Hello from Richmond

[1810ss]

Hi folks,
I'm Greg from Richmond in Surrey, I'm 44 and am a gardener. I grow a lot of my own fruit and veg and make a lot of chutneys, ketchups, jams, marmalades (usually way too much of all of them, as I can't make small amounts of anything) and also things like Sloe Gin and Elderflower lemonade/cordial. I found this group through searching for a source of ginger beer plant/bees wine (sorry if that sounds mercenary- it really isn't the only reason I've joined, honest).

My partner is also a gardener, but he's not so keen on the chutney/marmalade making as he usually has to cut everything up and help at 3 in the morning when it's ready to bottle.

I have 3 cats, drive a Prius (yes, I know the environmental credentials are debatable, but with petrol, road tax, cheaper resident's parking and no congestion charge, it would be stupid for me to drive anything else in this area).
I am anything but a vegetarian.
I have a warped, if not worryingly sick sense of humour.
I am constantly angry at the world but at peace with myself
I like plants, gardens, Spain (and Spanish Cinema), stainless steel, cooking, Berlin, London, Euro's, books, architecture (art deco and old glasshouses) my best friend Kath, especially when she's got her 'sword of righteousness' days once a month, and am addicted to coffee, bourbon and apricots.
I don't like football, Jaffa cakes, people who leave their trollies in supermarket car parks, sterling, T3$cos, religion, Hello Magazine, The Sun, Victoria Beckham and Boris Johnson.

That's probably enough for now......

Greg

[Annpan]

Well Greg it is nice to meet you

Looks like we have a real expert in or midst... and I bet the OH doesn't complain about eating all the delicious chutneys/marmalades/ etc

[Silver Ether]

I bet the OH doesn't complain about eating all the delicious chutneys/marmalades/ etc

funny that .. mine laffs at me and says I am daft when I climb the Wrikin for blueberries ... then scoffs the lot ...

Welcome Greg ...

[1810ss]

Yes, very true.

I'm about to brake the bad news that I'm making a batch of tomato ketchup, and we'll likely be up 'till all hours bottling and sterilising it. I feel a 'domestic' coming on.

The worst is stiring 12 lbs green tomato chutney for 6 to 8 hours 'till it reduces enough; last time I got tennis elbow from it, which seemed to cause him (and my doctor) great amusement.

[red]

'chutney elbow' eh? perhaps we should start a list of selfsufficientish ailments!



welcome

[MKG]

Hi Greg and welcome.

[Rosendula]

Hi Greg

[Millymollymandy]

Hello and welcome! 1810 is some reference to Stainless Steel isn't it? (something is ringing a bell here!)

What a wonderful place to work you lucky thing!!! I love that series about Kew with Titchy and even better is the series with the tree guys from Kew.

[1810ss]

Yes, 1810 is a high grade stainless steel (used for cutlery, saucepans etc.) I have an unhealthy obsession with it. I won't have aluminium, non-stick or plastics due to health concerns, but mainly I just like stainless steel- it lasts for ever and is recyclable. I'm sure a lot of people on here would dissapprove of all the kitchen things I have, but I use them all, some infrequently, I'll admit.

[old tree man]

hello and welcome

Russ

[hedgewitch]

[Swampthing]

Hi Greg .....from another newby.