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| Dry Paddocks in Waipu |
QUOTE… Drought is an extended period of months
or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply whether surface
or underground water. We are having a drought! It hasn't rained substantially
in our region (and other parts of NZ) for many months and as a lifestyle block
farmer, with a small herd of animals, each day has brought it's share of worry
and concern. As we are also self sufficient in most fruit and vegetables, the
dry weather has also taken a toll on our gardening results and the plants have
all suffered with the heat and lack of moisture. We may have to sell our stock
in the next few weeks as they are running out of grass and we have exhausted
our hay supply. Difficult Times!
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| Nothing to mow here! |
Although
it has been difficult times for our bird life around the farm during the big
dry, we try to keep the bird bath well watered and when I turn on the mini
sprinkler system around the gardens, you can be sure there will be some
flapping winged guest trying to get a cheap shower. We loved watching a family
of Fantails. Mum, Dad and two little fellas frolicking under the whirling
water. Unfortunately, when I checked one of our large water troughs that the
heifers use, I found a dead Kingfisher in the water, who had possibly succumbed
to the heat. Very Sad, as they are such lovely birds. The TV news had an item
tonight on baby Kiwis who were struggling to find food and water and these
nocturnal, flightless birds are wandering around in the hot sun during the day
and their condition is serious.
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| Macadamias waiting for shelling |
It
has been a great season for some produce, tomatoes, grapes ,beans and peas have
done well, but most of the leafy veggies, lettuce, celery etc have bolted or
gone to seed very quickly and we have been reluctant to plant our Autumn crops
until we see some rain although I couldn't resist an early planting of Brussels
sprouts for Autumn. Our 1st crop of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries
have been a welcome addition to our ice cream dessert treats and we have had a
huge crop of Macadamia nuts this year. While we were in Australia last year,
Sheree introduced us to a wonderful Macadamia dessert. You get a scoop of ice
cream, a handful of fresh cracked Macadamia nuts and pour a small measure of
Frangelico Liqueur over the top. Delissimo!! Needless to say we stocked up on
duty free Frangelico an the way back!
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| Sun Ripened Sweetness! | | |
Naturally
with all the ripe grapes, the birds would normally be having a field day, but I
have installed a mobile "Norman" and some loose bird netting that
seems to be working well. Norman is a rather "laid back" bright
yellow clad scarecrow who has old DVDs hanging from his arms. The DVDs move in
the wind and apparently unsettles the birds who get quite nervous at the
flashing light as it catches the sun. I move Norman around, so that the birds
don't get used to his presence and although I was
a bit sceptical at first. It really has made
a difference this year. I usually throw a few grapes around the fence, so the
birds don't miss out entirely.
My
Scottish Genes are in an excited state when I realise how many thousands of
dollars we spent every year digging up all the plants, sterilising the soil and
then replanting a new crop each year at a cost of $1 for each seed. (we had
nearly 3000 plants) You certainly "Live and Learn!"
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| Full of Vitamin C too |
Capsicums (or Bell Peppers in the USA) are renowned for their Vitamin C content. They are great in stir frys and stews, stuffed with a rice combo or with salami,cream cheese and avocado on a roll. The reds are delicious when roasted or after searing the skin on a BBQ. There are heaps of recipes and you will find this recipe a delicious treat, using green capsicums
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Baked Fish with Tomatoes, Olives and Garlic Bread
http://recipefinder.msn.co.nz/article.aspx?id=727804
You can access more recipes from our Bream Bay Trader website
www.breambaytrader.com and click on the recipe link. ENJOY!
(Click the photos to enlarge)
