Shutting Down a Greenhouse

Autumn is well and truly with us now - the large greenhouse was still full of tomatoes up to this weekend (although they were definitely past their best), and with the promise of frost it was time to move them out, and move in other things that needed the protection of the greenhouse over Winter.

It took a while to strip out the old tomato plants - picking the fruit which was still in good condition - trying not to breathe in too much mould from some of the plants / fruit that were starting to rot - deconstructing the framework of canes which had supported everything. Eventually I ended up with one nice clear greenhouse, into which the two tubs of potatoes being grown for Christmas were duly moved.



And in the house, I now have a large box of green and semi-ripe tomatoes - beefsteak, plum, and cherry - which kept in their box in the dark, should ripen over the coming weeks.



The small greenhouse is still busy ripening chillis at present - the intention being to try and preserve the best of the plants over the winter (apparently they should last for a few years if the frost doesn't get them). A couple of peppers remain, but they weren't really that successful, while the cucumbers continue to rampage in one corner (although we're well and truly fed up with cucumbers now!). Will clear out the peppers and cucumbers in the coming weeks, but we live in hope that the remaining two or three peppers may yet ripen - if not they'll join the tomatoes in the box!

This Week I am Mostly Reading . . . 2008

Don't know if anybody is following this (see side bar) but I'm beginning to run out of room - so time to 'archive' 2008 at least:

Finished:

Neil Gaiman American Gods (Nov 08 - excellent stuff) and Anansi Boys (Dec 08) stalled a third of the way in to the latter - that was me though, not the book - finished it within a couple of days, thoroughly recommended!

For a while there I just wasn't reading - too tired or something - doing cryptic crosswords in bed instead. Must admit I still haven't finished Julian Baggini'sWhat's It All About?: Philosophy and the Meaning of Life. So I'm yet to discover the meaning of life . . . apparently it isn't down to God, helping others, the greater good, or the pursuit of happiness . . . This was basically following up on Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion (Summer 08).

Why are we here? Answers on a postcard to ...

Posts that Didn't Happen 4: Castles and Gardens

Back to early August again, and some of the sights of Wales, courtesy of a parental visit (why do we so rarely do this kind of thing just for ourselves?)

One day trip to the National Trust property Dinefwr, down South, which just happens to have a 12th Century Welsh castle in the grounds. Great place to visit - they've done some good things with the house - and we actually saw some of the deer in the Deer Park. The castle is a short walk uphill, but has the most fantastic views, and lots of walkways and towers to explore.

Another day trip, another National Trust property, this time Bodnant Gardens in North Wales - famous for its Laburnum Arch (although we'll have to go in May to see it in full bloom). It was a lovely day and the gardens were looking beautiful.

Was particularly taken with a giant magnolia - and with the photo I got into the centre of one of its flowers:

The Dangers of Fishing

Haven't been blogging much recently, but then haven't been doing much recently, on account of the dangers of fishing.



No hooks or anything, just a stile and too much fishing gear, resulting in what we thought was a sprained ankle . . .






. . . but which, following a visit to Casualty, when the swelling wasn't going down, turned out to be a little more serious . . .





A break was duly confirmed by Fracture Clinic and for the last four weeks Martin's been in plaster-proper (well I think they're made of fibre-glass these days). Hoping that Fracture Clinic on Monday will result in its removal, but we'll see.


In the meantime, it's been a quiet few weeks, but should have more to blog soon.

Update - Monday 19th October
Out of plaster, but still not really up to walking far - may be on the crutches for a bit yet - some pain now in trying to put weight on his foot, but the physio seemed pleased so hopefully it should improve soon!