette, sweetcorn, runners, borlotti beans, and french beans, beetroot spring onion and radish... I think that's it. Goose-gogs are absolutely laden with fruit and are nearly ready a week or two should do it! We've been gorging on rhubarb I've masses in the freezer and we eaten loads too.<br />
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I have ordered some more runners and more frenchies and some Brussels sprouts. I really thought that I was going to have a bad year for runners as last year I poked the seeds two to a cane and they just came up and romped away. This year no show - until I paid for the extras that is.... I swear the next day they poked their cheeky heads up.... we are going to have beans coming out of our arse holes! Good job we all like beans! <br />
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Works been okay - Contract finishes on Friday, was told to expect a year extension on account of my stirling work, was told yesterday there may be nothing for me at all come Monday... told today I just scraped through on a further 6 months extension.... bugger it really was a bit... well squeaky bum time. My boss said if he keeps me he'll have to a) loose someone else in the team, b) loose one of the catering managers/post room supervisor or c) give up the new receptionist role and get my colleague to do it.... crap. I think he's gone with "c". Great now I feel relieved and like super shit too. Thanks for sharing! I get the impression I may not be so lucky next time. I also think that the rest of the team won't like the new arrangement as they get on well with my colleague (she's been there a lot longer as well as being lovely) Bumpy ride ahead I feel.<br />
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Saw "Rock of ages" at the cinema - worst film I've seen in ages avoid like the plague....<br />
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Took part in a guinness record attempt with the choir on Saturday! Most people singing and dancing at once we will have to wait and see if they accept it - I will post news.<br />
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Also at home I have a nice fat aubergine coming a few tomatoes at last and saw the first chili today!<br />
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Mr B and the cat are well :o)<br />
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In other news (cant remember if I have posted before) I have joined a running club - so together with the 3 stones I've lost this year - Ive never felt better. <br />
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Rights its bed time so I'm off. Chat soon X<br />
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<br />Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-17472972835152039642012-05-17T13:05:00.000-07:002012-05-17T13:05:34.257-07:00Mud, mud glorious mudOh dear - I seem to be starting every post this year with "oh dear its been so long since I have posted"! So I won't this time. I would love to be out gardening and getting on with stuff BUT my dear girls and boys it has done nothing but rain for approximately the last 6 weeks. So apart from twice in the last month, I haven't really been to the lottie at all! <br />
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Its still in a reasonable state as I already got the potatoes in (just in time). I have had some plants suffering for aaaages at home (peas) and some lettuces and beetroot which I have meant to plant out every two weeks. I managed to get them in the ground the weekend before last. I only managed about an hour this weekend, a quick hoe and a tidy..<br />
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You would however think that this means ALL my plants at home are up to date with being sown and potted up and on and hardened off.... errrrrr well.... least said eh! I put some tomatoes straight out yesterday, well they have been a bit cool in the conservatory as Ive had the window open so it has helped! They've two hopes anyway! The squashes have been potted up along with my aubergine (which I cheated and bought from B&Q) and put along with the Achocha into the plastic greenhouse (aka the blowaway) I also potted up the cucumber (similarly cheating by buying from B&Q couldn't resist) and this however is going to stay in the conservatoire along with about one each of the tomato varieties. I want to see the difference between indoor grown and outdoor grown plants! :o) apart from scorching obvs.<br />
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Anyway the only think I have picked recently was some white sprouting broccoli - (divine shall try and get the plants again this winter), and Rhubarb.... I have made rhubarb schnapps, wine, crumble and (my fave) rhubarb and custard pie! MMmmmm V easy recipe! YUM looking forward to more... I have also open frozen about 5 baking trays full already, and I've just this second picked another armful from the garden... how long till we are sick of it do you think (hopefully never!) I would really love a cake recipe so if any of you have some do let me know! <br />
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Anyway I hope that its no so long till I have summat to report apart from the rain.... or else my name will be mud.... :o(Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-28873532584826924152012-03-27T08:36:00.001-07:002012-03-27T12:55:39.916-07:00GO GO GO!Hi there<br />
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Well I've left it too long to post again and I'm sure I am going to forget half of what I have been doing! With record temperatures last weekend of up to 20 degrees, I took the opportunity of a free Saturday to finish digging the potato patch and get them planted up. I have five different varieties this year so we are going to see which we like the mostest. I have four rows of five, Ulster prince, Foremost, Pixie and....... (forgot) and then three rows of fiveish Pentland Javelin. They are all earlies so I can get them all up in time for the courgettes, squash and corn! I have planted them a little later than last year but still a bit earlier than some. Some people save potato planting until Easter time!<br />
I have also got the lushest looking garlic patch! They are about five inches high some of them. I am trying to tack successional growing this year so have sown more peas and beetroot in modules. I have also started off some Lettuces in modules to get a head start. I have Potted up my tomatoes and will do the same with the chilli's tonight hopefully. Also the lettuce that I put in before christmas in the autumn is still alive... not sure about eating it now but WOW survived against all the odds.<br />
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I took part in a flashmob with my choir on Sunday... we were raising funds for sports relief! Waht a FAB thing to do it was really great. So I will leave you with a video!<br />
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Chat soon <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpQbRal8QcA" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpQbRal8QcA</a>Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-32214950247579734482012-03-09T03:50:00.000-08:002012-03-09T03:50:27.477-08:00Long time no post!Dearest reader<br />
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No I haven't been abducted by aliens, kidnapped or died.... I have been what is commonly known as lazy. So mucho apologias for the non posting of late. I have started a few more things off however so we are off to a flying start.<br />
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My windowsill is currently hosting my 10 chilli's as detailed already, but is now sporting a few tomatoes too. I have done four each of Roma, Koralik, Black Cherry, Sweet Pea and Marmande.... I think thats it :o) Ooooh and a coupla Jalapeno peppers too. <br />
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I was late in getting potatoes but I now have a selection chitting in my conservatory. Lots of light and relatively cool so we get lots of fat sprouts. I got far too many of course... Pentland Javelin, I got a big bag of these so have about 30, the a friend gave me 5 of hers and I got another 5 of three other varieties as they were on offer... (cant miss an offer!) I guess I will plant the 5 of each variety and then as many Pentland Javelin as I can fit in. I will then leave them on the allotment bench in case anyone else wants them! They are all early varieties as I want the space back for courgettes and squash!<br />
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I also have a module tray which contains, greyhound cabbage, beetroot, red cabbage and cauliflowers! I've only done beetroot out of those before so fingers crossed. One of the plots at the allotment has a row of PERFECT red cabbages.... needless to say I can only dream of such cabbage perfection and was jealous.... I will get a red cabbage.<br />
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I have not been to the allotment for a few weeks now... Been busy with Mr B's 40th and there has been snow etc.... I do hope to get there on Saturday as I neeeeeeed to give the potato patch a dig over! LATE LATE LATE I know - as always. I'm guessing I should dig up some of the last years stuff too, sprouts - useless, curly kale - tiny, leeks - tiny and floppy! Anyhoo cant wait to get stuck in. If I get time I may put up some pics of the seedlings! <br />
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Ooooooh wonder if the Rhubarb is starting to come up! YAY must get the Vodka in - rhubarb vodka is LUSH<br />
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Chat soon XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-4540554689390548202012-02-01T02:48:00.000-08:002012-02-01T02:48:18.962-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!Happy New Growing Year that is!<br />
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This time last week I got my first seeds sown. A smattering of early chilli's so that they get a good long season and yesterday the general consensus was that they would appear! I sowed two each of Chocolate Habanero's, Orange Habanero's, Numex Twilight, Purple Gusto and Yellow Scotch Bonnet! These are all new varieties for me, I've never done the big hitting habs and bonnets before - but as a real chilli lover where hot is not hot enough I CANT WAIT!<br />
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I have quite a few up and at em already - I will post pictures later - cant access my hotmail at work! :0)<br />
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On another note - now Christmas is out of the way I can post a pic of my chilli hampers that I made for gifts (sorry PB you knew it was me!)<br />
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</div>I could be really EVIL (Insert laugh MWAH HA HA HA) and make chilli jam out of the scotch bonnets and Habaneros this year LOL - we'll just have to wait and see!<br />
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Anyway Its great to have the growing season (ish) underway! HAVE A GOOD ONE EVERYONE!<br />
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Chat soon XJelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-19868786055670312822012-01-11T05:52:00.000-08:002012-01-11T05:52:12.765-08:00Will I or wont I?Hi there<br />
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Will I sow early tomatoes and chilli's? I swore not until later last year....<br />
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but I have some habanero chilli's to try and scotch bonnet....<br />
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Whats the harm...<br />
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the early ones all failed last year.... <br />
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and you swore you wouldn't....<br />
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Cant hurt...<br />
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<<<<scuttles off for the heated propagator>>>><br />
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Chat later... :o)<br />
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Yeah really like I was ever going to be able to wait!Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106273414672237193.post-45037449035061484232012-01-05T11:39:00.000-08:002012-01-05T11:39:16.716-08:00Another problem with windOkay okay I know they're affectionately known as Fartichokes but bloody hell! Jerusalem Artichokes really lived up to and beyond their reputation. Having not eaten them before we were looking forward to this slightly nutty, potatoey, if a little bit windy treat. First off I burnt them a little bit and they had a funny aftertaste. After a few parps on the sofa I though Hmmm thats not so bad...<br />
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OMG that night I nearly blew myself out of bed - and with the gales raging outside and trees and fences blowing down all around, not much sleep was occuring in this house. Not sure about Mr B yet.... I think he was unaffected... normally he is a bit delicate. Maybe he was just suffocating :o)<br />
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Thank god the chokes are in the top allotment which isnt mine now! As I've been told the only way to get rid of them is to move.<br />
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All in all a bit windy round here! EEEEK :o(Jelliebabehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02189828803212249839noreply@blogger.com1