Monday, November 28, 2005


The door has blown off the small shed. As the roof is made of asbestos (I recently discovered) I wanted to be rid of it anyway but I am anxious about getting the top off safely. Posted by Picasa

The "usual" view from the main thoroughfare. The sycamore still has most of its leaves. Posted by Picasa

The super-tall early purp is looking a little sorry for itself. I was going to take the cage down to keep it out of the Winterr weather, but if i do i'm going to have to put something pretty substantial up to support these. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Some pics of Joanne's Brilliant Brown Bread which may help with what to expect....


The dough after kneading for 5 minutes in the bowl.... Posted by Picasa

....and after the first rising in the airing cupboard. Posted by Picasa

Split into two and ready to rise again. Posted by Picasa

If the fire isn't too hot I usually use that for the second rising. Posted by Picasa

The finished article!!! As you can see the loaves do melt in to one another and have to be torn apart before they cool. I usually cut and eat one of the torn edges while it is still hot - always the best slice... You could always make the bread in loaf tins instead to keep them under control a bit more. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, November 23, 2005


I had a visitor in the greenhouse today. It was rather agitated and flapping at the glass trying to get out. Posted by Picasa

It kept quite still as I picked it up from the back of the greenhouse and carried it carefully outside. When I opened my hand it fluttered a few feet to the Artichokes as if nothing had happened. I felt it's heart beating like a little steam engine though - it can't have been a very relaxing experience. Still, all's well that ends well! Posted by Picasa

I'd never noticed before what beautiful dark eyes Robins have. A-hem did you see the match last night.... Posted by Picasa

The Sweetcorn really need getting rid of soon. I am beginning to feel the Autumn tidy-up is getting away from me fast. Posted by Picasa

This looks a lot more sorted. Hopefully the ground cover will keep the weeds in check in Spring when they would normally get a head start before I've noticed. Posted by Picasa

The one that got away! Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, November 22, 2005


From this.... Posted by Picasa

....to this! Posted by Picasa

Monday, November 21, 2005


The 'usual' view on a foggy November morning. Brrr! Posted by Picasa

Lots of tidying up I should be getting on with. Posted by Picasa

Is there any place on earth as cold and wet as a cold wet allotment in Winter?  Posted by Picasa

I broke up all the shed that had been mouldering behind the big shed for the last year or so.  Posted by Picasa

Here is a closer look! (Re below) Posted by Picasa

Joanne's Brilliant Brown Bread Recipe


Ingredients:
1 lb Strong Brown Bread Flour (I use Wholemeal)
2 lb Strong White bread Flour
1 tbs Salt
Toasted Sesame Oil
1 tbs Black Treacle
Hand Hot Water (About one and a half pints)
2 sachets dried yeast

Method:
Sieve flours and salt together in a large bowl.
Add a dollop of toasted sesame oil.
Mix in the yeast.
Add treacle to the water and mix in.
Knead for 5 minutes. (I do it in the bowl)
Leave to rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled in size. (Covered with a clean tea towel)
Knock back, quick knead & shape into 2 loaves.
Place on a greased baking sheet.
Leave to rise 20 - 30 minutes.
Bake 230 degrees (Gas mark 8) for 35 - 40 mins.
Cool on a rack.

This may seem like a bit of a faff but actually it's dead easy as all the mixing & kneading etc I do in the bowl itself so there's hardly any mess. The sesame oil and the treacle smell fantastic, and the only real problem is if you are trying to lose a few pounds as I am at the moment (well OK then a stone or so) the bread is very tempting. On the plus side though it is satisfying and filling so I find I'm not so tempted by chocolate and the like in between. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, November 20, 2005


Darren : "What in blue blazes am I doing sitting on a flagstone down the allotment having my picture taken when I could be snug and warm in front of the fire reading Computeractive?" Posted by Picasa

"Oh well I suppose I'd better make myself useful.... Sue's tea had better be worth it!" (Note from Mike: If you see anyone else picking beans in pristine black leather gloves please let me know!) Posted by Picasa

Didn't he do well!!! Posted by Picasa
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