Category Archives: Belize

Camping with Munchkin and Gnome!

November 10, 2017 Munchkin

Hello Everyone! I thought that I should post my Guy Fawkes pictures before it got too late. This year, we had our traditional 5th of November at the pond area again. It’s been raining on and off so Gnome had to do another quick fix-it shelter this year. I am very pleased with this years efforts; it is actually a huge tarp wrapped over a bending bamboo at the bamboo stand. I am proud to present Munchkin and Gnome’s Bamboo Spaceship; because it is attached to a live bamboo, it actually hovers a few inches above the ground…hence the name…it’s also silver… 🙂

It was a very cosy shelter and we (six people in total) ended up sitting inside it because it was so comfortable. We had the food fire directly in front of the spaceship so that the inside was kept warm and toasty for the entire time.

Oh and here is the Guy…thank-you to Panda for making it..this one looks quite jolly and relaxed.

This year, we had two fires going (Gnome like fires!!). So there was the bonfire for the guy a few metres from the camp site and a food fire at the camp.

Much fun was had by all. We had some of our home-made sorghum beer, hor d’oeuvre (see below) and of course, our famous M & G waffles.

I made these starters with moringa biscuits that I found in the Chinese supermarket; I used our home-made pesto sauce and sprinkled toasted sunflowers seeds on top.

Gnome was of course in charge of Fire 1 and Fire 2 (self-designated) and he also made the waffles. We made yeasted waffles this time…they are a lot more crunchy and crisp when done on the fire…definitely the best way to eat them:

Yummy:

Ooooh, every year Guy Fawkes Night gets better!

Amusing, Belize, Plants

Shampoo Ginger.

November 4, 2017 Munchkin 4 Comments

Gnome is a neophile and so he always likes to try new things:

“Munchkin, howz about you try using the shampoo ginger on your hair?”

Munchkin is a neophobe and does not like new things,

“Eh…why don’t you try it first?”

He kinda of gave me a funny look and then I realised that he had just shaved his head again so there was no hair to wash. I had to change tact:

“Okay then, let’s try the cat…”

I got the same funny look. He didn’t need to say anything. We haven’t washed the cat for five years so I think that the cat bossie would be none too pleased to be grabbed and washed with a flower. There would be a lot of scratching and clawing…

Okay, so I realised that I was the prime candidate to use shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) ; the root and the leaves of this ginger are edible and can be used as aromatic flavouring in cooking. The red flower heads can be squeezed to extrude a soapy liquid which feels like diluted soap and smells like soap. Apparently the Hawaiians use this as shampoo and conditioner for hair. We always find that the same information (usually from Wiki) just gets re-hashed from one blog to another without anyone actually trying it out. Gnome reckons that it is important to write from personal experience so I decided to be the “guinea pig.”

I was a bit tentative at first because I have so many problems with itchy scalp in the past from hair products. I had to end up using dermatological preparations until Gnome formularised the coconut castile soap (AKA Can’t Believe it’s not DB’s) for my hair. Anyway, I harvested the “shampoo” by squeezing the flower heads into a bucket.

I managed to get about 1 litre (1 quart) of liquid from about 6 flower heads. I thoroughly wet my hair in the shower and poured the whole lot of juice onto my head. It was mildly soapy; I massaged my scalp for a bit and rubbed the juice into my hair right to the very ends. My hair felt very smooth with it. After drying my hair, my hair was clean, shiny and felt a lot softer and well conditioned. Oh, and no itchy scalp so I was doubly pleased. Okay so it does work so I recommend it and we might even make a hair product with it in the future.

Oh by the way, according to Wiki you can drink this juice as a refreshing drink. We tried that too…only drink under survival conditions…it tastes like mild soap. It’s drinkable but not exactly as thirst-quenching as a cold lemonade!

Amusing, Belize, Farming, Food, Plants

The Usual Farm Stuff…

October 28, 2017 Munchkin

Hello!! Yes we did attend the British High Commission reception a few days ago. Well, we kinda thought that it was a good idea to show our faces since we hardly leave the farm. Gnome:

“…well, we haven’t been seen in public for a while…people might start to believe we are fictional characters…”

Somebody asked me why I was attending and I said that it was because I was Scottish…somehow I think that there was a joke contained in the question…

Anyway, back on the farm, It has stopped raining for a few days but it is still very grey. At least we can walk out and not be sloshing about in wetness!! I’ve got some new pictures…mostly vegetables and plants…ha-ha…we are soooo exciting…but what pictures could we possibly have to show you if we have a farm?

We are growing horseradish which also doubles up as mustard greens. They are in buckets on the veranda…this is to ensure that we always get our greens even when I can’t get out with the heavy rains or if the geese are plotting to ambush me downstairs.

The peppermint is growing really well. And hey look…my pictures are getting better…

Finally, at long last, we have managed to get the sage and rosemary going. Yes, these are more plants on the veranda that need shelter from the heavy rains.

The akee are starting too:

Oh and here is a picture of our back yard. We do indeed live in the bush…

Okay, last farm picture; the summer squash is going crazy with the rains. I guess you can’t complain too much about the weather when you get this:

Have a lovely weekend.

Belize, Farming

Some Extra Pictures.

October 22, 2017 Munchkin 1 Comment

Hello!! I am posting up some extra pictures that I have taken that never made it into my blogs. Oh by the way, it’s been really wet with torrential rains down here. We are sliding about in mud and can’t get anything done…what’s new, right? Here’s to sunnier, drier days in the future…

I don’t think I ever posted up pictures of The Spice Farm in Toledo. Anyway, here you are if you want a nosey:

Every now and then, we go to visit the owners; the owner is also a medical doctor (so, have a few things in common…doctoring and farms…but, his farm is a sooooo much bigger). The last time we visited, we ate fresh lotus seeds (after a lovely chicken biryani). If you get the seeds green, they are very sweet.

Oh, and this is a new project on their farm…a special arched walk-way for weddings and such…

So, more visiting pictures…these ones are of The Earthship, a building made from recycled glass bottles. Our friends, Alisa and Richard have put a lot of time and passion into this one…

Okay, hope you are all having a lovely Sunday!!

Amusing, Belize, Philosophy

Have We Done Enough?

October 17, 2017 Munchkin 1 Comment

This post is written for Gnome. We’ve spent the last week or so cooped up in the house (more rains and wetness all around). He asked me yesterday, “…have we done enough dear…I don’t think we’ve done enough…” GUFFAW!!! Shrieky Fury Munchkin!! Okay this is what we’ve done in seven days: canned 57 jars of sorghum, canned 114 jars of black beans, made two lots of soap, planted chrysanthemums and fennel out, made soursop cider (56 bottled and under pressure), made sorghum and jackass bitters beer and making coconut castile soap as we speak! WHAT!! I told Gnome that he needed a reality check and that we were doing plenty. I think I ranted, raved and shook my fists at him enough for him to get the idea!!

So this is what we have been doing…

Oh and gathered some wild papayas to make relish:

Studying the life cycle of butterflies for fun too:

Now I do recall when we worked in the Emergency Department in good old Royal Darwin Hospital that the average number of patients seen per doctor was about 25 in an 8 hour shift. He used to see about 40 patients in a shift.

We’re not running a hospital my dear! It’s just a few ducks and geese flapping about. No emergencies here. Remember that we chose this life-style to live a more tranquil life. You know…the spiritual quest thingy-me-bobs that we go on about…and the philosophy and all that stuff….

Anyway, after my silly little rant I went outside and was backed into a corner by Chiney-goosie and Rebel-goosie (yes, they have names!). They sneered and threatened me, pecking fiercely at my ankles; I had to fight them within an inch of my life (just exaggerating a bit but they were behaving like hooligans). Anyway, I ran back to Gnome and wailed,

“Oh Gnome!! The geese cornered and attacked me!!”

Gnome’s response: “Oh that’s great dear, it means that it is breeding season soon.”

WRONG ANSWER!! And then I started Fury Munchkin again….

Amusing, Belize, Farming, Our Products

Hello!!

October 12, 2017 Munchkin

Hello Everyone!! Well, tropical storm Nate passed by without a drop of rain. We had stayed indoors on that day (thinking it was going to pour down) but it was actually a fine sunny day. Gnome said afterwards,

“let’s never look at weather reports EVER again!! They never get it right!”

Munchkin: “Yeah sure but if you remember correctly it was the fruit-monger who told us about the incoming storm first…”

Gnome said: “Since when did the fruit-monger become a meteorologist?”

Munchkin: “Eh…since we trashed the last weather report…”

Anyway, it is absolutely pouring down right now so I am forced to come indoors. Anyway, I should really keep up with my blog posts!

What have we been up to? Making some new chocolate soaps for the new season; oooh nice!! And I even managed to take a cool looking picture (a la Panda…he’s really into fuzzy background photos…sorry, I mean professional looking “coffee table” pictures!! Ha-Ha!!)

Oh, and Gnome bought me this Vision cooking pot as a gift. It was about time for some new cookware!! Over the years, I’ve slowly accumulated bits of kitchenware from people (usually people leaving Belize because they don’t want to be here any-more). So, I’ve ended up with a hotch-potch assortment of old pots and pans…and many missing lids. Gnome told me it was about time that I should have my own set of cookware:

“Munchkin…you really love cooking….why, after all this time have we never got you your own set of pots and pans?”

Gnome bought me one of these to “try out” and I absolutely love it. This is great for french onion soup. Ooooh, can’t wait to get the whole set!!

We’ve been digging up our sweet potatoes…they are huge:

Tobacco is growing and Gnome has been soaking dried leaves in a solution of brown sugar and lovely essential oils. He has packed them in bamboo to cure. Watch this space in 12 months:

Tobacco:

Ok folks, I would lIKE TO WRITE MORE BUT MY CAPS LOCK KEEPS STICKING…LOOK AT tHIs!!

Belize, Farming, Food, Plants

Waiting…

October 6, 2017 Munchkin

We are waiting for the tropical storm Nate to pass over so we are trying to stay out of trouble by having a quiet day. Right now, looking outside, you wouldn’t think that there was a weather alert…there’s a little gusty wind and no rain at all. So what have we been up to? We went through a dry spell and managed to clear a chunk of bush behind the house; we even managed to burn a few wood piles because it was so hot and sunny. This clearing up is in preparation for rotational goosie pastures which we should hopefully have ready by laying season early next year. The last week has been very, very wet with overnight downpours; the whole place has turned to mud so we had to stop the clearing this week.

Yes, that’s why we wear wellies all the time!

Anyway, I would like to show pictures of the new vegetable garden. If you have been following our Blog, you’ll know that we have been rotating our guinea pig houses and planting vegetables in the unoccupied houses which are full of lovely piggy mulch. I am very pleased with results! We have okra, endives, rocket and aubergine.

Piggie Houses:

The Vegetable Garden:

Not For Eating…tobacco…

Keep safe everyone!!

Amusing, Belize, Farming

Catching Up!

September 24, 2017 Munchkin 1 Comment

With the equinox, Goosie Wars have begun; the shorter day lengths have caused an immediate switch in temperament. Goose breeding season is starting and they will lay sometime in February. This is what happened a few days ago: Gnome went out into the yard and was immediately pecked at by big bossie goosie on the big toe! Then another male goose lunged at him side-ways. It was a close call and Gnome was rather taken aback by the fray.

Gnome shouted out to me,

“Watch out Munchkin!! Goosie wars have started!”

This means six months of goosie bullying, severe hooliganism and general chaos on the farm. When I go down to the yard every morning, I will have to be armed with a broom. Watch out Panda too…goosies are really brutal with him!!

As a follow-up to the “mechanical failure” of the weed-wacker, the carburetor needed adjustment; Gnome’s comment:

“I messed around with the screws that the manual said that shouldn’t be messed around with…”

So, we are clearing bush right now…sorry, I wish I had more exciting “catching up” news for you but it can be a bit mundane at times!

Amusing, Belize, Farming

No Rest!!

September 21, 2017 Munchkin

Happy Independence Day Everyone!! The celebrations started last night about 5pm in Punta Gorda…will run through the whole day today and I am not sure when it will finish (might run onto the weekend if it’s at all possible). Friday morning should be fun since it is still a normal working day! Well, no rest for Munchkin and Gnome today…we are still charging ahead on the farm.

Only one problem. Gnome says,

“Mechanical failure!”

Oh!! No!! Not again!! This time it’s the weed-wacker. it hasn’t been running that well lately and Gnome thought it was the air filter so off we went to the Farm-store yesterday to buy the filter. It turned out to be a tiny piece of foam with two holes punched in it and it cost $4. I guffawed (remember I am Chinese) at the till attendant and said to the boy,

“…it’s just a piece of foam…”

He was actually very sympathetic and he said,

“I know! I wouldn’t buy that for $4 either!”

Good, I am glad that we were all in agreement but I still had to buy it anyway.

Despite the change in air filter, the weed-wacker is still acting up so Gnome is back to this:

We may take day off after all and join in with the celebrations! We have Panda coming round later for Birthday waffles so we will have a wee bit of a “knees-up.”

Belize, Farming

Munchkin and Gnome on The Farm.

September 17, 2017 Munchkin

Hello Everyone!! I hope you are having a pleasant Sunday. We’ve been up and about on the farm trying to clear the encroaching jungle since we are experiencing dry weather. I asked Gnome to crank up the brush-mower on Wednesday.

He has been clearing the yard with the weed-wacker with a circular saw blade (according to Gnome this is better than using the “string” because it saves on consumables and the usual horizontal blade tends to scatter rocks around which can be potentially dangerous). I am going into a lengthy conversation about this blade attachment because I had to go into every hardware store in Punta Gorda looking for a circular saw blade to fit the end of the weed-wacker and I had to repeat the above explanation so many times…

“…yes I’m looking for a circular saw blade…no, it’s to fit a weed-wacker….”

Apparently, nobody does this and were very interested in this innovative idea. Maybe this is another wacky Gnome idea that requires trademarking (Ha-Ha!!).

Anyway, back to the brush-mower. In a nutshell…Rest in Peace!! The brush-mower has always given us trouble from day 1 and we have never (ever!) successfully cleared the farm in an entire run. Something usually breaks down or the battery goes dead or something (it’s not in the mood or something!). The parts have to be shipped from the States and the machine is put away awaiting parts that can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months to get to us. Once we get the part, it runs for a bit and then something else goes wrong and then we have to order another part. And round and round the merry-go-round we go. I think we’ve been doing this for 5 years and Gnome is sick of it!

This time round, I am not sure what happened but it wasn’t working again. Gnome was so fed up and threw a big hissy fit! No wonder!!

The brush-mower wasn’t in a working condition when we first got it so I’m surprised it lasted this long with us. It was Belize-rigged…look at this!!

Anyway, Gnome has nothing but this:

Ha-Ha…not sure if he can do anything with this but he will try his best as usual. But, for now, I think it’s going to be weed-wacker (that’s all we have) to clear 12 acres. Wow…that’s going to be a lot of work since some of the bush is really high.

Casa Mascia Apothecary