Tarty Grapes

Remember the post I made a few weeks ago about the grapes on the vine out back?

Well they have now ripened to the extent that I was able to taste a few; the nip at night hasn't been sufficient to kill off their development, they have darkened to a deep purple - red.

But how would they taste?

Well, I think it's safe to say that we aren't going to be calling up the juice man from Del Monte, assuming he isn't dead. They were distinctly sharp. But we've never had them grow to any kind of edible condition before.

The first thing I've ever eaten from that garden.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 22.09.18

Market Day

I have been out today, but it was so grey and dark I could barely see anything! I did my 20km on the bike on my Cotham-Thrope type route, and was pleased to see my first redwing and fieldfare of the year out on the Sustrans 64 pathway, but you could barely see them against the sky and so photography was pointless.

Likewise the peregrine - or perhaps more likely a sparrowhak - I came across sat on a telegraph pole on a farm.

I'm keeping my eyes open for whooper and bewick swans in the fields now, as they are being reported in the area, hiding in feeding flocks of mute swans. But I didn't see any today.

What I did see were a fair few of my fellow cyclists, enjoying the chill weather as I was.

So, in the event with no worthwhile shots taken today, I shall show you what a full market day in Newark looks like. The market is reputedly struggling, but it still has stalls 5 days out of 7. SAturday is the big one, and as you can see it is the premier spot to buy mutilated animal remains for your dogs, eggs, endless bloody vaping shit, bird feeders, hippyish clothes, and er, ladders.

I've never seen a ladder stall on any market before, and I had no conception that this was a thing. Some of the ladders were very tall, and confusingly you could buy strange rocking bird feeder platforms at the same stall.

I wasn't tempted.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 20.11.16

"There's a Man in my Tea!!!"

Found myself in Mamma Whites yesterday, where you get American style pancakes and stuff for not too much money. They've got a new all day breakfast menu, where you order 6 things, get a stack of pancakes and a cup of tea with it, for £7.50.

We were waiting for the food, when the drinks came out, and I was shocked to find that my tea had a small man in it!

Apparently this is a loose leaf tea infuser, where 2000 perforations in his trousers let the flavour flood out. You can get them on Amazon, it seems. His body posture is rather slumped and resigned, but he has a smile on his face.

The pancakes and food arrived, and it was enough to totally stuff you. Simple food, but really nicely done.

You're getting a fair old bit for your £7.50.

I'm not doing a puff piece because they asked me to, not at all. In fact, their presence on social media isn't enough for a business like this. But I've always liked this little place and I've always wanted it to do well - so many small cafes like this have been set up, then died a death in Newark.

I don't want i to happen to one where I really like the food!

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 20.02.16