Is That Time Again.........

This year's cocoa
was dry and ready
to roast.
We had to wait for a
hot, sunny and breezy
day.

The trusty
Porkert grinder
was dusted down
and assembled.


and the
still warm beans
shelled,
 (by him with
the big hands)
ground.
 (by her with
the muscle)

and then
rolled into balls
in the palm of my hand.
The house was full
of the scent of
chocolate.
Our ears rang with the
sound of people passing
and saying
"I want some of that
when you're done."

The Charcoal Burners

A number of trees in the garden had mealy bug

so R and K came and cut them down
and made a coal pit.
After fencing it in with fig stalks and galvanise

they then lit it, covered it with earth and left
it to smolder for a few days.

They checked it every day to make sure it did not burst
and when deemed ready, they opened it and raked out the coals,
only using a little water and mostly earth to out the fire, in order
that the coals would 'ring' .......

...... the tinkling sound that tells you that the coals are nice and dry and will burn well.
Making coals is really hard work, T and I did it once after Ivan but this time we just supplied the wood and got some free coals and good company in exchange. A bucket of local coals at today's price will cost you $15 E.C.