The Drought, Macadamia Treat, Nonchalant Norman & Prize Cappies

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!

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.

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!

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.

Nonchalant Norman!

A sad looking Fuschia

A top grade Capsicum!

One amazing item from this Summer has been the quantity and quality of our old Capsicum plants. We planted our last commercial crop some 9 years ago and these plants have had to cope with all sorts of weather, the semi destruction of the polythene roof over the years (it is almost completely off), all manner of insect pests and bird invasion and yet we still manage to pick some excellent quality produce. The trick is to beat the birds, who just love the coloured varieties and although we don't spray for any insect pests, we continue to be amazed at what these old varieties still produce. The next decent frost will almost surely see the demise of most of them and we have carefully saved some seed for next year, just in case.

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!"

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
.
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)