Storms in September

This week, we had the remnants of an Atlantic Hurricane, Helene, pass through followed closely by the first named storm of the season, Ali, and the threat of two more storms on the horizon. Helene fizzled. But Ali intensified. It was to abate by about 11 am but by 4 pm it was still raging. Status orange alert did not prepare anyone for the 80 mph winds with higher gusts. The Ploughing Championships were cancelled, as were many flights.

Our orchard suffered carnage. Our grapes swelled from all the rain and the white grapes turned brown and spotted indicating a fungal infection. Bugger.

Okay, so maybe growing grapes in Ireland with climate change won't work. Certainly the mild summer was helpful but the increase in the frequency of storms and their intensity could be our nemesis. Hmm. Might have to rethink this.

Does anyone have any good recipes for preserving pears?