All Go

Sun out At Last
Well we've had a few very sunny days now, which has done everything the world of good. We're getting more and more from lotty every week. On Sunday morning we had a quick pop to lotty for a look around, and had a lovely sit down on the bench with John. It was very early and very peaceful. It was back later that day to pick some apples from the tree called Mel to go in our apple pie. We also had a scout around for blackberries to go in it too. So back home we all did our bit for the pie. The Blur and I made the pastry, whilst John prepared the fruit. It looked lovely, and after watching Star Wars for 45 minutes, it was ready to fill our bellies. We had to add a little extra sugar, and of course on a hot day we decided on cream instead of custard, but I enjoyed it.

Always Something To See And Do

Having a few spaces around lotty, its been a case of 'what can we put there'. A few weeks ago we found a recipe for beans on toast using broad beans, which John would like me to make. The only problem was that we hadnt actually planted any. So into one of our empty patches went a few broad bean seeds. I dont know if they'll work as they've been planted quite late, but im sure we'll get a few. There is so much going on right now, and its getting to the point where we can have pretty much a full meal from lotty. Last night it was time for me and the Blur to face our fears and eat a vegetable curry. Onions, tomatoes, garlic, baby sweetcorn, peas, beans, potatoes, peppers, courgette and chilis all from lotty all went it. Now iv never particularly liked curry, but always loved the smell of it. With rice and nann bread waiting on the table, I served up the curry and tucked in. I was expecting my mouth to burn straight away, but to my surprise it didnt. There were so many different things to try on the plate. The peas and beans gave it a really sweet taste, and it was the best curry iv ever eaten.

And All Thats Growing

Our grapes now look like very small grapes and are tasting less like sour apples all the time. The cucumber we've just put out still looks a little wilty but were still sure she'll pick up like the melon she's been planted with who looks lovely. The outside peppers now have tiny little fruits and the tomatoes are getting bigger all the time. Quite a few of the tomatoes inside are turning red, but our problem with blossom end rot is now starting to affect less fruits all the time. After having a little look at them yesterday Johns sure that the melons inside have fruits growing. The door to the greenhouse has been open, which means bees can get in and pollinate them. There have been butterflies in there too, but I had to get the Blur to remove them before I would go in.

Whilst pumpkin 2 (Patrick) is finally having a good go at growing, pumpkin 1 (Philip) is doing fantastically. He has a good few pumpkins on him now and they are getting bigger every time we look at them. Were hoping to have one each to carve by halloween. Despite one of them being my favorite plant, iv not really gotten around to saying much about our sprouts. We have two patches, the first are doing well after having wire mesh put over them, and the second lot are some of the healthiest plants on the allotment. Their leaves feel very strong, and I am very proud of how well they have done.

Now that our pea plants are starting to go down hill, John decided it was time to put out a few that have been in seed trays. John made a support using metal poles and string, while I planted them underneath. The Blur sat with us and watched, passing things between us as we needed them. As they've been pretty much a staple snack during our time there, were all hoping they get a move on and give us some peas.

Thank you John and Blur for an especially lovely few days at lotty.