Month: June 2023

Verbascum

Did you know? The leaves of some species are also known for their soft, fuzzy texture, which has led to their historical use as toilet paper or as a material for torches.

Verbascum is commonly known as mullein, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but have been naturalized in various parts of the world.

These plants are known for their tall stature, with some species reaching heights of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). They have a biennial growth habit, meaning they typically complete their life cycle over two years. In the first year, they produce a basal rosette of large, soft, fuzzy leaves. In the second year, they send up a tall flowering stalk, which is adorned with numerous small, yellow flowers.

The flowers of Verbascum are arranged in dense spikes or racemes, and they have five petals with prominent stamens. The flowers typically open from the bottom of the spike upwards, providing an elongated blooming period. Mullein flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Verbascum plants have a long history of medicinal and herbal uses. Traditionally, the leaves and flowers of certain species have been used to make herbal teas, tinctures, and extracts. Mullein is often sought after for its soothing properties and is commonly used for respiratory conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Verbascum has also been valued as an ornamental plant in gardens. Some popular cultivars have been developed for their attractive flower colors, including shades of yellow, purple, and white. Due to their tall stature, mullein plants are often used as vertical accents or to add architectural interest to garden landscapes.

I grew this from seed in 2021 and it’s still going strong. So much for just lasting two years!

Television And Toast

At breakfast, Marion wants to know will we pay the TV licence. Páraig doesn’t count to ten. Before she can say anymore, he’s in like a rocket.

Páraig: I’m thinking no, I won’t pay it. Will you visit me in jail?

Marion: But it won’t come to that. You don’t watch much television anyway.

P: Yeah, but will you visit me?

M: I suppose I will. Is this all because of that Tubridy fella?

P: Well, his agent got him a good deal, under the counter, behind the scenes. If I got a deal like that, I’d take it.

M: So, what’s the big fuss?

P: It’s the sneaky feckers in RTE that are taking us for mugs, that’s what’s bugging me.

M: Páraig, you have to let that over your shoulder. If you hang on to it you’ll become a bitter old man.

P: I’m off to sit in the garden to meditate on things.

M: Good idea. Before you go off for your deep meditation, would you be a dear and put on another slice of toast for me please? In fairness, that meditation is good for both of us!

Background information:

RTÉ is the Irish public service radio and television broadcaster, funded by the Irish Government. In addition to a large salary, Ryan Tubridy was paid 345,000 in secret payments since 2017. Salary cuts had been imposed to reduce costs.

75,000 per year was paid for by Renault (for 3 promotional events per year) and deducted from what they agreed to pay RTE as Late Late Show sponsors. This was underwritten by RTE so when they were unable to pay him during Covid because no appearances were possible, RTE were obliged to pay him and the shady deal came to light when auditors picked up on this.

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Annual Begonias

Summer begonias are a popular type of flowering plant that bloom during the summer months. These plants are known for their large, colorful blooms and come in a variety of colors including pink, red, orange, yellow and white. They are often used in garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers to add a pop of color to outdoor spaces.

Summer begonias prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. They can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing the root ball of an existing plant. When caring for summer begonias, it is important to water them regularly and fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Unlike some other types of begonias, summer begonias are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. They will typically bloom continuously throughout the summer until the first frost, at which point they will die back.

Written by Ask AI, my not-so-personal assistant.

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Sunday On The Bike

I have missed two consecutive cycling Sundays, but there has been plenty happening during the week. Now, I’m changing tack to get ready for France in September. I’ll kick into gear properly in July and August, so my two consecutive days doing steeper hills is just a taster of what lies ahead. Yesterday I joined the Saturday Club Spin for a short trip to Cappoquin and came back solo before heading uphill for a few turns on Ballymarket.

Here’s the official club report:

Ten cyclists met at Killrush. One turned off in Cappoquin to do a shorter spin, starting up the Vee Clodagh was forced to turn for home after a mechanical problem. Another left us at the Vee summit, so we had 7 left heading for Clogheen, Ballyporeen, Killworth and Fermoy. Alan was in charge of coffee , he directed us to a nice spot in downtown Fermoy. From there home via Conna and Tallow. 130 kms completed on a day that the wind was a winner, luckily we avoided the rain.

Saturday Spin Report

Today (Sunday), Declan and I went up Strikes Hill and back to Forde’s for coffee. As Declan headed for home I returned to Ballymarket. Two decent workouts.

I’ve got great options on my doorstep. There’s Strikes Hill, but really it’s not steep enough. Ballymarket and Fruit Hill are both steep enough but too short. Both of these are very close to me so I will definitely use them. I may decide to climb them twice or three times to get a decent workout. They will be my short day routes.

Looking to a longer training spin once a week, the Coast Road from Ballyvoile to Annstown and back is 43 kilometres and it’s got everything I need. This will be one of my regular routes. During August, I’ll try this route twice as one workout, getting me almost 1800 metres of climbing. I might need a glass of wine after such an epic day out.

I’ve also got a route near Newcastle planned out but I’ll drive to the start rather than cycle. So, there’s an exciting few months ahead, and a big wedding in the middle. Onwards and upwards!

What lies ahead of me in France? We will have a full week of cycling in Provence, based in Bedoin. The queen stage will be the ascent of Mont Ventoux. I’ve studied it on YouTube. The ascent is steep, rising more than 1500 metres in just 21 kilometres. However, I’ve got the measure of it! Seemingly, strong winds and heat will feature on this mountain. Not much I can do about either.

As opposed to much of my previous cycling, I’ll be focusing on going SLOW. It’s the way to go! Although SLOW on the hills, I’ll continue with my fortnightly fast time-trial events. I think it’ll be a decent mix of good training. Over the coming months, I’ll document the training for this adventure here.

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Launch Of My First Book

At breakfast, Páraig announced details of The First Book Launch. Marion listened but she wasn’t pleased.

This is JUST FOR FUN! There may be an actual real proper launch later this year.

At breakfast, Páraig announced details of The First Book Launch. Marion listened but she wasn’t pleased.

Páraig: It’s going to be a small affair. Maybe something like our Open Garden Day in 2021.

Marion: You’re losing it, Páraig. A book launch is supposed to be public. How on earth can people come to it if they don’t know about it?

P: I’d fancy an invite-only coffee morning. Only for friends and important people. Some prawn cocktail sandwiches maybe.

M: So how exactly will everyone know about your book? Isn’t that the whole point of having a book launch? I’d be thinking The Park Hotel.

P: No, that’s definitely out. They’re good people, upgraded to four star, but it’s not my thing. I’ll launch the book among friends. The report about the event will be great publicity. What do you think?

M: It’s your book, Páraig. You do it your way! I suppose you’ll invite me?

P: I couldn’t have written it without you. Can you make those prawn sandwiches?

Rapunzel

Páraig has returned to the hotel in Lisbon, having been out searching for Rapunzel at a disused fairy castle in Sintra. Marion is not pleased.

Páraig has returned to the hotel in Lisbon, having been out searching for Rapunzel at a disused fairy castle in Sintra. Marion is not pleased.

Marion: Ah, you’re back. I hope you’re pleased with yourself!

Páraig: You know what, I’ll never do that ever again. She said she would meet me in Sintra but she never showed up.

M: Stood you up, did she? Serves you right. You’re an eejit to be believing them fairy tales.

P: Yeah,I know that now, but I needed to find out for myself. I can’t be putting up with you telling me what’s what all the time.

M: No sign of her at all?

P: Not even a whiff. I waited for twenty minutes and I had a good look around.

M: Ah now, there’s a thing! Women worth waiting for are worth a lot more than twenty minutes. I’ve told you that umpteen times.

P: I know that now. I was only half listening.

Not As Easy As You Think

Páraig has been writing a book since February. Marion urges him to take a rest, otherwise he will be burned out.

The Scene: Páraig has been writing a book since February. Marion urges him to take a rest, otherwise he will be burned out.

Marion: You’ve been at for 14 whole weeks. Can’t you give yourself a rest?

Me: I’m wrecked from it. I never thought it would be so hard.

M: Promise me you’ll go easy. You’re not looking great. Bit of sunshine and some red wine would do you good.

Me: I already cut back from writing five days a week to four. Maybe I’ll reduce my workload a bit more. I could become a part time writer?

M: You were always good to have my dinner on the table, but these last few weeks you’re slipping up. Just salads, day in day out. I’ll be glad when it gets finished.

Me: Yeah, to be honest, I need a kick up the arse every now and then. I’m fading away.

Moral of the story: Same as last week!