All posts by Munchkin

Farm Update.

Munchkin.Froggie.JumpingWe have been hearing all sorts of weather predictions and looking at reports on the Internet with forecasts of hot, dry weather…forever (well, it feels like that anyway).  This morning we were sitting down with our cups of tea (can’t take the Scottish out of either of us…still like a cup of tea to hit the spot)  and lo and behold!  Grey clouds gathered right over us and it started raining.  What a relief!  It wasn’t  torrential but it was enough for the plants and trees to quench their thirst for a wee while.  This is one of the longest dry seasons that we can remember.  Every year, the season tends to end abruptly and we are usually left thinking,

“Hey, hang on a few more days…or weeks…we haven’t done this and that..we haven’t done everything on our dry season list!”

Munchkin.Another.Funny.Shot

Well, this year, it’s hanging on for a while so we have no excuses but to dig the trench in the pond…

Pond.
Pond.

This is to allow a catchment area for the tilapia when the pond dries up every year.  We are doing it this year and Gnome is digging!

A lot of people wonder why we do our own work…a couple of ascetic wannabee farmers who like pain and suffering?

Together.Munchking.PointingThe truth is that we are actually both very healthy and fit from this lifestyle…a lifestyle that we like to promote to all our patients…we reckon that the only way to give advise is to do it (not just talk).

After digging a trench three feet wide and two feet deep today, Gnome said:

“Yes, I can eat as much as I want!”

Gnome.Self.Satisfied

Yes, indeed he can stuff his face with satisfaction with that smug look on his face!

More Pictures From The Weekend.

Together.from.Front

On Sunday, we were invited to the Dabetic Run 2016 post-run party.  Palacio’s Retreat is situated 23 miles from Belmopan and so you can well imagine it was quite a feat.  Some people walked the five hour stretch.  We met all the runners at this lovely place:

Palacio's Retreat.
Palacio’s Retreat.

The Diabetic Run 2016 was organised by our friend Sharon Palacio to raise awareness of Type 2 Diabetes.  There was entertainment provided for the runners as they eagerly awaited ice-cold fruit juices and a well-earned lunch.

Diabetic Run Entertainment Tent.
Diabetic Run Entertainment Tent.

There was live music; Godfrey Cho is very talented and we enjoyed the music.

Live Music.
Live Music.

We soaked in the sights and sounds.  Everyone had fun!  Look at these innovative boys fishing with a piece of bread and a plastic bag…who needs a Galaxy Samsung when you can do this…

Fishing With Plastic Bag.
Fishing With Plastic Bag.

A nice day out!!

Busy Weekend!

Together

We have been so busy that I have not had time to stop.  Yes, I do realise that the weekend has come and gone and it is only now that I have paused to sit down at the computer.  Phew….for a start…here are some Cacao Fest pictures from Saturday. Our stall was tucked away in the corner between these boinging things and some parked cars.  We were quite tough to spot!!

Cacao Fest Bouncy Castle.
Cacao Fest Bouncy Castle.

Some more pictures:

Cacao Fest.
Cacao Fest.

This is a big crowd in Punta Gorda!

Cacao Fest Street.
Cacao Fest Street.

It was really hot and dry (still no rains!).  Gnome said that sitting in the heat for the whole day was punishing!  I told him that we had to make an appearance sometime even if it was only once a year!

On Sunday, we were off to Belmopan.  Double Goosey is our new hailing signal…meaning “may all travelers be blessed with golden eggs.”

Double Goosey.
Double Goosey.

We joined the runners of the Diabetic Run 2016 at Palacio’s Retreat.  What a lovely place for a party:

Palacio's Retreat.
Palacio’s Retreat.

The Diabetic Run was a success…well done to our friend Sharon Palacio for organising such an extra-ordinary event.

Then we met up with our friend, Inaldi:

Inaldi.
Inaldi.

What fun but so tiring!!  Back to farm work…

Back On The Farm.
Back On The Farm.

Copal Products At The Market.

Munchkin.with.SwordIt has been a few months since the new market opened in Punta Gorda, Toledo.  I will take more pictures next time for some of our readers that don’t live in Toledo.  For the town locals, this is to let you know that our Copal Medicinal Oil and Copal Medicinal Soap are available at Mrs. Juanita Bochub’s stall (Stall No.10).

Juanita Bochub.
Juanita Bochub.

Punta Gorda Market is now located centrally so it is within easy walking access.  Juanita has been selling our products for quite a while but I thought it was worth a reminder.  Juanita and I go back a long way; when we first started on the farm, we made coconut oil and she sold this at the market for us.

Planting Pitahaya.

Pitahaya on Stone Wall.
Pitahaya on Stone Wall.

We are planting out some more Pitahaya (Dragonfruit) along our stone planting beds.  Once the cactus start drooping down, they will start to flower.  The most common variety in Belize and Central America is the one with red pulp.  The more common type in Asia is the white pitahaya.  These plants tend to prefer dry areas and have a hard time with wet feet.  We have planted pitahaya in Toledo with some success on high, dry ground.  We harvest the seeds to make our White Pitahaya Facial Soap:

White Pitahaya Soap.
White Pitahaya Soap.

These facial bars are made from coconut oil and are indicated for acne-prone skin.  They are deeply cleansing and exfoliating.

White Pitahaya Soap.
White Pitahaya Soap.

We use this all the time; that’s why we have beautiful skin!!

Beautiful Skin!
Beautiful Skin!

If you are in Punta Gorda, you can purchase these soaps at Vance Vernon Pharmacy.  Otherwise, check out The Apothecary for ordering details.

Green Banana and Coconut Cream Lentils.

Our Lovely Coconuts.
Our Lovely Coconuts.

Here is a recipe straight from the farm using our own green bananas and coconut cream.

Bunch of Green Bananas.
Bunch of Green Bananas.

Remember that you can buy our freshly squeezed cream at Green Supaul’s in Punta Gorda.

Coconut Cream.
Coconut Cream.

This is a wholesome vegetarian dish made from green bananas and lentils cooked in creamy coconut cream. The green bananas taste like yam and so adds an interesting texture to the taste experience.  If you would like to view the recipe, click on this link to Green Banana and Coconut Cream Lentils.

Green Banana And Coconut Cream Lentils.
Green Banana And Coconut Cream Lentils.

Cutting, Mulching And Planting!

Together.Tank.Top

Phew!!  We’ve been busy on the farm.  Gnome has been cutting and clearing whilst I’ve been mulching around the trees.  We have been in Belize for long  enough to know that the rains are coming soon so we are trying to get things down before the big down-pour!

Spot The Gnome:

Clearing Grass.
Clearing Grass.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!

Mulch!!
Mulch!!
Mulch.
Mulch.

Planting Sorghum; originally we planted this for beer making but we have now decided to plant it as a food crop.

Planting Sorghum Seedlings.
Planting Sorghum Seedlings.

Sorghum is a tasty, nutty grain rich in protein (higher than corn), B Vitamins and manganese.  The fresh grain can be harvested and boiled for about 15 minutes to provide a nutritious cereal.  Can be consumed by man or beast.

Cooked Sorghum.
Cooked Sorghum.

Ohhhhh!!!  We are soooo tired….

Knackered!!
Knackered!!

Gnome Paradise Resorts.

The High Velocity Cleansing Power of Sulphur.

Reserve the Ultimate Gnome Paradise Resorts now!  Nestled in the Maya Mountains of Toledo with stunning roof top vista views, you can’t beat the maximal velocity feeling of “I’ve made it.”  Coco-Prune Resorts…the Best Resort for the discerning guinea pig.  Check out the New-Look Condos…compact luxury for an easy-living life-style.

Luxury Condos.
Luxury Condos.
Coco-Prune Superb Vistas.
Coco-Prune Superb Vistas.

Gnome Coco-Prune Resorts: The Better Way to Get-a-Way.  New Spa and Yoga on site soon!!

We have to have Yoga!!

Strike.a.Pose.Piggies

Artisan Clay Sandalwood Soaps.

Everyone always asks us which soaps are our favourite.  Artisan Clay Sandalwood Soaps are our choice soaps; in fact we make a whole batch just for ourselves.  These are made from coconut oil and the lovely violet clays of Bladen.  For more ordering details and product information check out The Apothecary.

Beautiful Clay Colours.
Beautiful Clay Colours.

Check out The Gallery:

Clay Sandalwood Soaps.
Clay Sandalwood Soaps.
Clay Sandalwood Soaps.
Clay Sandalwood Soaps.
Artisan Clay Soaps.
Artisan Clay Soaps.
Artisan Clay Soaps.
Artisan Clay Soaps.

What a lovely colour and the swirls came out nicely!!  So pleased with them.