Monday, December 31, 2012

Flashmob Flash Mob - Ode an die Freude ( Ode to Joy ) Beethoven Symphony...




Published on Jul 6, 2012
Flashmob Flash Mob - Ode an die Freude ( Ode to Joy ) Beethoven Symphony No.9 classical music

Happy New Year 2013


I was sitting on the futon in the cabin reading when this blue jay landed in the tree just outside the window. Happy New Year Everyone !!
Blue Jay

Winter Breakfast with the Hens.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Snowy Night in the Cabin



Our first real snow storm of the winter and I decided to spend the night out in the cabin, my first sleep-over.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Humpback whale



Wow does this humpback ever put on a show. Video taken by someone who subscribes to my youTube channel, in Iceland.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The winter garden



Trying out a new camcorder a Canon Vixia HF R300, just a look around at some things of interest in the winter garden.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Edible Garden - Peas & Beans



Episode 1 of 6 
Alys Fowler attempts to avoid shop-bought fruit and vegetables and live off her own home-grown produce. It's no easy task because Alys doesn't want to turn her garden into an allotment, so she's growing her fruit and vegetables among her flowers. 

Alys will focus on different foods and show how anyone can grow, cook and eat from their own garden - even if they live in a city. 

Peas and beans are prolific vegetables but they also look beautiful in the borders. Alys makes delicious broad bean falafels and pea shoot cocktails, and forages for willow to make plant supports. And she has two new additions to the family - her chickens!

Dessert de Noël 2012



Le dessert de noel d'albarock 2012

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/DessertAlbarock
Twitter http://twitter.com/DessertAlbarock
Goodies http://www.albarock.fr
monteur: jijosc@gmail.com
Musique: 
http://www.youtube.com/Kitshmusique
Kitsh - Foreigner
http://youtu.be/tp0OHfQd8Ys
http://www.facebook.com/kitshmusique

I always think these little things are so expensive when you see them in a pastry shop window or on a desert menu but once you see the amount of work and time involved in making them the price seems a lot more reasonable. Way too beautiful to eat.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Rudolph - Merry Christmas - ThePianoGuys



Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2013 to everyone who follows my blog. Dale


Published on Dec 20, 2012
Last chance to order our BRAND NEW ALBUM now at Amazon.com and receive a $1.00 off using coupon code PIANOGUY. http://amzn.to/QoFwML -- Coupon offer expires on 12/21/2012.

Get our brand new album on iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-piano-guys/id557345871

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Looking for more Christmas tunes by ThePianoGuys?
O Come Emmanuel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc
Carol of the Bells http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg
Where Are You Christmas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRqjFcP_aw0

Une déclinaison de Chocolat



Though you might like to whip up a few of these for a snack over the holidays LOL.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Simple Savers (226): Jacques Pépin: More Fast Food My Way



Minute Recipe: Basil Cheese Dip.
Born in Lyon, France, Jacques demonstrates his regional versions of fried and poached eggs as he makes the classic salad Frisée aux Lardons. Then, with thoughts of summer, he makes Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato and Anchovy Sauce. In a sweet ending, Jacques talks about spending time with his granddaughter while he makes an impressive-looking -- but simple to assemble -- Chocolate Cups and Chocolate Rocher with Hazelnuts and Cornflakes.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Chefs at Google: Jacques Pépin | "New Complete Techniques"



Jacques Pépin joined Googlers to discuss his latest (and 28th!) book, NEW COMPLETE TECHNIQUES, which was released on November 13th. Containing nearly 1000 cooking methods and recipes and more than 2000 step-by-step photos, this 700-page volume updates and expands the scope of JACQUES PEPIN'S COMPLETE TECHNIQUES (2001), the book that combined the legendary chef's landmark works, LA TECHNIQUE (1976) and LA METHODE (1979).

Jacques Pépin was born in Bourg-en-Bresse, near Lyon. Moving to the United States in 1959, Pépin first worked at New York's historic Le Pavillon restaurant and then served for ten years as director of research and new development for the Howard Johnson Company while attending Columbia University. A former columnist for the New York Times, Pépin is a contributing editor to Food & Wine magazine. He also participates regularly in that magazine's Food & Wine Classic in Aspen as well as at other culinary festivals and fund-raising events worldwide. He is a popular guest on top-rated television programs including Today, Good Morning America, and The Late Show with David Letterman.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Happy Second Week of Advent - Carols from St Albans Abbey



The choir of St.Albans Abbey sings Boris Ord's setting of 'Adam lay ybounden', and Andrew Lumsden's arrangement of the ancient Advent hymn 'Come, thou Redeemer of the earth' 

Bunsli de Bâle

Friday, December 7, 2012

Halifax Explosion (1917)



This happened 95 years ago yesterday. This morning I Listened to this mans great niece interviewed on radio.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

At the Cabin

At the CabinAt the CabinAt the CabinAt the CabinAt the CabinAt the Cabin
At the CabinAt the CabinAt the CabinAt the CabinAt the CabinAt the Cabin

At the Cabin, a set on Flickr.

Just some photos that I took this afternoon out at the cabin. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Potjie Cooking (Potjiekos) Baked Beans in the Cabin.



I finally got around to using my Potjie, cast-iron pot, to do some baked beans in the cabin on the wood-stove, carrying right along with the cast-iron cooking theme I also did a local favourite, fried dough, in a cast-iron skillet.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Happy First Week of Advent - O Come, Emmanuel - (Piano/Cello) - ThePianoGuys



Get this song on iTunes: http://myplay.me/yl1

"Presenting" a Christmas gift from ThePianoGuys to all our TPG peeps -- order our BRAND NEW ALBUM now at Amazon.com and receive a $1.00 off using coupon code PIANOGUY. http://amzn.to/QoFwML -- Coupon offer expires on 12/20/2012.

Download the single off our website: http://thepianoguys.com/newstore/tpg-o-come-emmanuel.html

Sheet Music coming soon:

Subscribe to ThePianoGuys channel:http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=thepianoguys

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Check out our special Christmas version of this video here:http://youtu.be/ugV6QGcafEE

We love the Holiday Season. Why? It's a great excuse to be extra nice to each other. =) ... And we love Christmas music, lights, presents, and the excitement of our sleepless children anticipating the advent of Christmas day. We know there are many out there who do not celebrate Christmas or believe in what it may represent. This song is not meant to exclude anyone. We hope this song is an opportunity to reflect on everything we are blessed with in life -- family, a beautiful earth, a place to rest our head, the warmth of the sun. The lyrics of this piece speak of being "ransomed" from captivity. In general terms, at some point or another in our lives we find ourselves at the receiving end of a "ransom" -- a rescue by someone or something -- even as simple as a note from a friend, a hug from a child, a much-needed vacation, or the unconditional affection of a loyal dog. That is what this song represents to us. People may define the "rescue" moments in life differently, but the meaning of the moments remain the same. To many, including us, the story of The Savior is the sweetest and most priceless "ransom" of all. To Him we dedicate this song.

And with this video we wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a bright future filled with "rescue" moments. We love you!

A thousand THANK YOUs to John Garbett and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for allowing us access to their beautiful Jerusalem Movie Set where this was filmed. We felt transported to the Holy Land as we played music and filmed there. It was an incredible experience.

And many many thanks to Marshall McDonald, an incredible friend and example who co-wrote this arrangement.

Credits
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - traditional
Arrangement written by Marshall McDonald and Steven Sharp Nelson
Arrangement produced by Al van der Beek, Jon Schmidt, and Steven Sharp Nelson
Performed by
Steven Sharp Nelson: Cello
Jon Schmidt: Piano
Cello recorded by Blair Leishman at Covenant Studios
Piano recorded by Al van der Beek at ThePianoGuys Studios
Mixed and mastered by Al van der Beek at TPG Studios
Video filmed, edited, and produced by Paul Anderson and Tel Stewart

Lyrics to O Come, Emmanuel 
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
[Refrain] Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
[Refrain]
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.
[Refrain]
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
[Refrain]
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
[Refrain]
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
[Refrain]
O come, Thou Root of Jesse's tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.
[Refrain]
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Sophie's Sunshine Food - S1 Ep2 - Andalucia - BBC



Sophie Grigson joins Adwoa Webber and Ben Stradling in Andalucia - the home of Tapas. Back in Bristol they recapture a taste of Southern Spain with chilled Salmorejo, saffron rice with seafood, tasty morsels of patatas bravas and chickpeas with spinach inspired by the Tapas bars of Seville, food that is an instant passport to the sun - whatever the weather.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Hurricane Sandy Road Damage to Hatteras Island - Driving on and off with...



This is video shot by a gardener that I follow on youTube. 

Here is a look at the damage to the highway at the north end of Hatteras Island following Hurricane Sandy. Most of this was shot on 11/21/12, almost exactly a month since the hurricane! Work and progress has been slow due to the challenges imposed by the terrible weather we have had since the hurricane. The only way on and off the island right now is by either a ferry or a 4wd only access road that is open form 5am - 10pm depending on the weather and the tides. I don't see our situation changing for several weeks yet. Thanks for watching, I will try to update you as the situation changes.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.4



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Friday, November 23, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.3



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.2



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.1



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Monday, November 19, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.12



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Bird Table & My Table



Another day in the Cabin a bit long and boring unless you like to watch birds. I built a primitive bird table and set it up outside the cabin and was amazed at the number and variety of birds that arrived within a few hours of putting out the first bird seed. I also did my first cooking in the wood stove.

Friday, November 16, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.11



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Thursday, November 15, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.10



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.9



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.8



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Special - French Food at Home - (The Chateau Dinner) - Laura Calder

A Year at Kew - 2.7



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Canning Pumpkin Sweet Apples

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.6



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Monday, November 5, 2012

A Year at Kew - 2.5



2005. Series 2 - This program follows the daily life of various individuals at Kew over an entire year, showing work on the Gardens, behind-the-scenes science, and some overseas expeditions. It follows the trials and tribulations that affect the myriad of gardeners, horticulturists and the other people who work at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. (12 episodes)

Friday, November 2, 2012

Bakery Work



Sneaky peek into the day of a happy baker making bread ;)
Flour, Water, Salt, time and passion, is all you need to make good bread (...you might want to get an oven also...)
Learn more about good bread:
http://www.sustainweb.org/realbread/
My website:
http://www.vincent.talleu.com/
More about baking:
http://www.jrvilleneuve.com/michael/index.html
First song: N.O.H.A. - Gipsy Valley
Second song: Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP - We No Speak Americano (Original mix)

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Pickled Mixed Peppers Hot and Sweet.

The making of Henry VIII's Crown



See how Henry VIII's magnificent Imperial Crown was re-created for display at Hampton Court Palace from 27 October 2012. Destroyed after the English Civil War, it has been painstakingly re-created by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces and the Crown Jeweller's master craftsmen using new research and historic records and paintings. This glittering symbol of Henry's legacy will be displayed in the Royal Pew at Hampton Court Palace, allowing visitors to enjoy access to the balcony for the first time in seven years.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Tomate Mozzarella Cuisine moléculaire



This helps explain why high end restaurants have such pricey menus. This little mouthful is 3 days in the production process.

Monday, October 22, 2012

In the Cabin with the Wood Stove.



The chimney has been installed and the wood stove is hooked-up and working. I'm trying out a product called Bio Bricks which is a by-product of the lumber industry here in NB, made from sawdust and shavings of oak and maple compressed into bricks to be used as fire wood. A look around inside the cabin as well at some of the work done since the last video.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Carrot and Potato Harvest



We have had several frosts so it is time to harvest the carrots and the rest of the potatoes.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

An Autumn visit with Prince Leah, Lucky and the Girls.



Several clips of the creatures from the coop shot over a two day period on day one half the flock didn't want to come out and play but the second day the weather was better and everyone was in a mood to explore. Most of the birds are in various stages of their first moult. Several good looks at Lucky who is now a full grown rooster.


Friday, October 12, 2012

October 12th in Garden and Hoop House.



A look around  the garden at some of the things that I haven't shown very much this summer and a look at how things are doing in the Hoop House.

花莲台湾美食制作Hualian Taiwan Food making花蓮臺灣美食製作,



Asian street food, just a guess but I think those are duck eggs look too big to be chicken eggs. I've watched lots of these videos and I'm always amazed at how quickly they can produce a very large amount of great looking  food.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Recette Galette des Rois par Arnaud Delmontel



Découvrez les secrets de la traditionnelle Galette des Rois. Comment se fait ce merveilleux feuilletage? Quels sont les techniques pour plier une pâte feuilletée? Comment réalise-t-on le dessin au dessus de la Galette ? Arnaud Delmontel nous transmet son savoir avec passion.

Rough translation of the french:


Discover the secrets of the traditional Galette des Rois. How  this wonderful pastry is made? What are the techniques to fold a puff? How the Galette design is made? Arnaud Delmontel gives us his knowledge with passion.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

recette de crêpes - crepe dough



albarock vous montre comment il fait pour faire des crêpes à la maison.

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/DessertAlbarock
Twitter http://twitter.com/DessertAlbarock
Goodies http://www.albarock.fr
monteur: jijosc@gmail.com
Musique: 
http://www.youtube.com/Kitshmusique
Kitsh - Foreigner
http://youtu.be/tp0OHfQd8Ys
http://www.facebook.com/kitshmusique

250 gr de farine, 500 gr de lait, 4 œufs, 1 jaunes d'œuf, 1 pincée de sel, 40 gr de beurre
8,81 Oz of flour, 17,63 Oz of milk, 4 eggs, 1 egg yolks, a pinch of salt, 1,41 Oz of butter
250 gr de harina, 500 gr de leche, 4 huevos, 1 yema de huevo, 1 pinzca de sal, 40 gr de mantequilla

Friday, October 5, 2012

Fork to Fork - 3 - Herbs



1999. Monty Don and wife Sarah share the basics of growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables and use their produce to create simple but delicious seasonal recipes. (6 parts)

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Fork to Fork - 1 - Potatoes, Carrots, Beetroots and Parsnips



Now I know what I will do with my long row of parsnips as soon as we have some frost.

Harvesting and eating Artichoke and Watermelon.



At last it was time to pick and eat the Sugar Baby Watermelon. The final weight revealed and a tasting. I picked the first of my Artichokes cooked it and prepared dipping sauce. Delicious.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Fork to Fork - 5 - Chard and Artichokes



1999. Monty Don and wife Sarah share the basics of growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables and use their produce to create simple but delicious seasonal recipes.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Sky Lantern .

Another look around in the Cabin



I have done some more work inside the cabin so I decided to do another short video of the interior. All of the tongue and groove pine panelling is up on the walls and ceiling and the stove boards are installed, still waiting for the chimney though. The futon that I ordered online from Walmart arrived and I'm very please with it, really surprised at how comfortable it is. Also a look at a few items that I have bought or have been given to me for use in the cabin.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Sunshine Winter Squash Time Lapse



Time lapse video of a Sunshine Winter Squash growing and ripening photos taken between  August 21, 2012 and September 20, 2012. A silent movie.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Major study of GM and impact on health




"Safe" levels of GM Maize and Roundup can cause tumours and multiple organ damage says first peer-reviewed lifetime feeding trial.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

A look at the Artichokes, Watermelon and propagating Chillies.



Early fall in the hoop house. The Artichoke now has four chokes and one of those is almost ready to pick. The sugar baby watermelon is still growing, no idea how much longer that will continue with our days getting a little cooler everyday now. Trying to propagate two of my chilli and some rosemary with a new kind of jell propagator.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

A glimpse of progress inside the cabin .



Just a look around inside the cabin at the work done so far and plans for the near future.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

A bit of this and a little of that



A look and taste of one of the ripe and ready Earlichamp Cantaloupes, roasting the red sweet pepper Fat and Sassy and cooking some Shishito Peppers and pole beans in tempura batter in the wok on the rocket stove.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Nine varieties of peppers and a melon up-date.



Late August look around in the hoop house. The melons have continued to grow and at last I have an artichoke starting to grow on the Artichoke plant that I started from seed last winter. I just removed the corn stalks and planted some fall crops and we take a look around at the nine varieties of peppers that I'm growing this year, both hot and sweet varieties. Finishing up with a look at my two giant ground cherry plants loaded with fruit.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Woking with the Rocket Stove.



Dinner alfresco cooking some Japanese Shishito Peppers in a Wok using the Rocket Stove.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tsukemono Pickles



My second time for using the Tsukemono Japanese Pickle Press. Used a lot less salt and the result was a much nicer pickle.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Cabin Project 2012.




The big reveal of my little construction project that I have been working on since early spring. As I don't hesitate to say I'm no Carpenter, that said with a great free set of construction plans from Cottage Life, Link to the website:

  http://cottagelife.com/20162/diy/projects/how-to-build-a-bunkie

I was able to construct this little cabin without any assistance, not perfect by any means but I'm looking forward to using it. I still need to insulate and finish the inside as well as install a chimney and a wood stove, more videos to follow I'm sure.

Mason Bee House Time Lapse .



A series of 10 second video clips taken one clip every 5 minutes during the day.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Mason Bee Up-date



A look at the mason bee carrying mud and clay back to her nest. Read the annotation and if you know anything about these bees offer an opinion as to wether she is a mason bee or a leaf cutter bee.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Mason Bees have moved into their new home.




In this photo you can see the tube that she filled with brood and then sealed with clay. Mason BeesQuoted from Wikipedia:
In this photo she has backed into a tube which means she is laying an egg. Mason Bees
Mason bee is a common name for species of bees in the genus Osmia, of the family Megachilidae. They are named from their habit of making compartments of mud in their nests, which are made in hollow reeds or holes in wood made by wood boring insects.

Species of the genus include the orchard mason bee, Osmia lignaria, the blueberry bee, O. ribifloris, and the hornfaced bee, O. cornifrons. The former two are native to the Americas and the latter to Japan, although O. lignaria and O. cornifrons have been moved from their native ranges for commercial purposes. The Red mason bee, Osmia rufa, is found across the European continent. There are over 300 species across the Northern Hemisphere, and more than 130 species of mason bees in North America; most occur in the temperate regions, and are active from spring through late summer.

Osmia species are usually metallic green or blue, though many are blackish. Most have black ventral scopae which are difficult to notice unless laden with pollen. They have arolia between their claws unlike Megachile or Anthidium species.

Unlike honey bees (Apis) or bumblebees, Osmia are solitary; every female is fertile and makes her own nest, and there are no worker bees for these species. Solitary bees produce neither honey nor beeswax. They are immune from acarine and Varroa mites, but have their own unique parasites, pests and diseases.
The bees emerge from their cocoons in the spring, with males the first to come out. They remain near the nests waiting for the females. When the females emerge, they mate. The males die, and the females begin provisioning their nests.
Osmia females like to nest in narrow holes or tubes, typically naturally occurring tubular cavities. Most commonly this means hollow twigs, but sometimes abandoned nests of wood-boring beetles or carpenter bees, or even snail shells. They do not excavate their own nests. The material used for the cell can be clay or chewed plant tissue. The palearctic species O. avosetta is one of a few species known for lining the nest burrows with flower petals.[1] A female might inspect several potential nests before settling in.
Females then visit flowers to gather pollen and nectar, and it will take many trips to complete a pollen/nectar provision mass. Once a provision mass is complete, the bee backs into the hole and lays an egg on top of the mass. Then she creates a partition of "mud", which doubles as the back of the next cell. The process continues until she has filled the cavity. Female-destined eggs are laid in the back of the nest, and male eggs towards the front.
Once a bee has finished with a nest, she plugs the entrance to the tube, and then may seek out another nest location.
By the summer, the larva has consumed all of its provisions and begins spinning a cocoon around itself and enters the pupal stage, and the adult matures either in the fall or winter, hibernating inside its insulatory cocoon. Most Osmia species are found in places where the temperature drops below 0°C for long durations, like Canada, and they are well-adapted to cold winters.

Management

Spring mason bees (blue orchard and hornfaced) are increasingly cultivated to improve pollination for early spring fruit flowers. They are used sometimes as an alternative, but more often as an augmentation for European honey bees.
Most mason bees live in holes and are readily attracted to nesting holes; reeds, paper tubes, or nesting trays. Drilled blocks of wood are an option, but do not allow you to harvest the bees, which is vital to control a build up of pests. Blue orchard and hornfaced bees are spring season pollinators and will only sting if squeezed or stepped on. As such, they are beneficial and benign, since they both pollinate the plants and are safe for children and pets.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Beautiful Campobello Island N.B., Canada



Earlier I did a video tour of Campobello but it was in winter and I have finally got around to doing a summer version. It was a windy day and that always raises havoc with my little camcorder so I will apologize right off the bat for the poor sound track. I did do voice overs for the worst of it but there is still some wind noise. This was recorded on a beautiful hot August day but the fog was on it's way in so it was a race to get out ahead of the fog.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Chilled Melon Soup Recipe by Manjula



View full recipe at http://www.manjulaskitchen.com

Ingredients
1/2 medium cantaloupe peeled seeded and cubed this will make 4 cups of cubed cantaloupe
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
6-8 mint leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Sugar Baby Watermelon Competition 2012 Update



Ten days since the last weighing of my Sugar Baby Watermelon and it now weighs 3 pounds 2 ounces an  increase of 23 ounces so that is an increase of 2.3 ounces per day on average. I had no idea it was growing that fast. According to the seed package it should weigh between 6 and 8 pounds at maturity  if it does reach those weights it is about half grow now.

Digging Spuds and looking at Squash

Royal Collection: Queen Elizabeth II in Coronation Robes, Sir Herbert Ja...



Royal Collection Curator of Paintings Jennifer Scott talks about Sir Herbert James Gunn's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in Coronation Robes, on display in the Garter Throne Room at Windsor Castle.

Windsor Castle is open to visitors throughout the year: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle

Monday, August 6, 2012

August 6th in the Hoop House



A look at the corn, tomatoes, melons , figs, peppers and artickoke in the hoop house

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Follow-up to Pickled Radish




I fermented the Radish in the Japanese Pickle Press for 5 days then I thoroughly rinsed them under cold water and packed them in mason jars with a sweet pickle that I use for pickled eggs, Ingredients:
2 cups white  vinegar
2 cups water
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Good result a sweet pickle with the tang of the vinegar and a lot less salt.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Sugar Baby Melon Contest



A friendly competition between Freidasgarden and myself to see who can grow the largest Sugar Baby Melon. If you are growing Sugar Babies please feel free to join us. Have a look at Freida's video and subscribe to both of our channels so you can follow the progress.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Chinese Radish in the Japanese Pickle -Tsukemono Press



Harvested all of my Chinese/Daikon Radish and made my first batch of pickles in my new Japanese Pickle Press.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Som Sabadell flashmob



On the 130th anniversary of the founding of Banco Sabadell we wanted to pay homage to our city by means of the campaign "Som Sabadell" (We are Sabadell) . This is the flashmob that we arranged as a final culmination with the participation of 100 people from the Vallès Symphony Orchestra, the Lieder, Amics de l'Òpera and Coral Belles Arts choirs.

En el 130º aniversario de la creación de Banco Sabadell hemos querido rendir un homenaje a nuestra ciudad con la campaña "Som Sabadell". Esta es la flashmob que realizamos como colofón final con la participación de más de 100 personas de la Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès y los coros Lieder y Amics de l'Òpera y la Coral Belles Arts.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

July 17, 2012 Chinese Radish or Turnip



Harvesting one of the giant Chinese Radish also called a Turnip, on the way to the hoop house I stop to show you and endangered species wild flower blooming for the first time in my garden.

Canada Lilly - Lilium Canadense

I'm so excited I've been waiting 4 or 5 years for this plant to bloom from a one year old seedling that I ordered from a company in Quebec. Just one bloom this year and only 2 feet tall but as it continues to develop in future years it will get much taller and have more blossoms. An endangered native species I'm so pleased to have one and hope to save seed from it to grow more.From Wikipedia : Lilium canadense, commonly called either the Canada Lily, Wild Yellow-Lily, or the Meadow Lily, is a native of eastern North America. Flowers emerge in June, and are nodding, yellow, orange or red, with spots. The plant has become less common in urban and suburban areas due to heavy browsing by the white-tailed deer• Habitat: moist meadows, wood margins • Height: 2-5 feet • Flower size: 2-3 inches wide • Flower color: yellow, orange, or red • Flowering time: June to July • Origin: nativeFound in N.B., N.S., Ont., Que.; Ala., Conn., Del., D.C., Ga., Ky., Maine, Md., Mass., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Vt., Va., W.Va. [1]This plant is on the endangered species list of COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada).[2]The flower buds and roots were once gathered and eaten by North American Indians.
Canada Lilly - Lilium Canadense

Friday, July 13, 2012

My New Rocket Stove



I finally broke down and bought a Rocket Stove, I've wanted one for years and have watched dozens of youTube videos with people demonstrating them, so there isn't anything new here I just though I would make this video as some of my subscribers might not have seen one and hopefully will find this little demonstration interesting.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

July 11, 2012 Potatoes Irish Cobbler and Norland



Bragging about my potato plants. Great looking plants and fingers crossed for a good harvest.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

July 5th succession sowing and a visit to the hoop house.



Starting some cool weather crops for transplant into the hoop house later this summer as replacements for the summer crops as they finish. Transplanting the wild New Brunswick river grapes that I started from cuttings. A look around the hoop house at corn, peppers, strawberries, eggplant and tomatoes which are all performing well right now. Also a look at my Amazon Jungle Peanuts which are in bloom.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Evening quality time with the girls



Out enjoying the evening watching the hens while they free range. You also get a look at lucky who has done a lot of growing sine she/he hatched April 17th.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

June 26th in the Rain !!



A quick little video between the rain showers. A look at my potato bed now that they are up and have bee hilled and fertilized. If you remember I built a new bed last fall out of chicken manure and wood shavings bedding and compost from my container gardens. I've planted it with cucumbers and three varieties of squash and it's looking pretty good. A short visit to the hoop house and a look at the raised, overgrown perennial beds around the house.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Funny Talking Animals - Walk On The Wild Side Preview - BBC One



http://www.bbc.co.uk/wildside Try your hand at giving animals a voice! Check out the BBC Comedy blog and pick your clip: http://bbc.in/9Xiz4y

Meet the Not-Very-Scary-Sharks, the Scratching Badgers, the DIY Orang Utan, the Vultures Flying School and a Marmot called Alan. They all come together in this new show which combines the comedy talents of Jason Manford and friends together with some jaw-dropping natural history footage. Its time to take a Walk On The Wild Side.