September 01, 2011

Gypsy Mirabelle.

What a truly striking, exotic name.
Those two words bring to mind images of a sultry, dark haired beauty dancing around a campfire in flowing colorful skirts with flowers in her hair.

However, this is the name of a lovely plum tree that grows at the outskirts of our garden and right now produces fruits in the hundreds. For weeks now the bright red plums have been dropping down, covering our lawn, spilling onto a nearby road, while my new family seems quiet oblivious to this fact. I however, who has never "owned" a fruit tree in my life find this as endless source of excitement, even though I am sorry to say most of the fruit will never be used. Except for those few eaten by me.
I guess it is time to learn how how to make jam.

I truly enjoy going through this time of discovery, slowly getting to know not just my new house and home, but also the beautiful and untamed garden that surrounds it. It seems that each new season offers novel surprises and I relish in making acquaintance with the natural wonders just outside my windows.


33 comments:

Sandy said...

I'm catching up with your blog tonight. It's 3am here and I'm up with that darn restless leg thing hoping that changing position will help so I can go back to sleep. I see you have moved to your new home and are with the man in your life. I'm so glad for you - your happiness is shining through and through. Enjoying all of your photos.

Elizabeth said...

Good morning Sunshine,

After reading your post I realize you are in need of a receipy delicious. I will send it by mail.

Elisabeth said...

I've been away a bit, Zuzana, trying to finish my thesis. It's good to read you've moved house into a new home and with a new family. Like fruit falling from the heavens.

Kath said...

images of a sultry, dark haired beauty dancing around a campfire in flowing colorful skirts with flowers in her hair.


sounds like your own sweet self :-D

Gail said...

When we have excess produce, we give it away. Homeless shelters, neighbors, and even livestock can enjoy these plums. Beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Delicious. Gather up those sweet mirabelles and make crumbles, pies, jams, drinks...

Hilary said...

Oh they look luscious. I like Gail's idea. It would be a shame to let those beauties go to waste.

S. Susan Deborah said...

Now the name as well the image of the plums conjure exotic hues in my mind. The deep red of the Mirabelle is so inviting and juicy.

Guess you should be able to put the plums to good use.

Maybe some beauty potions for lovely Zuzana.

Lovely getting to know your new neighbourhood.

Joy always,
Susan

Kat_RN said...

I am not familiar with that particular type of plum, but they look and sound lovely. Are they sweet or tart?
My Mother's place had 3 different kinds of plums. We used the larger varieties for jelly, pancake syrup and fruit leather. Plums also dry well and give you a taste of summer when the wind blows cold.
Enjoy.
Kat

Anonymous said...

Yum...they look delicious! It sounds like the possibilities are endless here. I think they would be good just cut into pieces, with a touch of sweetener, cinnamon and vanilla added. Then let them marinate overnight. Enjoy!

A Lady's Life said...

oh i hope you do make jam or something.My mom used to do it and in winter its great even to put on a duck or lamb or just on toast .
Always good to have.

Laura said...

Such a happy surprise too Zuzanna...I love your presence as you discover your new space moment by moment.

Anonymous said...

Oh no! They do not enjoy the plumb bounty which comes each year? Oh no.

I so hope you will enjoy lots of them. I'm sure they are delicious!!! Yummmmmmmmmm...

Taking notice of your natural surroundings, in your new home... What a delight it will be! You are tuned to Nature, and will drink in all the joy, which each new season bring your way.

Mimi said...

They look just like the ones my sister brought!
Zuzana, do,do,do make jam. It is such a therapeutic thing to do, all that harvesting and getting ready for winter (tho I've not known jam to last that long!). If you have jam-sugar (i.e with added pectin) there, it's foolproof and doesn't take long.
If, however, you're more towards savoury stuff, my archives has a recipe for plum chutney with walnuts 2010, yum!
Your new home and new surroundings are beautiful, as are your photos.

Becky said...

Oh delish and pretty too.

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

My mouth waters at the sight of them! They look delectable!

Phivos Nicolaides said...

They look so inviting Zuzana!!

Rajesh said...

Making a jam out of it is a good idea. Can be eaten in off season also.

Dangerous Linda said...

your childlike wonder is refreshing and inspiring. thank you for this sweet peek into your beautiful world!

adrielleroyale said...

Oh I love discovery :) It really does make your day, doesn't it? The first 2 years at my current home was like that - discovering all the perennials popping up here and there in my yard...a pop of color and I was racing off to find my camera with such delight over my newest discovery! Enjoy it my friend! :)

Becky said...

Thanks for the nice comment today,I will soo enjoy my trip lol.Keeping fingers crossed for good weather..have a lovely weekend!

P.N. Subramanian said...

Exotic name indeed. I would have loved to see a photograph. You may perhaps learn to make jam out of the fruit instead of their going waste.

Sumandebray said...

That is something new to me. Never heard that name before.
So nice of you to take us along as you discover new things and unravel new mysteries.
Bon Voyage through the journey called life

tony said...

:)

Betsy Brock said...

Oh, I'd love to gather up that fruit. I'm thinking pie, crips, preserves. ha. Yum.

Anonymous said...

Oh, those plums are beautiful! We only have one plum tree in our yard, and the plums are quite small and very dark. The birds get to them before we can! Glad to hear you are making new discoveries and getting acquainted with your new home and surroundings. Have a wonderful weekend, Zuzana!

SandyCarlson said...

Delightful and delicious. You fill me with hope like I can't even tell you. Thank you.

A Plain Observer said...

How I wish I could pick some of that fruit and eat it! Sometimes in my runs I pick apples and eat.
Noticing with amazement what to others is ordinary makes me smile. Awareness is a beautiful thing

Rebecca said...

I love the name too!!! Those look delicious! I love the way you tell your stories - such wonderful imagery. Thanks for sharing - you always brighten up my day!

Christmas-etc... said...

How fun to have a new home! But do you know how often I think of you and your "House on a Hill..." Now I look forward to your describing your new home in such an enduring fashion! The garden sounds wonderful...:)

Zuzana said...

Sandy, Elizabeth, Elisabeth, Kath, Gail, ladyfi, Hilary, Susan, Kat, LadyCat, Lady, Laura, auntie, Mimi, Becky, Jill, Philip, Rajesh, Linda, Adrielle, Becky, P.N., Sumandebray, tony, Betsy, Rosie, Sandy, Myriam, Rebecca and Ann – great suggestions and recipes!:) Thank you all dear friends for giving me great ideas of how to utilize the deliciously sweet fruit from our Gypsy Tree.;)

As always, thank you so much everyone for always finding the time to stop by and for your endlessly kind comments.;)

Xoxo
Zuzana

G said...

What joy! I've never made jam, but plum jam is my favourite. Or just plums as they are. Or gently cooked in some red wine and a touch of sugar. Num num.

Unknown said...

How interesting. I buy plums that are hard and not soft, as I prefer to remember as kid how we pulled them off my uncle's plum tree! lol!