Cucumber

Day 105   April 26th
These sausage bulges must be baby cucumbers.  I've never seen one on a plant before.  My previous attempts to grow cucumbers were spectacularly unsuccessful, so just a healthy plant with flowers is a huge improvement.  Sprog cucumbers is even better.

Art Loving Kookaburra

Day 84   April 25th
This bird perched for at least 30 minutes on the Guernica sculpture. I approached very cautiously but he did not seem at all concerned and allowed me to get very close without flying off.  I think he was waiting to be fed.  Our NZ neighbours are back and they always feed the birds. The birds become very tame and continue hanging around hopefully for a while after they have left again.

Strawberries

Day 83     April 24th
Stage two: Hang the strawberry bags in the sun.

El Destructo

Day 82    April 23rd
Our new neighbours are completely re-landscaping their garden. First they had to remove most of the existing vegetation. They asked if while they had the equipment would we like any of our garden demolished and removed. We had intended to work on the strip which borders their house, but slowly and one bit at a time.  So this was rather a rash move. However, once it has been cleared we should be able to get a feel for the site.  I would like to grow some fruit trees and this looks like a promising spot.

Morning tea

Day 81    April 22nd
This is a lovely spot to sit for a short break, especially in the evening before the mozzies come out.

On the Roof

Day 80    April 21st
Taking the tarps off the patio.  A little bit of extra roofing over the patio means more people can sit outside at a party and not get wet.  It also means a dark kitchen.

Beetroot

Day 79   April 20th
Finally the beetroot plants are looking sturdy. They were quite fragile for a time; very vunerable to nighttime predators and very easily flattened by heavy rain. The next question is how to know when they are ready to pick. After that comes how to cook them.