The summer is clinging on. It is still hot enough to get sweaty digging spuds even in a polo shirt. Trailer duty as usual today. The stable folks are having a manege built in the paddock by their house. Much fun had leaning on the fence chatting whilst the bloke tries to get on with digging a hole. Work...I could watch it for hours. I also came away with a big bag of cooking apples.
Back at the lottie work to do. Bed1 from which I harvested the peas last week is now sporting a green fuzz. The weed seedling are enjoying the nice weather. I decided the first job should be tidying the grape vines. I ended up with more vines on the ground than on the wires. Not quite true but they got a savaging. There are quite a lot of grapes on the vines. I tasted a couple. Pure acid. They could be gooseberries. More chateau Rawdon I think. The sun was hot on my neck whilst I busy with the secateurs.
No more excuses. I got the trays out and set about digging up the spuds. The soil is perfect despite the bit of heavy rain we had earlier in the week. Luckily a new lottie member came a had a chat so I had a reason to stop for a few minutes. He is repairing his fruit cage. The net needs securing for the winter. I think he got tired of the constant bang as the stapler drove home yet another staple hence the break for a chat. The spuds came up easily and are a good size. I did not slice that many with the spade. I was pleased to note that there was very little blight in evidence. A very occasional tuber would be effected. The soil was so light and moist I even raked it over so it ready as a seed bed.
On getting home a had a little job which was to nip over to my neighbour's garden and harvest the Pears and Apples from his minaret trees. I do this every year. He likes the idea of the fruit trees but would rather me have the fruit than let it rot on the floor. I have a about two hundred Apples and about thirty Pears. The Pears are going for wine. Not sure what to make from the Apples.
Degsy got a little TLC as a fixed the indicator that was not indicating. I even had a little time the pack the empty supers into the garage for the winter and wash the oily patches off the drive.
Showing posts with label Wine making. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wine making. Show all posts
Saturday, October 05, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Mead for Christmas
Tricky day today. the weather is very changeable so how do I fit in allotmenting, Trailer and beekeeping. One decision is dead easy. No beekeeping today since the showers that cross the county are driven by thestrong cold wind. The bees will not appreciate being opened up today and I don't fancy being stung.
The peas I sowed two weeks ago are through. The trouble the pigeons treat them as a tasty morsel and have pecked at them. However there are so many of them the pigeons have not scoffed the whole crop. I was alarmed to find another lot of volunteer potatoes have come up across the pea patch. The weather this past week or two has really suited the weeds. They are massive. I had guessed the weeds would be thriving and the that pigeons would get at the peas so I went to the lottie with a plan.
Years ago a friend of mine gave a strimmer powered by a two stroke engine. I don't use it much but I figure I was going to need help to combat these weeds. The strimmer has a nifty trick. The shaft from the engine to the cutting head breaks in two. In means it will go in Degsy. I found the fuel can of pre-mixed petrol/oil an put the goodies in Degsy. I was got going to stay long so no need for comestibles. When I got to the lottie I parked up the trailer, put the strimmer together and fuelled it up. Just like someone looming over you as you are working the sky grew dark and in thirty seconds rain was peltting down from the sky. I had just enough time to get the engine end of the strimmer and myself into the Degsy. The squall lasted ten minutee and as quickly as the squall began it was over but the ground and weeds were soaking. I got the strimmer out and in a few pulls on the starter cord the sweet smell of two stroke exhaust and the shriek of the motor filled the air. I managed to get through one of the beds before the strimmer cord needed extending. Just as I finished the bed the strimmer head spat out the lastt of the cutting cable. I did not have any with me so that strimming completed for the day.
I have had some rolls of chicken wire and a roll of fleece stowed by the side of the plot for ages.Both the chicken wire and fleece are a pain because they are long and unruly to handle. First I had to weed out the volunteer potatoes and other weeds that had shown themselves. I rolled out the chicken wire and made a long tunnel by pulling up the centre of the sheet up and forcing the outside edges into the soil. The chicken wire did not cover the whole plot. The fleece is wide enough to cover the piece of plot the chicken wire could not reach. Rolled out the fleece and as predicted the wind wanted to blow into the next county. I managed to cut it to length and secure it without too much wrestling. These measures should keep the pigeons off the peas untill they get going properly.
On the plus side the spuds I planted are just through and the vines have come into leaf. One of the vines succumbed to the winter so I will have to get a replacement. The onions are doing well. The Gooseberries are fattening up. Just as I finished tucking the fleece in another shower past over and dampened more than just my spirit. The trundled the empty trailer back to the stable via the petrol station.
When I got home I made lunch for the missus who is unwell. I had five jars of Honey I found in the shed when cleaning it out last week. The honey was fermenting in the jars. I think this was because I did not bottle the honey straight away after extracting it. In fact I did not jar it for several months. I think the natural yeasts in the atmoshere got at it whilst in storage and started their alchemy. I emptied the jars into a jug and added some hot water then stirred vigorously until it was a thin liquid. I poured the honey liquid into a waiting demi-john. I had to do to batches of stirring. When all the honey was in the demi-john and topped it up with warm water. I popped the airlock in and sat back. I will leave it a week or so to see if the natural yeast will start a proper fermentation. If not I will add some wine making yeast and with any kind of luck I will have Mead for Christmas.
The last job of the day was to load up the strimmer spool with cord in readiness for another go at the weeds.
The peas I sowed two weeks ago are through. The trouble the pigeons treat them as a tasty morsel and have pecked at them. However there are so many of them the pigeons have not scoffed the whole crop. I was alarmed to find another lot of volunteer potatoes have come up across the pea patch. The weather this past week or two has really suited the weeds. They are massive. I had guessed the weeds would be thriving and the that pigeons would get at the peas so I went to the lottie with a plan.
Years ago a friend of mine gave a strimmer powered by a two stroke engine. I don't use it much but I figure I was going to need help to combat these weeds. The strimmer has a nifty trick. The shaft from the engine to the cutting head breaks in two. In means it will go in Degsy. I found the fuel can of pre-mixed petrol/oil an put the goodies in Degsy. I was got going to stay long so no need for comestibles. When I got to the lottie I parked up the trailer, put the strimmer together and fuelled it up. Just like someone looming over you as you are working the sky grew dark and in thirty seconds rain was peltting down from the sky. I had just enough time to get the engine end of the strimmer and myself into the Degsy. The squall lasted ten minutee and as quickly as the squall began it was over but the ground and weeds were soaking. I got the strimmer out and in a few pulls on the starter cord the sweet smell of two stroke exhaust and the shriek of the motor filled the air. I managed to get through one of the beds before the strimmer cord needed extending. Just as I finished the bed the strimmer head spat out the lastt of the cutting cable. I did not have any with me so that strimming completed for the day.
I have had some rolls of chicken wire and a roll of fleece stowed by the side of the plot for ages.Both the chicken wire and fleece are a pain because they are long and unruly to handle. First I had to weed out the volunteer potatoes and other weeds that had shown themselves. I rolled out the chicken wire and made a long tunnel by pulling up the centre of the sheet up and forcing the outside edges into the soil. The chicken wire did not cover the whole plot. The fleece is wide enough to cover the piece of plot the chicken wire could not reach. Rolled out the fleece and as predicted the wind wanted to blow into the next county. I managed to cut it to length and secure it without too much wrestling. These measures should keep the pigeons off the peas untill they get going properly.
On the plus side the spuds I planted are just through and the vines have come into leaf. One of the vines succumbed to the winter so I will have to get a replacement. The onions are doing well. The Gooseberries are fattening up. Just as I finished tucking the fleece in another shower past over and dampened more than just my spirit. The trundled the empty trailer back to the stable via the petrol station.
When I got home I made lunch for the missus who is unwell. I had five jars of Honey I found in the shed when cleaning it out last week. The honey was fermenting in the jars. I think this was because I did not bottle the honey straight away after extracting it. In fact I did not jar it for several months. I think the natural yeasts in the atmoshere got at it whilst in storage and started their alchemy. I emptied the jars into a jug and added some hot water then stirred vigorously until it was a thin liquid. I poured the honey liquid into a waiting demi-john. I had to do to batches of stirring. When all the honey was in the demi-john and topped it up with warm water. I popped the airlock in and sat back. I will leave it a week or so to see if the natural yeast will start a proper fermentation. If not I will add some wine making yeast and with any kind of luck I will have Mead for Christmas.
The last job of the day was to load up the strimmer spool with cord in readiness for another go at the weeds.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Pick up posts
I reported that I had planted loads of peas last week. This week I find there is no chance of them germinating as some varmint has scoffed the lot. The varmint has gone along the row and carefullt moved the manure out of the way to get at the peas. I knew there was a chance it might happen. Sad face.
I have started a new blog just for my beekeeping antics. There is a permanent link in the side bar of this blog. I have a facebook page for it too. Click HERE to take a look and why not "like" it whilst you are there or join as a follower?
Monday, June 06, 2011
Elderflower must
This evening it was time to move the Elderflower must from the mash tun to the fermentation vessel. That sounds fancy but it just a case of straining the must [Elderflower flowers, lemon, sugar and water] through a sieve into a big bowl then pouring the liquid into a demi-john. I took the specific gravity and recorded it in my little book. Then I put some water in the air lock and fitted the air-lock to the demi-john. I put the demi-johns aside whilst I cleaned up. When I can back to the DJs the air-locks had started to bubble.
Starting SG :
DJ A 1.092
DJ B 1.088
Starting SG :
DJ A 1.092
DJ B 1.088
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Stung for my troubles
I dropped into the lottie and fixed the leak on the new trough. The new chap was tending his plot. I said hello. He wanted to talk but I had yet to visit the bees.
I trundled over to the bees via the petrol station for this months quota of fuel. The weather was perfect, sunny yet not blisteringly so with a gentle breeze. I am happy to report that both hives are doing very well. The bees are drawing wax and making honey. The smaller colony is filling out nicely. The larger colony is showing signs of swarming. I must go again on Saturday and sort them out. In the week since I put the fresh super the bees have drawn out most of the frames and filling them with honey. There is a very well placed queen cell which will form the basis of the new colony.
After the bees I went on the search for Elderflowers in bloom. I found a green lane which I trundled down and was rewarded with a massive hedge studded with elderflower. I got a big basket of flowers in a short forage. As I collected the flowers I was showered with pollen. Luckily I am not sensitive to pollen. But I am sensitive to nettles and got stung royally for my troubles. When I got home a set about making Elderflower and wine and champagne. H had got some elderflower too but made elderflower cordial.
I trundled over to the bees via the petrol station for this months quota of fuel. The weather was perfect, sunny yet not blisteringly so with a gentle breeze. I am happy to report that both hives are doing very well. The bees are drawing wax and making honey. The smaller colony is filling out nicely. The larger colony is showing signs of swarming. I must go again on Saturday and sort them out. In the week since I put the fresh super the bees have drawn out most of the frames and filling them with honey. There is a very well placed queen cell which will form the basis of the new colony.
After the bees I went on the search for Elderflowers in bloom. I found a green lane which I trundled down and was rewarded with a massive hedge studded with elderflower. I got a big basket of flowers in a short forage. As I collected the flowers I was showered with pollen. Luckily I am not sensitive to pollen. But I am sensitive to nettles and got stung royally for my troubles. When I got home a set about making Elderflower and wine and champagne. H had got some elderflower too but made elderflower cordial.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Holiday
Monday H and her Mum went to a spa near us for the day. I entertained Peter, t'father-in-law. We went over the hertiage railway at Loughbough. It was not open but we had a mooch about for an hour or so. We stopped off at the Gelsmoor Inn for lunch. Back at the house we picked up the landy, six jars of Honey and the cappings for the honey extraction. We drove over the apiary. Peter took the dog for a walk whilst I put the cappings in the hive feeders. The cappings are the wax and honey left over from the processing of the honey. I put it back on the hive for the bees to take back in the hive to build up their stores for the winter. The right hand hive is much stronger than the left hive. I collected Peter and drove over to the Farm office to drop off the year's rent for the apiary, the six jars of honey. I found out that the field that I usual drive down to the apiary is to be down the cereals for the next year two year's and that I cannot drive across the margins as it will disturb the wild life. we had a chat a found I could get without 100 yards of the apiary by another route. Peter, the dog and I took a trip to check out the new route. It has a gate and a field full of sheep to negotiate so that should be easy.
Tuesday, H and I went over to Melton Mowbray to the cattle market. The cattle market is in fact an auction for all sorts of beasts, cattle, sheep, pigs and my favorite fur and feather. There is always different things at auction. Fur and feather had thirty odds lots of ferrets and polecats. There were live and dead rabbits for auction was well as an impressive variety for poultry. H had her eye on a nice lot of Orpington's. They went for a tenner. On the way back we trundled through the hamlets of Leicestershire and ended up at the Gelsmoor again for something to eat.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, H and I went over the Manchester to do some work on my Mum's house. I fitted a new floor, a new sink unit and a couple of new radiators. I managed to get everything done by 4pm on Friday. The floor looks great, even it say so myself. The new radiators make the house nice a warm.
Saturday, I had a quiet morning, a nice breakfast then set off to the lottie with only one job in mind; to harvest the grapes. The vines were perfect. The frost had turned the leaves red and yellow. I snipped off the bunches of grapes. This was my first grape harvest. The vines yielded two gallons of grapes. When I got them home I stripped the grapes from the stems an crushed them in a barrel. So chateau McDowell vintage 2010 is begun. I also prepared the sugar syrup for the Limoncello and set it aside to cool. Next up was t0 clean the gutters on the garage and cut back the hedge in readiness for the winter. H made a nice tea of Haddock in a white sauce.
Sunday was easy. We just went to Lincoln to see Miss L. She has settled in, is enjoying the course and living the student life. It was good to see Miss L and it put an end to a busy week.
Tuesday, H and I went over to Melton Mowbray to the cattle market. The cattle market is in fact an auction for all sorts of beasts, cattle, sheep, pigs and my favorite fur and feather. There is always different things at auction. Fur and feather had thirty odds lots of ferrets and polecats. There were live and dead rabbits for auction was well as an impressive variety for poultry. H had her eye on a nice lot of Orpington's. They went for a tenner. On the way back we trundled through the hamlets of Leicestershire and ended up at the Gelsmoor again for something to eat.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, H and I went over the Manchester to do some work on my Mum's house. I fitted a new floor, a new sink unit and a couple of new radiators. I managed to get everything done by 4pm on Friday. The floor looks great, even it say so myself. The new radiators make the house nice a warm.
Saturday, I had a quiet morning, a nice breakfast then set off to the lottie with only one job in mind; to harvest the grapes. The vines were perfect. The frost had turned the leaves red and yellow. I snipped off the bunches of grapes. This was my first grape harvest. The vines yielded two gallons of grapes. When I got them home I stripped the grapes from the stems an crushed them in a barrel. So chateau McDowell vintage 2010 is begun. I also prepared the sugar syrup for the Limoncello and set it aside to cool. Next up was t0 clean the gutters on the garage and cut back the hedge in readiness for the winter. H made a nice tea of Haddock in a white sauce.
Sunday was easy. We just went to Lincoln to see Miss L. She has settled in, is enjoying the course and living the student life. It was good to see Miss L and it put an end to a busy week.
Monday, August 23, 2010
MFFF
MFFF = Moira Furnace Folk Festival, click HERE for their website. At Christmas H and the neighbours got all excited about the MFFF. It was the first one last year and the neighbours hadsuch a nice time they thought they would like to do it again. The time has come round. The weather was wet on and off all week. I did the trailer run on Saturday and found the soil a bit wet for digging. I checked the lottie over, collected produce and whipped the heads off any weeds in flower.
H wanted to go to the MFFF which is held at Moira Furnace, surprise surprise, which is just down road from us. Miss L was at work so I got changed from the smeggy lottie clothes to something a bit smarter. We wandered down and having got there wandered about. It was a bit quiet meaning there were not many people about are was it that there were lots of stalls and refreshment vans. The weather must have been a factor nevertheless the two marquees had people performing with an audience in attendance. There were also events on at the local pubs, the Railway, the Woodman and the Miner's Welfare. Moira was wash with Morris men, clog dancers and folks with instrument cases wandering between venues or camped outside a watering hole.
The weather was showery with bright sunny intervals. This meant that folks went inside the pubs when it tipped down and came out with the sunshine. It was like a bizarre cuckoo clock. I traditional festival lore the grass was cutting up muddy at the furnace with the kids loved. We got ourselves a couple of drinks, had a look round a had a listen to a band or two. It was quite mellow. I had to drop Miss L over to a local village hall for an 18th party and on my return we went over to the neighbours, had a few drinks and got a taxi down to the Furnace. Our neighbours negotiated a price for the wristbands which acted as entrance tickets for the various on site venues. A few more beers and a wall to sit on we listened to the acts. They were all good performers it was just a case of whether their music was to your taste. Some were, some where not to my taste bu they were not offensive ans since the sets were only 45 minutes long so it was easy to listen to for bit and if you did not like them go for a wander over to the beer tent and back by which time they were nearing the end. We had a good night. The festival packed up at 11.30 so as to be good neighbours. I behaved as I had to pick Miss L up. We all went back to the neighbours house to catch up with Clarkie and Clare. C&C had meet us at the Furnace. They had come back to the UK for a wedding following nine months travelling in Asia and down under. It was great to see them happy, safe and well. Lucy was picked up a little after 1am which was quite a nice excuse to get away as the neighbours and their friends were getting comfy and the old whiskey was being brought out.
Sunday morning was a washout, H and Miss L were a little worse for wear. I made breakfast for them and pottered about. We had arranged to meet the neighbours and their friends at the Furnace when the events opened at 2pm. H just about made it. Miss L was left to slumber. We walked down but did not see our friends straight away. We had a look round all the stalls, bought a drink then went up to a venue, the loft. This is the top on the Furnace building. In there was gathered a bunch a people mostly performer by a few spectators like ourselves. This was a "singaround". Essentially a self ordered open mike session without a mike. This was the sort of folk music I like. Songs of soldiery and sea faring, of the land and played on traditional instruments. We stayed for an hour or more. Folks just came and went. There was some beautiful harp music, a chap singing a soulful tune for lost love and a ribald tune for 69th Foot Regiment to name the highlights.
We found our buddies on the grass outside the main tent. We found a couple of chair and another drink and settled in the listen to the main stage. The bulk of the acts did a sort of folk rock thing but here are there was a traditional tune rendered in, more of less, a traditional way. The rain stayed away and the sun beat down. More than once I woke up to find I had been asleep. I was not the only one snoozing in the sun. The event wrapped up about 5.30. There was the usual thanks to the various folks involved in the weekend. By all accounts the performers and organisers enjoyed themselves. I am not so sure about the traders. We all strolled home. H made tea. I made the must for Strawberry wine, racked off the Rhubarb wine and checked in on the mead. Everything is looking fine.
H wanted to go to the MFFF which is held at Moira Furnace, surprise surprise, which is just down road from us. Miss L was at work so I got changed from the smeggy lottie clothes to something a bit smarter. We wandered down and having got there wandered about. It was a bit quiet meaning there were not many people about are was it that there were lots of stalls and refreshment vans. The weather must have been a factor nevertheless the two marquees had people performing with an audience in attendance. There were also events on at the local pubs, the Railway, the Woodman and the Miner's Welfare. Moira was wash with Morris men, clog dancers and folks with instrument cases wandering between venues or camped outside a watering hole.
The weather was showery with bright sunny intervals. This meant that folks went inside the pubs when it tipped down and came out with the sunshine. It was like a bizarre cuckoo clock. I traditional festival lore the grass was cutting up muddy at the furnace with the kids loved. We got ourselves a couple of drinks, had a look round a had a listen to a band or two. It was quite mellow. I had to drop Miss L over to a local village hall for an 18th party and on my return we went over to the neighbours, had a few drinks and got a taxi down to the Furnace. Our neighbours negotiated a price for the wristbands which acted as entrance tickets for the various on site venues. A few more beers and a wall to sit on we listened to the acts. They were all good performers it was just a case of whether their music was to your taste. Some were, some where not to my taste bu they were not offensive ans since the sets were only 45 minutes long so it was easy to listen to for bit and if you did not like them go for a wander over to the beer tent and back by which time they were nearing the end. We had a good night. The festival packed up at 11.30 so as to be good neighbours. I behaved as I had to pick Miss L up. We all went back to the neighbours house to catch up with Clarkie and Clare. C&C had meet us at the Furnace. They had come back to the UK for a wedding following nine months travelling in Asia and down under. It was great to see them happy, safe and well. Lucy was picked up a little after 1am which was quite a nice excuse to get away as the neighbours and their friends were getting comfy and the old whiskey was being brought out.
Sunday morning was a washout, H and Miss L were a little worse for wear. I made breakfast for them and pottered about. We had arranged to meet the neighbours and their friends at the Furnace when the events opened at 2pm. H just about made it. Miss L was left to slumber. We walked down but did not see our friends straight away. We had a look round all the stalls, bought a drink then went up to a venue, the loft. This is the top on the Furnace building. In there was gathered a bunch a people mostly performer by a few spectators like ourselves. This was a "singaround". Essentially a self ordered open mike session without a mike. This was the sort of folk music I like. Songs of soldiery and sea faring, of the land and played on traditional instruments. We stayed for an hour or more. Folks just came and went. There was some beautiful harp music, a chap singing a soulful tune for lost love and a ribald tune for 69th Foot Regiment to name the highlights.
We found our buddies on the grass outside the main tent. We found a couple of chair and another drink and settled in the listen to the main stage. The bulk of the acts did a sort of folk rock thing but here are there was a traditional tune rendered in, more of less, a traditional way. The rain stayed away and the sun beat down. More than once I woke up to find I had been asleep. I was not the only one snoozing in the sun. The event wrapped up about 5.30. There was the usual thanks to the various folks involved in the weekend. By all accounts the performers and organisers enjoyed themselves. I am not so sure about the traders. We all strolled home. H made tea. I made the must for Strawberry wine, racked off the Rhubarb wine and checked in on the mead. Everything is looking fine.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Bees.........hum
I found out this week that work has been delayed on Degsy because they cannot get hold of a chassis. Saturday did not go according to plan. I did the trailer run as usual but whilst tripping out the muck I decided to go the Bees since it was so hot. At he bees I found that they pulling in loads of honey a stuffing the hive. For some reason they are not drawing wax so only have the brood chamber to fill. Other wise they are in good order. I resolved to go back on Sunday and take off the filled brood box and extract the honey.
When I got home after that vexing hour I had a spot of lunch. Double fried eggs and brown sauce butty. Greggs do round white buns that are very nearly barm cakes, a staple of any Manchester diet. They fit two eggs just nice and all goes down very nicely with a brew. H want to get some trousers for walking. We went to Measham but the shop their did not have what she wanted. I decided we would nip over to Tamworth to Black's. They had just what she wanted and it was in the sale, ker-ching! When we came back it was too late to got the lottie so I got the car ready for the next day. I had an hour or so to kill so I went out on the bike and ended up doing a ten mile circuit. When will I learn to cycle slowly?
Miss L was out to a party and was staying over so H and I had the place to ourselves. Something we are going to have to get used to from now on. H disappeared. I heard some crackling outside. I went for a nosey and found H had got the chiminea going and had made herself comfy with a glass of fizz and the Harris blanket. I managed to find a glass of something red, chucked a load of small logs on the fire and make myself comfy in the deck chair. We just sat and chatted, "being" as H would say.
Sunday was much more overcast and colder [relatively] so the bee visit of Saturday turned out to be the correct decision. Despite best intentions and the Collared Doves cooing from dawn I did not get to the lottie early. I had ten trays of brasicass and leeks to plant out. The top end of Bed2 was reserved for these plantlets. As usual the bed had to be weeded. I am please to say that some of the weeds had been struggling in the dry condition, other it made no difference to. A wheelbarrow and a half later the weeding was done. I got he plank and set about planting the Savoy Cabbage, Seven Hills Brussels Sprouts, Calbrese and Purple Sprouting Broccoli. It was tedious work. The plants need quite a bit of room but they look lost when planted out. I know I have planted them too close together but it is the best my conscience will allow.
Next I harvested some Caulis and some Greyhound spring cabbage. I dug up the remaining Caulis and cleared the area. I then planted twenty odd Greyhound cabbage. They are quick growers so I am hoping I can get another crop in before the solstice and we loose the light. The bit of rain we have had helped the plants but things are very dry. The onions have not done that well or the Garlic for that matter. Things might have been better if a had watered more. That said the Grapes are doing well as are the cabbage plants. So there is always something that suit the conditions. The gherkins and one of the courgette have got a foot hold so I will have to keep an eye on them. Before I left I gave all the new planting a good soaking and wished them well in their new homes.
I was at the lottie from about ten until three. I was wrecked. It was hot despite the lack of sun. The custard creams had run out as had my water. I wanted to knock off but I still had to retrieve the brood box. I trundled off to the apiary. It was quicker trundle than with Degsy. I got dressed for bee fettling and bagged the box off the hive. The previous day I taken the brood box out of its position in the stack of boxes and placed on top of the same stack but with a crown broad, fitted with Porter bee escape, between the top super and the brood box. I gave the brood box a good rattle and left the bees to it. As I expected when I came to the brood box, on the Sunday, it was empty of bees all but a couple that had not got the message to return to the hive proper. As I checked the frames I wafted the stray bees off the comb and they duly flew back to the hive. H made a nice tea of Irish soul food, Bacon, Cabbage and Spuds with Redcurrant jelly on the side. All but the Bacon was home grown and tasted just great.
After tea we watched of the Tour de France highlights I extracted the honey from the brood box. It is a messy business but I did quite well in getting only a few thing sticky. I extracted about 14 pounds from the one box. This years honey is light, fragrant and a mellow "honey" colour. As I cleaned up I had a brain wave. I tipped a couple of pounds of honey and all the capping, which are also soaked in honey, into a demi-john, filled the DJ with warm water and shook it up. Whilst it was cooling down I mixed up some yeast and let it stand. After a bit of telly and a brew the DJ was just warm and the yeast ready. I tipped in the yeast, gave it another good shake up and put in an air lock. By the time I was off to bed the airlock was bubbling. So that is mead made. I hope it will be ready for Christmas.
When I got home after that vexing hour I had a spot of lunch. Double fried eggs and brown sauce butty. Greggs do round white buns that are very nearly barm cakes, a staple of any Manchester diet. They fit two eggs just nice and all goes down very nicely with a brew. H want to get some trousers for walking. We went to Measham but the shop their did not have what she wanted. I decided we would nip over to Tamworth to Black's. They had just what she wanted and it was in the sale, ker-ching! When we came back it was too late to got the lottie so I got the car ready for the next day. I had an hour or so to kill so I went out on the bike and ended up doing a ten mile circuit. When will I learn to cycle slowly?
Miss L was out to a party and was staying over so H and I had the place to ourselves. Something we are going to have to get used to from now on. H disappeared. I heard some crackling outside. I went for a nosey and found H had got the chiminea going and had made herself comfy with a glass of fizz and the Harris blanket. I managed to find a glass of something red, chucked a load of small logs on the fire and make myself comfy in the deck chair. We just sat and chatted, "being" as H would say.
Sunday was much more overcast and colder [relatively] so the bee visit of Saturday turned out to be the correct decision. Despite best intentions and the Collared Doves cooing from dawn I did not get to the lottie early. I had ten trays of brasicass and leeks to plant out. The top end of Bed2 was reserved for these plantlets. As usual the bed had to be weeded. I am please to say that some of the weeds had been struggling in the dry condition, other it made no difference to. A wheelbarrow and a half later the weeding was done. I got he plank and set about planting the Savoy Cabbage, Seven Hills Brussels Sprouts, Calbrese and Purple Sprouting Broccoli. It was tedious work. The plants need quite a bit of room but they look lost when planted out. I know I have planted them too close together but it is the best my conscience will allow.
Next I harvested some Caulis and some Greyhound spring cabbage. I dug up the remaining Caulis and cleared the area. I then planted twenty odd Greyhound cabbage. They are quick growers so I am hoping I can get another crop in before the solstice and we loose the light. The bit of rain we have had helped the plants but things are very dry. The onions have not done that well or the Garlic for that matter. Things might have been better if a had watered more. That said the Grapes are doing well as are the cabbage plants. So there is always something that suit the conditions. The gherkins and one of the courgette have got a foot hold so I will have to keep an eye on them. Before I left I gave all the new planting a good soaking and wished them well in their new homes.
I was at the lottie from about ten until three. I was wrecked. It was hot despite the lack of sun. The custard creams had run out as had my water. I wanted to knock off but I still had to retrieve the brood box. I trundled off to the apiary. It was quicker trundle than with Degsy. I got dressed for bee fettling and bagged the box off the hive. The previous day I taken the brood box out of its position in the stack of boxes and placed on top of the same stack but with a crown broad, fitted with Porter bee escape, between the top super and the brood box. I gave the brood box a good rattle and left the bees to it. As I expected when I came to the brood box, on the Sunday, it was empty of bees all but a couple that had not got the message to return to the hive proper. As I checked the frames I wafted the stray bees off the comb and they duly flew back to the hive. H made a nice tea of Irish soul food, Bacon, Cabbage and Spuds with Redcurrant jelly on the side. All but the Bacon was home grown and tasted just great.
After tea we watched of the Tour de France highlights I extracted the honey from the brood box. It is a messy business but I did quite well in getting only a few thing sticky. I extracted about 14 pounds from the one box. This years honey is light, fragrant and a mellow "honey" colour. As I cleaned up I had a brain wave. I tipped a couple of pounds of honey and all the capping, which are also soaked in honey, into a demi-john, filled the DJ with warm water and shook it up. Whilst it was cooling down I mixed up some yeast and let it stand. After a bit of telly and a brew the DJ was just warm and the yeast ready. I tipped in the yeast, gave it another good shake up and put in an air lock. By the time I was off to bed the airlock was bubbling. So that is mead made. I hope it will be ready for Christmas.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
How did the tipples turn out?
As blogged in 06 I made an attempt to make wine from various free sources, Vegetables from the allotment and fruit from the hedgerows and fields. On the whole I would consider it a success. I made wine from Nettle, Dandelion, Plum, Damson, Rhubarb, Pear and Apple.
I executed the same process for all the wines and used, more or less, the same recipe. Stage 1: Take the fruit or veg, wash the dirt off and shake to remove the excess. Chop the up the fruit or veg into smaller portions, usually about 1 inch cubes [25mm] or bruise the fruit or to break the cell walls. This all goes into a big bucket followed by any other ingredients, sugars and boiling water. They are given a vigorous Stir and left for a week in a warm place.
Stage 2: After a week [5 days] I strain the mixture through a muslin cloth. I add the required amount of Yeast, another stir and then bottle the liquor into a demi-john [DJ] and fit an air lock. I put a luggage tag on the bottle with the date of transfer to DJ and the specific gravity.
Stage 3: Stand back. The DJ's live in the garage which is quite warm. When the fermentation dies down to a stop, I rack the liquor into another DJ and refit the air lock. The new DJ sits in the garage for as long as it takes to stop fermenting completely and become clear. If I find that during this period that a lot of sediment is collecting at the bottom of the DJ I will rack into another DJ. At each racking I record, on the tag, the date and specific gravity.
Stage 4: Bottling. I do not throw out any wine bottles that we might buy. I try to collect similar wine bottles by shape and colour. I try to achieve sets of five. When the time comes I syphon off the wine in to the bottles and cork. I like to have corks in bottles but I will use screw caps if I have a set of five. Then I hang a label round its neck. The label says what sort wine, date and specific gravity. The bottles go out to my shed to "have a little rest". The rest can be anything from 3 to 6 months. The run up to Christmas is the time to have a tasting. Depending on the tasting the bottles are rearranged in the shed so the "drinkers" are near the door and the "resters" are further away.
Stage 5: Have friends round and pop a few corks. If you can manage that with a warm summer evening, goodies from the allotment you are in my idea of heaven.
How did they do?
Nettle: A little dry for my taste but I have a sweet tooth. It is getting better with age.
Dandelion: Rich and medium sweet. A bit like a light sherry.
Damson: Rich, deep and sweet but with the sharp fruity acid at the end.
Yellow Plum: Everyone's favorite. Light, fruity, quite sweet but with body.
Rhubarb: A bit insipid. It is not punchy like those above. Very dry with the slight hint of Rhubarb.
Pear: Just bottled. At his stage it is light and clear. It is dry with a hint of fruit.
Apple: Still in the DJ but on sampling dry and fruity. Just waiting for corks for the bottles.
I am not sure I would do nettle again however if it is getting better in the bottle perhaps I should make more and lay in down for longer. I would do all the others again but limit my self to one DJ [Five bottles] of each.
I intend to do Broad Bean, Pea pod, Parsnip and maybe Potato wine this year as well as the fruit wines. I do not think I will be able to resist making several DJs of Damson. I have a good supply so their is plenty for Wine, jam and gin.
The other tipple that has gone unmentioned is the Sloe Gin. For this you need a DJ, a kilo of Sloes that have been frozen and thawed and kilo of sugar. Put the sloes and sugar in a clean DJ and top it up with cheap gin. In fact it seems to be better the cheaper gin. Try Aldi or Netto gin [£7 per bottle]. Stick a bung in the top, it does not need an air lock. Shake the DJ every day until the sugar is dissolved. The shake the DJ up once a week thereafter. I started mine in the autumn and it was ready for Christmas day. I bought a 1 pint decanter to display and serve the Sloe Gin. It is beautiful shade of Crimson. A gallon of Sloe Gin goes a long, long way. I am think of doing the same process except with Damson as the fruit. I have some sloes in the freezer from Christmas so I am considering getting a DJ going very soon so it has 6 months to infuse.
I executed the same process for all the wines and used, more or less, the same recipe. Stage 1: Take the fruit or veg, wash the dirt off and shake to remove the excess. Chop the up the fruit or veg into smaller portions, usually about 1 inch cubes [25mm] or bruise the fruit or to break the cell walls. This all goes into a big bucket followed by any other ingredients, sugars and boiling water. They are given a vigorous Stir and left for a week in a warm place.
Stage 2: After a week [5 days] I strain the mixture through a muslin cloth. I add the required amount of Yeast, another stir and then bottle the liquor into a demi-john [DJ] and fit an air lock. I put a luggage tag on the bottle with the date of transfer to DJ and the specific gravity.
Stage 3: Stand back. The DJ's live in the garage which is quite warm. When the fermentation dies down to a stop, I rack the liquor into another DJ and refit the air lock. The new DJ sits in the garage for as long as it takes to stop fermenting completely and become clear. If I find that during this period that a lot of sediment is collecting at the bottom of the DJ I will rack into another DJ. At each racking I record, on the tag, the date and specific gravity.
Stage 4: Bottling. I do not throw out any wine bottles that we might buy. I try to collect similar wine bottles by shape and colour. I try to achieve sets of five. When the time comes I syphon off the wine in to the bottles and cork. I like to have corks in bottles but I will use screw caps if I have a set of five. Then I hang a label round its neck. The label says what sort wine, date and specific gravity. The bottles go out to my shed to "have a little rest". The rest can be anything from 3 to 6 months. The run up to Christmas is the time to have a tasting. Depending on the tasting the bottles are rearranged in the shed so the "drinkers" are near the door and the "resters" are further away.
Stage 5: Have friends round and pop a few corks. If you can manage that with a warm summer evening, goodies from the allotment you are in my idea of heaven.
How did they do?
Nettle: A little dry for my taste but I have a sweet tooth. It is getting better with age.
Dandelion: Rich and medium sweet. A bit like a light sherry.
Damson: Rich, deep and sweet but with the sharp fruity acid at the end.
Yellow Plum: Everyone's favorite. Light, fruity, quite sweet but with body.
Rhubarb: A bit insipid. It is not punchy like those above. Very dry with the slight hint of Rhubarb.
Pear: Just bottled. At his stage it is light and clear. It is dry with a hint of fruit.
Apple: Still in the DJ but on sampling dry and fruity. Just waiting for corks for the bottles.
I am not sure I would do nettle again however if it is getting better in the bottle perhaps I should make more and lay in down for longer. I would do all the others again but limit my self to one DJ [Five bottles] of each.
I intend to do Broad Bean, Pea pod, Parsnip and maybe Potato wine this year as well as the fruit wines. I do not think I will be able to resist making several DJs of Damson. I have a good supply so their is plenty for Wine, jam and gin.
The other tipple that has gone unmentioned is the Sloe Gin. For this you need a DJ, a kilo of Sloes that have been frozen and thawed and kilo of sugar. Put the sloes and sugar in a clean DJ and top it up with cheap gin. In fact it seems to be better the cheaper gin. Try Aldi or Netto gin [£7 per bottle]. Stick a bung in the top, it does not need an air lock. Shake the DJ every day until the sugar is dissolved. The shake the DJ up once a week thereafter. I started mine in the autumn and it was ready for Christmas day. I bought a 1 pint decanter to display and serve the Sloe Gin. It is beautiful shade of Crimson. A gallon of Sloe Gin goes a long, long way. I am think of doing the same process except with Damson as the fruit. I have some sloes in the freezer from Christmas so I am considering getting a DJ going very soon so it has 6 months to infuse.
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