{ Mu'Mu }

Back At the Farm

Another trip to the farm, this time for plums. Plums, plums and more plums. As well as a stash of good old fashioned organic vege for the table.

Some really late raspberries and blackberries are also still available, and I know there will have to be a few more trips to the farm before pumpkin-picking season. Sweetcorn ready for picking will be a couple weeks away, and I have a lot more jam I need to make first.

Oh and that crazy dog. What trip to the farm would be complete without that silly mutt and her doggy friend joining in the fun? She thinks she's human you know.

Forest Foraging

Well, I'm glad to say that summer has made a welcomed reappearance again in these here parts. It was getting decidedly autumnal at one point, so having some late summer days to play in is a really welcomed treat.

And better late than never! Berry picking time, a whole month after schedule, in one of our favourite forests. Wild blackberries, although smaller than their commercially grown cousins, are a lot tastier. They also happen to be abundant and free. Elderberries were also foraged and destined to become Mama's much anticpated Wild Berry and Apple Jam.

It's definitely canning season, people.

Winding Down

Are we at the end of August, really? Can it really have flown by THAT quickly? Yes, I guess the chill in the air says it's a quarter to Autumn; the gardening year is winding down somewhat. Plans being made for food growing are being made for 2011 (!). No more sowing this year.

Plans for next year and beyond? Well, Mama is keen on a beekeeping course in the spring. I have grand plans for polytunnels and raised beds. Chickens? I do hope so - depending on the patience of DH.

The babes are keen to get started on their guerrilla war on terra after scouring the web for red clay powder and wild flower seeds; I hate to break their heart and tell them they'll have to wait til spring.

As we slowly wind down from the summer rhythm, I am hoping and praying for good weather for an Autumn agricultural Show this year - and maybe even a few last runs up to the PYO farm for plums and the last of the late summer raspberries.

And aren't the blackberries late this year? A long walk in the forest for some free food and a long weekend of canning, and I think I can safely say plans for the next few weeks are all pencilled in.

And you? What are your plans for this late summer period?

Introducing

Yes, raspberries, late varieties still available at our local pick your own farm. Destined to become cake filling and jam, if I can manage to salvage any from hungry foragers.

And an apt time to introduce my new blog:: Urban Homesteading. Don't give me that look. Yes, I know how many blogs I have had; just grin a bear it OK?

Here's what it's all about. Don't panic; this one's still here for all the other stuff.