Yesterday was grass cutting but today I finally got started on bedding the plants I bought last week. First the tomato plants went in, just four this year: one Early Girl, one Super Star, one yellow grapes and one cherry tomatoes. I put in just a little fertilizer as last year I had lots of greenery but little fruit. We shall see if that makes a difference. They look pretty puny at the moment but have a few flowers getting ready to open.
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| Fuschia |
I also filled my hanging baskets, the three on the front porch with New Guinea Impatiens (got a gorgeous deep pink for one of them) and the one in the back with two fuschia plants which hang rather dramatically over the edge of the basket. This is a first attempt with this particular arrangement so it will be interesting to see how they develop (or not!)
I had an interesting find at the Garden Centre - garlic chives. I have had a chives plant that came up every year since I moved here but last year it was completely overwhelmed by mint. I dug up the mint in the fall but was unable to save the chives. So we will see if this one establishes itself in a new spot. The mint has come back but not quite so abundantly. I also bought Italian parsley this year. I usually get the curly sort and sometimes it will appear the next year as well. But most recipes call for Italian parsley so I will see how it turns out.
Turned off the gas fire for good as the weather seems to have settled into Spring/Summer mode. I feel I have accomplished a lot today so don't feel guilty about vegging this evening. I have a good book and there are a couple of shows on TV I want to watch. Dinner will be easy, broiled salmon and quinoa with peas. And, probably, a glass of vino!
I have made this recipe many times as I love a dish that can be prepared and eaten from one pot - and has left over ingredients to make into something else. It's from "Every Day in Tuscany" by Francis Mayes, the author of "Under the Tuscan Sun", and has many recipes that I like. One other favourite is Foccacio Bread. I usually make half the quantity so have artichokes and chickpeas left over. The artichokes go into a baked dip with mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, and the chickpeas become hummus with the addition of lemon juice, garlic and sour cream, all whizzed up in the blender and served with crudites and pita chips.
Pollo Con Carciofi, Pomodori E Ceci
(Chicken with Artichokes, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Chickpeas)
5 tbsps. extra virgin olive oil
1 whole chicken, cut in 8 pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper
1/2 cup red wine
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
1/4 cup thyme or marjoram leaves
2 cups chickpeas, cooked
1 can of artichokes, drained
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1medium onion, chopped and sautéed
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil in a flameproof and oven proof casserole. Saute the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side in oil. Do in batches if necessary. Add wine and transfer to a baking dish.
Mix the remaining ingredients, pour over the chicken, and bake, covered, for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, turning the chicken once.
I have just finished reading "The Painted Girls" by Cathy Marie Buchanan and enjoyed it thoroughly. It is loosely based on the family of the young dancer who modelled for Edgar Degas' statue "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen".
The story follows the two van Goethem sisters who were spotted by Degas as they trained to be ballerinas of L'Opera in Paris in the late 19th century. The author advances the story by alternating the narrative between the two sisters, Marie (the subject of the statue) and Antoinette, giving a vivid picture of the competition and struggle for survival that these young dancers faced to make it to the second quadrille (the group of dancers who backed up the lead performers).
Many of the story lines are based on actual people and events, and the descriptions of places, streets and characters of 19th century Paris took me back to visiting the city. It was a difficult time for the masses of poor people and Miss Buchanan describes it in a moving yet unsentimental manner. Worth a read!
Still pretty chilly here for the middle of May. James and I were back to winter outfits (gloves and hats as there was a strong north wind) for our trip to the park yesterday and, although I played tennis today, I was well bundled up for the first half-hour or so. I managed to play for a bit longer today, my stamina must be building. However, I have to say I didn't have very challenging opponents in any of the games. Went for a swim later in the afternoon but didn't manage to improve on the 12 laps I did last week. Must keep working on that!
I went to see "The Great Gatsby" today, well worth the trip but I will have to get the Fitzgerald book to really understand the plot. Costumes, special effects and photography were all fabulous, but some of the acting was a bit thin and artificial in places. I doubt it will take any awards next Oscar season!
Had the gas fire on again this evening so it is toasty warm in here. Usually I have it turned off by this time in May but I'm certainly glad to have it tonight. The temperature is to go down to 4C so no plants outside yet.
Yesterday was grass cutting but today I finally got started on bedding the plants I bought last week. First the tomato plants went in, just four this year: one Early Girl, one Super Star, one yellow grapes and one cherry tomatoes. I put in just a little fertilizer as last year I had lots of greenery but little fruit. We shall see if that makes a difference. They look pretty puny at the moment but have a few flowers getting ready to open.
