Well, the past fortnight passed so fast I had to check my calendar to see if another blog is due. After the long and rather painful slog last month we were determined to push on – onwards and upwards was to be our motto. For some of the past weeks it feels as if it should be onwards and not downwards but things are improving, albeit rather slowly. We are both feeling a bit beaten up and some of the jobs around the house and land need a measure of strength, something we struggle to summon at present. It also now comes down to planning and prioritizing, something Jacqui does much better than I do.
We began with the potato cage, an intriguing experiment that looked relatively simple. You make a circular tower from small mesh chicken wire and fill it with alternate layers of straw, compost, seed potatoes spaced out and facing towards the sides and another layer of compost or gro-bag. Cutting the wire was a painful experience but soon we were ready to go. First question has to be which end is the “rose” end of a seed potato as this has to sprout and grow out through the wire. Apparently it’s the end with sprouts. As we’d had out seed potatoes for a bit too long both ends had sprouts, and an occasional top had some too. Well, heigh-ho, we just took a guess and went ahead. It is, after all, an experiment. Much to our surprise the first shoots have already pushed their way out at the top. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Long time readers may recall we had to get the kitchen roof replaced one cold, wet February. The upside of this was we salvaged all the battens, removed all the nails and still have wood for different projects. Jacqui is using some to make wooden planters for our salad crops that are currently flourishing in the polytunnel. We had a jolly time cutting yet more pieces from the remains of a massive blue tarpaulin that covered our wood pile before the lean-to was completed. This lines the planters and we are planning to add some of the sharp edged chicken wire around the sides to deter slugs and snails. Predators come in all sizes in the garden!
I think our House Martens have moved on from the lean-to in the last couple of days. There were definitely at least two babies there last week and four adults were swooping in and out feeding them. Then, quite suddenly, there were no adults and a quick peek up towards the nest looked abandoned. I’m glad they raised some young birds – very well fed young birds I suspect – and I hope they continue to visit each year. Despite the large pile of guano on the flooring they are very welcome.
We have had another nest, this time up at the very top of the house under the roof tiles. From the sound of the birds and the odd glimpse I’ve caught as the adults fly off these are sparrows. Unlike the UK sparrows are an endangered species in Ireland so we are happy to see them and offer this tiny space if they need it. A couple of them are curious about us and fly (and settle) very close to the back door. As we haven’t see a rat for a long time I’m putting a little food out to see how that goes. Last week I tried some left over cakes and watched as a most determined Robin flew back and forth taking a tiny beak full each time.
Speaking of cake, I celebrated another birthday this week. Neither Jacqui nor I have mastered the art of cake making and generally cakes over here are both very sweet and smothered in butter cream. The exception is cake made by the wonderful Betty Gleeson who sells amazing tray bakes down in Puckane. Jacqui suggested I asked if she would consider baking me a cake and after a slightly complex conversation trying to describe a Victoria sponge she agreed. There was a bit more back and forth between me, the shop and Betty but finally the cake arrived. It was a bit more than I expected – I didn’t think to give a size.
It was also still a bit warm as she admitted she’d forgotten again and it was only 30 minutes out of the oven. Consequently the filling was quite soft and I had to handle it with great care. We needed to make a stop at the pharmacy on the way home so cut through the back lanes to the main road. It was not a good road surface and rather winding and I sat in the front balancing an enormous, slightly slippery and very sticky cake for over an hour before we reached our house. The cake however was heavenly. We were happy to share it with friends as there was so much and it was very rich. Coupled with a special meal a happy birthday was had by us both.
Well, I’m going to stop now as I have family visiting this next weekend and I’ve rather let parts of the house go a bit. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to fix the top bathroom basin but that must be a tale for next time. Overall we are moving onwards if not always upwards. Hopefully the crazy growing season is almost over and I can go hunting for the baby trees.
Thank you for reading. Here’s to a good couple of weeks and a safe journey onwards to you all. Happy Solstice!
Jennie.