The Joys of Summer

Picked up the compact camera twice today and only in the evening. Once to capture a very wet cat that must have decided to run home in the torrential rain than sit it out somewhere dry'ish. Had the towel wrapped around her but I just got a blur of wriggling wet fur escaping the straight jacket, as it must have felt to her, and I couldn't even consider it an 'arty' shot.

Then there was the half tomato that was sitting on the side saying 'Look at me, I'm the taste of summer.' But they don't taste of much when they are 'forced' shop bought tomatoes and it's chucking it down outside.

And 'What summer?'

It is a whole different story in France. They are lucky enough to have the hotter sun and more of it, and it makes such a difference to the taste of fruit and vegetables. Tomatoes are my particular favourite in France, especially with a slice of soft cheese like Morbier, on crusty French bread bought that day. The strawberries and melons are just full of the sweet smell that hits your nostrils before even tasting the fruit. The different regions have festivals dedicated to the fruit or veg or nuts particular to their region. It's a nation of food lovers that enjoy the heritage and quality of food grown on the land, with independent growers selling in the local markets.

Here in the UK, it is a 'niche' market to sell home grown food. I'm lucky enough to have some farms or houses around where I live which sell eggs, leaving your money in 'honesty' boxes. They taste so much better than shop bought too. I would keep chickens if I had the space. I have part of an allotment for growing vegetables however being in the North, the growing season is short and restricted to vegetables that tolerate the climate. Currently growing potatoes, onions, garlic, chard, courgettes and squashes. There are tomato plants in the small 'greenhouse' in the backyard. Let's hope we get some sun to ripen the ones that are currently growing. Also beans growing in a trough and lettuce in a wall basket where the slugs can't get at them.

I have thoughts of soon spending a little bit of time in France to look forward to.

I'm also catching up on blips and posting this on Friday morning and guess what, it's raining. Thank you everyone for continuing to provide your kind support and encouragement :)