Most of the asparagus is progressing well – Backlim is shoulder height, just starting to fern, Ariane (early variety) made it to above knee height and is quite ferny with berries, but the Purple Stewart isn’t happy – lost 2 crowns entirely, the rest has a bit of fern, but is skinny, shriveled, you wouldn’t want to eat it. Main concern now is keeping the stems upright in the strong winds. Have put a Heath-Robinson frame up but it needs to be more substantial and able to be dropped into place each year. Will blunder along this season hoping nothing snaps off and get something organised for next spring.
Onion sets all seem to be okay, we have lost a couple at most. Main job is to keep the bed weeded and to deter the soddin cat that confuses a raised bed with a litter tray. I think I will try 2 things, bits of spiky twig laid around on the soil – lots of that available in the hawthorn hedge and perhaps a net surround – cats don’t like to jump over things apparently, just onto things, so that might help. Also thinking of some evil solutions if the humane ones don’t work, as I am not prepared to sacrifice our food just to be kind to someone elses cat.
Strawberries have coped well with being moved from a planter to a permanent bed. No idea which variety is which any more, but some are clearly going to fruit sooner than others, so that might help me work it out. Added half a dozen alpine/woodland plants which may not fruit this year but will be delicious when they do.
Potatoes are looking good, first tubs should be ready from the end of this month then at 4-6 week intervals. We have only done Anya, Charlotte and Juliet this year.
Carrots are okay but no roots yet, just early foliage.
Parsnips I am a bit worried about. They are supposedly quite difficult to germinate so I was pleased when my first attempt was successful, but the rain and quite cool temps of the past 24 hours seems to have traumatized them a bit. One has disappeared completely, a few are wilting, only half the row looks robust enough to make it. Might put a cloche over some of them for the rest of the weekend. My second sowing of parsnips seems to have failed totally as the soil dried out, so we could end up with none ! I will put some more into pots and others direct sown to see if we can manage some for Christmas day lunch.
Rasps are coming along nicely. Autumn ones are ready to flower, summer canes have finally started sending up shoots that will fruit next year.
The rhubarb, or rather one of them, is looking lovely but we can’t eat that this year, needs to establish. The other has failed, probably the soil is too poor there so I will move it for next year. The soft fruit bushes are not doing much, a few berries/currants but should now be setup for next year.
Lots of work to do clearing space for more beds ready for summer and autumn planting and it will soon be time to put the brassicas and winter roots into their beds. Salad crops should be in but aren't, so next fine day that has to be done or we'll miss out on summer salads.
Some of what I had hoped to do will have to wait a year, it's taking a lot of time and effort to get control of what is essentially a pile of weed strewn rubble.
I forgot about the trees ! No flowers on the cherry this year, that can take a couple of years to start fruiting, loads of tiny plums - will lose most over next couple of weeks as the tree sorts out what it can sustain, a few applets (is that a word outside of IT ?) which have to go, to let the apple trees build up for next year.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
Toothless Charlie!
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="180" caption="Toothless Charlie!"]
[/caption]
Charlie's first top front tooth has come out!
he is wavering on belief in the Tooth Fairy - seems to be happy to accept it for tonight.
Also check today's latest spiky haircut.
[/caption]Charlie's first top front tooth has come out!
he is wavering on belief in the Tooth Fairy - seems to be happy to accept it for tonight.
Also check today's latest spiky haircut.
2009 election results - useful resources online
Some useful links to cover the election results as the counts are declared.
BBC Live election results map (UK wide - pick your region)
North Yorkshire County Council : 2009 election results live. (my area)
No European results until Sunday apparently - to allow all of Europe to vote.
BBC Live election results map (UK wide - pick your region)
North Yorkshire County Council : 2009 election results live. (my area)
No European results until Sunday apparently - to allow all of Europe to vote.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Larry Ellison relives reveals network computer netbook dream • The Register
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="216" caption="Acorn N|C"]
[/caption]
Was it really so long ago...
Back in the mid-nineties I worked with for Giles and with Mark (or Grooty as I know he loves to be known). I used to travel around Europe (or was that EMEA) with a two of these devices and a server (Tadpole Sparcbook) and network rig. When we had the original and ONLY 2 N|C devices in the whole of EMEA we named them "Sandra" and "Magaret" - after two of the women who worked in our group.
It was a fun and rewarding time - and whilst the technology was somewhat flakey the principals were fine - actually even then "back to the future" as the approach was essentially the same as the well established "Sun Discless Client" workstation method (netboot via DHCP, OS and useer files on a "file server").
The devices became affectionately known as "NOTwork computers" - and over time came in various flavours (Java Stations) and from various vendors. We should remember though that back then a PC cost around a thousand dollars (without a monitor) - and often around a thousand UK pounds. Larry's vision was to forsee a tiome when devices to attach to a network (the Internet) could be simpler and significantly CHEAPER.
Larry Ellison relives reveals network computer netbook dream • The Register.
[/caption]Was it really so long ago...
Back in the mid-nineties I worked with for Giles and with Mark (or Grooty as I know he loves to be known). I used to travel around Europe (or was that EMEA) with a two of these devices and a server (Tadpole Sparcbook) and network rig. When we had the original and ONLY 2 N|C devices in the whole of EMEA we named them "Sandra" and "Magaret" - after two of the women who worked in our group.
It was a fun and rewarding time - and whilst the technology was somewhat flakey the principals were fine - actually even then "back to the future" as the approach was essentially the same as the well established "Sun Discless Client" workstation method (netboot via DHCP, OS and useer files on a "file server").
The devices became affectionately known as "NOTwork computers" - and over time came in various flavours (Java Stations) and from various vendors. We should remember though that back then a PC cost around a thousand dollars (without a monitor) - and often around a thousand UK pounds. Larry's vision was to forsee a tiome when devices to attach to a network (the Internet) could be simpler and significantly CHEAPER.
Larry Ellison relives reveals network computer netbook dream • The Register.
Medieval Day!
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="180" caption="Medieval Charlie"]
[/caption]
Today is Medieval Day for KS1 at Charlie's school.
All the kids go in fancy dress and will have a packed lunch/picnic on the field.
Charlie's costume is homemade by his Mum with support from his Dad.
Click the photo or here for more photos.
[/caption]Today is Medieval Day for KS1 at Charlie's school.
All the kids go in fancy dress and will have a packed lunch/picnic on the field.
Charlie's costume is homemade by his Mum with support from his Dad.
Click the photo or here for more photos.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Bowie vs Elvis (.. Superman, 2001, Roswell)
Wonderful insane writing linking Bowie/Elvis/Roswell/2001 A Space Odyssey/Superman:
link: Bowie vs Elvis.
"The alien that crashes to Earth during the supposed Roswell crash in Bowie birth year is also the starchild that evolves at the end of 2001 . Astronaut Bowman is in cryogenic suspension for 18 months and then evolves into .... something else. It is curious to note that Bowie was Ziggy Stardust for 18 months and then became .... something else. Elvis recorded at Sun Studio and was under the guidance of Sam Phillips for 18 months and then became ... something else."
link: Bowie vs Elvis.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Paolo Maldini - Superman Retires!
Great article by Amy Lawrence on the impending retirement of Paulo Maldini.
The paragraph below really does put it in perspective.
The paragraph below really does put it in perspective.
Maldini the one and only bows out
A quarter of a century in the first team of any club is a staggering enough feat. To do it at one of the world's elite teams, sweeping up five European Cup medals and seven Serie A titles along the way, sets a benchmark that looks unmatchable. To put it into perspective, 35-year-old Ryan Giggs would have to play on for Manchester United for another seven years to equal Maldini's length of service. Real Madrid's Raúl, who turns 32 in the summer, will need to continue for another 10 years. This is a man who has won the European Cup in three different decades.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
CVJFC Tournament2009 photos
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="CVJFC U8s"]
[/caption]
Photos from the recent tournament we hosted here in Catterick Village. Photos taken by Sandy Norrie of our U8s team - including Charlie.
CVJFC Tournament2009 - a set on Flickr.
[/caption]Photos from the recent tournament we hosted here in Catterick Village. Photos taken by Sandy Norrie of our U8s team - including Charlie.
CVJFC Tournament2009 - a set on Flickr.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Robert Fripp is 63 - nice collection of online videos
I noticed this nice colection of Fripp Videos on allaboutjazz.com to celebrate his 63rd birthday.
(Confession: I skipped through these videos - it's a lot of time if you play them all fully)
I first listened to Fripp on his contributions to Bowie's 'Heroes' - and on from there to his ongoing work with Eno and Talking Heads. He then contributed to some of David Sylvian's early solo work before they recorded and toured together. In fact, Sylvian & Fripp at the Royal Albert Hall in 1993 was the first gig Alison and I went to together (although as it was a "sitting down gig" I'm not sure if she would say it really counts).
Fripp has contributed to much of my very favourite rock/pop music and also led me to many other artists along the way.
Link: Jazz News: Sat Eye Candy: Robert Fripp.
(Confession: I skipped through these videos - it's a lot of time if you play them all fully)
I first listened to Fripp on his contributions to Bowie's 'Heroes' - and on from there to his ongoing work with Eno and Talking Heads. He then contributed to some of David Sylvian's early solo work before they recorded and toured together. In fact, Sylvian & Fripp at the Royal Albert Hall in 1993 was the first gig Alison and I went to together (although as it was a "sitting down gig" I'm not sure if she would say it really counts).
Fripp has contributed to much of my very favourite rock/pop music and also led me to many other artists along the way.
Link: Jazz News: Sat Eye Candy: Robert Fripp.
"Guitarist extraordinaire and musical theoretician of the highest order, Robert Fripp has dipped his talented fingers into a lot of pies over the years. Besides the many and still-mutating configurations of King Crimson, he's worked with Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Steve Vai, David Bowie and numerous others, often steering his compatriots into cerebral spaces that stretch all involved. He is ranked 42nd on Rolling Stone's list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." JamBase wishes a very happy birthday to one of the thinking man's greats."
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Recently Added Photo Sets
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="75" caption="Pam and Arthur - April/May…"]
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[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="75" caption="Charlie C's Birthday - 2009"]
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[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="75" caption="Charlie C's Birthday - 2009"]
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Monday, May 04, 2009
Chores
A list of garden jobs done/to do this weekend:
1. Moved some 'rosebud' primulas from the nursery bed to the raised bed in the back garden. Rest next week, a few are for mum - they are sooo small and pretty.
2. I put the largest Dicentra Spectablis into the front border and have another 3 on the way. 1 is for mum, 2 going spare - hadnt expected any of them to germinate after forgetting about them since last year, but they all did !
3. Removed loads of Herb Robert (aka 'Stinky Bob' !) which I hate, from the front beds. It looks pretty enough, but yerch the smell is disgusterous !
4. First sowing of parsnips are still hardening off, they will go in next weekend and then I will sow some more.
5. Last of the potatoes ready to be 'sacked up', so thats about 6 weeks between first and last, should give us a few meals worth. I might have done lots more, but blight was so bad last year I was relucatant to risk it this year. First sets are already showing good foliage so will be earthed up in their bags, at the weekend.
6. Steve is going to prepare the next 2 raised beds this week, so then I will be ready to sow lots of carrot varieties when I get back.
7. Havent done onion sets, but should have as we eat lots. If its not too late, will get some brown and red in for the weekend...
8. Must check regional sowing/frost dates again - its so much later here than London and most planting guidance doesnt allow for that. Not time here yet for the brassicas, so their beds are waiting.
9. Autumn rasps doing well, might have lost 1 of the 10, not bad. Summer rasps are still dead sticks in the ground - hoping to see some growth this month or I will worry that I have lost all of them !
10. Asparagus - green varieties are doing well, Purple Stewart not so happy - thin, small, some a bit brown at the tip. Must investigate incase soil isnt right.
11. Top/back garden has been rather neglected while we try to get control of the veg garden, so did a bit of emergency weeding. Attacked the thistles and a mustard thing that frankly grows like a weed !
1. Moved some 'rosebud' primulas from the nursery bed to the raised bed in the back garden. Rest next week, a few are for mum - they are sooo small and pretty.
2. I put the largest Dicentra Spectablis into the front border and have another 3 on the way. 1 is for mum, 2 going spare - hadnt expected any of them to germinate after forgetting about them since last year, but they all did !
3. Removed loads of Herb Robert (aka 'Stinky Bob' !) which I hate, from the front beds. It looks pretty enough, but yerch the smell is disgusterous !
4. First sowing of parsnips are still hardening off, they will go in next weekend and then I will sow some more.
5. Last of the potatoes ready to be 'sacked up', so thats about 6 weeks between first and last, should give us a few meals worth. I might have done lots more, but blight was so bad last year I was relucatant to risk it this year. First sets are already showing good foliage so will be earthed up in their bags, at the weekend.
6. Steve is going to prepare the next 2 raised beds this week, so then I will be ready to sow lots of carrot varieties when I get back.
7. Havent done onion sets, but should have as we eat lots. If its not too late, will get some brown and red in for the weekend...
8. Must check regional sowing/frost dates again - its so much later here than London and most planting guidance doesnt allow for that. Not time here yet for the brassicas, so their beds are waiting.
9. Autumn rasps doing well, might have lost 1 of the 10, not bad. Summer rasps are still dead sticks in the ground - hoping to see some growth this month or I will worry that I have lost all of them !
10. Asparagus - green varieties are doing well, Purple Stewart not so happy - thin, small, some a bit brown at the tip. Must investigate incase soil isnt right.
11. Top/back garden has been rather neglected while we try to get control of the veg garden, so did a bit of emergency weeding. Attacked the thistles and a mustard thing that frankly grows like a weed !
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Charlie in his England Kit
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="108" caption="Charlie for England!"]
[/caption]
Charlie chose to buy the new England Football kit with some of the money he received for his 7th Birthday.
Click on the photo or follow this link to see more photos.
[/caption]Charlie chose to buy the new England Football kit with some of the money he received for his 7th Birthday.
Click on the photo or follow this link to see more photos.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Misc. Planting
We have received the 20 rosebud primulas and 10 Ariane asparagus crowns, both will go in today, as will the sweet peas from Auntie Sue which have been neglected in their pot until now.
A couple more raised bed frames need making up, so Steve can dig/build/fill them this week, for next weekend when I will start planting seeds.
First 3 potato sacks are done - with 4 tubers in each of Charlotte, Juliette and Anya. Next round of those in another weeks time.
Putting a small wooden border around the raspsberries, to protect them from the wind and to retain a bark mulch I plan to put down.
Thats going to take more time than I have so Id best get started.
A couple more raised bed frames need making up, so Steve can dig/build/fill them this week, for next weekend when I will start planting seeds.
First 3 potato sacks are done - with 4 tubers in each of Charlotte, Juliette and Anya. Next round of those in another weeks time.
Putting a small wooden border around the raspsberries, to protect them from the wind and to retain a bark mulch I plan to put down.
Thats going to take more time than I have so Id best get started.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Strawberries and woodlice
Last year we planted a few varieties of strawberry in a large planter, as we didnt have space anywhere to plant them out. This year, we have plenty of room, so I have transplanted them all into a 2x1m bed.
Biggest challenge now is woodlice - how to keep the little blighters out of the fruit. I dont normally bother about them, they are fairly benign, but they do like strawberries so they have to go ! I would normally use straw to mulch, but as that is a perfect home for woodlice Id rather not, but I dont know what else would work instead. Need to find something in the next few weeks, maybe something artificial that is less welcoming to wildlife ?
Biggest challenge now is woodlice - how to keep the little blighters out of the fruit. I dont normally bother about them, they are fairly benign, but they do like strawberries so they have to go ! I would normally use straw to mulch, but as that is a perfect home for woodlice Id rather not, but I dont know what else would work instead. Need to find something in the next few weeks, maybe something artificial that is less welcoming to wildlife ?
Asparagus
Our order was for 10 crowns each of Backlim and Ariane , plus 12 of Stewarts Purple.
So far the Backlim and Purple have arrived and are in two beds. 7 Backlim and 4 Purple in one, 4 Purple in the other waiting for 7 of the Ariane. The rest will go to Loulou and Booya for their lottie.
Beds are fab - Stevie dug them out, we put compost and cardboard in the bottom, premium topsoil above, with a few handfuls of FBB mixed in.
As much as one can do really to give them a good start. They were a little bit dry - left in the bag in the box for a couple of days while I was away, but not too bad.
Now though, we have an unanticipated problem. One of our blackbirds likes asparagus ! Maybe he thinks they are worms/caterpillars, but he is having a real go at them and has damaged 2 so far. I will have to net the rest asap until they are strong enough to withstand his attention.
So far the Backlim and Purple have arrived and are in two beds. 7 Backlim and 4 Purple in one, 4 Purple in the other waiting for 7 of the Ariane. The rest will go to Loulou and Booya for their lottie.
Beds are fab - Stevie dug them out, we put compost and cardboard in the bottom, premium topsoil above, with a few handfuls of FBB mixed in.
As much as one can do really to give them a good start. They were a little bit dry - left in the bag in the box for a couple of days while I was away, but not too bad.
Now though, we have an unanticipated problem. One of our blackbirds likes asparagus ! Maybe he thinks they are worms/caterpillars, but he is having a real go at them and has damaged 2 so far. I will have to net the rest asap until they are strong enough to withstand his attention.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
I got a name check on El Reg!
I tipped off The Register (Top IT News site) about some preposterous "strategy boutique" tosh for the naming of the new Palm device (Palm Prē) and they ran a story and credited me for the tip. Shucks..!
Naming the Palm Prē: Strategy Boutique OD's on joss-sticks • The Register.
Naming the Palm Prē: Strategy Boutique OD's on joss-sticks • The Register.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Scarborough - Charlie visits with Pam & Arthur
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="167" caption="The Windmill"]
[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Tardis!"]
[/caption]
Pam and Arthur took Charlie to Scarborough and stayed overnight at the fantastic Windmill Hotel. Beyond the fantastic Windmill itself it also houses a vast collection of Toys from the 1960's and on. I recognised some of my faves (Thunderbirds, Batman) along with tons of other cult classics (Super heroes, Star Wars).
I joined them for the first day and then brought Tinker home.
Click on the TARDIS photo or this link to see the photo set.
[/caption][caption id="" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Tardis!"]
[/caption]Pam and Arthur took Charlie to Scarborough and stayed overnight at the fantastic Windmill Hotel. Beyond the fantastic Windmill itself it also houses a vast collection of Toys from the 1960's and on. I recognised some of my faves (Thunderbirds, Batman) along with tons of other cult classics (Super heroes, Star Wars).
I joined them for the first day and then brought Tinker home.
Click on the TARDIS photo or this link to see the photo set.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Kudos to Liam and a great post on music, coolness and parents.
I bumped into Liam's nice music blog and really enjoyed this post: Fuzz Box: Help! My Parents are Cooler than Me!
It helps that I know the people involved - but it's great (and a bit strange feeling) when someone you've known since they were (what?) about 8 yrs old turns into a grown-up - and not only that but a wise and thoughtful one.
Nice post - great writing.
It helps that I know the people involved - but it's great (and a bit strange feeling) when someone you've known since they were (what?) about 8 yrs old turns into a grown-up - and not only that but a wise and thoughtful one.
Nice post - great writing.
David Byrne @ The Sage - 1st April 2009
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="David Byrne - not my own photo - click to see a nice set at Flickr by user pebblesfromheaven"]
[/caption]
Alison and I saw David Byrne's concert at the Sage (Newcastle) last night (Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno Tour tour).
It was absolutely amazing - brilliant, funny, heartwarming, touching.... and funky... great musicians, 3 dancers, that amazing voice, that back-catalog of songs in collaboration with Eno (Talking Heads & Solo) mixed with the new (Everything That Happens Will Happen Today) album.
It's hard to pick a highlight - there were so many...:
Wonderful evening - a priviledge to be there.
UPDATE: These 2 reviews (of other concerts on the tour) are fair and good:
[/caption]Alison and I saw David Byrne's concert at the Sage (Newcastle) last night (Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno Tour tour).
It was absolutely amazing - brilliant, funny, heartwarming, touching.... and funky... great musicians, 3 dancers, that amazing voice, that back-catalog of songs in collaboration with Eno (Talking Heads & Solo) mixed with the new (Everything That Happens Will Happen Today) album.
It's hard to pick a highlight - there were so many...:
- The long funky grooves of the Remain In Light era
- The simple beauty of "Heaven" ("is a place... a place where nothing... nothing ever happens")
- The art-pop classic "Once in a lifetime" - one of Byrne's/TH's best known - still fresh and intriguing ("...and you may ask yourself.. how did I get here... where does that highway go to")
- The dancers (simultaneously all NY artsy pretentious and yet funny/quirky) - added to the spectacle and showed DB's love for presenting a "show" whilst avoiding "rock clichés". Praise to him to take 3 dancers on a world tour... I'm sure it would be more profitable to tour without dancers.. but he chose to bring them along.
- The country gospel tinged new stuff... and the amazing "Take me to the River"...
- DB "being the sampler" and vocalising the sampled sermon from "Help Me Somebody"...
- "There`s no escape from Him. He`s so high you can`t get over Him. He`s so low you can`t get under Him. He`s so wide you can`t get around Him. If you make your bed in Heaven He`s there. If you make your bed in Hell He`s there. He`s everywhere."
- All those great lyrics:
- this aint no party.. this aint no disco....
- I'M AN OR-DI-NARY GUY!
- I'm changing my shape-I feel like an accident
- Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Wonderful evening - a priviledge to be there.
UPDATE: These 2 reviews (of other concerts on the tour) are fair and good:
David Byrne @ The Sage - 1st April 2009
Alison and I saw David Byrne's concert at the Sage (Newcastle) last night (Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno Tour tour).
It was absolutely amazing - brilliant, funny, heartwarming, touching.... and funky... great musicians, that amazing voice, that back-catalog of songs in collaboration with Eno (Talking Heads & Solo) mixed with the new (Everything That Happens Will Happen Today) album.
I have loved this music since I first listened to Talking Heads back around 1980/81 - I was lead there via Bowie/Eno collaborations and the Talking heads albums were a continuation and extension of the Eno produced experimental art pop/rock... leading then to the wonderful My Life in the Bush of Ghosts and The Catherine Wheel. Up until recently most this stuff had become "orphaned vinyl" - lost in the loft and un-played. Fortunately Alison bought me the complete set of Talking Heads CDs (remastered, re-released with extras etc.) for my birthday a few years ago and I went through phase of listening to them all again... like old soul-mates reunited.
Last night's concert featured a fine mix of the older stuff and the new...
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo on Flickr (not my own)"][/caption]
It was absolutely amazing - brilliant, funny, heartwarming, touching.... and funky... great musicians, that amazing voice, that back-catalog of songs in collaboration with Eno (Talking Heads & Solo) mixed with the new (Everything That Happens Will Happen Today) album.
I have loved this music since I first listened to Talking Heads back around 1980/81 - I was lead there via Bowie/Eno collaborations and the Talking heads albums were a continuation and extension of the Eno produced experimental art pop/rock... leading then to the wonderful My Life in the Bush of Ghosts and The Catherine Wheel. Up until recently most this stuff had become "orphaned vinyl" - lost in the loft and un-played. Fortunately Alison bought me the complete set of Talking Heads CDs (remastered, re-released with extras etc.) for my birthday a few years ago and I went through phase of listening to them all again... like old soul-mates reunited.
Last night's concert featured a fine mix of the older stuff and the new...
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo on Flickr (not my own)"]
[/caption]
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