Weird Veg!

The Captain thinks I am rude and blushes when I hold up such veg from the box, but I find such things a glorious freak of nature. Titter ye not. You wouldn't see this on the shelf in Tesco oh no. It doesn't conform you see. It will also taste a million times better than one from the supermarket - weird veg I salute you!

Down the deep lanes

Clifford Harper

Friday Ditty Pt 13

Have you had enough yet?

I did weeks ago, before they even started. All of them totally removed from reality and nothing at all in common with ordinary folk on the street. I used to love getting updates from Oliver Postgate who had it all sussed out in his blog posts for the New Statesman - he made good sense of it all in this wonderful short 1974 Clangers film. You can see the full episode (courtesy of the BFI) by clicking here.

More blossom?

Blenheim Orange

Can you ever have enough? I know since starting this blog I may have overloaded you on the blossom front, but you will just have to put up with me I am afraid. It is one small part of the natural calendar that continues to bring me much pleasure. I have spent a good few hours this last week sat right in this blossom in our family orchard up country - it changes by the day and is a good place to contemplate life's tribulations with a mug of tea. It keeps coming - plum, cherry, pear, apple - sort of in that order, although we are seeing a second flush of pear blossom which I can't recall noticing before on those same trees which have already blossomed.

Cherry - then

Cherry - now

The blossom differs so much from tree to tree. Blenheim Orange is almost watery by comparison to the rich and dark Ashmead's Kernel. The whole orchard is alive with a myriad of insects and birds all taking advantage of this annual extravaganza.

Ashmead's Kernel

   
The scene changes daily and the slightest of winds can make you believe you are in a winter wonderland as a blossom blizzard covers everything. Nocturnal visitors include fox and badger who betray their presence by crapping in the orchard and the roe deer which like to tear the bark from the trees. All are welcome.