Grapes are being picked all over France. Big commercial vineyards and local farmers with a few vines are all turning their attention to La Vendange. When we lived in the Vendée we had vines. On the surface having vines and making wine has a lot of romantic appeal. And it is fun…. Sometimes. Le Vendange or harvest always has a bit of a party atmosphere, regardless of the fact that … Continue reading →
I ate the entire harvest of our pomegranate tree the other afternoon. It was delicious. Apparently, one is not supposed to trim pomegranate trees in the spring. We trimmed ours. This was our entire harvest. On the other hand, we have two ten-gallon buckets full of walnuts and left as many on the ground. As to the crab apples…. There are probably a million on the tree, but I really … Continue reading →
Wondering what mon mari was up to whilst I was traveling? Me, too. He did lots of tedious little things that he likes to do when I'm not around…. He had the door off the bathroom for two days while he refinished it. He fixed various little plumbing leaks and problems – which, of course, necessitates having the water turned off for long periods of time. He hooked the water … Continue reading →
What with mon mari lazing around the hospital again last week, not a lot of visible progress was made. On the other hand, he had a lot of time to think – and, apparently, he thought about all the little things that have been neglected since his diagnosis. He must have been inspired by something, because, since he’s been home, he’s been doing ‘ugly’ jobs: plumbing repair, fixing the kitchen … Continue reading →
What would life be without tomatoes? Pizza? Pasta? Summer? I have canned (bottled) whole tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato juice in the past. I now prefer freezing. If you have a freezer, it's quick, easy, and you can easily do the daily harvest from your garden in a few minutes everyday. For some things I peel them; others not. Peeling tomatoes: Bring a medium pan 3/4's full of water to a … Continue reading →
