Thursday 23 June 2011

I'm berry excited




I found this shop in Mary street today, and I got excited about planting goji berries and blueberries. I have never eaten goji berries before; I heard about them from the hippies at Whole Foods market in Monterey. They tell me goji berries are grown in Tibet and they are full of all sorts of powerful antioxidants. Good enough for me. I'm a big fan of the Tibetan people and culture. In fact, I wish the world would do more to help them get out from under Chinese oppression, but that's another story. My other half says she wants to plant goji berries because she has heard similar good things about them, and since she's a biologist I trust her good judgement.

Blueberries are all kinds of awesome. If you're on a low carb diet, you can't go wrong with these little kisses of sunshine. Who doesn't love blueberries? 20000 bears in Minnesota can't be wrong. (I have it on good authority that the bears in neighbouring Wisconsin prefer Leinenkugel's and brats.) This weekend we are going back into town and I think we're going to pick up some plants for our little garden.

Mr. Middleton's Garden Shop is packed with floor-to-ceiling displays of seed packets. We shall not want for seeds here. The sales girl was very friendly, and I get the impression that she is really a gardener, so three cheers for Mr. Middleton's shop.

13 comments:

  1. oh wooww...I love blueberries! so hopefully you´ll plant some of them and get lots and lots of blueberries soon :)

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  2. Your Mom just told us about your blog, I've been wondering how things are going for you and am thrilled you've started a blog to keep us up to date on your new and interesting life in Ireland. I don't like to travel, especially overseas, but a trip to Ireland could get me on a plane. Thanks so much for sharing Ireland with us, I can hardy wait to see more.

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  3. Hi, Ahren. I read your mom's blog and she's packing and said she wouldn't be writing much about quilting, so be aware that's she's sending her readers to read YOUR blog during the move and set up in the new home.

    I planted a dozen blueberries last fall here in NW Arkansas. The grower lives near and sells berries at the local (30 miles from here) farmer's market. He told me to rub most of the berry buds off early spring so the roots would develop a stronger plant that will produce better. The few I left are wonderful!! Good luck with your goji AND blueberries!!

    I have always wanted to visit Ireland and was invited to a large quilt show being held there next year, but had to decline. I will visit Ireland through you and I'm looking forward to it!

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  4. Usagi-chan: Thanks! I love blueberries. We might get a half-wine-barrel and plant some. I hear they grow big.

    Thelma: Haha... she did? (giggle) Well, welcome aboard and thanks for reading! Yes, Ireland is really a beautiful country. For the most part, people are solid, decent and friendly (like much of the USA.) Travel is good for you. Every time I travel to a different place, I expect to be struck by how different it is, and instead I am amazed by how much the same we all are.

    Gwynette: Oh my gosh, she has a lot of stuff to pack! She's got a "fabric wall" out in the garage, on those metal shelving units. Phew! Good luck, mom!

    Thanks for telling me about your blueberries. That's a good technique to get the roots to grow stronger. It makes sense. Your gardening kung-fu is righteous.

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  5. I knew there was a reason the Wisconsin bears were so much friendlier than the Minnesota bears! Thank you for explaining that.

    I love the little garden shop in the middle of the city, and blueberries.

    Enjoy Ireland and I look forward to seeing it through your eyes!

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  6. Yup...just checking in with you...your Mom sent me!! We mothers have to stick together and keep an eye on our children! Speaking of which...I have three beautiful daughters....??? Only one is available right now... Just kidding...(Her phone number is...haha)
    Looks like you are having a wonderful time in Dublin!! Stay safe!
    P

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  7. Lucky, lucky you! Enjoy your new life with your beautiful "other half". I'm with you on Tibet, another story......

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  8. Hi Ahren. I'm a blogging friend of your mom's, and she posted about your blog. I'm so jealous of you getting to actually live in Ireland. Someday I'm going to at least visit there. Thanks for sharing all the great photos. Everything is very interesting--but chicken powder??? What in blazes? I wouldn't even start to know how to powder a chicken.

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  9. @Paulette... Hang on there now, don't you be trying to steal him for one of your girls. He's mine! Ha ha :-D

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  10. Hehe, the "GrumpyOldLady" and I are planting a nice garden together. We've got seeds coming up. You can check them out here: http://irishcountrykitchen.blogspot.com/

    Coming to Ireland has been a great adventure and I couldn't imagine anyone I would rather share it with than her. I'm really a lucky guy.

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  11. Mr. Squash wants to know if you can smoke the berries - LOL -just kidding! He spent some time in Nepal and knows all about them - they are actually quite good! Good luck growing them! Glad your mom sent us over here - we want to know all about life abroad! And it sounds like you're very happy, Ahren - hooray!
    Cheers!

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  12. Candice: Thanks for checking out my page. Ireland is wonderful and I am really enjoying it. There are so many things to explore and historic places to visit. My other half tells me I'm starting to know more about Ireland than she does! By the way, I think Mr. Squash is mistaking goji berries for ganja berries. I doubt goji berries are "da kine" if you know what I mean.

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  13. This line of comment conversation is very amusing! I grew up in Hawaii as a young girl and your "da kine" comment has me ROFL.

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