Plymouth and Pirates. . . . . . . . . .

Still a little more on the recent trip to England.

After crossing Dartmoor on our day out with my friend Jackie, we 

continued on to the city of Plymouth for a flying visit and lunch.

Below is a little of the history of this important English city.

The first settlement in Plymouth, Devon, goes back to the Bronze Age. It continued as both a fishing and continental tin trading port through the late Iron Age into the Early Medieval period. With its large natural harbor and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Plymouth found wealth and strategic importance during the establishment of British naval dominance in the colonization of the New World. In 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers departed from Plymouth to establish the second English colony in America.  After the Restoration a Dockyard was established in the nearby town of Devonport. Throughout the Industrial Revolution Plymouth grew as a major mercantile shipping industry, including imports and passengers from the USA, whilst Devonport grew as a naval base and ship construction town, building battleships for the Royal Navy. During World War II in a series of air-raids known as the Plymouth Blitz., much of the city and dockyard were destroyed. Following the war the city centre was completely rebuilt to a new plan.

via Wikipedia

Smeaton's Tower Lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe.

The Hoe is the natural heart of Plymouth with breathtaking views across 

Plymouth Sound, one of the most perfect natural harbors in the world.

Sir Francis Drake, intrepid explorer and local hero, immortalized in a statue on the Hoe.

Go HERE for more information on this amazing British sailor.

Jasmin was interested in the Barbican area where the 

Mayflower set sail for America in 1620 carrying the Pilgrim Fathers

to the 'new world'.

More memorable than the local history perhaps, were these 'pirates'.

They were celebrating a birthday in the downstairs bar of the lovely pub 

where we enjoyed delicious fish and chips upstairs. Granddaughter Jasmin. 

had a laugh - I love this pic of them all together, and I know

 it will bring back Plymouth memories for her later in life

Figs made a liar of me!

OK, terribly sorry, I admit I lied!

Last week I mentioned the glut of Celeste figs arriving on my kitchen island daily 

thanks to my official 'fig picker', also known as Bob. I also said that I would NOT 

be making fig jam this year. . . . . . . . so what the heck are all those little jars doing here?

These were last evening's busy work for me - and yes, it's already the second batch 

as I made the same amount earlier in the week - that's 14 jars of jam - so have 

already shared with neighbors and friends!

These are my Celeste figs, and they are really good - I love that their sweetness 

is subtle, that they are medium sized and not at all chewy - even when enjoyed raw. 

I quarter them for preserves, cut in half to bake, do a chunky chop to toss with my 

morning Greek yogurt.

Figs really are good for you in so many ways. . . . . . . . . despite the fact they've made 

me a little less than honest!

P.S.   To dear Sara in So. California, if you read this, know I'm finding some

fabulous recipes in the wonderful fig cook book you gifted me with. . . . .

and I really miss you!

It's an uphill climb . . . . . . . .

Here it is, already August and the 'dog days' of heat and humidity will no doubt continue.
I was out earlier this morning doing a little pruning of the unruly jasmine on the porch - it 
seems to be thriving - and some much-needed watering of pots and plants.

The garden has few blooms, due mostly to the very high temperatures every day of June 

and July, lack of rain, and perhaps the overly cold winter. Flowers just aren't doing much 

of anything, very much like us, too hot to even get going in the mornings. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . unless you're a morning glory!

Bless these little clambering beauties making their way up whatever they 

can grasp in the hot, damp air. These deep purple trumpet-shaped flowers, 

bring me smiles each morning as the vines scramble up the front porch. 

Later they curl within themselves as the heat intensifies, but happily more 
appear the next day. Such a welcome splash of color in the garden.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend - stay cool.