Why are Pirates called Pirates? They just Arrr!

Oh I do love a Bank Holiday weekend. Just the pure joy of a long weekend so full of potential! So much to do and all the time in the world to do it!

Saturday was an absolute cracker. We, Mary and I, headed off to the Garden Centre to get some replacement tomato plants. We had planted some out at the beginning of the month and lost the lot. We think it was a combination of weak plants (we left them in a heated propagator too long and they bolted) and sun scold. Anyway, regardless of what it was we lost the lot. We had some other plants that are doing OK hanging on the fence; even have a couple of fruit on them. I had also bought on some giant plum tomato seeds which I had brought on slowly and had been given a few plants by our friend Emma. We now have 24 plants so fingers crossed we will have a good crop of toms again this year.

In the afternoon it was time to go and play pirates with my brother, Paul. As our alter egos, The Wessex Wyverns, we had arranged a Splash Mob – a Geocaching event on the water; specifically Southampton Water just by Hythe Pier. By the time we were due to launch and head out the wind had started to pick up to a Force 3 so paddling with an 8’ flag pole sporting a 4’ X 3’ Jolly Roger was a bit tough going. I made it though, and stayed dry as well! The event was well received and both Wyverns had a good time. Unfortunately Mrs Wyvern stayed on shore as she is currently suffering an evil bout of sinusitis which is refusing to sod off!

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of River Cottage. I remember watching the first episode of A Cook on the Wild Side with some unkempt ragamuffin called Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Half way through and I was hooked. This guy ignited my passion for cooking, growing fruit & veg, and foraging and I’ve never looked back.

After the RC Festival was a wash out last year we had the chance to go to the Food Fair this weekend, and thanks to the refund we go from River Cottage, we were able to take some great friends with us. I say we but again Mrs F’s sinusitis was being evil again. A great time was had by all and we sampled different foods, some, good, some great and some not so good – the mint choc chip ice cream being my favourite.  My friends also bought me a new chilli plant which has now been named Boris; thank you Sam!

This morning I decided to make Mary a little treat and made some maple syrup gingerbread cookies. Something to try and put a smile on my poorly wife’s face. I love her to bits and it kills me to see her like this. This afternoon was about fire and outdoor cooking; only burgers, sausages and pork bellies but food cooked over a fire you’ve built and tended yourself just tastes so much better than using an oven or a bag of the quick light charcoal or disposable grills. The last two being chock full of chemicals which will taint whatever you’re cooking.

Now the clock is ticking down on the weekend and it’s time to chill. Thanks for taking the time to read my inane ramblings. Have a great week and I’ll catch up with you all soon.