Hi again

[francegarden]

a long time since I've been on, but hi to anyone who remembers me.
Various reasons for absence including health, trying to move back to the UK, etc.
Unfortunately, the house sales market here very slow and no success so far, but
am awaiting, possibly, major heart surgery - which I would rather have here.
My younger daughter has recently taken on an allotment - so a lot of our conversations
concern - of course - snails and slugs.  She seems to be doing quite well considering
she has gone from zero interest in growing anything to mild obsession.  (the older one
has taken up running - so that is all I hear about from her).
I have been growing cherry tomatoes - among other things - and was very disappointed
in them a week or two ago - tough skins and little flavour, but tried them again today
after leaving them on the plant while I was away and have been amazed at how they
have improved in flavor.
My raspberries are very poor - very small and quite often rotting before ripening.  Any
suggestions as to why would be helpful.

[Jasmine]

Good to see you francegarden!
I wish you well with the house sale and the heart surgery if it goes ahead.
I have no idea why your raspberries are rotting before they ripen - someone else might be able to help. I'm wondering about all this talk on here about ripening tomatoes and raspberries and mine are still very, very green!

[Rosefriend]

Hi FG - good to see you again - was only thinking of you the other day...

Fantastic tom year here in Germany - I am really getting a little fed up of them - got litres and litres of sauces, had loads of salads and still I get to harvest them every day. Should really stop complaining as as we all know there are years that we rarely get enough for one salad. I have got seeds from good tasting toms, when and if you want them, for next year!!

Major heart surgery - well, we have been there and yes I would stay in France if you can - nothing against the UK, but France and Germany do have a certain reputation plus very very smaller waiting lists... I do love my "homeland" but I am afraid that I tend to be very realistic these days!! You have my mail addy - do contact me, if you wish.

I have to confess to trying out some of your daughters recipes, my respect and well done - she hasn't added to her blog since Feb, but we all get enough of things now and again..!!

RF

[Tig]

Good to hear from you again francegarden. Wish you all the best for your health, and in selling up and moving back to the UK. Perhaps property sales will pick up if the European economic situation stabilises a bit

[Ladygardener]

Good to see you posting francegarden. Best of luck with your proposed surgery and house move. Some years are better than others produce wise, last year I did'nt get one tomato to eat but I've done much better this year. As to the Raspberries, perhaps they were left too long before picking?