Gooseberry season has passed - the end! No more of those little fellows to process. Raspberries have now come and gone as well. Peaches have become jam and are pickled. Peaches may yet reappear in jars. There is a rumour that a peach-rum jam works well. Hmmm The week has unfolded well, all in all. The weather has changed and August is fully in evidence. Winds have picked up, the sky is no longer cerulean but is lightened two or three shades. Fog is more in evidence in the morning and evenings are shorter. With the lovely sunny days has come dry ground and slowly maturing crops. The farm next door has harvested the last of the hay - our back field is filled with windrows and the Welsh are thoroughly enjoying the emergence of field mice. Viola, the huntress, excels at mouse hunts and has warned the squirrels to be quick or they will be next on her list. Our Ken has spent another week contemplating the Hants County raccoon population. He has driven more of his friends into the wilds of the County, feeding them peanuts on the drive and playing show tunes to cheer them up on their move. Week ends lead us to the market. It may well be a mistake to share, but the Truro Farmers' Market takes a back seat to few in the country. The vegetables from the Mennonite stall are incredible. The maple products are extraordinary. The Gouda is very, very good. The bread from the German baker is excellent. The pastries from the Dutch baker are extraordinary - don't miss the coconut cream rolls. But the piece de resistance is the British baker. The family has emigrated from Lancashire. The sausage rolls are simply perfect. The Eccles cakes are outstanding. The steak and ale pie is something that legends could be built around. It simply doesn't get better than that. There are great plants and herbs. Our Ken brings home more and more to populate his already overcrowded gardens. Today it was a new variety of phlox and gerbera daisies. Last week, basil and a lovely fluffy thing.
The dogs are well and thoroughly enjoying the great weather. As noted, Viola is spending her days happily hunting. Marguerite is protecting the property - between snoozes under the maple tree. Billy continues to share his thoughts with anyone who will listen, between naps. Trebia is attached to Lee as an appendage and is enjoying life in the fast lane. Clint has determined that the air conditioned kennel is preferable to the outdoors and has staked a claim to the center room. The rest have equally reliable patterns and routines.
There are lots of visitors coming and going. Ursey's folks have had a health challenge so she is with us for an extended visit. Shepherds are not easy keepers. Thankfully these folks understand the concerns this breed has when separated from the family and have been diligent in having her with us for a day here and there all of her life. She is coping with the separation and, although puzzled, is able to enjoy her exercise yard and the routine of her vacation home. Charli is here for a week or so and enjoying the time with her extended family. Old Poe is in residence and is keeping a critical eye on the shenanigans of the youngsters. As always, he has a lot of rules. Gus is back for a stay and Marley had an overnight to acclimate her for a longer period later in the fall. That is lots of company.
Meals have been fabulous during this season of plenty. There has been lots and lots of hodge podge. Fresh peas are plentiful this year and the green and yellow beans are simply perfect. The outdoor wood oven has been pressed into service, most recently with beef short ribs - oh my. There may be a more perfect meal but it is hard to think what it may be. Salmon and scallops were served this week - grilled and pan fried. Steak and a beer can chicken rounded out the menus. There has been homemade ice cream, scones, peach shortcake, strawberry shortcake and mousse.
The Olympics have begun - isn't life just the best.
The dogs are well and thoroughly enjoying the great weather. As noted, Viola is spending her days happily hunting. Marguerite is protecting the property - between snoozes under the maple tree. Billy continues to share his thoughts with anyone who will listen, between naps. Trebia is attached to Lee as an appendage and is enjoying life in the fast lane. Clint has determined that the air conditioned kennel is preferable to the outdoors and has staked a claim to the center room. The rest have equally reliable patterns and routines.
There are lots of visitors coming and going. Ursey's folks have had a health challenge so she is with us for an extended visit. Shepherds are not easy keepers. Thankfully these folks understand the concerns this breed has when separated from the family and have been diligent in having her with us for a day here and there all of her life. She is coping with the separation and, although puzzled, is able to enjoy her exercise yard and the routine of her vacation home. Charli is here for a week or so and enjoying the time with her extended family. Old Poe is in residence and is keeping a critical eye on the shenanigans of the youngsters. As always, he has a lot of rules. Gus is back for a stay and Marley had an overnight to acclimate her for a longer period later in the fall. That is lots of company.
Meals have been fabulous during this season of plenty. There has been lots and lots of hodge podge. Fresh peas are plentiful this year and the green and yellow beans are simply perfect. The outdoor wood oven has been pressed into service, most recently with beef short ribs - oh my. There may be a more perfect meal but it is hard to think what it may be. Salmon and scallops were served this week - grilled and pan fried. Steak and a beer can chicken rounded out the menus. There has been homemade ice cream, scones, peach shortcake, strawberry shortcake and mousse.
The Olympics have begun - isn't life just the best.
