Over the holidays, we returned to the UK for the first time since moving over to visit Nick’s family. We ate lots, drank a good amount, spent quality time with friends and family and stocked up on some English staples (see below). We did not, however, enjoy the weather! I had forgotten how sunless, damp and cold an English winter can be.
Curry and other miscellaneous essentials
During our short Thanksgiving visit, my potted plants suffered from the one week’s neglect. We were concerned what 11 days of inconsistent watering (this is the dry season after all) would do to my tomatoes and other cherished plants. Nick put together a timed watering system, using a sprinkler we brought from the UK (back then, this small sprinkler was all we needed to water our entire yard…), a garden hose and a digital watering timer from Home Depot. We set the system up, tested it and hoped for the best!
I am happy to report that the system worked like a charm. We returned to flourishing plants (we’ve been enjoying succulent grape tomatoes for the past few days). In fact, most plants looked better than they did before we left (one tomato seedling grew by about 1000%, as if on steroids!). I think I need to water my plants more… 
Water Timer
Watering setup from above
The system in action
Jan 5, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Wow, so many yummy things!! But can’t you find Colman’s mustard in PR? We have bought the Colman’s mustard powder in Grande, haven’t looked for the actual mustard though (we are more Dijon people
).
We are soon off back to Europe, only 2½ weeks left now – can’t wait
Happy New Year once again!
Jan 5, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Happy New Year to you too Petchie!
I’ve seen Colman’s powder in Pueblo but never the actual mustard. Nick actually prefers Dijon too: both jars of Coleman’s are for me!!!
Jan 6, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Has anyone seen asian fish sauce anywhere? I am growing lemon grass, kafir lime, and all sorts of other things for Thai cooking…all of which require fish sauce and I can’t find it! Plum sauce, 5 spice, bean sauce yes but fish sauce no. Funny how there are just certain things you crave! Christmas means turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, brown gravy. Not rice and beans with pavo in it! And no gristly ham….katrina
Jan 6, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Katrina: I got fish sauce at the Pueblo in Mayaguez mall.
Jan 6, 2009 at 4:05 pm
What do you mean? It’s blinkin boiling here you soft tropical islanders. Well this weekend we will be eating curry once again, grease and all. I’ll raise a nan bread to you both and sit out on the decking. It was wonderful to see you both, and looking so well from your new life. we look forward to reading more about tropical gardening, gorgeous beaches and wonderful weather. But of course we still hanker after more tips from DIY Nick.
Jan 7, 2009 at 5:04 pm
For Katrina, I have also found fish sauce, in Grande (Isla Verde) I think. I will check next time Miri to see if they sell the actual Coleman’s mustard – will let you know!