Full-Time Job

Whilst the days can be cloudy still and somewhat showery to boot the sun is beginning to reign supreme through the midday and afternoon hours which means that my babies are requiring more and more attention to keep them happy, two bucketloads of water are given each day now, a couple of litres to each pot. I told you that I had bought some herbs the other day which I believed would help keep the Tomatoes free of whitefly and stuff but talking to Lisa she reminded me that it is Marigolds that the bugs don't like so tomorrow I may go out on the hunt for some. This morning I've taken a couple of photos to show you what is happening in my terrace garden just now. The first, above, shows the tomatoes that Lisa gave me transplanted into a bag of compost, growbag style, fronted by the herbs which, left to right, are Rosemary, Thyme and Sage, Basil and Dill. To the right are the Lobelia?, potted on.

This second picture shows the rest of my pots in another corner of the terrace. These are the ones that, earlier this year, gave me some blooming pleasure. I can identify two Yuccas and a Dragon Tree, the rest? I need a book, but I like the shape, colour of foliage etc. etc. Keeping this lot happy in the sun and heat is a challenge and I'm still trying to fathom out which prefers full sun, partial or full shade so there are a few brown (scorched) leaves about as I learn. One of the yuccas by the way was given to me by the shop as I was buying the other one because "it is probably dead so you can have it." It wasn't and is now happily enjoying a new lease of life thanks to some TLC.

Last night I was invited to David's where he cooked Haggis, Neaps and Tatties. Teresa (the Irish Lady I have mentioned recently) was also invited who approached the dish and the Whisky "gravy" with some trepidation but having spent last Wednesday shopping in Fuengirola with her (basically showing her round, how to use the trains etc.) where we ate Spanish (at Mesón Salamanca of course) I knew that she would jump in feet first and give it try. She did and was pleasantly surprised I think. Haggis IS a nice meal, no doubt about it and, preceeded by a Finnan Haddie (Smoked Haddock) starter, David's presentation was superb. Next Wednesday I have invited them here for Paella on my terrace, al fresco style, to which Teresa has said that she would like me to teach her how to cook it. Ningún problema. I actually went back to Fuengirola on Saturday to shop for the Haggis and Swede (Neaps) for David and found some Lapsang Suchong in a specialist Tea Shop that I subsequently discovered so my starter may be that Smoked Salmon dish I tried a month or so ago but done properly and by that I mean according to the original recipe. And that brings me full circle, today I've been tidying the terrace in anticipation!!

PS. She's done it again! A lady that I know keeps dropping hints about me cooking for her here. Yesterday evening she waltzed into the bar and asked again!! And we weren't even talking about food, cooking or anything like it, she just came out with it....."and when are you going to invite ME to yours for a meal then?" But will she arrange a date? No! Strange.