This week I was away up in Auckland for most of the week. There's never a particularly good time to be away from Struan Farm in summer, but I had some longstanding appointments sandwiched between farmstay guests and in concert with John's schedule. I was also needing a bit of downtime, something that isn't easy for me to manage. I did get a book read and enjoyed a few interesting meals.
Before I departed I did think it was probably the worst possible week to be away. John is flat out with his mayoral gig and the tomato tsunami is hitting, as are the early apples, nashis, beans, corn, and any day now the peaches. The weather has continued to be terribly hot, with watering of the veggie gardens and glasshouse in morning and night rather critical to our continued organic veggie supply.
I left John and nephew Mike rather detailed instructions about what to do and what not to forget. They didn't roll their eyes-- they must have conferred and decided that wasn't a particularly good strategy. And the good news is that they managed to cope (note: not that I doubted them). We had some rain, which helped. However, the tomatoes decided to play up. They hid from John, who isn't inclined to delve too deeply into the tomato jungle in search of ripe fruit. He expects them to step up and show themselves.
While some cooperated, others did not.
They know they can't hide from me, and I'm home. Much of these will be taken to the Piopio Community Fruit & Veg Stand, especially the black cherry tomatoes. The big Super Steakhouse on top might be a contender, it will be weighed shortly. Now to sort out the house and get ready for arriving farmstay guests.
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