GOING UNDER !

Well, this is what you can expect when we get over 100mm of rain in 3 days. In the 10 years we have been here the old timber bridge between us and civilisation has gone under three times. Once seriously when the floodwaters almost breached the banks and flooded the metropolis of Broke and another two times at about the level in the photo below. The Wollombi Brook (cute isn't it!) has a very large catchment area and parts of it get much more rain than we do, in the immediate vicinity. It can take a few days for the floodwaters to reach us and it generally takes a day or so to recede. There are plans to replace the bridge with a higher concrete version which, whilst quite practical, locals would prefer the old one to stay. Sentimental aren't we?

Not quite sure yet how the vineyard has survived, on initial inspection things aren't too bad but it can take a few days for the nasties to appear - mildews etc. 

Couldn't spray this morning, too windy and the ground is a bit soft and the tractor at risk of bogging.So, hopefully I'll get a chance to get a spray on tomorrow. More rain due later in the week!! At least the frogs are happy!!

WEATHER WOES

Just when we thought things were going so well, weatherwise at least! We had good spring rain that has produced some wonderful growth in the vineyard and we thought we had escaped any disease, BUT, the latest lot of rain - 50+mm, in the past few days and prolonged dampness has started the mildews. Just a little, but with forecasts of more rain and a wet summer ahead, God only knows where we'll end up. It's all controllable at the moment - as soon as the rain eases and the vines dry we'll be spraying. We have heard that some vineyards in Pokolbin have botrytis already in their immature bunches!! It may be one of those vintages we would all like to forget. For the moment though we're in good shape and everything is under control.

You should be able to see the rain spewing from the guttering and falling on the stairs.

IT'S COOL TOO ...

We had a last minute call from the Goldsmiths as the temp rose last weekend for a dash of grandparental bonding. They bought a lovely lunch and we repaired to Pokolbin after lunch for an ice cream. Seems half of the HUnter was there too as we indulged. It was "Gumnut's" first sorbet and one that he clearly liked - or should that be licked!!

"Pumpkin" was there to lend a hand, although from her expression the whole experience was a little fraught!

A bit like taking medicine for some! 

Maybe it's better if I do it myself!

I can take it any time - four hourly, if necessary!!

EGGS FLORENTINE ANYONE?

Every now and again you realise just how self sufficient and lucky we are! I sat down to lunch today and tucked into two beautiful eggs from our girls and some spinach fresh from the garden. We often offer guests this dish for brekky when they stay but it's special to enjoy ourselves from time to time. The fresh eggs really poach well and keep their integrity. Sounds good doesn't it "Eggs with integrity" , beats eggs without it!!

Summer veges starting to look good and the last of the broad beans were picked this morning. More toms to go in as well as some beans and zucchini etc.


Having fresh asparagus tonight, it's almost gone feral this year with the rain and heat. I didn't think I would ever be tired of asparagus but we're getting close at the moment. Still it's pretty much the same with home grown veges, they all seem to ripen together and need to be eaten fresh. This has produced a wonderful garden barter system with other like minded vege harvesters around here. We seem to be able to swap amongst ourselves when the supply gets greater than the capacity, and interest, to consume!

HEATING UP

The temps rising! Why is it that we spend our Winters and Summers wanting it to be warmer or colder? And then when the heat arrives you want it cool again! No answer really except that the extremes are pretty extreme in these parts. Down to -6 in Winter and over 40 in Summer, mainly January. This month though we've already had some mid 30 days and today is no exception. At least the humidity is low!

It says there's rain on the way, maybe a late arvo thunderstorm, but it's very dry and we spend our days trying to re-hydrate the gardens. An inch or two would be great (that's 25mm or 50mm in todays terms but doesn't it sound better in the old imperial!)


Too hot for work outside now so I may get a chance later in the day if things start to cool down!!

WHO'S ONE THEN?

With eight grandchildren to add years to the ageing process - well, admitting to two or three was always good fun, BUT eight makes me feel quite ancient. Hard to track all the birthdays but with a very capable assistant we manage to keep up with them all. So, we traipsed to Gosford today, 2 hours away and on the coast for a birthday bash for little "Gumnut". Coffee and lots of hugs and kisses for all!

Happy birthday "Gumnut" Whilst I may feel old I do feel GOOD!!!!

GARDEN GLORY

Not much to blog about at the moment except that we have had the most amazing Spring weather this year. Rain and nice cool days, and the plants have responded as never before. I think the pictures say it all.

There's so much more but this gives you the idea.