Mike R 🏳️🌈
@mikerobin.bsky.social
Northern gay bloke, happily early-retired, filling my time with gardening, singing, dancing, cooking, walking the hound, and gadding around with husband @briascub.bsky.social
After too long sitting indoors watching it rain, finally some dry weather. Lovely day to be up the #nodig #allotment. Made a lid for my new compost bin. Weeded and tidied a couple of beds. Mulched. Planted tulips. Harvested leeks.
#allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
#allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
November 13, 2025 at 2:54 PM
After too long sitting indoors watching it rain, finally some dry weather. Lovely day to be up the #nodig #allotment. Made a lid for my new compost bin. Weeded and tidied a couple of beds. Mulched. Planted tulips. Harvested leeks.
#allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
#allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
This morning: dog walk and flu jab.
This afternoon: allotment.
Hmmph. Bloody weather 😭
This afternoon: allotment.
Hmmph. Bloody weather 😭
November 10, 2025 at 11:16 AM
This morning: dog walk and flu jab.
This afternoon: allotment.
Hmmph. Bloody weather 😭
This afternoon: allotment.
Hmmph. Bloody weather 😭
That pink pig is my dog's favourite toy.
November 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM
That pink pig is my dog's favourite toy.
Coming up outside nicely, too
November 9, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Coming up outside nicely, too
I'm a man of simple tastes, so I'm very pleased to have doubled my compost bays.
Accompanied, of course, by great aunty Nelly, aka robin.
(It's not, of course. That kind of claptrap is as fictitious as aunty Nelly.)
#allotmentlife #nodig #allotment #gaygardeners #growyourown
Accompanied, of course, by great aunty Nelly, aka robin.
(It's not, of course. That kind of claptrap is as fictitious as aunty Nelly.)
#allotmentlife #nodig #allotment #gaygardeners #growyourown
November 9, 2025 at 1:31 PM
I'm a man of simple tastes, so I'm very pleased to have doubled my compost bays.
Accompanied, of course, by great aunty Nelly, aka robin.
(It's not, of course. That kind of claptrap is as fictitious as aunty Nelly.)
#allotmentlife #nodig #allotment #gaygardeners #growyourown
Accompanied, of course, by great aunty Nelly, aka robin.
(It's not, of course. That kind of claptrap is as fictitious as aunty Nelly.)
#allotmentlife #nodig #allotment #gaygardeners #growyourown
October 14, 2025 at 6:15 PM
It seems I'm better at growing tomatoes than I am at growing melons.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
October 3, 2025 at 8:36 PM
It seems I'm better at growing tomatoes than I am at growing melons.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
Feeling slightly emotional after finishing this. Shades of "This is Us" in the way it jumps around the time line of a set of siblings and step-siblings, teasing you with hints about events we've not seen yet.
Always on the lookout for new authors to read... I wonder if her other books are as good?
Always on the lookout for new authors to read... I wonder if her other books are as good?
October 1, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Feeling slightly emotional after finishing this. Shades of "This is Us" in the way it jumps around the time line of a set of siblings and step-siblings, teasing you with hints about events we've not seen yet.
Always on the lookout for new authors to read... I wonder if her other books are as good?
Always on the lookout for new authors to read... I wonder if her other books are as good?
I did wrap up my figs to keep the squirrels off them.
September 26, 2025 at 5:37 PM
I did wrap up my figs to keep the squirrels off them.
I guess that's easier than this solution, which someone shared with me on here.
September 26, 2025 at 5:32 PM
I guess that's easier than this solution, which someone shared with me on here.
Having seen frost on the roofs (rooves?) this morning I decided it was time to harvest any outdoor tomatoes that had any hint they were ripening, to bring inside.
It turns out that's 16 lb of tomatoes 🍅
Maybe I overdid how many I planted this year 🤔
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown
It turns out that's 16 lb of tomatoes 🍅
Maybe I overdid how many I planted this year 🤔
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown
September 22, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Having seen frost on the roofs (rooves?) this morning I decided it was time to harvest any outdoor tomatoes that had any hint they were ripening, to bring inside.
It turns out that's 16 lb of tomatoes 🍅
Maybe I overdid how many I planted this year 🤔
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown
It turns out that's 16 lb of tomatoes 🍅
Maybe I overdid how many I planted this year 🤔
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown
This is the first year I grew flowers at my #nodig #allotment, partly for pollinators and more biodiversity generally, partly cos they're pretty, and partly to cut them and bring them home. In the last month the sunflowers have brought me particular joy.
#allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
#allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
September 18, 2025 at 5:06 PM
This is the first year I grew flowers at my #nodig #allotment, partly for pollinators and more biodiversity generally, partly cos they're pretty, and partly to cut them and bring them home. In the last month the sunflowers have brought me particular joy.
#allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
#allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
Oh look! More tomatoes 😊
I've been waiting for the whopper to ripen, and only remembered today that I planted some that turn orange rather than red. It's actually overripe.
Also courgettes (obvs), borlotto and black beans, and leaks.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
I've been waiting for the whopper to ripen, and only remembered today that I planted some that turn orange rather than red. It's actually overripe.
Also courgettes (obvs), borlotto and black beans, and leaks.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
September 13, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Oh look! More tomatoes 😊
I've been waiting for the whopper to ripen, and only remembered today that I planted some that turn orange rather than red. It's actually overripe.
Also courgettes (obvs), borlotto and black beans, and leaks.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
I've been waiting for the whopper to ripen, and only remembered today that I planted some that turn orange rather than red. It's actually overripe.
Also courgettes (obvs), borlotto and black beans, and leaks.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
The ones that ripened between Tuesday and today.
Temperatures are definitely dropping, and not sure how much longer the plants will do anything, but if the weather is kind there are lots more to come.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
Temperatures are definitely dropping, and not sure how much longer the plants will do anything, but if the weather is kind there are lots more to come.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
September 12, 2025 at 3:07 PM
The ones that ripened between Tuesday and today.
Temperatures are definitely dropping, and not sure how much longer the plants will do anything, but if the weather is kind there are lots more to come.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
Temperatures are definitely dropping, and not sure how much longer the plants will do anything, but if the weather is kind there are lots more to come.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
September 4, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Who ate all the corn?
I've managed three cobs for me so far, but something's had the rest and other allotmenters blame badgers. Next year's anti-badger fence needs to be taller.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #gaygardeners #growyourown
I've managed three cobs for me so far, but something's had the rest and other allotmenters blame badgers. Next year's anti-badger fence needs to be taller.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #gaygardeners #growyourown
September 4, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Who ate all the corn?
I've managed three cobs for me so far, but something's had the rest and other allotmenters blame badgers. Next year's anti-badger fence needs to be taller.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #gaygardeners #growyourown
I've managed three cobs for me so far, but something's had the rest and other allotmenters blame badgers. Next year's anti-badger fence needs to be taller.
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #gaygardeners #growyourown
Not an #allotment post for once, but still #gardening. It may be autumn (according to some definitions) but lovely to enjoy some summery sunshine and flowers in the garden, before going to see The Roses (not flowers) with hubby @briascub.bsky.social. Next: mates, chippy tea, cocktails.
#retiredjoy
#retiredjoy
September 2, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Not an #allotment post for once, but still #gardening. It may be autumn (according to some definitions) but lovely to enjoy some summery sunshine and flowers in the garden, before going to see The Roses (not flowers) with hubby @briascub.bsky.social. Next: mates, chippy tea, cocktails.
#retiredjoy
#retiredjoy
It's tomato time: tomato risotto, sweet tomato and chilli jam, gazpacho, thick tomato sauce, tomato soup, bruschetta... Lots more on the way too 😃🍅🍅🍅 (and more plants outside the polytunnel). #nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
August 28, 2025 at 4:47 PM
It's tomato time: tomato risotto, sweet tomato and chilli jam, gazpacho, thick tomato sauce, tomato soup, bruschetta... Lots more on the way too 😃🍅🍅🍅 (and more plants outside the polytunnel). #nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
Happy #Manchester #Pride!
For us that's #Alert! tonight #Homoelectric tomorrow and #Supernature on Sunday. Oh, and our 16th anniversary😃
There's an alternative pride involving parade, vigil and village but I'll not see any of it 🤣 I'm too old for clubbing *and* daytime shenanigans.
#gay #lgbt
For us that's #Alert! tonight #Homoelectric tomorrow and #Supernature on Sunday. Oh, and our 16th anniversary😃
There's an alternative pride involving parade, vigil and village but I'll not see any of it 🤣 I'm too old for clubbing *and* daytime shenanigans.
#gay #lgbt
August 22, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Happy #Manchester #Pride!
For us that's #Alert! tonight #Homoelectric tomorrow and #Supernature on Sunday. Oh, and our 16th anniversary😃
There's an alternative pride involving parade, vigil and village but I'll not see any of it 🤣 I'm too old for clubbing *and* daytime shenanigans.
#gay #lgbt
For us that's #Alert! tonight #Homoelectric tomorrow and #Supernature on Sunday. Oh, and our 16th anniversary😃
There's an alternative pride involving parade, vigil and village but I'll not see any of it 🤣 I'm too old for clubbing *and* daytime shenanigans.
#gay #lgbt
I've had a productive couple of days: courgette, ginger and lemon cake (tastes of lemon and nothing else 🤷♂️); strawberry and peppercorn jam; fig jam.... (continued in comments)
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
August 20, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I've had a productive couple of days: courgette, ginger and lemon cake (tastes of lemon and nothing else 🤷♂️); strawberry and peppercorn jam; fig jam.... (continued in comments)
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
Hubble bubble toil and trouble... Strawberry and peppercorn jam time.
(For the Shakespeare scholars, yes, I am aware that's not the actual quote.)
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
(For the Shakespeare scholars, yes, I am aware that's not the actual quote.)
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
August 19, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Hubble bubble toil and trouble... Strawberry and peppercorn jam time.
(For the Shakespeare scholars, yes, I am aware that's not the actual quote.)
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
(For the Shakespeare scholars, yes, I am aware that's not the actual quote.)
#nodig #allotment #allotmentlife #growyourown #gaygardeners
Found a way to cook courgettes which husband @briascub.bsky.social quite liked ("they don't taste like courgettes"). Just have to find another half dozen recipes to hide them in now.
August 18, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Found a way to cook courgettes which husband @briascub.bsky.social quite liked ("they don't taste like courgettes"). Just have to find another half dozen recipes to hide them in now.
August 18, 2025 at 12:39 PM
#Allotment lunch: potato, beetroot and feta salad; a slaw of apple, cabbage, cucumber and carrot; tomato and red onion; and a vaguely Nicoise-ish mix of green beans, olives, tuna, Welsh onions and boiled eggs. Served with two slices of bread still warm from the oven.
#allotmentlife #growyourown
#allotmentlife #growyourown
August 16, 2025 at 3:19 PM
#Allotment lunch: potato, beetroot and feta salad; a slaw of apple, cabbage, cucumber and carrot; tomato and red onion; and a vaguely Nicoise-ish mix of green beans, olives, tuna, Welsh onions and boiled eggs. Served with two slices of bread still warm from the oven.
#allotmentlife #growyourown
#allotmentlife #growyourown