Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Give a man a chainsaw, and lockdown...

 With my husband only having one full day off work each week, he tries to do as much as he can around home that day.

This weekend he chose to chop down two-thirds of the huge pepper tree which had grown so large that most of our raised beds were in shade, something they do not need during our winter growing months. Give a man a chainsaw, and there's no stopping them! 


In fact, our tree hung way over our neighbour's side of the fence so he was happy to pull out his chainsaw too! Honest, I laughed so hard. Men and chainsaws, they're a very happy combination!


Right in the middle of the photo above is our almost 2yo Poinciana tree, hubby's pride and joy. And that was another reason for the pepper tree trim - so the Poinciana could get more sun morning and afternoon in spring and summer. 

The next day it was overcast and after I cleaned up all the bits and pieces which had landed amongst the raised beds I took these photos. It looks quite bare now with so much of the tree gone, but it's better for growing herbs and vegetables with more winter sunshine so I am not complaining. 




We have baby cucumbers on the vine, and lots and lots of ladybugs too...






There's an abundance of rocket (arugula), sorrel and lettuce for salads...


...plus about ten different herbs, pumpkin, zucchini, tomatoes, chives, spring onions, sugar snap peas, chillies, strawberries, and other things I can't think of right now. 










The flowers are pretty and doing their best to attract the bees, dragonflies, butterflies and ladybugs.








And my two new roses are ready to bloom! I'm excitedly waiting for the buds to open.


As of 6pm last night our city has gone into Covid lockdown, the first time since last year, and my husband cannot work so he's pottering around the yard today doing more jobs while I work on my magazine, write patterns and bake. 

Yesterday I made a delicious focaccia with sun dried tomatoes, rosemary and sea salt. Ready to go into the oven...


...and freshly baked! Today I thought I'd finally get to make the jam tarts which our taste buds have been longing for but they may have to wait until tomorrow. 


I find baking such a relaxing pastime, do you? This focaccia recipe will be inside The Homemakers Heart later next week, which has taken longer to put together this time as I made a few new projects to share with you, and real homemaking on a day to day basic takes time too, time it well deserves.

I was asked about my homemaker diary recently, when I showed part of the cover...


It's just a regular day-to-a-page diary that I covered, and each day I list the tasks I want to do around home. If I get to them all, that's great, but if not they just move to the next day. I find this system works really well for me.


I slipped this inside the back sleeve of the cover. My darling Blossom (Elizabeth) gave me this card for Mothers Day. Melted my heart good and proper.


If you like the "Home" stitchery pattern it's over HERE in my shop to download.

That's it for today, my friends. I must be away and water the garden before starting dinner and hopefully baking those jam tarts. Pray that I make good shortcrust pastry, will you? It's never been very successful for me. Perhaps you have some tips??


Stir up your homemaker heart, sweet friend, and may God bless you and keep you close to His heart, today and always,

Hugs


11 comments:

gail said...

Hi Jennifer,
We are travelling in our van at present here in NSW. Lots of vans on the road. Lovely diary cover and great to get those jobs done in the garden 🪴 I’m looking forward to the next Homemakers Heart. Stay safe,
Blessings Gail

Joanne said...

Hi Jennifer,
It's great to know someone with a chainsaw...and knows how to use one :) Super job !
The garden's looking good !
I just planted a passion flower yesterday :) A birthday gift from a great friend of mine :)
hugs, stay safe,
Joanne

Lorrie said...

Hello Jennifer,
Your garden is looking well. Although you are in winter and we in summer, our gardens look very similar just now, with all kinds of vegetables and herbs flourishing. Our roses have had their first blooms and will continue through the next few months. Our Covid restrictions are mostly lifted as of tomorrow and I'm curious to see how that will play out. We will have our second vaccinations on the 10th of July.
blessings,
Lorrie

Quiltingwiththefarmerswife said...

It's always good to read your blog. Love your encouragement in caring for our homes and family. I'm 69 (next week) and still get so much satisfaction in cooking and taking care of my family. It's mostly just my husband and me....but it still gives me pleasure. One son is coming to visit next week and I'm busy preparing his favorite meal. I'll freeze it until next week. We have another son visiting in August and again I'll make his favorite meal. Our third son lives closer and, when he visits, I try to cook what he enjoys. My husband said 'I hate to see you go to so much work in this heat' and my reply was it gives me pleasure. I thank my Lord for allowing me the time and ability to please my family. I thank you for your encouragement. Patty McDonald

Susan said...

That Sister Teresa quote is great. Your gardens are wonderful, both kinds. I know lockdown isn't fun, but it must be nice to have Mr. E. around extra time.

p.t.childs said...

Clearly the male chainsaw gene is universal. Love to read your blog. It always encourages me. Thanks.

Lin said...

Just a productive little plot you have Jennifer and so pretty too. Always sad to cut back a tree but sometimes needs must. Hope Mr E gets to relax a bit during lockdown. xx

Winifred said...

Lovely herbs I can almost taste the coriander.

Looking forward to your focaccia recipe, it's my big bread downfall. I can just eat it for a meal with a latte, don't need anything else. Absolutely lush!

KingsailK said...

Beautiful and so inspiring as always love that saying about the plate!God loves a cheery ❤️ Love Mary-Lou

KatieQ said...

Thank you for sharing the lovely post and the quote from Mother Teresa. It expresses so much about why we do things in our homes.

Beverly said...

I have just found you! I love your sweet blog and beautiful stitching! Thank you so much for the beautiful, sweet free magazine. You, your words and your handwork make me feel at peace with the world. I encourage you to take care of yourself as you take this time off. May you be filled with the peace you give others and good health to return. Enjoy those granddaughters every minute you can. You can never go back and do it later. Thank for the peace I feel reading your words and see your beautiful stitching.