Postcard from Chez Nous

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Dear All,
We are having a wonderful time here at Chez Nous. The scenery is fantastic and the weather sublime. Wish you were here.
Love from Caree and Mister E x

Yes, since returning from Scotland we have been indulging ourselves with a staycation. It is the first time since retiring that we are actually experiencing prolonged summer weather. Having been told that with global warming our summers locally are set to continue in damp and windy fashion, I had actually given up any expectation of high temperatures and sunshine without travelling abroad to find them. In the past, when they did arise, I was always at work and whilst an office environment may have the benefit of air conditioning, I am struggling to think of any other advantage.

Here at Chez Nous, there has been no cost for our vacation; we haven't had to limit our belongings to a suitcase each; there has been no long, arduous journey to get here; we have enjoyed total privacy and familiar surroundings with all the home comforts we are accustomed to. 

Mind it hasn't been a stretch out on the beach type of trip. Oh no this has been more akin to a working holiday in the countryside, albeit with the opportunity to choose one's own activities, meaning I've opted for weeding, sowing and watering as well as constructing a new irrigation system for the greenhouse.


Whilst the heat may be playing havoc with commercial produce (I understand lettuce is going to be in short supply next week as it won't grow when the thermometer hits 30 degrees), at Chez Nous seeds are germinating within 24 hours and my rocket and salad leaves are coming on just nicely. Can anything be better than eating outside on your own patio, with produce from a mere 20 yards away hitting your plate? Of course, I exaggerate for it is only June and it is North Yorkshire, meaning of course that as yet home-grown has been limited to radishes, herbs, rhubarb and gooseberries. They have, however, whetted the appetite for the harvest yet to come.


When we are not eating the herbs, I have been filling vases with them as well as hanging bunches of lavender to dry.

As for the housework, there has been none. It's far too hot for that kind of nonesense. The house may be a mess inside but so what; we are on holiday until further notice and nobody vacuums on vacation.

Comments

Stephanie Jane said…
I do miss our veg garden and being able to pick food straight for the plate (after washing it of course!). Glad you're having such a brilliant staycation - I read somewhere the heatwave could well last throughout July :-)
4 July 2018 at 17:58
Caree Risover said…
How right you are and after this weekend's thunderstorms it looks as though it may build again and continue into August. Bonus is that potatoes, spinach, cucumbers and beans that we would normally be waiting another couple of weeks to begin harvesting are ready now.
28 July 2018 at 17:30
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