Done and Dusted

This years crop is done. It has been easier than last year's efforts because we didn't have any significant rain. Last year a lot of time was invested in hosing mud off of hundreds of kilos of garlic before we could even begin processing it.

It has taken a full two weeks from go to whoah to bring this lot in, so now it is time to catch up with everything else on the farm that needs seeing to.

This part of the crop has been suspended from our main shed to dry. Fans are on it all day as circulation of air is critical during the drying process.

What we have here are the ones that we will use for seed next year. These are the ones that are 'un-sellable' because the bulb is already splitting apart.

Art-wise I have been developing new ideas for my mandalas. This will take some time while I work out how to translate what is in my head onto paper or timber.

Right now I am washing Doug's summer pyjamas, which of course will need mending before I can put them back on.

He always looks strangely naked without his rug. I am very happy though with how well conditioned he is after Winter.

So now I have about a thousand things to do - have a brilliant week and chat soon.

No Vampires On Us

Meet Stan. This garlic is the biggest we have ever grown and I felt he had such a presence that I should name him.

Tipping the scales at .927 grams, just short of a kilo.

I can barely get my hand around it.

This is my work station this year with plenty of air flow as it is quite hot here in the sub-tropics.

Once it has been dug up from the ground Rob brings it in to hang up ready for processing.

Every single piece of garlic has to be trimmed of leaves and root system. We have completed about 200 kilos with about 500 or more to go. 

They all end up a crisp clean white after a layer or two has been peeled off. Molly keeps an eye on things to make sure we are getting it right.

This is my view from the 'office'. 

We had a storm roll in and I couldn't resist taking a photo of the incredible cloud formations.

This is after the storm. You can see it rolling away from us and toward South East Queensland.

That's enough of the chit chat, I have to get back to work. Have a fantastic week!

And So It Begins

The yearly gathering of our garlic has begun. This blog is a bit late this week as I have been busy mowing the couple of acres our home is sitting on. We are expecting rain soon and it needs to be cut before it gets completely out of control.

Rob shows off one of the bulbs he has just processed. They are looking beautiful and white in the late afternoon sun.

They will be ready for sale in a couple of months as they need to dry out first and develop their delicious Russian Garlic flavour. This is going to keep up busy for quite a while now as we estimate that we have at least a ton of garlic in the ground here.

Speaking of dogs, I am relieved to say Maggie is fully recovered from her brush with tick paralysis. Here she is back to her old self, smiling for the camera.

According to the vet, for the next six weeks she isn't allowed to go up the back paddock with Rob and Molly to ensure no more ticks latch on during this vulnerable stage. We check both her and Molly every day anyway, but I am happier to have Maggie sitting with me.

I rescued this guy below from the side of the road last week. He didn't hesitate to run over to me and to jump in the back of the car. After 5 days of 5 star luxury and much advertising about the place we find out he is in fact a working dog off a farm. He had gone walkabout and obviously had no idea why he was being pampered at a strangers house! We found the owners in the end and they were very pleased to see him again. Apparently he is a particularly talented working dog and worth thousands.

He was a really lovely boy and to be honest I was a little disappointed when he had to go home. I even named him....yes I know.... I had decided to foster him though with a local shelter until a new home could be found if his current owners weren't discovered.

Here we have Molly modelling one of the Liquid Ambar trees I planted last Autumn. They are growing beautifully showing plenty of healthy growth. 
During the week I went to Daleys Nursery to look at some shade trees for the paddock. I came home with six White Gums, three Claret Ash and one Mango tree for the fruit orchard.

Here is a group shot of all the newbies. The 3 Claret Ash are the tall ones at the back, the Mango on the left and the smaller White Gums at the front. Traditionally the Ash tree is considered to represent the feminine principle and is called 'sister', 'granny' or 'mother'. In old folklore it is known as 'The Lady of the Woods'.

It is time I got back to peeling garlic so I will leave you with this photo of my Mandala painting.

Have a terrific weekend and be sure to do what you love the best.

.

Apple Pie and Puppy Dogs

Home made apple pie has such a wonderful ring to it. Add to that - "Mum's" apple pie and there you have it, nourishment as good as it gets.

Mum has been visiting from South Australia for the past month and it has been so good to have her here. Apart from providing excellent company while hitting the cafes and the shops with me for a good look around, Mum has also helped with her extensive knowledge in both the garden and the kitchen. 



Add to that, helping to look after a very sick dog. Poor Maggie has had a run in with paralysis ticks from running around in the paddocks. We got her early and rushed her to the vets where she has spent two nights being stabilized. Although she is home now she is still very unwell.  So it's sitting in the cool air-conditioning for Maggie while being waited on every minute to ensure her recovery. 

Meanwhile Rob's sunflower forest is looking splendid in the back garden. There is nothing as cheerful as these beautiful blooms radiating their presence to pick you up when you are worried about your dog.

As a small business owner it is always a thrill when someone wants to purchase your wares. During the week I was able to collaborate with a beautiful shop in the nearby town of Lismore. They are now stocking my timber wall art and crystal intention Boards. I couldn't be more pleased. 

This is a short chat today as I need to keep my eye on Maggie. I hope you are having an enjoyable weekend. So farewell until next we meet.