In the past couple of weeks I have taken stock of the limited range of crops I have attempted to grow in the veg patch.
The beetroot and carrots have been reasonable, taking first prizes in their classes at the village horticultural show. I was far less successful with cabbages. My first plantings were ravaged by white fly and they ended up on the compost heap.
The hot summer was not exactly conducive to growing vegetables, but I persevered and planted some Savoy plugs and Spring cabbage quite late in the season. I have never planted so late in the season, and had no idea whether they would amount to anything, or not. Well, I can report that the Savoys have developed hearts, and it was definitely worth the effort. I haven't harvested on yet, but one will be cut in the next week or so. Allegedly the recent frosts will improve the flavour.
Now on to the leeks. These have grown reasonably well and ready to harvest. Unfortunately we have a mild infestation of Allium Leaf Minor. The leeks have not been ruined, but they are far from perfect. Small pupae* can be found inside the outer leaves, and need to be removed before the leeks can be cooked.
30% and I agreed that whilst the leeks weren't good enough to accompany a roast dinner, they were far too good to throw away.
I therefore decided to make a batch of leek and potato soup this morning. The recipe is simplicity itself and was a lovely addition to today's lunch. The recipe produced sufficient quantities to freeze a couple of portions too.
I also got a batch of honey bottled today. Normally I would process a couple of batches, but Bubbles had arranged for use to go and partake of an all you can eat buffet at The Summer Palace on the outskirts of Studley. For some bizarre reason he had booked the table for half past five in the evening!
I have absolutely no idea why he selected this time? It was far too early in the evening for us to eat, and bit in to my honey bottling schedule. 30% attempted to put a positive spin on it, by saying that "we would be home well before nine."
I have to be honest and say I wasn't really looking forward to the evening. I am not a huge fan of Chinese food, and I no longer enjoy a vast quantity of food.** So an "all you can eat Chinese buffet" was, from my perspective, the antithesis of an enjoyable dining experience.
Also, neither of us were looking forward to an evening in the company of Bobbyn. At best she is monosyllabic. At worst she is outspoken, incredibly immature, opinionated and not as well informed as she thinks she is.
I have to say that the evening panned out exactly as we expected. The food was indifferent. It was beige. It was greasy and uninspiring.*** Mike was his usual talkative self and Bobbyn was monosyllabic and disinterested. The only moment of animation was when there was a brief argument when she reiterated that she would not be visiting Bubbles' parents for an hour on Christmas Day.
Fuck me, she is a selfish bitch. I am not a fan of 30%'s mum, but I would always be willing to endure her for an hour or two. However Bobbyn steadfastly refuses to visit Bubbles parents. I've met them ... they're fine.
She did mention that Bubbles mum "needs to recognise some boundaries." This had us both intrigued. I just think that Bobbyn doesn't like home truths or criticism.
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* They are of the size and appearance of grains of brown rice.
** I used to be able to put it away, but, as I have aged, I much prefer a small portion of well cooked food
*** It was also fucking expensive. 30% and I could have had two amazing takeaways from China Twon for our share of this evening's bill.
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