The second wave of covid 19 is now here with a vengeance and Merseyside is subject to the highest level of new restrictions, given we have the highest number of cases in the UK.
Our Lakes holiday has been cancelled, and the pubs are now closed. Thankfully we managed one last drink in the the beer garden with daughter before the new rules came in. Who knows when we will be able to go to a pub again. Restaurants are still open but we won’t chance going anywhere indoors.
A fairy town.
Looking on the bright side, there will be more time for splashing in puddles and stomping through autumn leaves with Littl’urchin…
and we can cosy-up in front of the log burner and carry on binge watching an awful series called The 100 that we now simply have to see the end of. Seven series, each with fourteen episodes!
In other news…
I did a garden check for a dog this week. When it comes to adopting dogs home-checks are now done virtually but the gardens still need physically checking. I was glad I didn’t have to go through the house to get to the garden. Happily all went well, it’s lovely seeing dogs still being re-homed during this pandemic. Thank goodness for technology.
My veggies are still going strong. The raised beds in the courtyard are full of garlic, parsnips, carrots, leeks, winter onions, broad beans, broccoli and cabbage, and I have pots and pots full of mature spring onions that will tide me over the winter.
I’ve also got a greenhouse full of herbs, chilies and peppers. The red chilies are so sweet this year that one seems to go into whatever I’m cooking.
This raised bed is full of potatoes which we’ll eat over the coming months while I’ll leave the Armageddon potatoes in the ground in the veggie patch in the front garden.
The Autumn plague of spiders is upon us. The house and garden are full of them. This guy is a good three inches long, and although I’m not afraid of spiders I was somewhat reluctant to pick this one up and put it out and given it evaded capture with a glass and piece of card I’ve left it on the wall. I don’t know what type of spider it is so I’ve named it the giant house spider.
I recently read that you can easily grow new mushrooms from shop bought ones. You break up the mushroom and put the pieces in an air tight jar with a misting of water. You can apparently grow them in used coffee grounds or tea leaves. I was a little skeptical but have noticed spores are forming so maybe this works, I’ll keep you posted.
And Finally…
I can honestly say that I’ve never bought a cookery book in my life, until this week, when I bought four! Being vegan I tend to create my own dishes but given how many excellent vegan cookery books are out there I decided to treat myself. Dirty Vegan is excellent.
I also bought The Herbalist’s Bible which is worth every penny, it’s astonishing how many weeds and common garden plants have healing properties, this book will serve as an excellent medicine chest during any respectable apocalypse!!!
Until next time, stay safe guys.
Thanks Anne. The new restrictions don’t seem to make much difference to the numbers. I often scour the internet for recipes, there are so many aren’t there. I think I’ve sated my appetite for cookbooks now, I am enjoying them but I never seem to have all the ingredients, some of which I’ve never heard of. They don’t keep things simple, that’s for sure.xxx
I used to read cookbooks like novels — my first being The Silver Palate. But with blogs and diet restrictions, I tend to prefer blogs rather than books. And you’re going the other way! Well, enjoy your new treasures, friend.
Hoping things will open up again for you soon. I’m sure you all will enjoy puddles and fireplaces.
It is good being able to spend time with Littl’urchin again. Oh yes, let’s hope next year is better! Thanks Chloris.xxx
What a delight to have your precious little one to enjoy through these difficult times. And what an abundance of produce you have.
Sad to hear about your cancelled holiday, we have had to bin all this year’s planned trips too. Let’s hope next year will be different.
Oh, what a beautiful ‘ fairy town ‘ that is!
Love your veggie plots! So full of delicious greens!
That’s a very interesting mushroom experiment! Can’t wait for the updates!
Hope everyone is well and safe!
Thanks Jade, that sure is a fairy town if ever I saw one. I do enjoy seeing what you grow too, just wish we had your climate. I will update you if those mushrooms grow, how fab that would be. All safe and well, you all stay that way too.xxx
We are going through much of the same over here, more in some places than others; sorry to hear yours is on the rise again. We continue to lace dogs and cats through initial online selection then screening and then outdoor meet and greets at the shelter. Its been working here, too. For spiders that size? I moved up to a 1/2 pint deli container and thin cardboard.
How lovely your garden is!
Thanks Jeanne, sorry to hear your numbers are rising too, the numbers are crazy here now. So pleased to hear your rescue is doing similar things to ours, it’s a relief seeing animals still finding their forever homes. Oh, laughing re your advice for HUGE spiders, must give that a go.xxx
So sorry you will not be able to have your break in the Lakes.
I find these different Covid Tier levels quite confusing, and it seems Boris is still thinking about a national circuit breaker! Time will tell.
In the meantime Eddie and I continue to do our best to social distance while enjoying walks etc. The colours at this time of year are just wonderful.
We are hoping to see the grandchildren at half term week Covid restrictions etc allowing.
I so agree with you when you say “Looking on the bright side, there will be more time for splashing in puddles and stomping through autumn leaves with Littl’urchin…” what a sweet photograph that is.
Stay safe and well.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan. Yes, endless new rules are confusing, especially when you read the small print re local boundaries etc. Oh, autumn is utterly splendid this year, some years the leaves are mainly brown, but this year the colours are romping away! I do hope you get to see your grandchildren at half term, I have my fingers crossed for you. You stay safe too.xxx
I’m sorry that your break away was cancelled. I thought of you when you went into the higher tier although I wouldn’t be surprised if South Yorkshire is put into a higher category too before long. It’s very dispiriting. You sound as if you’re concentrating on the positive. You’ll be enjoying your veggies and creating some new dishes so you won’t get bored I know! Dog walking will also keep you busy and I hope you can continue to see Little’un outdoors and go splashing in puddles with her. I’m finding the new rules and what you can and cannot do re bubbles, socialising etc. in the different categories confusing. Thanks for the tip about mushrooms. You’ve reminded me to put them on my shopping list which our daughter does for us and I’ll try your technique of making more by growing bits of them in coffee grounds. Take care. xxL
Thanks for thinking of me Linda. Sadly you are now in the same category. I don’t think I’ve ever been bored, there is always something to do isn’t there. I can still see Littl’urchin as we are in a childcare bubble which is good news. The new rules are endlessly confusing aren’t they? I do hope the mushrooms grow, good you’re trying it too. xxx
I learned something new. I never realized that store-bought mushrooms can be used to grow more. I may have to give it a try.
I have my fingers crossed it’ll work. Keep me posted if it works for you.xxx
I’m very saddened by how things are developing in England… I thought of you and I prayed (meditated) for you. It’s a sad reality and I think the second wave will come to us too, Italy next door is already in red-allert.
I hope Emanuele Giosuè does not want to return to work at the Covid center of the Locarno hospital. I really admire him, but having him around the house and knowing that he cures people who die from covid, as happened last spring… puts me a lot of stress.
I have severe previous problems with the respiratory tract, I am afraid that if I get infected, I would end up in intensive care. Okay, that’s life. I can’t decide for my family.
Let’s change the subject: even here the garden is at the end of its days.
I did a lot of pickled stuff, oil, brine (Armageddon scares me too, to be honest). I have already stocked up with rice and pasta, but I shouldn’t eat carbohydrates… in the coming weeks we will prepare the garden for winter, here the snow has already reached the top of the mountains and the temperature has dropped dramatically.
I will have to try to grow mushrooms too! But I don’t know where to start, I’ll try to look on the internet.
However, I have noticed from my experience that for us, it would be better to start with indoor sowing already in February / March and then have the seedlings to transplant in April. Unfortunately, the Mexican gherkins (mini) are now almost dried out and did not produce much, while in 2019 we collected from two plants few kg., so many that I was able to make a lot of gifts to acquaintances and friends.
Let’s continue, let’s look ahead with optimism!
A big hug and kisses to all your tribe 🙂 c
PS: included curly-cat and the dogs, of course
Thank you so much for your prayers and meditation Claudine, I do appreciate that. The virus here is clearly out of control. I have my fingers crossed that you don’t go into a second wave. If everyone stuck to the rules and was sensible, we’d beat this virus a lot faster. I completely understand the dilemma re Emanuele Giosuè, yes, he is doing wonderful work but you are vulnerable like us due to health and age issues. You have me wondering why I don’t preserve food in oil, I must do some research! I hope the mushroom experiment works out, I will keep you posted. It’s odd how things vary in the garden each year isn’t it, my tomatoes didn’t d
o as well as last year. I think it’s down to climate change. The weather varies so much. Yes, onwards, we’ll stay positive and see each other on the other side. Love and hugs to one and all.xxx
What a shame you have another Lockdown coming on, it seems to be coming a way of life, generally.
I love Little Urchin in her Wellies in the middle of a puddle,….our granddaughter loves puddles .. she calls them “ muddy puddles” with a cute English accent because she loves Peppa Pig so much!
In Melbourne and Canberra so many people have bought rescue dogs during Covid 19 that there is apparently a shortage of dogs! I never could have imagined that. Lovely that they are mostly going to people who will be at home with them and also be taken on walks every day …( everyone Working from home and allowed one hour of exercise per day)
Thanks Gerrie. The virus seems to be out of control here so various versions of lockdowns will be on the cards for a while I think. Hahaha, loving your granddaughter’s posh accent and muddy puddles. Ours loves peppa pig too. Lovely to hear all the dogs were adopted, sadly they were here too and now people have gone back to work and the kids back to school lots of the dogs are being returned to rescues.xxx
I think we watched The 100 when it was first on TV. Ruby had her first experience of carps of autumn leaves and ignored then. She must be growing up as at one time she would have picked them all up. I’ll be interested to see hotheadedness mushroom experiment goes.
I’ve finally finished the 100 and found it utterly bizarre. I think it rips off every film ever made! Still, utterly addictive. Ruby is certainly growing up, she’s adorable. I have my fingers crossed re the mushroom experiment, I’ll certainly keep you posted.xxx
Conkers! I have a few in my porch to keep the eight legged athletes away, so far so good. Love seeing urchin making the most of puddles. Such a veritable verdant vegetable….cant think of a v-word abundance.
Conkers??? Oh, I’ll be on the lookout for them, we have lots of conker trees in my road. I have a new found love of splashing in puddles. Thanks Anne Marie.xxx
Eureka! I got access via my phone. Honestly….perseverance.
I can imagine the depth of disappointment. It doesn’t do to spout epithets either. We are living with Covid without doubt. I am glad I live in Scotland for a whole number of reasons. I do miss seeing sprig and not seeing the one of the most formative times of my grandchild’s young life. Little one lives abroad and two-way visits are off the agenda for some long time to come.
The glow of your fire is warming. Buddy is loving the cosiness. Your photos are pretty and interesting your little one is really coming on. She’s a delight.
Stay well. Xxxx
Oh, so sorry you had trouble commenting. I do appreciate that. Oh, I didn’t know sprig lived abroad, that must be so hard for you, as you say, they develop and change so quickly, Hopefully zoom or facetime is helping. Thanks Menhir.xxx
As for the spider…not sure about that at all!:)
Hahaha…you and me both.xxx
Yes, here we go again – and as you say you are In the thick of it, although my gust says that we will all be closed down very soon.
This is all about living one day at a time….and enjoying the simple things like jumping in puddles with Little Urchin:).
Thank goodness for technology on so many levels and especially for rehoming animals.
I will continue painting, writing and taking my daily walk…..
onwards my friend.
Sending love. XXXXX
It’s certainly about living one day at a time, everything is so uncertain isn’t it? The simple things are always free and are all around for everyone to enjoy. So many people have reconnected with nature since this pandemic began. Love and hugs to you, may we meet again! Thanks Janet. xxx
There’s nothing to beat a little one splashing in puddles! Well done on your amazing veg-growing. Keep safe xx
Thanks Gill, oh yes, splashing in puddles is the way to go! You keep safe too.xxx
I am so sorry to hear that you have had to cancel your holiday up here, I know how much you were looking forward to that. I am so glad to hear that you will still be able to spend time with your lovely grand-daughter.
Your garden continues to amaze me, it is still producing so much for you. Mine has stopped completely now, not much is growing out there now but there are a few things that will be good for spring when that comes back around.
The herbalist’s bible sounds like my kind of book!
Thanks Sustainablemum. Yes, we hate missing out on the Lakes as we have been going there for so many years now and always recharge our batteries there. Fingers are crossed for next year. We are in a child care bubble [still sounds odd] with daughter and grand so are still able to see her thankfully. I always like to have garlic, broad beans and winter onions growing over winter along with brassicas and leeks. Carrots, parsnips and potatoes do well in the ground too. The Herbalist’s bible is very informative and comprehensive. I am pleased I bought it.xxx
So sorry that your holiday was cancelled; that must be very disappointing. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for next year. I was thinking of you when we watched the Coronavirus update on the news. Maybe they will time one of their so called ‘circuit breakers’ (I don’t know why but that phrase really irritates me!) for half term.
On a more positive note, your veggies are looking brilliant, and I love the idea of Armageddon potatoes! :O)
I’m very impressed with your cookery book restraint too! I’m a great one for buying 2nd hand cookbooks, my latest was a copy of Leon’s Fast Vegan and, so far, I’m very impressed. We’ve had a yummy lentil sambhar and a tofu katsu curry this week.
Loving your fairy town and how interesting about growing mushrooms. I can’t wait to see if your experiment is successful.
Enjoy your puddle jumping and leaf stomping with darling Littl’urchin. xx
I think we half expected the holiday to be cancelled. I do hope next year is better for everyone. Circuit breakers irritates me too, I don’t like jargon. I am pleased with my veggies this year, almost everything has done really well and I still have plenty in the ground or growing on. I have lots of seeds that can be sown in January, mainly herbs, so I’m looking forward to that. Oh, I’ll have to try Leon’s Fast Vegan, as your dishes sound glorious. I also bought Bosh’s vegan cookery book which is better that the dirty vegan. You do have to invest in lots of new spices etc though. I will be delighted if those mushrooms grow, fingers crossed. Thanks Veggie mummy.xxx
Your garden is just an amazement to me. You must put up a lot of that produce — I can’t imagine it just hanging around, waiting to be eaten, without some kind of processing: canning or freezing or whatever. Well, except for the potatoes and onions, I suppose. And of course you can dry the herbs.
I’m so sorry your holiday had to be cancelled. With any luck, things will be gotten under control sooner rather than later. I’m pondering a trip to the midwest to visit my aunt, but at this point winter seems the biggest problem. By the time I’d be able to get going, in early November, they have snow in their long-term forecast. I can deal with the cold, but I’m not equipped for driving on snow or ice! Just have to see.
I have a friend who’s quite an herbalist. That book might be a nice gift for her. Even if it’s English-centric, she’d enjoy reading it.
Thanks Linda. Yes, a lot of the produce is shared with neighbours while much is cooked and frozen. A lot will stay in the ground over the next few months and some will grow on in the spring. The virus seems to be out of control here at the moment, hopefully people will be sensible and the cases will come down. I do hope you get to see your aunt, but I wouldn’t drive in snow or ice either. I am really enjoying the Herbalist book, it is most informative and comprehensive. xxx
Great post and images. Take care up there in the north. We still get the odd imported cases who do there 14 days isolation. Spring has sprung here now. Had some late snow down south and some storms around the place. Much warmer now, We have elections on at present. Into our second week of early elections and election day itself on Saturday. About 65% have voted already. Polls show our Labour Party close to 50% and the Greens about 6% Should be a red and green government. The present govt has done so well through the Covid period
It’s good to know you have low numbers, long may that continue. Hopefully you’ll get some decent weather this spring and a good summer. I enjoyed seeing the outcome of your election, yes your government did a great job of controlling the virus. xxx
Oh, i LOVE those pictures of Buddy, and of your sweet Li’l Urchin’ stomping in puddles. Buddy looks like a very happy little prince.
Sooooo happy sweet rescues are still happening. You’re a good sport to clear their way.
I love how much is still growing in your gardens! We actually have snow coming next week, but I’m sure it will fall and melt on the way down. Still, it’s getting colder! Garden clean-up is almost done.
I’m so sorry your holiday has been cancelled. These are troubling times indeed. My state is nearing the top for new cases, too, and it’s completely due to stupidity and childish impudence, but we all pay the price. As you say, there are other experiences that make us safe and happy that we can still pursue, and we are grateful.
I’m so excited to hear how your mushroom adventure turns out: please keep us posted! And I am really interested in The Herbalist’s Bible; will check it out. (I already have a lot of veggie cookbooks, but this one looks good, too. 🙂 )
Thanks so much Kitty. I’m grateful for technology like Zoom, it is helping re-home animals across the world. I don’t know what we’d do without it. Snow coming already? Goodness, hopefully you sort the garden before that arrives. I agree with you re people being stupid and selfish, if we all pulled together we could beat this thing. It such a shame isn’t it? Numbers keep rising here, now everyone knows someone who has it, that didn’t happen during the first wave. I’m quite optimistic re the mushrooms growing, I suspect it will take a while though. I am enjoying my new books but the Herbalist one is fascinating. Take care, love and huge hugs to all.xxx
Yes, amazing how abundantly stupid choices lead to sad but predictable results…be safe and well, dear one! xoxox
I absolutely love that fairy town ? I am fascinated by fungus and where it decides to grow.
The spider thing .. YES ! they really become active this time of year .. son caught one for me to flick outside .. I don’t like killing them .. and the bigger they are the less I want to touch them.
I leave them alone in the house because they catch other more undesirables ! LOL
I’m sorry about your second wave .. a lot of countries are going through that now.
I know you will miss that holiday, but the planet is going through something extraordinary right now .. it is serious and sad .. we just have to get through it some how right ?
I’m glad about the adoptions still happening for the animals .. you have to wonder if they notice anything different going on as well ? .. almost every living thing is affected one way or another with this.
Take Care !
Those little rings of tiny mushrooms are just lovely aren’t they? I too am fascinated by all things fungi. They do pop up in a wide variety of settings. I always look forward to spotting them all each autumn. I don’t kill spiders either, they’re just doing their thing. I do put lots out from the house or I’d be overrun with them. This house is always full of cobwebs no matter how much I clean them up. Yes, the whole world is suffering right now, I pity the people in poorer countries who live crammed together and have to work on a daily basis to survive. Hopefully there’s a light at the end of the tunnel when vaccines come out. I’m sure the animals know things have changed, dogs especially must be enjoying having their owners home during the day. Thanks Joy, you be safe too.xxx
Eeek, that spider. I just toddled into the bathroom one night last week and out of the corner of my eye I saw the biggest spider I’ve ever seen in the washbasin, I ran out screaming and left Mick to deal with it, haha. I don’t think we’ll be far behind you in the coronavirus levels, we’ve got a local outbreak at a college here in my small town and cases are on the rise. So sorry to hear that you can’t go on your break, it’s disappointing when things are having to be cancelled and there’s no end in sight.
There sure are some huge spiders around at the moment aren’t there, I have to say it’s a little disconcerting! What is it about baths and sinks spiders love so much? Most of the country seems to be in one tier or other now, lets keep our fingers crossed and hope the numbers come down. Suddenly everyone seems to know people who have it. I think we almost expected our holiday to be cancelled. Thanks Jo.xxx