Happy Equinox!
Autumn is here and it is harvest time on the island. Truckloads of corn are noisily carted away behind farm tractors, bouncing with a loud thud over the big stone bridge at the end of our driveway. Lucky cows are given the treat of cleaning up after the harvesters, with the occasional calf escaping through the temporary electric fences. The sunlight has lost its summer intensity and, despite the hot and muggy first-half of the month, it is now cooler with lowish humidity. We have welcomed the cool nights when we can open the windows and hear the stream babbling just outside.
Front Yard
The São Miguel pineapple were divided and up-potted this month and moved to the sunnier south side of our house. The two largest were planted in extra large pots that now flank our front door. We are considering making a small, seasonal greenhouse/cold-frame for them for the winter to emulate how they are grown on the island of São Miguel (in greenhouses). The large succulent garden was divided as well, as the agave had taken over. Its removal and repotting allowed for some additional new succulents to be planted in the succulent pot. Lastly, Raymond basking in the evening sun atop the wall above the stream.
Terrace Updates
L to R: Uppermost terrace, newly weeded and composting under plastic with two additional tree-fern clones planted along the far stone wall (four total now). Upper terrace with sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and a few bush beans (sage bush at the end). Middle terrace with ever-expanding sweet potato vines (rosemary bush at the end). Lower terrace with beets, collards, and newly planted carrots (Azorean laurel at the end). You may notice the bird netting, which has been necessary due to destructive birds and digging cats.
Orchard Updates
Late September brought our first banana harvest of the season! Two more trees currently have fruit maturing and we can’t wait to have more fresh bananas. The araçal trees are also full of unripe fruit. For some reason they are later this year than in previous years.
Out and About
Upper, L to R: A view of the vineyards and lava-stone corrals in Biscoitos with the sea in the distance. A view of the hills above Quatro Ribeiras and the three houses within Ribeira Seca (dry stream) – just as we are one of the four houses within Ribeira Grande. A view of a stone barn and stone walls amidst pasture land near São Brás.
Lower, L to R: A herd of goats obstructing the road near Agualva on our way home. A view of Pico Alto, corn fields, and goats. A few of the goats were brave or curious enough to jump on the roadside walls and nibble whatever they could find.
Feline Anniversary
It’s hard to believe that it has already been a year since Raymond and I got Archimedes and Nicodemus…they have grown to be such sweet, affectionate cats who love the freedom to have adventures and hunt to their hearts’ delight. At left, Archie slithers past Raymond picking raspberries. Middle, Nicky sits above the perennial sorrel garden. Right, Archie snuggles with Raymond after we return home from work.
Monte Brasil as seen from São Mateus.
