tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12978456050203283692024-03-19T21:46:06.148+00:00Exploring a bumpy path<i>Exploring a bumpy path - investigating how to live a happier and more fulfilling life</i>Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-32165058282725268332014-07-09T19:39:00.000+01:002014-07-09T19:39:15.113+01:00...I hate it when blogs end with no goodbye. They just seem to quietly drift away until one day you realise that you haven't seen an update for a <i>long </i>time. I just don't seem to feel the need to write this anymore, though I do still enjoy writing. It's purpose, for now, is done. I may come back, I may start a new. But for now I'm going to just enjoy Summer.Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-81574657471014142242014-04-19T00:35:00.003+01:002014-04-19T00:35:40.264+01:00First harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahfXDC3U5C5hPyJ_Ln6SM9jzIhCdu3k7ET7zsQXD448bLgFHS4Ghyphenhyphen9uVSSpCEY34FmzFYOpwCJWVLMhQaH5jGOR_7DvPtXFLncBZeqxN0XNHNXY_p6cyDw0CHoaFlpRWy190du0tsDLoK/s1600/20140330+first+harvest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahfXDC3U5C5hPyJ_Ln6SM9jzIhCdu3k7ET7zsQXD448bLgFHS4Ghyphenhyphen9uVSSpCEY34FmzFYOpwCJWVLMhQaH5jGOR_7DvPtXFLncBZeqxN0XNHNXY_p6cyDw0CHoaFlpRWy190du0tsDLoK/s1600/20140330+first+harvest.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's not too much coming out of my garden at the moment but this little contribution tasted great. Purple sprouting broccoli and leeks, I really must get some more sown for next year!Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-40572734064208334652014-04-17T09:00:00.000+01:002014-04-17T09:00:00.830+01:00The Big Allotment Challenge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mANzIrv-F6kylI1veaYDNajBXktgImb9jayIua-dg-3a2ZYQQr60hfq6l8IEiiAhHiJc6CMjO_L8mv_LC1rNHu4Kfw6WJaxgAOeihPHWMsrXLBn8fZ5Z48eIvGdRR43VCle9JN2nNOdz/s1600/ver-tv-online-cs-md.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mANzIrv-F6kylI1veaYDNajBXktgImb9jayIua-dg-3a2ZYQQr60hfq6l8IEiiAhHiJc6CMjO_L8mv_LC1rNHu4Kfw6WJaxgAOeihPHWMsrXLBn8fZ5Z48eIvGdRR43VCle9JN2nNOdz/s1600/ver-tv-online-cs-md.png" height="200" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
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Gardening programmes on TV can all too often be a bit dull. Much as I used to enjoy Monty Don (I used to love <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/real-gardens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Real Gardens</a> on Channel4) I now find that <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mw1h" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gardeners World</a> is very repetitive and must be watched with the remote control ready to fast forward. I was pleased to discover <a href="http://www.beechgrove.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Beechgrove Garden</a> last year, a more magazine based style that keeps moving. It shows a traditional style of working that isn't really for me but I do enjoy the show and I'm glad that it is no longer just shown on BBC2 Scotland.<br />
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The latest of 'gardening' programmes to hit the screen is '<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01wjhcx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Big Allotment Challenge</a>'. I wasn't too sure how they were going to pull this off but was intrigued non the less. And I enjoyed it! It is a very fluffy show, I suspect that there is very little here for the serious gardener but that doesn't bother me. I like a bit of shallowness sometimes, I used to love the old garden makeover programmes too! It is all very prettily set up with everybody having an allotment in a lovely walled garden, they've all had time to grow the required fruit, veg and flowers for the challenges to come. Not a style of gardening I wish to do but entertaining, I <i>do </i>enjoy these gentle programmes.<br />
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So that's traditional and fluffy ticked off. Are we ever going to see a more ecological style of gardening on tv? Is there anything already out there? I'd like to think so but it is difficult to see how this could be done to appeal to a larger audience.<br />
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<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-34466524980193557932014-04-16T09:00:00.000+01:002014-04-16T09:00:02.319+01:00Planting a copse<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzc252cPE-83fwjEGneZ4wIokzNdY0mv4jl9edn9s3TjihDq-ol8wx6RS52RGk0adeRAPlKd2a7NNLICmb6WGB3pysam55-geTPUjJ5SuJQl6ReI4_yGLdd3yXrSvZa8H6VHwW_ai8Bs4/s1600/20140316+to+be+coppice+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzc252cPE-83fwjEGneZ4wIokzNdY0mv4jl9edn9s3TjihDq-ol8wx6RS52RGk0adeRAPlKd2a7NNLICmb6WGB3pysam55-geTPUjJ5SuJQl6ReI4_yGLdd3yXrSvZa8H6VHwW_ai8Bs4/s1600/20140316+to+be+coppice+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Shrubbery</td></tr>
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Our big project of the weekend was to get the copse planted at the end of our garden. I have a fantasy in which we harvest wood for the house from coppiced trees. It will be a good few years before many of these babies are up to being harvested but we have taken the first few steps.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrubbery 4 years ago</td></tr>
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When we first moved in this area was really lush, full of overgrown specimens that were happily doing their own thing. So we let them be whilst trying to get the vegetable patch up and running. In the last couple of years many of the original shrubs have died a natural death and the area had been taken over by rampant brambles and nettles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrWmBes9dj0nxBgbzVPsABcfPsOeundDf6YiG1NxxDfNPYvIhOjnqlP09VC8wMeHzltCdH6m6YEw_jk_G8Hs9GMewOsnCyzDuX_9ALTyU5VBk6jUjfv2eLtYudR9gc4yRFHASf6ABNxyF/s1600/20140412+cleared+shrubbery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrWmBes9dj0nxBgbzVPsABcfPsOeundDf6YiG1NxxDfNPYvIhOjnqlP09VC8wMeHzltCdH6m6YEw_jk_G8Hs9GMewOsnCyzDuX_9ALTyU5VBk6jUjfv2eLtYudR9gc4yRFHASf6ABNxyF/s1600/20140412+cleared+shrubbery.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleared of brambles</td></tr>
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So we have been clearing and clearing and clearing. Most of the brambles have been dug out and the nettles mown. I'll need to keep on top of this to prevent the nettles from taking over again but in the meantime their trimmings are making great food for my veg patch. We still have an awkward patch to complete clearing that also includes privet (why?!) but enough has been done to make way for the trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijN1BtBYQlZCucoxQjEfX_B9LxE-sXfe0-8R6n7gOWoyRZJvnYz9j_l8uHOqJz4VhtiZntU8emYAO0EpKWICt49HWeZdHfy1wHBx73XDz2v27XvkAf4-getgweGHNk5VdHuFRT_xgo5X_o/s1600/20140412+copse+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijN1BtBYQlZCucoxQjEfX_B9LxE-sXfe0-8R6n7gOWoyRZJvnYz9j_l8uHOqJz4VhtiZntU8emYAO0EpKWICt49HWeZdHfy1wHBx73XDz2v27XvkAf4-getgweGHNk5VdHuFRT_xgo5X_o/s1600/20140412+copse+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees planted</td></tr>
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We already have some coppiced hazels in this area and a couple of standard trees so it seemed the ideal place to add more. They are planted fairly close together to promote long straight stems when coppiced. I took many, many photos but my new trees don't show up well in any of them as they are either one or two year old specimens - you may just be able to make out the anti-rabbit plastic wrap! The varieties are hazel, silver birch, paper bark birch, lime and sweet chestnut. I would also like to get some oak in here too but I will wait until I have some acorns to play with as the budget has already been blown. <div>
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I have yet more plants to add, though not enough to fill the area. There is the willow in my veg patch that needs a new home (originally supplied as <a href="http://exploringabumpypath.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/planting-seeds.html" target="_blank">cuttings</a> that <a href="http://exploringabumpypath.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/my-willow-cuttings-are-sprouting-this.html" target="_blank">sprouted</a>) plus a pile of primroses that ought to be moved. Over time I'm sure that I'll track down more woodland plants to make a home here but for now will make do with what I have.<br /><div>
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Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-1542103554886021162014-04-14T15:31:00.000+01:002014-04-14T15:31:01.986+01:00Plant of the week: Daisies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaIMPOwqj8HIldo04pGXHUWGaGQBaikaw9Eoumdsp4kx3LQ_bMEGWvKVbsSgva4hHVQCaZxSljBZ35K0C0RRkQkZgHj6JaBfmRbdeZ1GlPG2dzTZAAGZjEIVN2C7VlnHg1umxggXS54O0/s1600/20140412+daisies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaIMPOwqj8HIldo04pGXHUWGaGQBaikaw9Eoumdsp4kx3LQ_bMEGWvKVbsSgva4hHVQCaZxSljBZ35K0C0RRkQkZgHj6JaBfmRbdeZ1GlPG2dzTZAAGZjEIVN2C7VlnHg1umxggXS54O0/s1600/20140412+daisies.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisies</td></tr>
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It's been a very busy weekend in the garden here, I'll be posting about it soon. But for now here is a photo of the plant that I am so pleased to see in our lawns here. We don't have many daisies but it is lovely to see our lawn slowly travel away from it's original monoculture into a far more interesting mix. This is a small established clump but the few that I transplanted a couple of weeks ago are also looking well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips</td></tr>
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It's also great to see the tulips flowering. They aren't entirely happy this year, I set them into the lawn a bit too late for them to look their best (<a href="http://exploringabumpypath.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/spring-meadow.html" target="_blank">spring meadow</a>). I can't wait for next spring to see them mixing with our narcissi.</div>
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<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-60720094654391140022014-04-11T09:00:00.000+01:002014-04-11T09:00:01.768+01:00Time management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never been great at managing my time but recently I have been getting worse and worse. I've also noticed that now that my boys are older they also seem to be requiring more of my time too despite gaining more independence. Perhaps it is because I used to be able to do two things at once when they were smaller but today they will require my full attention. Regardless of the reason the amount of time at my disposal feels as if it is shrinking daily.<br />
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Add to the above that it is spring and I am feeling the need to spring clean. And my garden is crying for attention. And I need to focus on me and improve my own fitness. I just can't do it all!<br />
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But I have found a middle ground.<br />
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After much pondering I have decided <i>not </i>to Spring clean. This was a surprisingly hard choice much as I hate housework as I do like to know that a room has been properly cleaned thoroughly at least once a year even if the whole home is never tidy at the same time. But instead, each morning, I am grabbing my timer and spending 5 minutes in each area of my home cleaning or sorting or whatever jumps out at me as requiring urgent attention that day. And so far it's working! The whole place is feeling much nicer already and we are all feeling better for it.<br />
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On a practical note I now set my timer for 4 minutes. I found that 5 minutes meant that I would get sucked into jobs that went on for much longer and I would lose the whole morning to housework. But at 4 minutes I find it easy to finish the job I am on and then move onto the next room. The interesting thing about this technique is that it is forcing me to deal with tasks that I've been putting off, it's amazing how much can be done in with a 4 minute timer. <br />
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To get into the garden was even simpler, I have purchased a new pair of XXXXXXXXXXLarge waterproof trousers. Perhaps I have exaggerated the size just a little but these offer lots of wiggle room that is required for wearing over other clothes and to allow plenty of flexibility for kneeling. Why do I need these? We get a lot of dew in our garden and, thanks to our trees, it can take most of the day for this to clear. Late afternoon and early evening is when I tend to have other commitments, if I can't get into the garden in the morning it often won't happen and after the winter we've just had I <i>need </i>to get into the garden. The trousers help prevent me from procrastinating due to not wanting to get muddy. Simple.<br />
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And the last issue on the list, my fitness? To be honest if I'm running around the house for at least an hour a day followed by a couple of hours of hard work in the garden my fitness is probably covered for now. I am currently falling into bed exhausted at night with the knock on effect of waking up bright and early. I can't guarantee that I'll be good forever but it's working for right now.<br />
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<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-55863587509534291652014-04-10T21:10:00.000+01:002014-04-10T21:10:37.882+01:00The Wonder of WeedsI've just watched an interesting little programme from BBC4, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b01224kv/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'The Wonder of Weeds'</a> presented by Chris Collins (available on BBC iplayer until next Monday). It was a mixed bag, some good, some boring but it was the last 10 minutes that truly held my attention. From an abandoned house Chris Collins showed how weeds were turning it back to nature, initially with the short lived plants that lived, died and rotted down to produce humus allowing new plants to move in and colonise the location. Ultimately the land is prepared and ready to grow trees again thanks to the succession of weeds that each had a role to play in it's transformation.Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-24044151518129719052014-04-08T07:18:00.000+01:002014-04-08T07:18:53.643+01:00Permaculture studies: Permaculture Fundamentals, notes on lectures 1 & 2A while ago I stumbled across a free permaculture design course here: <a href="http://www.permaculturedesigntraining.com/">http://www.permaculturedesigntraining.com</a>/ . I've always wanted to attend one of these but have never felt comfortable with spending so much money on myself with so many other demands on the purse. I'm going to give this course a try, I'm not going to promise to complete it but it will be interesting to see how far I get. To help keep me accountable I have decided to share some of my notes and thoughts about these free lessons here. Please note that I actually watched these over a month ago but have delayed posting this as I wished to finish some further reading on the subject.<br />
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<u>First thoughts</u><br />
The lessons are videos of lectures from a permaculture design course. Whilst the content was fine the quality felt a bit amateur with me often feeling left out of the loop due to not being able to see the images the lecturer was talking about or finding the sound set too low. Reading through the forum afterwards I found out that the team were working on inserting the missing pictures to the video and improving the sound quality, I suspect that they are probably completed now and that this will make a huge improvement. But even in their unpolished format these lectures were good, especially when you consider that they are being shared free of charge.<br />
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Another thing that I found awkward was that it wasn't obvious how to get started. I could find the videos but no advice on how to structure my study or any recommended reading material. Looking through the forums I found that there were many others in the same boat. Ultimately I realised that the videos <i>were </i>the lessons and that it is for me to decide what further reading to do or action to take if I so wish. It is a little scary to realise that I was expecting to be spoon fed this information.<br />
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<u>Notes on lectures 1 & 2</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
This was one long introduction lecture split into two by Larry Korn and best watched together. It managed to hold my attention most of the time and I found it interesting learning about his background to permaculture. He spent time in Japan with Masanobu Fukuoka and was responsible for translating 'One straw revolution' into English. Much of this lecture refers back to his time in Japan on Masanobu Fukuoka's farm.<br />
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I am not going to repeat everything included in this lecture, just the high points or new to me ideas that I noted at the time.<br />
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<i>Lecture 1</i><br />
Why do we plough? - it destroys the soil structure and is usually for a monoculture crop.<br />
Referred to Masanobu Fukuoka's farm where he grew short rice (less likely to blow over) with big heads (lots to harvest) in a field that had not been ploughed for 3 years.<br />
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Important to farm in harmony with nature.<br />
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Problems with ploughing: it is energy intensive; uses fossil fuels, encourages soil erosion.<br />
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Nature is what nature is. It's nature is the ability to improve.<br />
The world that we have found is wonderful and inspiring. Nature is already perfect, it is for us to fit in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6xj8ljj_ZUZH5giau-puMRFlHTUF3c6RHzB0Ze4hCxfuKwdFsHD1H0ekSMAkoWGP6mtFDaa3pER5M90DtcWdKor_SjZEtiyohuQcRwncDPFg4UKqOwuzaaW1FDt00bnNZcI51mg5rsJW/s1600/improve+nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6xj8ljj_ZUZH5giau-puMRFlHTUF3c6RHzB0Ze4hCxfuKwdFsHD1H0ekSMAkoWGP6mtFDaa3pER5M90DtcWdKor_SjZEtiyohuQcRwncDPFg4UKqOwuzaaW1FDt00bnNZcI51mg5rsJW/s1600/improve+nature.jpg" height="169" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endless cycle of attempting to improve on nature. <br />
Instead we should observe and copy.</td></tr>
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Permaculture = Ecological agriculture<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik07Vh69Nbk_mpSSKzRoB8GJDRiIPY78C1i8ahJ8B9lK4oFLKvmqOpZTenaSelH13mT4nA6c01Y_U4rwAyvCt4tUkE7YAegJJlvEKHgGcfhHfYXDP-LenRf0ysvpG98jYOR2jcZJrQKReu/s1600/survive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik07Vh69Nbk_mpSSKzRoB8GJDRiIPY78C1i8ahJ8B9lK4oFLKvmqOpZTenaSelH13mT4nA6c01Y_U4rwAyvCt4tUkE7YAegJJlvEKHgGcfhHfYXDP-LenRf0ysvpG98jYOR2jcZJrQKReu/s1600/survive.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A thought provoking argument!</td></tr>
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Fertility in ploughed soils went down from 13% to 1%. Soil erosion occurs due to ploughing, wind and rain (eg dustbowl).<br />
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Just 4% of US population live on land, it was 60%.<br />
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Ditches were shown as an example of where a resource can be turned into a pollutant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuEZXn_j7EU6BcbDCOUQsNbtSvolV6bwOw1AUR6kVf9lftwzOkduwcLLyp1z18JgEQz2-6hyphenhyphenUXBuouOkuNBvEzaO9o7-hnZErLQzkWa6Ssuq4Sayk4GSBmJ92-g6gAyWeD-QDoFgfavlT/s1600/love+our+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuEZXn_j7EU6BcbDCOUQsNbtSvolV6bwOw1AUR6kVf9lftwzOkduwcLLyp1z18JgEQz2-6hyphenhyphenUXBuouOkuNBvEzaO9o7-hnZErLQzkWa6Ssuq4Sayk4GSBmJ92-g6gAyWeD-QDoFgfavlT/s1600/love+our+trees.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Lecture 2</i><br />
Principles and intentions. The Highest permaculture principles are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Care of the EARTH</li>
<li>Care of PEOPLE</li>
<li>To SHARE the surplus</li>
<li>(possible 4th: limit consumption and be concerned about population growth)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Creating solutions with multiple functions such as the chicken shed/greenhouse.</div>
<div>
Chicken tractor for preparing ground.</div>
<div>
Swales.</div>
<div>
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<div>
** Always start by looking at what you already have **</div>
<div>
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<div>
Work like you don't need any money,</div>
Love like you've never been hurt,<br />
Dance like nobody's watching,<br />
Sing like nobody's listening.<br />
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Live like it's heaven on Earth.<br />
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<u>Conclusion & further research</u><br />
There was little new here but that's not too surprising as it was just an introduction. The one thing that really stood out to me is (the rather obvious when you think about it idea) that Earths survival is not contingent on human survival.<br />
<br />
To follow on from this I decided to read Masanobu Fukuoka's 'One straw revolution' (I found a pdf of it online). I cannot believe how long it took me to read this relatively short book! Lots of interesting ideas that the author has developed over time and experimented with on his own farm of rice, mandarins and many other plants. Ultimately he encourages us all to consider having a more simple land based life style including a simple diet with more time for fun. I would recommend it but for me the books biggest failing is probably due to it being a translation. The script felt a bit laboured at times and I suspect that this is the reason behind it taking me a month to read!<br />
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Previous posts:<br />
<a href="http://exploringabumpypath.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/permaculture.html#more" target="_blank">Permaculture</a><br />
<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-31679902743145395692014-04-07T09:00:00.000+01:002014-04-07T09:00:05.016+01:00Spring meadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWKo4w7pnzS7JmxVvNVsDzfWCylbt5kaCc2ZzlhvjZo6bEwsoXuaezqbJNcNDeJFzNyUwNzmPqpwbyc_wWnzcUu8EtYHLFeuhoJaYBjbHFl06JEtngKHFpkq1h4Ca_ElC6zho5Qx3CJgb/s1600/20140329+daffodils+in+spring+meadow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWKo4w7pnzS7JmxVvNVsDzfWCylbt5kaCc2ZzlhvjZo6bEwsoXuaezqbJNcNDeJFzNyUwNzmPqpwbyc_wWnzcUu8EtYHLFeuhoJaYBjbHFl06JEtngKHFpkq1h4Ca_ElC6zho5Qx3CJgb/s1600/20140329+daffodils+in+spring+meadow.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narcissi slit planted between the groups.</td></tr>
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There is so much to do in the garden at the moment but so little time. Here I've been working in what I'll call the Spring meadow. It mainly lawn with mature trees but this time of year there are large areas of narcissi. Lovely, but it feels a bit like municipal planting at the moment with large groups plonked here there. As removing them would probably be an exercise in futility and they are much loved by the early bees I am doing my best to extend the groups. Digging into the middle of a blind bunch I can harvest lots of plants that can be slit-planted throughout the rest of the lawn. I can get away with this as the bulbs are small.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip in the middle of narcissi</td></tr>
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Inspired by some tulips that I saw last year at New Sherborne Castle I <a href="http://exploringabumpypath.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/tulips.html#more" target="_blank">planted a pot of tulip bulbs </a>intending to plant them out when the narcissi flowered. They look a little odd at the moment, slightly floppy from having been moved, but I can't wait to see them come up next year. I'm hoping that their flowering time will overlap a little.</div>
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And to add to the diversity I have also been splitting up primroses and a bunch of cowslips for this area. I've even planted some daisies that I weeded from the veg patch! Amazingly we have almost no daisies in our lawns so I am keen to encourage these. There are a few other spring flowering weeds that I have my eye on for moving too. It has occurred to me that, due to the narcissi, I don't usually mow this area until almost June so I can get away with chucking all sorts into the lawn here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSim2lBNrja51SpkuieFhWvAM-jdw01DaTXHvQCoylR5lKhpSECYqMkmqK2_YH8x1mq3MJiyJH2-aC4bJlsXi0Byng8mcMIp548X5oJgJWfy5woLZf-JZpP_4zcnRPG9-p3PItCoL1HmK/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSim2lBNrja51SpkuieFhWvAM-jdw01DaTXHvQCoylR5lKhpSECYqMkmqK2_YH8x1mq3MJiyJH2-aC4bJlsXi0Byng8mcMIp548X5oJgJWfy5woLZf-JZpP_4zcnRPG9-p3PItCoL1HmK/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-558914524537285762014-04-04T09:00:00.000+01:002014-04-14T18:22:39.539+01:00Knuckle down to weeding<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13iMnkOikN96XjVq8ZmROZ88OBVB_iQ9BkHgierI2PsG45lVXpkPcTVFKTAJOO1bIH_euAS9NUmQb11GNOe6L6_Iw_l70-yCZoCC2JJL-lGELVM8yfQdrwoNsoDlzwVwepnnmo8DBxVcm/s1600/20140328+weeding+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13iMnkOikN96XjVq8ZmROZ88OBVB_iQ9BkHgierI2PsG45lVXpkPcTVFKTAJOO1bIH_euAS9NUmQb11GNOe6L6_Iw_l70-yCZoCC2JJL-lGELVM8yfQdrwoNsoDlzwVwepnnmo8DBxVcm/s1600/20140328+weeding+before.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fist veg bed, before</td></tr>
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It's been a <i>long </i>time since I have done any work in my veg patch. The rain has made working here pretty much impossible. Having said that I am glad that I didn't prep the beds any sooner as the heavy rains would have leached much of the goodness from any added compost.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First veg bed, after</td></tr>
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It took quite a while to clear it, the grass has really appreciated the extra water and gone from strength to strength. Most of the other weeds were easy to deal with and I soon had this cleared and four barrows compost, humus and leafmould added as mulch. Into this went my garlic plants which I'm sure will feel better for being out of their <a href="http://exploringabumpypath.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/spring-cleaning.html" target="_blank">small modules</a>.</div>
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I do love a good makeover. One bed down, 5 more to go!</div>
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<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-71676514418838489962014-04-03T09:00:00.000+01:002014-04-03T09:00:01.062+01:00Trees!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever wondered what 39 trees look like? Here's a photo I meant to share in a previous post. Most of these are only 1yr whips and they are currently heeled into my veg patch waiting for more clearing to happen in my coppice to be.Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-9679814547400029092014-04-02T17:20:00.000+01:002014-04-02T17:23:34.207+01:00Making a vest<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpDLcRsbCPiNzwL7wloKsy7GgT5ewHgbiSzOGf7tk59uLViGxNuW7Hg6tUsV7wQ0JxMx5JIO-w7uqVA4YB-faxfUhiLx5OKeKwzErAcAbwrvt4wI9j5QYJ_LLR2R-T3qAY9h5-wvrFuc7/s1600/20140320+vest+fabric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpDLcRsbCPiNzwL7wloKsy7GgT5ewHgbiSzOGf7tk59uLViGxNuW7Hg6tUsV7wQ0JxMx5JIO-w7uqVA4YB-faxfUhiLx5OKeKwzErAcAbwrvt4wI9j5QYJ_LLR2R-T3qAY9h5-wvrFuc7/s1600/20140320+vest+fabric.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old pyjama trousers</td></tr>
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My sewing skills are still very amateur which is why I hate to purchase fabric but have no hesitation in re-purposing old clothes. These are an old pair of pyjama trousers that were so comfy that I continued to wear them <i>long </i>past their sell by date. Whilst some of the fabric was only fit for the compost much of it was still in reasonable condition.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting out the body</td></tr>
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Vests are a staple in my wardrobe, they help me to get through winter without needing too much extra heating. I prefer the camisole style to a traditional vest. In the above photo you can see my favourite, a soft grey top that includes a little hidden support. Vests are generally pretty cheap to purchase but it occurred to me that these are also useful little items to improve sewing skills as they are not often worn to be seen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly complete vest</td></tr>
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So here it is, my completed cami cut using my favourite top as a pattern. Only problem is that it doesn't fit (hence why you can see a few unfinished threads in the picture). Why? Well, I forgot something pretty simple. Whilst it is a knit fabric it doesn't have anything like the stretch of my top. I knew this and was going to add a couple of inches to the width to counter this but I forgot. So I have a lovely little top to add to my 'one day' pile. Hmm.</div>
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I am going to try again. I enjoyed this sew, it was fairly quick with much of the sewing completed on my overlocker. I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for more fabric, I suspect that the next one may be made from a patchwork of my sons old tops. Time to clear out his drawers! </div>
Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-5443618486661612632014-03-31T09:00:00.000+01:002014-03-31T09:00:03.019+01:00Wrist warmers for J<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTp6duPPG8V1etVA3TDqSoepg31fWSIQue_VfKM57mCbSLXoVgKtcly-CL2PZEtpi1i_48fzStUkflJEZ3NJG0zKQiMmgQOnYhqdkjKUhtyw26BAKH9rBzVA8gAhUNreNt8qK8nd5Rl-i/s1600/20140318+wrist+warmers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTp6duPPG8V1etVA3TDqSoepg31fWSIQue_VfKM57mCbSLXoVgKtcly-CL2PZEtpi1i_48fzStUkflJEZ3NJG0zKQiMmgQOnYhqdkjKUhtyw26BAKH9rBzVA8gAhUNreNt8qK8nd5Rl-i/s1600/20140318+wrist+warmers.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My latest knitting project, wrist warmers for J! When he works from home it doesn't take long for him to notice that the level of warmth within our home is substantially less than in his office at work. Coupled with him being sat still in front of a computer for most of the day inevitably his hands get cold which makes typing uncomfortable.<br />
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When I first offered to make him some I'm sure that he thought that it would be a bit of a joke but the next time he worked from home he was wearing them; all day. I think that he surprised himself!<br />
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The pattern was a simple tube knitted on double-pointed needles. As he is slimmer around the wrist than above the thumb I enlarged the tube above the thumb hole for comfort and cast off using an elastic cast off technique. I wasn't so impressed with this as it left the end looser than I intended but J is happy with them.Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-11085960492121498862014-03-28T09:30:00.000+00:002014-03-28T09:30:00.873+00:00Coppicing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdd2L-MSR4E5vAwxjakg0xRSGh6d1StbspfhKtpYMw6czkzuwpp2vmH6kPcd3bFIoEpIxVGSzTiVKyDpWKE4YeZ3-qhjdlBSoaUghdb7hKWCKo1gBQ-ONb29xMz-oDamNuPH1jeNObZGh/s1600/20140316+coppice+stool+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdd2L-MSR4E5vAwxjakg0xRSGh6d1StbspfhKtpYMw6czkzuwpp2vmH6kPcd3bFIoEpIxVGSzTiVKyDpWKE4YeZ3-qhjdlBSoaUghdb7hKWCKo1gBQ-ONb29xMz-oDamNuPH1jeNObZGh/s1600/20140316+coppice+stool+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazel stool</td></tr>
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Thanks to the water logging we haven't got very far with this years pruning. I tend to prune plants very heavily and then leave them a couple of years to recover. If the garden were smaller I would probably rethink this but it works well for here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood harvested from two hazel stools</td></tr>
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One of my favourite plants to prune are our hazels. These are chopped close to the stool every few years, these two were last chopped 4 years ago and have produced lots of firewood, kindling and wooden poles for the garden. This has reminded me that I really want to devote an area of the garden to being a woodland/coppiced area so that I can leave the trees longer in between cuts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To-be woodland</td></tr>
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And here it is, currently an area of shrubs that has become so overgrown with brambles that most of the shrubs remaining are on their last legs. We also have a couple of trees that, for various reasons, will need removing too. There are already a couple of hazels in here that have been coppiced before making this the ideal place to plant more. By planting them close together the poles should grow relatively straight, ideal for many purposes. I'm going to add more hazel but also silver birch, paper birch, broad leafed lime and sweet chestnut. They should all coppice well and long term I would like to add some oak too but my budget ran out so I'll just have to collect the acorns come autumn. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzlWd0XIJMiwS5PrN7qu75MZG1s1mpLuoegaATaZx0R15rjjvy3LrNOrgOYroxdJ2zQHPPQ_YqvJ9roGjqZurXwHt-tCN50NdXAbRyRmbakLUOC-TvAknOzmwS3DqJkNDZEi_CwHjEAkI/s1600/20140316+layed+hedged.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzlWd0XIJMiwS5PrN7qu75MZG1s1mpLuoegaATaZx0R15rjjvy3LrNOrgOYroxdJ2zQHPPQ_YqvJ9roGjqZurXwHt-tCN50NdXAbRyRmbakLUOC-TvAknOzmwS3DqJkNDZEi_CwHjEAkI/s1600/20140316+layed+hedged.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly laid hedging</td></tr>
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The shopping list included a few hazels and elms to help fill in this hedgerow. I'm also sticking some blackthorn prunings in here too and hope that they will sprout.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One third of the woodshed has been refilled</td></tr>
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Every weekend now we are spending a few hours chopping and stacking wood for next year. Each year we burn less and hopefully this downward trend will continue next year as we are planning to install underfloor insulation to help cut down on our gusty winter drafts. Carpet would probably be a cheaper solution but we do love our wooden floors. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrcw6vLEs-cvd7mJ9UPM_6gSUZhbB3gYyENtxMgs9OcoF9tnC8GKPGJsNf0bhhejmYu-8BuQO_jhilT0NGgm6UnofGVS_gdjWLn7uSA0g5KB1SXygz0MTKrY2TxhHBcE1x6FP9SJkRy4e/s1600/20140316+new+woodshed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrcw6vLEs-cvd7mJ9UPM_6gSUZhbB3gYyENtxMgs9OcoF9tnC8GKPGJsNf0bhhejmYu-8BuQO_jhilT0NGgm6UnofGVS_gdjWLn7uSA0g5KB1SXygz0MTKrY2TxhHBcE1x6FP9SJkRy4e/s1600/20140316+new+woodshed.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New mini woodshed</td></tr>
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And whilst we're on the subject of burning we have had to build yet another woodshed for all of our odd shapes pieces that will end up being burnt in the house. Thanks to the ridiculous amount of rainfall all of our soft wood for the house stove has just absorbed moisture making it ridiculously hard to burn despite it's age. This is still hogging space in our older woodbins so this one was thrown together primarily from fencing that we took down when hedging. We're really chuffed with it considering that it is made from bent wood and a couple of nails.Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-31524154197423125872014-03-26T08:51:00.000+00:002014-03-26T08:51:07.769+00:00Wireless internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dish at the end of our garden for<br />our wireless internet </td></tr>
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Spring is the time for big purchases, at least according to J. We now have <a href="http://www.wessexinternet.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wireless internet</a> to bring our online speeds up to spec. Good enough for J to occasionally work from home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trench dug across garden to house for cables. And<br />neighbours fence that has since be replaced!</td></tr>
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The problem with living in a rural area is that when it comes to having things updated, such as getting superfast broadband, we are fairly low down on the list. We're not even in a truly remote area so it will probably happen at some point, but not soon enough for J. (You can check the likelihood of getting superfast broadband near you <a href="http://www.superfast-openreach.co.uk/where-and-when/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My youngest hiding in the hole. Within a day this was filled<br />with water thanks to how waterlogged our land has been.</td></tr>
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In a list of priorities apparently internet speed came out on top, higher than getting somebody to fix our roof or to sort out the dangerous patio at the back of our property. I'm not really complaining though, it is nice to have an occasional luxury and J having the option to work from home. We managed to reduce costs by digging our own trench for cables and the hole for the telegraph pole. This still hasn't been a cheap option but, probably partially due to water on the lines after such a wet winter, our previous internet was quite often unusable. It is great to be connected again.Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-81699055959633445302014-03-21T09:30:00.000+00:002014-03-21T09:30:03.262+00:00Spring clean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our neighbours have always kept the exterior of their property tidy but this has recently been taken to extremes with their regular brushing and tidying of the gravel. It all seems a little over the top until you realise that they are trying to sell their property and, in the process, are trying to make it look as good as it possibly can. Unfortunately, if you turn your back to theirs you will be faced with ours, a lot less pretty.<br />
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I admit it, we hadn't tidied up the front of our place for two years. Thanks to the tractors driving past there was a vast build up of muck, soil and weeds along the bottom of our front wall. Not only looking a little grotty but pretty disgusting. It didn't help that we still had a pile of subsoil sat on our driveway left over from some building work 3 years ago. The regular brushing of our neighbours had it's effect, we decided that it was time to smarten up a bit!<br />
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It is amazing what a few hours of hard work can do. J removed the subsoil pile and generally tidied up the driveway. This also included a drastic prune of our wisteria that was beginning to take over the roof of our garage and looked as if it intended to cover up our solar panels. I grafted at the front, removing most of the plants from our little border and introduced a couple of large primulas and snowdrops. My rose, that hasn't been happy for a while, had a drastic chop too and will hopefully come back bigger and better. But the hardest work was cleaning up the edge of the road. There had been such a build up of muck that all sorts of weeds were flourishing that needed hoicking out. <br />
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It was hard work but I was amazed at how quickly it all pulled together. Just a couple of hours of hard labour and our home looks so much more inviting to visitors. The results may not be comparable to our neighbours but it is no longer an embarrassment.Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-89375265577248987532014-03-19T08:32:00.001+00:002014-03-19T08:32:54.874+00:00Make do and mend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOKA1yAhwxH1HImJhkD9kMgDCCQdvxbo3ejOg0qtr0Jz1Ah8iUqeBPLQpYUyE9tkWZutD9HxicuBYdNjRfFwVuQjwxfxfpp0LlcATQqEYjyCrMU-3DIZZU_IcVNVP90njYEBZnGtVcImE/s1600/20140305+mending.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOKA1yAhwxH1HImJhkD9kMgDCCQdvxbo3ejOg0qtr0Jz1Ah8iUqeBPLQpYUyE9tkWZutD9HxicuBYdNjRfFwVuQjwxfxfpp0LlcATQqEYjyCrMU-3DIZZU_IcVNVP90njYEBZnGtVcImE/s1600/20140305+mending.JPG" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mending finished!</td></tr>
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Much as I enjoy handicrafts there is one aspect that I never seem to get on with and that is the mending. It's not that I hate it, more that I would rather be doing something more interesting.<br />
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Why is it that making something new is so much more fun than maintaining what you have? Often many of the skills required are the same yet turning them to repair rather than creation doesn't have the same appeal. Which is a pity as 'make do and mend' is far better for us than continuously reinventing the wheel.<br />
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Talking of make do and mend we have a new washing machine. Well, when I say new I mean new to us. I posted <a href="http://exploringabumpypath.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/washing.html">here </a>about our discovery that our only just 2 years old A rated washing machine has a fundamental error, it has been designed in a way to make replacing the bearings (a common issue) impossible. You <i>could </i>replace the whole drum but this would be as much as purchasing a new machine. How can these be considered energy efficient if their lifetime is so short!<i> - I'll stop here, this is a rant that we've heard too much of in this house over the past month</i><br />
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Anyway, not being able to afford a super-duper machine with parts available for repair we decided to go the second hand route. J perused the ads and found that we had a great deal of choice from 'noisy machines', as he was prepared to change their bearings if need be this didn't scare us. But in the end we gambled on one with another error, a dyson.<br />
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This is not an overly practical choice, whilst it is the 'Klingon' of machines with two of everything it does mean that there is more to go wrong. But it is interesting with it's contra-rotator that attempts to replicate hand washing and therefore washing more thoroughly for less time. I think that it's pretty cool though it does feel bizarre to be purchasing a machine even older than our current one, especially a non-working one. Thankfully the error was easily dealt with, one new chip and a fuse later and it's sorted. On the negative side a dyson engineer has previously done a software 'fix' that makes the two drums act as one to save wear on the very expensive, complicated formula 1 style bearings. I thought that the whole point of having a dyson is that it has two drums - I have a feeling that J may be playing with this at some point in the future. In the meantime it does a good job with keeping our laundry clean.<br />
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<i>Back to my mending, I managed to get the whole basket of sewing completed in just one hour. Most of them were very minor issues and I really should keep on top of these rather than have a pile build up. In the background I watched the '<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03myqj2" rel="nofollow">Great British Sewing Bee</a>', one of my current favourite programmes. It may be a competition but the supportive atmosphere in the sewing room leaves me feeling positive. </i>Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-2586233314585955852014-03-17T09:30:00.000+00:002014-03-17T09:30:07.591+00:00Too wet for wood<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVl16GCkF9_z235t_B9gfR1EnvXyOsolI1yZkyqBAHVNX5bFQIqzi4TEJ7ClSeuqCDtcBqzea_fozhURgkb4p-WASpXthVvc2D-1l_V8j6vaJ7IDHOHFTZlJ5g8Vrhw6-paNCB22Sh7Z0/s1600/20140302+more+wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVl16GCkF9_z235t_B9gfR1EnvXyOsolI1yZkyqBAHVNX5bFQIqzi4TEJ7ClSeuqCDtcBqzea_fozhURgkb4p-WASpXthVvc2D-1l_V8j6vaJ7IDHOHFTZlJ5g8Vrhw6-paNCB22Sh7Z0/s1600/20140302+more+wood.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odd bits of wood waiting to be chopped</td></tr>
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<i>I've recently taken a short break from blogging and in the mean time this post has been sitting in my drafts waiting to be shared. Thankfully it is no longer so wet and I've been able to make a start at some of the work in our garden again.</i><br />
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Wood is very important to us. But one of the issues with this past winter's rain is that we've not been able to process any. Dry cold winter days are excellent for chopping wood and in past years the majority of ours has been completed by February. But when it's wet it becomes dangerous to use heavy tools or machinery and it seems as if we have had nothing but wet for the last few months.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split logs.</td></tr>
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Today we tried to make a start. It wasn't a great start. We split the wood in the above photo to encourage it to dry out (it was cut about a year ago but was still showing 30% moisture). It was a lot of effort for not much result. So, despite J wanting to get on with it, we stopped. And I pulled out my camera to take a wander around the garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk-_8Y-VG1VuPz9EN6BJmU_zUVGnwUpG1tBaiTQN6jGYHBmHv2utEdLwg5RCkkwzdK3Cl45LNqnIoj9kGn644DU2M_ZTIU2CyBfcssK1fxKOmy1y7ujL0TQXNbhUxPj6lzk_Ko40Vdr-y/s1600/20140302+rubbish+wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYk-_8Y-VG1VuPz9EN6BJmU_zUVGnwUpG1tBaiTQN6jGYHBmHv2utEdLwg5RCkkwzdK3Cl45LNqnIoj9kGn644DU2M_ZTIU2CyBfcssK1fxKOmy1y7ujL0TQXNbhUxPj6lzk_Ko40Vdr-y/s1600/20140302+rubbish+wood.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft wood courtesy of a friend </td></tr>
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We have quite a few piles of wood in our garden at the moment waiting to be dealt with. This is unusual for us as we prefer to get it chopped, ready to dry over summer. There is a large pile of interestingly cut soft wood to plough through at some point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8l_RwCOGsHuGW9adYd3nesJsCBeV-R12yr99xbEKWjAz4UxX1P-1ZhSooobPWu6djtR7fJ0KDCqDc93EjqzmqQvL17w950HezjH17CSe-BnQ5Ma42o39Vm1SdWNne8gZ0jm0gSlKime8/s1600/20140302+unprocessed+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8l_RwCOGsHuGW9adYd3nesJsCBeV-R12yr99xbEKWjAz4UxX1P-1ZhSooobPWu6djtR7fJ0KDCqDc93EjqzmqQvL17w950HezjH17CSe-BnQ5Ma42o39Vm1SdWNne8gZ0jm0gSlKime8/s1600/20140302+unprocessed+tree.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak trunk with branches in the background</td></tr>
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Our oak that had to come down is still sat there. Whilst most of the brushwood has been dumped in our dead hedge there are some larger branches to deal with as well as the trunk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgru3Hv4RP1jf1IBsKMEYz4qV5PcpJJt2GSEkFRPtqh5qEuPuV75Wcj78casoOpmHmBYYRCnMmyqGLNmUbRWJx8AXEwo5RU3Rs5OJNUBIONc3crlTNI6bzxEoCpMYPixKFWxgOxlcma7B/s1600/20140302+wood+left+until+next+winter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgru3Hv4RP1jf1IBsKMEYz4qV5PcpJJt2GSEkFRPtqh5qEuPuV75Wcj78casoOpmHmBYYRCnMmyqGLNmUbRWJx8AXEwo5RU3Rs5OJNUBIONc3crlTNI6bzxEoCpMYPixKFWxgOxlcma7B/s1600/20140302+wood+left+until+next+winter.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the last of our fire wood that is okay to burn. We've let our stores run really low this year, the logs in this photo will only last us a month if the weather turns cold (if it stays warm it should last significantly longer!) Hopefully our solar panels will kick in soon and contribute towards our hot water. Otherwise we might be getting a bit chilly around here. Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-10953547028222159392014-03-05T09:30:00.000+00:002014-03-05T09:30:00.604+00:00Handspun, crocheted socks!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvrLBVN6esBLmWEcIIYAcPc11_tsVPnnjfoXtKwIMZR5eiYwyVfzUKVsKyE_j5AcKhNwsdHzQfIvmttd6EYPw2ZDcUXAWErEPuGQER2mFYNYbZ4pzBH-mpYv5i0A0hz31FzOjttSUbcKJ/s1600/20140228+crochet+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvrLBVN6esBLmWEcIIYAcPc11_tsVPnnjfoXtKwIMZR5eiYwyVfzUKVsKyE_j5AcKhNwsdHzQfIvmttd6EYPw2ZDcUXAWErEPuGQER2mFYNYbZ4pzBH-mpYv5i0A0hz31FzOjttSUbcKJ/s1600/20140228+crochet+socks.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handspun, crocheted socks from odd balls of wool.</td></tr>
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I had to share these ugly mutts, I love them so much! They are made from yarn that I span when I first started spinning hence those bright solid colours. This yarn has been hanging around for a while preventing me from spinning more. After all, why should I spin when I have yarn to use? Sometimes I am too practical for my own good.<br />
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Spinning is a lovely therapeutic thing to do. Because the wheel doesn't come out often it hasn't lost it's thrill.<br />
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Crocheted socks are a crackers thing to make, they just aren't as comfortable to wear as knitted. But I do enjoy the process of making them and I find crochet is far more portable than knitting on double pointed needles.Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-82052947475359849742014-03-03T09:30:00.000+00:002014-03-03T09:30:00.676+00:00Washing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0CjfRCku_8jetH0s2lnMwGIK3DyD-AvOselS_BJEsadmrpdNkm-9EJA4PYDVXeMHlWAxXPVwLhWAMhM8TgyKMuy2tP5TP12bTTRgsQ5IG2E8DqRQdKeKX-y2cyJGAC7b8ATEL8IG7VdF/s1600/DSC02161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0CjfRCku_8jetH0s2lnMwGIK3DyD-AvOselS_BJEsadmrpdNkm-9EJA4PYDVXeMHlWAxXPVwLhWAMhM8TgyKMuy2tP5TP12bTTRgsQ5IG2E8DqRQdKeKX-y2cyJGAC7b8ATEL8IG7VdF/s1600/DSC02161.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My washing machine is dying. When on a spin cycle it sounds like an aircraft that is about to take off. So, expecting the worst some day soon, we bought replacement bearings. Unfortunately there is no way to replace the bearings because our washing machine has a sealed drum. We are not happy.<br />
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Many cheap washing machines have sealed drums. Some not so cheap ones have them too. Why? To save money on those extra bolts and seal that they would have previously used. But what really annoys me about this is that it means when the bearings have gone that is it. Time to throw it away and buy a new washing machine. This isn't right!<br />
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So what are my options? The machine is out of warranty so there is no hope there. However, it has not quite given up the ghost so I'm going to keep using it until it does. I could try to delay this by cutting out the spin cycle so that the machine is not under so much strain but then I would need to get a spin dryer. I have always been tempted by these but reading through the online reviews I'm no longer feeling so enthused, they too appear to be not well made.<br />
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What else is there? I actually don't mind handwashing but the wringing out of clothes is hard work and tedious. Here a good spin dryer would be worth its weight in gold. Another option is a second hand machine that we know will be repairable. Or a brand new one. But whatever we go for I know that I'll be doing a lot more research.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSLlXSm993XEdZqmc-lFNWcpin4EmJL3d0rUgfzzywDB22cW0_GRjVt7Gwag7EJUT8-xYfd6HJAmsRp5il-QLT_uEndIvtF8eqZX-Uw1WnJotzTdf7wBe0PtVNgn0Cvp24iHc6jsmpHfW/s1600/wonderwash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSLlXSm993XEdZqmc-lFNWcpin4EmJL3d0rUgfzzywDB22cW0_GRjVt7Gwag7EJUT8-xYfd6HJAmsRp5il-QLT_uEndIvtF8eqZX-Uw1WnJotzTdf7wBe0PtVNgn0Cvp24iHc6jsmpHfW/s1600/wonderwash.jpg" height="200" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The wonderwash, image from<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Laundry-Alternative-Wonderwash/dp/B002C8HR9A/ref=pd_sim_la_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0062AF30WE9M2WGMJD8M" rel="nofollow">Amazon.com</a></i></td></tr>
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And talking of research I've been looking for some greener options. The first I found was the wonderwash, it reminds me of a butter churn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUHP0v5Z-ix0ihpYlreFWOYkpqjn_cao5dzW-5aoTCf6HPFSTiMAHOy0DeqDJq5wbkAKOOS-TREaXR50lqOoZEJ1qEQRZqW1AHA74VVuWvqcfPw_LNDwx-siCN1aVX_6Dw4D8OMX9b42t/s1600/greenpod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUHP0v5Z-ix0ihpYlreFWOYkpqjn_cao5dzW-5aoTCf6HPFSTiMAHOy0DeqDJq5wbkAKOOS-TREaXR50lqOoZEJ1qEQRZqW1AHA74VVuWvqcfPw_LNDwx-siCN1aVX_6Dw4D8OMX9b42t/s1600/greenpod.jpg" height="117" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The green pod, image from<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Laundry-LP001GRN-Portable-Powered-Washing/dp/B00B11ZBOC/ref=sr_1_7?s=appliances&ie=UTF8&qid=1393788332&sr=1-7&keywords=green+pod" rel="nofollow">Amazon.com</a></i></td></tr>
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Another is the green pod. Both of these gadgets are small and I suspect not very robust, not really suitable for a regular family wash.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8zyNw7blxsdWEwW-KxPjqFFgB3N5LgpeCQurYN6T6pHox8cvUdAlUT4LLjKEz4z71Jw6dA5Kya2eRm-Dt36QEjhSEtShKqeziWnH5hX2yyTLDfcpiCtANuR6T2qyMoeQmpA6H2_EaGm3/s1600/Mobile-Washer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8zyNw7blxsdWEwW-KxPjqFFgB3N5LgpeCQurYN6T6pHox8cvUdAlUT4LLjKEz4z71Jw6dA5Kya2eRm-Dt36QEjhSEtShKqeziWnH5hX2yyTLDfcpiCtANuR6T2qyMoeQmpA6H2_EaGm3/s1600/Mobile-Washer1.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The breathing mobile washer, image<br />
from <a href="http://mobile-washer.co.uk/">http://mobile-washer.co.uk/</a></td></tr>
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This final gadget I do like, the breathing mobile washer. Basically it is a redesigned version of the old fashioned dolly for pounding your clothing. It has good reviews and I can actually picture this working. But it's not on my shopping list yet. As I've said above, washing is the easy bit, it's getting the water out of the clothing that I've not yet cracked.<br />
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<i>Edit: I found a way to wring out the washing! Here's a youtube clip, all I need to do get is 3 buckets. Preferably without spending any money :-)</i><br />
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<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-79326736926845487132014-02-28T09:19:00.000+00:002014-02-28T20:40:49.798+00:00Herbal teas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3mGfK5zCiuQfwww4ClLMMckXpUMekOQGbEdmhXB64Pa-Tb5r_HLCxhAiTTK3mFUrAxEQ_MzGY1itr50fZsQfFck8E04R9ORTbyAd3vhZO7loL37MBJsIW4B41BL42Yjqh-xsHTu6BdQk/s1600/lemon_ginger_20_etb_angle_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3mGfK5zCiuQfwww4ClLMMckXpUMekOQGbEdmhXB64Pa-Tb5r_HLCxhAiTTK3mFUrAxEQ_MzGY1itr50fZsQfFck8E04R9ORTbyAd3vhZO7loL37MBJsIW4B41BL42Yjqh-xsHTu6BdQk/s1600/lemon_ginger_20_etb_angle_2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image source: Twinings.co.uk</i></td></tr>
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You can't beat a herbal tea for being a sly, deceptive creation. In the supermarket you examine the shelves looking at all the tempting flavours and hoping that your eyes will land on the one that may actually taste good. You take it home, boil the kettle and enjoy the aroma that fills the room as it brews. Three long minutes whilst the infusion sits steeping. Finally the bag is removed and you lift the drink to your lips. The aroma swims about your head, making sweet, sweet promises. Finally you take a sip, hoping that this time it really will taste as good as it smells.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>It doesn't.<br />
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I cannot be the only person to have tread on the road of herbal disappointment. I'll be honest and admit that I have pretty much given up on these drinks. But my partner is now steering his own way down this path and it is fun to watch his take on these many promising flavours.<br />
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I don't drink tea. I enjoy coffee but the caffeine hits me hard thanks to years of letting it drift from my diet. The only time I fancy coffee is in the evenings and this does not mix well with sleep. The only hot drinks I have now are the occasional hot chocolate or even rarer cup-a-soup. I have tried many, many herbal teas but they just don't hit the mark. Some are okay with a drop of lemon, some are palatable with lashings of sugar. But the only one that I return to, albeit rarely, is ginger. <br />
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In recent years I have started enjoying cordials hot but again not too often thanks to the high sugar content. Hot apple juice with spice is delicious but yet another treat.<br />
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So I drink water. Cold water. Perhaps this is why I feel so grumpy over winter!<br />
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<i>I've just realised that I've published two posts about drink and that the last three have involved shopping. Sorry! Hopefully back to normal soon... if I ever find my camera again.</i><br />
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<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-90282840560293389912014-02-26T09:30:00.000+00:002014-02-26T16:57:30.606+00:00Fruit Juice<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5KDlWDEiafOOKsbWUZoXZZgRscYNXyYhiuIqh4miZ9y5a8R9mDmL6uutV0GUTt_RVC9rzoLfjSgZqZGxmrIBiHRP0rbraV9-M_PoCBg50UFkc29EUKu6hZWZ2bMYI33rrU-R4YIvYaCC/s1600/fruitjuice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5KDlWDEiafOOKsbWUZoXZZgRscYNXyYhiuIqh4miZ9y5a8R9mDmL6uutV0GUTt_RVC9rzoLfjSgZqZGxmrIBiHRP0rbraV9-M_PoCBg50UFkc29EUKu6hZWZ2bMYI33rrU-R4YIvYaCC/s1600/fruitjuice.jpg" height="131" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>images from tesco.com</i></td></tr>
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What is up with Tesco fruit juice at the moment? We enjoy fruit juice but because of the price only have it occasionally but recently I've been stocking up. The Tesco value apple juice has been only 16p for a litre carton. 16p! Can it even be made that cheaply? I'm assuming that there must be a huge pile of this stuff sitting in a warehouse that needs using up.<br />
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As if that wasn't enough their standard 4 packs of juice are now 86p, less than 22p per litre carton. Ridiculous? Without any offer labels either. Having stumbled across this reduction a little later than the first (after all, there is only so much juice I can carry in my basket) I have less of these tucked away now. </div>
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Googling for the above images it would appear that this offer (though they have not been highlighted as being on offer) may be over or just a local thing. It's got me thinking about making apple wine though. At these prices it is cheaper to drink than squash, though I admit that I do limit my boys intake of juice because of the acid in it - fruit juice is no good for teeth. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t1WlEFlU3JETPnqCA1lwsuShWzAFnSoWoG9QvJv57UsLSCpvzQ0kr6ZDCwAnM3xu-m7xn4WGPB8Y6NGrqO6tMLG5QbEXLPKVGYxPlVTZQlW7G4uVeukArXKxvErzwZZPbAgIP-yIZ7Z-/s1600/20131021+apple+juice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t1WlEFlU3JETPnqCA1lwsuShWzAFnSoWoG9QvJv57UsLSCpvzQ0kr6ZDCwAnM3xu-m7xn4WGPB8Y6NGrqO6tMLG5QbEXLPKVGYxPlVTZQlW7G4uVeukArXKxvErzwZZPbAgIP-yIZ7Z-/s1600/20131021+apple+juice.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Apple juice from our own trees</i></td></tr>
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I still have a few bottles of our own juice tucked away. Great though the above offers are their flavour cannot compete with the sharp edge of our own. </div>
Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-21288571032978909442014-02-24T09:30:00.000+00:002014-02-24T09:30:02.459+00:00Presents<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-EMIbXA4R9nXhyphenhyphenMLHQQjUmUS1QzHb9vesoPkyixbIWEpHTc-2pjZk9w3VVVfvp7gtKw4C8wCW58elPAv6m7JNJalhxRu97q5Kz9Xq7IOjEwxD6aQ9uJ3AoL98PzT-rse2YJ_8hsbJfjC/s1600/20140222+birthday+presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-EMIbXA4R9nXhyphenhyphenMLHQQjUmUS1QzHb9vesoPkyixbIWEpHTc-2pjZk9w3VVVfvp7gtKw4C8wCW58elPAv6m7JNJalhxRu97q5Kz9Xq7IOjEwxD6aQ9uJ3AoL98PzT-rse2YJ_8hsbJfjC/s1600/20140222+birthday+presents.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday gifts for twins</td></tr>
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My eldest attended a birthday party on Saturday. But along with the party is the unspoken rule of having to purchase gifts for the child. I don't mind this, especially as I know that this is the only party that they have ever had. But how am I meant to know what to get 11 year old boys that I barely know?<br />
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It's a tough one. Toys or games that I can guarantee will be appreciated are way beyond our price budget (especially as I needed to purchase two). I refuse to get rubbish that will end up getting binned. I liked the idea of a torch. Every boy loves having torches, don't they? My son vetoed this. Apparently they have torches and, anyway, I give everybody torches. He's bored of torches and it was time for something different.<br />
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So I purchased the next best thing, stationary. This will get used up over time. Everybody needs stationary. Even my son agreed, but more so because he fell in love with the lego style erasers that we found. All from Wilkinsons and didn't feel cheap. I had lots of fun arranging the bits and bobs onto card with glue-dots. My boy thought it all a bit too much but I was having fun.<br />
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At the last minute I remembered to wrap them in different wrapping paper and, importantly, make labels. I so nearly forgot this small touch. Just because the gifts are identical is no excuse for treating the twin boys as is they are interchangeable too.<br />
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All went well and a good party was had by all. But now that it is over I also know what we should have purchased for them. Batteries. Lots of different batteries. That is something that no boy with a battery powered toy/tool has enough of. I wonder if I will remember next time I need to buy a gift?<br />
<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-36595141098910332962014-02-21T09:30:00.000+00:002014-02-21T09:30:00.244+00:00Permaculture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlYk5AeA0ddrDfGqDIY9F4frfB00lfuHFXnJtPRozygOVZDarMcdXJpdJUMJ67blyBMZbL8dUMQ9IPHXN9O0CFuLMFYa35kAON5f61VNEuAKnkGz0y4dKAth_1PkwV3559HX68F5FlR0F/s1600/20140201+dead+hedge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlYk5AeA0ddrDfGqDIY9F4frfB00lfuHFXnJtPRozygOVZDarMcdXJpdJUMJ67blyBMZbL8dUMQ9IPHXN9O0CFuLMFYa35kAON5f61VNEuAKnkGz0y4dKAth_1PkwV3559HX68F5FlR0F/s1600/20140201+dead+hedge.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead hedge, the brushwood will dry and rot down offering a <br />
fantastic habitat for the wildlife and some kindling for the fire.</td></tr>
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I've always been interested in permaculture though I have no idea of where I first heard of it. Growing up in the vicinity of Glastonbury probably meant that I could have picked up on the idea from anywhere! I've read a few books over the years and also enjoy a subscription to <a href="http://www.permaculture.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">Permaculture Magazine</a> (I love this magazine, you never quite know what the articles are going to be about, they cover a wide range of different subjects).<br />
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I've always fancied going on a permaculture design course but this just isn't in my budget at the moment. I did treat myself to '<a href="http://patrickwhitefield.co.uk/books/" rel="nofollow">The Earth Care Manual'</a> by Patrick Whitefield a few years ago,<br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #469bdb; font-family: DroidSansRegular; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">It contains all the information that I wish we had time for on the 72-hour Design Course,” </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: DroidSansRegular; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: black;">says Patrick.</span><em style="color: #469bdb;"> “While the courses give you the experience of permaculture, the book gives you the details you need to put it into action.”</em></span></blockquote>
I have found this to be a very useful manual but, like most text books attempting to cover everything, it tends to not go into a great deal of depth and I would love to see more real life examples. It's still well worth it's price and it does provide you with a stepping off point for finding further information.<br />
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Wanting more on permaculture I explored various youtube videos and found that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEE9964643175F017" rel="nofollow">Darius Namdaran</a> had recorded some of his lectures from a course that he attended that had been run by Patrick Whitefield (author of the above book). I also found some good ones by Aranya but unfortunately have lost the links, thankfully a quick search on youtube brings up a whole load more to explore.<br />
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I've recently stumbled across a free permaculture design course shared by the <a href="http://www.permaculturedesigntraining.com/" rel="nofollow">Regenerative Leadership Institute</a>. I'm going to slowly work my way through it and see how it goes. It is American based but that shouldn't be an issue as many of the ideas should be easily transferable to the UK. So far I think that the biggest negative with it is that you are watching recorded lectures and lose alot by not being there. On the other hand it's free (unless you want a certificate).<br />
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The final thing that I love about Permaculture is that it has spawned the <a href="http://www.transitionnetwork.org/" rel="nofollow">Transition Town </a>movement. This is such a great idea and has motivated many people to take part. I love how it is a positive movement rather than doom and gloom. This is something that I would like to join in with in the future but for now I know not to stretch myself too far. But in a years time...? Who knows!<br />
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<br />Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1297845605020328369.post-21131383935542513092014-02-19T09:30:00.000+00:002014-02-19T09:30:00.280+00:00Irish dancing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>image found in my 'clip art' folder, unfortunately I have no idea where it came from</i></td></tr>
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A friend has recently started an irish dance school. My youngest son is a bit of a mover so I thought that it would be good to introduce him to a different kind of dance. It hasn't grabbed him but I keep dragging him in to watch the lessons whilst I dance instead.<br />
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I've always liked the look of irish dancing. I still remember the first performance of Riverdance during the intermission of the Eurovision song contest when my feet couldn't help but tap along. More recently I've been wowed by the clog dance <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtESUuA2gTc" rel="nofollow">flashmob documentary</a> (BBC4), I love that people are keeping these old traditional dances alive.<br />
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I'm not so keen on the silly dresses and curly wigs that some young girls wear to perform. I'm not sure where these evolved from but they don't say traditional dance to me, they just look like slightly scary dolls! I do like the more simple modern dance look as per Riverdance but unfortunately it's a look that I'll probably never be able to carry off. For me think more '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Rq8fPqKXdc" rel="nofollow">elephants on parade</a>'. At least my dress is truly traditional, my everyday clothing.<br />
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But sometimes these lessons make me feel <i>so </i>old. I can see what to do, I can see how to do it but my feet won't move the same way. Ten years ago I would have caught on so much more quickly. I guess that's what happens if you ignore your body for as long as I have. But I have faith that I will get there. I'm already far enough that I need to find some proper shoes. It is also good to be doing something just for me. With my son sat in the corner playing games on my phone!Karla Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05522151246619553930noreply@blogger.com0