tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82849448556336092322024-03-06T13:07:51.060+10:00Gully GroveChris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.comBlogger756125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-43897716699848362852023-05-06T15:41:00.003+10:002023-05-06T15:53:51.112+10:00Coming undone<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QIJSX2F96ZVnZLe9j0dyrjmCGg83O6jt4TtFNmdFzwDkO4IYlxcji438RvU1ssLhehRTZjC-eLr6z8L4Fgwaes-6YRsjgEw9i84gOxRFIXbewD7SvkkVJL7i1DJSKQxuNPLHj0YiKrOES1PqGE7SpVv__f_Ho0afVpiYL8WwBDwLSYmdt682VudB/s5152/IMG_9561.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QIJSX2F96ZVnZLe9j0dyrjmCGg83O6jt4TtFNmdFzwDkO4IYlxcji438RvU1ssLhehRTZjC-eLr6z8L4Fgwaes-6YRsjgEw9i84gOxRFIXbewD7SvkkVJL7i1DJSKQxuNPLHj0YiKrOES1PqGE7SpVv__f_Ho0afVpiYL8WwBDwLSYmdt682VudB/w640-h480/IMG_9561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rotary clothesline ~ 2023</i></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Who doesn't love a good clothesline for hanging those exceptionally large bed linens on? When you make the bed and tuck yourself in that first evening, they smell like heaven and sunshine. Bliss! My rotary clothesline, has seen better days though... <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Fifteen years in the Australian sunshine, will take it's toll. Even on UV protected infrastructure, like many of the products are designed for outdoor use, in Australia. The sun it's notoriously harsh. My rotary clothesline, circa 2007 - has gone the distance. It's just that it started coming undone...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-LXgSMk9bviet6ZyQ9rEUlka8Dqr9-PCjXb5rZafY755uvZIcnJK9c4NcGlek4OfgYmkze2YbPZw1SisZ85E-0TIt7J5vOAXmbaJguzuCDs85ON6V0bF9kt9QPnFygl2ivc4ULR64kkMjN1_OA2mYY7H33FjjgN7iCBSPgoywiQcLwDtn5BgscJ6/s4618/IMG_9515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-LXgSMk9bviet6ZyQ9rEUlka8Dqr9-PCjXb5rZafY755uvZIcnJK9c4NcGlek4OfgYmkze2YbPZw1SisZ85E-0TIt7J5vOAXmbaJguzuCDs85ON6V0bF9kt9QPnFygl2ivc4ULR64kkMjN1_OA2mYY7H33FjjgN7iCBSPgoywiQcLwDtn5BgscJ6/w640-h480/IMG_9515.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Out of commission</i></div><p><br /></p><p>It's easy to take those taught lines for granted, until they turn into floppy noodles! If you've ever watched one go into decline, it's the synthetic covering to crack first. You'll probably get another few years out of it. Until a chunk of the synthetic covering falls away. So you avoid those lines for hanging, for the next few years. </p><p>Finally, the nesting birds take an interest in the newly exposed threads. The fairy wrens were cute. I barely noticed what they looted. But when a flock of noisy minors took shifts, shedding fibres away - it was time to finally hang up my washing basket and put the Google sleuth on, instead. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3PzbWlserlT6o895p7Tr4EApfUddVZP9GgGlhdtZcSYeZXfV6gA6-aOr8ehWnc3uw-uETKc0RQRLXHIicx1lD5GC7NCjNgk2wWA2Wnc4Z5Bk3iC8p4RhpvAThXMQm4w7DIC2HpRIXnJzq-uaEddtPiJTir7JQuVvrX0g8MPaLczmwrbSr1KaIBiF/s5152/IMG_9537.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3PzbWlserlT6o895p7Tr4EApfUddVZP9GgGlhdtZcSYeZXfV6gA6-aOr8ehWnc3uw-uETKc0RQRLXHIicx1lD5GC7NCjNgk2wWA2Wnc4Z5Bk3iC8p4RhpvAThXMQm4w7DIC2HpRIXnJzq-uaEddtPiJTir7JQuVvrX0g8MPaLczmwrbSr1KaIBiF/w640-h480/IMG_9537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Black holder, accessed with bolt underneath.</i></div><p><br /></p><p>I learned there were different brands of rotary style clotheslines. Each with their own patented design to hold and tension the line. So it helps to know which brand your particular line is. I didn't at first, and watched a tutorial that was absolutely no use to me. Turns out... <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji"; font-size: 15px;"></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Segoe UI Emoji;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;">π </span></span></p><p>If you're interested, here is the tutorial for my Daytek rotary clothesline:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="383" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YrWEuJV1Ikw" width="605" youtube-src-id="YrWEuJV1Ikw"></iframe></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Professionals installers</i></div></i><p><br /></p><p>It was a good comparison to watch the different videos, because I realised the benefits of my brand over others. As it didn't require a continuous line to tension the whole thing. Just as well, Because I only initially purchased 30 metres of chord. When I was 4 metres short!</p><p>Not a problem for my brand though. As I could install the chord I had - 4 runs, out of the 5. Which meant the newly washed bed sheets were hung ASAP. Then I returned with the small amount of line remaining, to finish the job. Very simple to install as well. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKV7bwrXzbuCujxlsH6yqg3d2X5OQ0OPfBi1WwLum2uW2sRgIhcO3n0UUCM26fT1rNJlITVbHFnA2N4nfveYkXPs0k_s7U425cQMMC7TzMdM3niD4BwwKlzzTPSRw1wX-rVa-huLCAsv3MlUPQaqQlzlgVY92PLXlwCIQQmTxjIUs9fTVzNBwQ184o/s5152/IMG_9544.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKV7bwrXzbuCujxlsH6yqg3d2X5OQ0OPfBi1WwLum2uW2sRgIhcO3n0UUCM26fT1rNJlITVbHFnA2N4nfveYkXPs0k_s7U425cQMMC7TzMdM3niD4BwwKlzzTPSRw1wX-rVa-huLCAsv3MlUPQaqQlzlgVY92PLXlwCIQQmTxjIUs9fTVzNBwQ184o/w640-h480/IMG_9544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Daytek replacement chord </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>colour: primrose</i></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Utility knife</b> - cutting chord</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Pliers</b> - assist with tensioning</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Step ladder</b> - for a bird's eye view</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Torque screwdriver (8 mm bit attachment)</b> - removing/tightening bolt</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>Time to install:</b> approx 2 hours if it's your first time</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mMMwHQYQaXEtwGRaUXaij2kzFpyA5wcRFC4yX0FWk03g6SU5kUeUd_xpSguSfRvHbWRuLcRFxEXt_a1tBvf4Zg41h_R1OTusRRtZbcWtaSSz4xCb0pDb4xHfohgKET1wf1nKVqMibdU9SzjWrbwzKMm_GeU2-3jn4hlLt362Ek9RTk_Hvh87f6wU/s5152/IMG_9538.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mMMwHQYQaXEtwGRaUXaij2kzFpyA5wcRFC4yX0FWk03g6SU5kUeUd_xpSguSfRvHbWRuLcRFxEXt_a1tBvf4Zg41h_R1OTusRRtZbcWtaSSz4xCb0pDb4xHfohgKET1wf1nKVqMibdU9SzjWrbwzKMm_GeU2-3jn4hlLt362Ek9RTk_Hvh87f6wU/w640-h480/IMG_9538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I used a torque screwdriver, but a regular 8mm wrench works too.</i></div><br /><p>A few notes I'd like to add about my first install. It was easier to use my hands to tension, rather than the pliers. They did come in handy on the smallest run of chord though. Where there isn't much room for your arms to manoeuvre, because you're pressed up against the post.</p><p>If I was installing again on a different clothesline, I'd measure the chord required, instead of estimating. As it was cheaper to buy the 60 metre run, than the 2x 30 metres.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuwO1xUjDnoBYxC36WS3ut0kC6UmX5k3EZycPHTmKcRmHDRG6HPgUAlEHrD_JLkvKEElT9qB3SIA1cTXpuSFIl085-rOydBw4-QJWZLPcRKuiIYAcja0-DFnElty_7eLUVARMk-y0QP6GHjMsOyG2qpfAT3YtOYnXKXhyio6Spi7WGdzaKAPtd0qC/s4618/IMG_9582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuwO1xUjDnoBYxC36WS3ut0kC6UmX5k3EZycPHTmKcRmHDRG6HPgUAlEHrD_JLkvKEElT9qB3SIA1cTXpuSFIl085-rOydBw4-QJWZLPcRKuiIYAcja0-DFnElty_7eLUVARMk-y0QP6GHjMsOyG2qpfAT3YtOYnXKXhyio6Spi7WGdzaKAPtd0qC/w480-h640/IMG_9582.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Improvising</i></div><p><br /></p><p>My cute peg basket, no longer has to sit on wet grass. I simply used an over-the-door hanger, turned it upside down and hooked into the clothesline, where the coathangers normally go.</p><p>Easy to put up and take down, as needed. Rather than having the basket out to get damaged by the elements. The hook goes into the basket with the pegs when done, and returns to the laundry.</p><p>Simple fixes for a simple chore, we all have to do. Is there something you have invented, or a routine to make your laundry days easier?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-38661953156700846572023-03-31T17:27:00.008+10:002023-03-31T17:57:50.940+10:00The backlog shuffle<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR13RMU8ImuxPIsNBbgp17YHCre8RPJ9Ft8yu9lcn4ad-AjZryn8aqPIhlAwFk1-3jC6dgJo-JwfOPG7F2iRgRKmx8VZMV2gWymhJUHcWT1FYFikbkcziTX6XWGa0XGQyT0eOMLfmvH5iC_Y5B7wLzJurBgk3cHOpLwLk_yg0JQ7Fq0kSX9dI5QGY/s5152/IMG_9206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR13RMU8ImuxPIsNBbgp17YHCre8RPJ9Ft8yu9lcn4ad-AjZryn8aqPIhlAwFk1-3jC6dgJo-JwfOPG7F2iRgRKmx8VZMV2gWymhJUHcWT1FYFikbkcziTX6XWGa0XGQyT0eOMLfmvH5iC_Y5B7wLzJurBgk3cHOpLwLk_yg0JQ7Fq0kSX9dI5QGY/w640-h480/IMG_9206.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Blooming now</i></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>You know the proverbial saying, of getting it done before Christmas comes? Well this Christmas cactus tells me, I'm knocking on the door now. These beautiful blooms emerge around the festive season. So I'm coming good with a promise I made, at the beginning of the year. Something about an update on life. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>That is what I wrote back in October 2022. Then it sat in my drafts folder, until now. I guess Christmas did come first, lol. Well, here I am now - making good on my word.</p><p>This has been my life since it changed rather dramatically, <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-big-chapter-closes.html#more" target="_blank">back in 2021</a>. Playing catch-up with time. But I do eventually get there. I was going to rehash parts of the post I started, but I'll use it for inspiration instead. Simpler to insert new thoughts as they relate today.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrFwayHH2j252nh7iCE8zf96w9beeAucOAHIdIlFaenhZq8ZHIQPp_yDaxZibwprtOyWI1lmgpAZkPvlkW6dXoI4TTFNT4ppPLdiG0WAmN__0DZ0PZRK-ludAavtUjzObh9ms1KE63RljiJsTdyXhE-Eopre9oMDb5K__l_X3lt2kCdLxua0a0vSf/s5152/IMG_9217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrFwayHH2j252nh7iCE8zf96w9beeAucOAHIdIlFaenhZq8ZHIQPp_yDaxZibwprtOyWI1lmgpAZkPvlkW6dXoI4TTFNT4ppPLdiG0WAmN__0DZ0PZRK-ludAavtUjzObh9ms1KE63RljiJsTdyXhE-Eopre9oMDb5K__l_X3lt2kCdLxua0a0vSf/w640-h480/IMG_9217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Indestructible bale twine, fastening two trellises together</i></div></i><p><br /></p><p>My life ends up looking, a whole lot like my projects. Take this trellis for example. Fitting bits 'n pieces together for extending it. Because bits 'n pieces is what I have. Knowing the indestructible holding capacity of baling twine, I had my reliable connector do it's job. </p><p>Instead of going into the bin, my leftover baling twine got swallowed up by the passionfruit vine. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Call it cheap or frugal. Great for the planet or are you crazy!! That's not going to hold. Whatever floats your boat, because it is what it is. Bits 'n pieces.</p><p>That's how I've been getting things done behind the scenes too. Connecting little pieces of my life together. Part old, part new. Growth, pulls it all together. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGZex3f1I49lj2jm6BzbvmseqR102Lai_lwvMmY0rTHosz7kpvpVAxNYe7tsDzx-ZeNYLYcvCYk1U0B5ijYOgvS914w8nkjtiogF5x9nbuVSX8zalhmKzQxon7KeI5MaXxMUyvHrMFqmoLBuSHsO_ddrid-JgVtrXarCHdNgStfGLav3X0MrMH541/s1456/Graduation_22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1456" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGZex3f1I49lj2jm6BzbvmseqR102Lai_lwvMmY0rTHosz7kpvpVAxNYe7tsDzx-ZeNYLYcvCYk1U0B5ijYOgvS914w8nkjtiogF5x9nbuVSX8zalhmKzQxon7KeI5MaXxMUyvHrMFqmoLBuSHsO_ddrid-JgVtrXarCHdNgStfGLav3X0MrMH541/w640-h516/Graduation_22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>February 2023 ~ Graduation day</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Me (far right)</i></div><p><br /></p><p>So yeah - I ah, graduated since writing this post. A real confidence booster, to walk on stage with my classmates. It was a Certificate III in Business Admin. In my old life (way before children) I was a Legal Secretary, in training. My new life, completed the certification. It wasn't the piece of paper that was necessarily the achievement though. Rather, it was the close bonds formed obtaining it.</p><p>I am still friends and meet regularly, with several of them. Coffee catch ups. We're planning annual get-togethers for the former class. The above picture doesn't include all of them. Some couldn't make it. </p><p>The thing is, we're all just regular people - trying to do something more with the bits 'n pieces of our lives. We all bring something different, but together, make a beautiful picture. Behind our faces, we remember our vulnerabilities and our triumphs, expressed along the way. We called each other across the line with simply - bits 'n pieces. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_14B9nvRidaUwVq9MlV7MqISrghHap2DUyjlGlIL8_K1ekmvDkFQFznMlVN7wZpbZeiqCH6hlU9Nvx4YrqPOVPQscaao2WMuYniwecn3_C_yp00pTSJaoRPJuxwNqNlAUtclrO_L2zPZK0lEKvs6-Aid6vb4uwHAo2kS8FD7cFES_ljxHCJeonsZ/s5152/IMG_9355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_14B9nvRidaUwVq9MlV7MqISrghHap2DUyjlGlIL8_K1ekmvDkFQFznMlVN7wZpbZeiqCH6hlU9Nvx4YrqPOVPQscaao2WMuYniwecn3_C_yp00pTSJaoRPJuxwNqNlAUtclrO_L2zPZK0lEKvs6-Aid6vb4uwHAo2kS8FD7cFES_ljxHCJeonsZ/w640-h480/IMG_9355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A gifted bouquet from church</i></div><div><p><br /></p><p>Don't be fooled for a moment, it was as easy as writing a blog post about it though. Let the twelve-month lag between promising an update on life, and delivering - be an indicator. π Life gets busy with it's unpredictable twists and turns, and then you're dealing with something else.</p><p>Yet even a jumbled-up life can still fit together. This is where the above bouquet, serves as a reminder for me. Because it has a tale of someone else's small contributions, behind it. Flowers gathered from their garden - displayed in the church vases, during service. Gifted to random individuals afterwards, for enjoying the blooms a little longer at home. </p><p>I was on a mission after church too. Gifting cherry-tomatoes from my garden. Packaged in recycled strawberry containers. Do you think my life was in order? No-one saw the chaos I was juggling. But I still saw value in the bits 'n pieces I could bring to the table. Literally. Excess fruit anyone? </p><p>This beautiful bouquet was a gift, I wasn't expecting to return home with. It adorned my house for a week afterwards. Reminding me what people can do with their little, when it's shared. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qVvfgYwVoSLAaliIXPKYFTwjgXMvCPTrycyZcuqpZ-UfuZTOtI7wJrrgWTYZmGUX7Mf5Ob4v6GDPei8BfFLMkPLt5tjNi2AAoZE3cKp_77gkMZX6cIJ9rCMi434pi5c7sWQGL6iIwZWjP5bJfZyWgHrFqaoHUThu2COI0wDtn_Z-uwlKhrm8BAV6/s5152/IMG_9321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qVvfgYwVoSLAaliIXPKYFTwjgXMvCPTrycyZcuqpZ-UfuZTOtI7wJrrgWTYZmGUX7Mf5Ob4v6GDPei8BfFLMkPLt5tjNi2AAoZE3cKp_77gkMZX6cIJ9rCMi434pi5c7sWQGL6iIwZWjP5bJfZyWgHrFqaoHUThu2COI0wDtn_Z-uwlKhrm8BAV6/w640-h480/IMG_9321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>End of January 2023</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Speaking of sharing, I will have to tell the story about that particular, fruitful vine - in more depth later. A spotlight. Because, my goodness, it was unbelievable. After feeding my family and neighbours, the excess went to the church, my son's school tuck-shop, and several of my study-buddies who like tomatoes. </p><p>All from one tomato vine. The power of fruitfulness. Who can stop it?</p><p>I mentioned volunteering at my son's school tuck-shop. I do it once a week. Overseas countries would know it as the school canteen. Wondering what I was talking about? In Australia, we love our vernacular and butchering proper English with it. Food is tucker, so you get the gist. π</p><p>Though the name has it's origins in Britain, originally - tuck, meaning confectionery. In Australia it's a place that provides more culinary delights, such as meat pies with sauce. Sausage rolls and Spring rolls too. Real tucker. I'm the official pikelet and popcorn maker. We supply plenty of salads and fruit options too.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xm9x16ZaA6P5uruEf4cqYms5LKSDTcuVpWcDMU-j5FGx1zhO2qQ9T2bzzPnNLLrD2O1JDwuLMOspOdsDQxGOhsIasSmhpr91VuPvcO3xunXZ_MQmoBokv37UTT2XlWVZ5tIHln22aGt6DP6QM4poFGLrcpzEH7fLRZwG9iZyEhrqFe0Oa9f5_UlP/s5152/IMG_9326.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xm9x16ZaA6P5uruEf4cqYms5LKSDTcuVpWcDMU-j5FGx1zhO2qQ9T2bzzPnNLLrD2O1JDwuLMOspOdsDQxGOhsIasSmhpr91VuPvcO3xunXZ_MQmoBokv37UTT2XlWVZ5tIHln22aGt6DP6QM4poFGLrcpzEH7fLRZwG9iZyEhrqFe0Oa9f5_UlP/w640-h480/IMG_9326.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fast forward in time</i></div><p><br /></p><p>The benefit of having a lag in the backlog shuffle though - is showing what the bits 'n pieces can do with enough time. This is my passionfruit vine trellis. Where have those bits 'n pieces gone? </p><p>I remember the person who didn't have time to extend the trellis. After hammering a few more stakes in the ground, and grabbing some rebar off-cuts - I spied the baling twine. Oh the baling twine. Indispensable in the garden! I remember thinking, why am I still making a garden here, when it's the place my heart was broken?</p><p>It didn't matter, really. My heart mattered - but the die-hard potter in me, doesn't know how to stop pottering in the garden. Of course I was going to express myself with greenery. When I see this trellis now - I can only see me. Making room to grow higher. With nothing more than bits 'n pieces.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN9PDZnOUlu9hxAK-iYD2o8DYsemzJiZuOQs9yJURTPwKYXIJffDSLwFjfnzm71fvaZXv_CtomE6bOogSkiUUY4gPa0cXn3J5MdzSgaxXVYVvd7WrCJA5b6UCLQj6qrmpa4Wwlz2aPGKqLhdZgv1swZAAEqYUQtS2k7I2dm4Q3HU2iAT56oYVTxNo/s4618/IMG_9361.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN9PDZnOUlu9hxAK-iYD2o8DYsemzJiZuOQs9yJURTPwKYXIJffDSLwFjfnzm71fvaZXv_CtomE6bOogSkiUUY4gPa0cXn3J5MdzSgaxXVYVvd7WrCJA5b6UCLQj6qrmpa4Wwlz2aPGKqLhdZgv1swZAAEqYUQtS2k7I2dm4Q3HU2iAT56oYVTxNo/w640-h480/IMG_9361.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One fruit ~ many seeds</i></div><p><br /></p><p>That passionfruit vine did eventually produce, so I gathered them up and froze the excess, for later use. The brush turkeys ate many more. Each cube is around a quarter cup (60 mls). Or half a small tin from the supermarket. About 4 fruit went into each cube.</p><p>If each person is like a passionfruit though, how many seeds can we accumulate together? I know in my life recently, I've gleaned plenty of bits 'n pieces to put to use. I've also seen what it can do in the hands of those who glean with me. </p><p>Man, I haven't even told you about my new job yet!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm87vve1kPXmZ9a2hOXLuCne4-o7hp1waa5CIphqQ3z5TV1nh4s5GZie2m7yhsfE_jd3KngIVs3TfrZE5i8USy7xVMwz-Zvl2eAeMYlNIFSAFJ9smq7xXhztDU_jClMbX7wnzijnWs762f8gCZ-gAwyGnuBvjQARMoTw6kqwJVx-uYVz_ybWCFRBC/s4618/IMG_9456.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm87vve1kPXmZ9a2hOXLuCne4-o7hp1waa5CIphqQ3z5TV1nh4s5GZie2m7yhsfE_jd3KngIVs3TfrZE5i8USy7xVMwz-Zvl2eAeMYlNIFSAFJ9smq7xXhztDU_jClMbX7wnzijnWs762f8gCZ-gAwyGnuBvjQARMoTw6kqwJVx-uYVz_ybWCFRBC/w640-h480/IMG_9456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Boot-scoot'in attire</i></div><p><br /></p><p>So it's not the office job, I was looking for - but it was local. Like in my neighbourhood, and up my alley. Well, that's not what I mean by alley either, because I live in a cul-de-sac. π I'm saying my job is being a Nursery Hand, so I get to work with plants!</p><p>I started last week. Still relatively new. It's not a small nursery either. More like an industrial sized nursery, supplying farmers with seedlings to grow food in Queensland. I began this post declaring, my life ends up looking like my projects. Well now my paid job, reflects my love of growing food too.</p><p>Don't start the garden-gnome party, just yet though. It's very physically demanding work, and while I love it - I still only view it as a step, in my bits 'n pieces life. Who knows what it will end up growing?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY6vqA5UHIGM9ntSbto6_Au7xCzik38UL8rdk0tq6aEvlLhat50Jr1xEnjHXsk0A0CjphE1XwUqAPXsjg3su6b2qzFYsWuRfAtsHL3Y2RDUZuzaBuFW8tgqZgswdH7UJVetfYdsj9Eos7Ve3YQHqt_PZeehdRvuPh7az0ezOTiprXVwSky5e3lLWB/s5152/IMG_9250.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY6vqA5UHIGM9ntSbto6_Au7xCzik38UL8rdk0tq6aEvlLhat50Jr1xEnjHXsk0A0CjphE1XwUqAPXsjg3su6b2qzFYsWuRfAtsHL3Y2RDUZuzaBuFW8tgqZgswdH7UJVetfYdsj9Eos7Ve3YQHqt_PZeehdRvuPh7az0ezOTiprXVwSky5e3lLWB/w640-h480/IMG_9250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cactus blooming indoors</i></div><p><br /></p><p>This blog collects bits 'n pieces, too. Expanding and growing with others' contributions. Yours and mine. The photo above shows real-life connections made through blogging. Nanna Chel, from <a href="https://goinggreyandslightlygreen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Going Grey and Slightly Green</a>, saw my posts on sourdough, and invited me to demonstrate a workshop for the <a href="http://simplelivingtoowoomba.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Toowoomba Simple Living Group</a> back in 2016. <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2016/11/sourdough-workshop.html" target="_blank">The first</a> of three workshops.</p><p>The group closed after a decade, but we still meet thanks to a lady who kindly offers her home for gathering. These cactus flowers were from her garden. Participants bring things to swap (how I received these plants) and exchange conversations around life, and the skills, tips and tricks we still attempt to master. </p><p>My point being - don't let a jumbled together life, become a barrier to sharing it with others. I'm glad I finally sat down, to write this post without having everything figured out yet. Who has time for that? π</p><p>So what does your jumbled together life, look like at present? Do you marvel at how the pieces end up connecting together - or not quite yet? </p><p> </p><p><br /></p></div>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-57278290635544754122023-03-30T17:08:00.017+10:002023-03-31T08:28:03.311+10:00A Dishcloth pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-QQFFBigG9QXClVKtLquD10Hi-nftuEmbLoGaF1drpOqL5J4Jv_7W4-h2NoC0tkR21IwJpm3vIzy16Xw2tZeF9-7VeOXbCMFFCpkRZ5KUIBhK-xzN_PLTp8igqVD4kiNPOKrwzAqg2ZFFzT72zZWaBcT4id7F2eHZaG1SguAKb-6tfEmIZsApPMV/s5152/IMG_9453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-QQFFBigG9QXClVKtLquD10Hi-nftuEmbLoGaF1drpOqL5J4Jv_7W4-h2NoC0tkR21IwJpm3vIzy16Xw2tZeF9-7VeOXbCMFFCpkRZ5KUIBhK-xzN_PLTp8igqVD4kiNPOKrwzAqg2ZFFzT72zZWaBcT4id7F2eHZaG1SguAKb-6tfEmIZsApPMV/w640-h480/IMG_9453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Set of 4</i></div><p><br /></p><p>It has been a while. Several posts in the pipeline, itching to be published. I will have to jump into those another time. As time is short presently. However, I wanted to share a pattern I've always been meaning to publish, for the perfect dishcloth. Or at least I think it is. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>I was asked to share my pattern, by some ladies who wanted to try making some for themselves.</p><p>It's based on the very popular Waffle-weave Dishcloth. Only I found the 8 ply yarn too heavy when wet and oversized to comfortably use. It's a brilliant pattern otherwise, and my absolute favourite! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSM1pXHovA0dCrYq7Y5dN-zonSTK71e1GlE50hqz7GfJ7IFRnurmLwtBp-GFaPiQJZwJPz5lkXO4yyKP8qy-D0v9B0_8o5jHJkSeKOYP6uH69bOED7YW8KdQkHa-umbjxY0HLQ7Qi4SAoEN0eyJTCwrPD5wMX3hI3jiC4vNRCGuaCRUT1N6EKQ_hv/s5152/IMG_9446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSM1pXHovA0dCrYq7Y5dN-zonSTK71e1GlE50hqz7GfJ7IFRnurmLwtBp-GFaPiQJZwJPz5lkXO4yyKP8qy-D0v9B0_8o5jHJkSeKOYP6uH69bOED7YW8KdQkHa-umbjxY0HLQ7Qi4SAoEN0eyJTCwrPD5wMX3hI3jiC4vNRCGuaCRUT1N6EKQ_hv/w640-h480/IMG_9446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Work in progress</i></div><p><br /></p><p>So I tweaked this version to be smaller, and employs <b>4 ply yarn</b> instead. Using the same sized needles of the original pattern, means you get a slightly more open weave. So it dries quicker. I tend to be a tight knitter anyway, so it works perfectly for me.</p><p>Here is my variation of the very popular Waffle-weave Dishcloth. If you want to print a copy, click the arrow - top right corner. It will open a new window and allow download or print options. </p><p>Scroll further for cleaning instructions.</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="autoplay" height="1000" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rWSXGxNczitv-s2oFVXc-_9xz9elNqqW/preview" width="100%"></iframe> <div>Cleaning instructions: regular cool to warm wash. Shake out before drying to maintain shape. In order to prolong the life and colour of the cotton, dry indoors out of direct sunlight.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-2115060948772975782022-09-02T17:32:00.006+10:002022-09-02T20:54:12.281+10:00Spring back<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fO5ckfsUi7AYZlyyLRVYFJ5fjLLNo4nZqhg1o2lJCs0XJ0iOUWCmWHKVGXAmnyJJgEk3pB1sApnXLeyNS2vZ5WI48e3ROCyPY2laLazj-x2N9S_c9XJnnye84N80NdIi7BNvdKF6wZnGN5ilp85ZcExP0Z7w8U5KjekSZDKfbbvEEG006tCu-cl4/s5152/IMG_8992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fO5ckfsUi7AYZlyyLRVYFJ5fjLLNo4nZqhg1o2lJCs0XJ0iOUWCmWHKVGXAmnyJJgEk3pB1sApnXLeyNS2vZ5WI48e3ROCyPY2laLazj-x2N9S_c9XJnnye84N80NdIi7BNvdKF6wZnGN5ilp85ZcExP0Z7w8U5KjekSZDKfbbvEEG006tCu-cl4/w640-h480/IMG_8992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Early September, 2022</i></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>In Australia, it's early Spring. If you live near the Toowoomba region, you know it's Carnival of Flowers time. The annual celebration for the Garden City. This year though, Spring represents a whole new way of life for me. It's the place of regrowth, from a rather harsh prune in my personal life, last year. Come have a wander around my garden, and catch up for a spell.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>My son and I are still living here. The end of next month will mark a year since our lives changed <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-big-chapter-closes.html">so dramatically.</a> I've wanted to return to my blog so many times. Between not having enough spare time and still so much to process, emotionally, I had to let the blog sit fallow for a spell.</p><p>There are just seasons to sit. Not pressing into life. Instead, absorbing stillness and not feeling left behind. My garden is just waking up, after such a period over winter too.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uf0HiHGYNfEDfGiYQ5mzRM_MaxlOoMeTOCZW3PAlo8UcYH3qg2RR_mkyUUKR74zAZxCSUfTpFosqZg6eEMABm_mSacqP7YI3WE74TWMqbM8kAwIk8OeNrGMge4MqNF81SpRy93D41GQewYRTyNpZExsHKTJMqbcMKYnCVN_fKplQPBcnBbdwCAvT/s5152/IMG_9002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uf0HiHGYNfEDfGiYQ5mzRM_MaxlOoMeTOCZW3PAlo8UcYH3qg2RR_mkyUUKR74zAZxCSUfTpFosqZg6eEMABm_mSacqP7YI3WE74TWMqbM8kAwIk8OeNrGMge4MqNF81SpRy93D41GQewYRTyNpZExsHKTJMqbcMKYnCVN_fKplQPBcnBbdwCAvT/w640-h480/IMG_9002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Black Wattles (Acacia aulacocarpa)</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Now the wattles are in full bloom. Truth be told, they've been blooming for about a month already. We are a little warmer than up the hill, in the Garden city. Locals call it a hill, but it's really a mountain range.</p><p>With the wattles covered in blooms though, bees have been gorging themselves - and nectar feeding birds are not even bickering over territory. There is just so much in bloom right now, they are spoiled for choice. Stark contrast to news from my Northern Hemisphere neighbours, who have experienced a drought this past growing season.</p><p>Usually, that's the story I tell in my garden. Drought is not uncommon for Australian landscapes. Yet, it has been one of the wettest seasons I have ever experienced living here. From Spring '21 to Spring '22, my garden has not lacked for rain.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDl1rYk_0qKjpLlzbPkor4aJRljV1e7RDHjMC79IgY02pD-iv-yYvmGpEnFXi7A45rLmGUSoVWoTu57GJgAN6zIUoLJERNeVvaXK0ViXKGE9BdRGhbWriv591HXciUUoc5R2YCipwMk6S7wGxImkwJja7KKgceBZVrcl7-1wkceAi8vTe68WHVZxZ/s5152/IMG_9009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDl1rYk_0qKjpLlzbPkor4aJRljV1e7RDHjMC79IgY02pD-iv-yYvmGpEnFXi7A45rLmGUSoVWoTu57GJgAN6zIUoLJERNeVvaXK0ViXKGE9BdRGhbWriv591HXciUUoc5R2YCipwMk6S7wGxImkwJja7KKgceBZVrcl7-1wkceAi8vTe68WHVZxZ/w640-h480/IMG_9009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Black wattle <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia_aulacocarpa" target="_blank">(Acacia aulacocarpa)</a></span></div><p><br /></p><p>I scratch my head and wonder, how things have been changing for gardens around the world. A garden reflects transition. A signal of things to come, or things that have come to an end. We're never quite sure where a region will sit, from year to year. There are predictions, but even those can change unexpectedly. For better, or worse.</p><p>My car has been sporting a lovely shade of brown wattle blooms, fallen from the tree it's parkeed under. The windscreen wipers get clogged with the fuzzy debris too. What can you do? Drive around like a country bumpkin, that doesn't know what a carport is. Like every seasonal transition, the flurry of wattle blooms will pass. But for now, I'm sporting red mud and wattle blooms as an exercise in contentment.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyt3JUF0lAndxmNo74gntghQ2lmsfXdUwX_JgAH_RI26ALE1WoMZL1y41gwHVK5g4wysLfjezUSOMgJxyK832p02T6Pv_aAc8SDuwfHVYYEhTkdE4h_NT7Njg2vtTqmA3UUqWlkOZSTT3QFBzdEeu_Eh4o2-XdvJHlbAgMdFN6vWk9o8bfQxvC_t5h/s5152/IMG_8954.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyt3JUF0lAndxmNo74gntghQ2lmsfXdUwX_JgAH_RI26ALE1WoMZL1y41gwHVK5g4wysLfjezUSOMgJxyK832p02T6Pv_aAc8SDuwfHVYYEhTkdE4h_NT7Njg2vtTqmA3UUqWlkOZSTT3QFBzdEeu_Eh4o2-XdvJHlbAgMdFN6vWk9o8bfQxvC_t5h/w640-h480/IMG_8954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Green umbrellas</i></div><p><br /></p><p>My grandfather - a cold-country cattle man, used to say - if you received the first rains of the season, you would receive them all. Well, the nasturtian leaves in my garden, on the first day of Spring, may be signalling things to come. I am hopeful for my garden this year.</p><p>A shout-out to those, whose gardens' may be parched and dry though. I've weathered many of those too. I kept the greenery in my heart, and made an indoors garden instead. It got me through those times I couldn't look out the window, and see anything but brown.</p><p>I especially feel for those with livestock, depending on their gardens to feed and water their animals. A necessary time to reflect on what's important. Things change as new decision are made, to adapt.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIC-aY0uciU9kl9Pw7ldiajZvdpFuuAUCaVm_lese0YVNjPb5gx1qHUm2i2CJe6Q4oBUXrOp_HcdnL_a9y5LiKb84BxBy7XGCKe6pzyu5BLLtrmSMdA3J-09rhyIZN4ukPE0aOc4gANgj3QZwHvLDnc3rtS61bO9_O_Nr7CYRqryUbHzTcNgTYEm1/s5152/IMG_8978.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIC-aY0uciU9kl9Pw7ldiajZvdpFuuAUCaVm_lese0YVNjPb5gx1qHUm2i2CJe6Q4oBUXrOp_HcdnL_a9y5LiKb84BxBy7XGCKe6pzyu5BLLtrmSMdA3J-09rhyIZN4ukPE0aOc4gANgj3QZwHvLDnc3rtS61bO9_O_Nr7CYRqryUbHzTcNgTYEm1/w640-h480/IMG_8978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Tender new growth</i></div><p><br /></p><p>This has certainly been a theme, since I started my blog. Resilence in the landscape. I've had to learn strategies to keep things alive, in a landscape that was constantly on life-support. Despite the harsh conditions sometimes, my garden limped along and even made progress. I was amazed how much life wanted to excel, regardless of the lack of provision. </p><p>I planted a barrell of lettuce and beets recently, to remind me to remain hopeful. Because lettuce doesn't normally do well in our hot, humid conditions. It bolts to seed like no-one's business. Then it's gone. Bitter. Only good to feed the compost worms. So I don't plant it. </p><p>My personal fallow season, had me grapling with hope through winter. I was hesitant to invest in anything that might dash my hopes again. Especially after losing so much in my personal life, so unexpectedly. But then something happens, which inevitably does after a harsh prune. Regrowth emerges. Then plants a barrell of lettuce.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXrBDkzrTFmU0ib6wTvlSmmAnRqp1J9M5VtZ9VOOnr4LkPVxHWfFxq2hO6QytIGOEMOp_QeEm6fJtwQEMRp4zfsRYMQxGcGCa8O-Q0MXVeKCU-0-iv9d7XgYphpiqb5YCpfCi9ip5vUjuZxfAUbNw1v4czZFhOcwzSPlmgtcqo6tS-C_gS3xX7bf1/s5152/IMG_8962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXrBDkzrTFmU0ib6wTvlSmmAnRqp1J9M5VtZ9VOOnr4LkPVxHWfFxq2hO6QytIGOEMOp_QeEm6fJtwQEMRp4zfsRYMQxGcGCa8O-Q0MXVeKCU-0-iv9d7XgYphpiqb5YCpfCi9ip5vUjuZxfAUbNw1v4czZFhOcwzSPlmgtcqo6tS-C_gS3xX7bf1/w640-h480/IMG_8962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Purple, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteospermum" target="_blank">Osteospermum ecklonis</a></i></div></i> <p></p><p>I love a flurry of flowers, in the springtime. My favourite, purple groundcover, does well in the wet and dry. This particular clump is growing on clay and building debris, left from the original house build. The African Daisy, has a reputation for resilence - and is no exception in my garden. </p><p>I've been deadheading flowers, every 2-3 days. It's prolific. There are at least two more clumps, growing in the garden. I love this genus so much, I had to collect more.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t6pywjFeP5eGyao8bUO0uK0bWEs-0HwIzVT24X0P5p_p_5eepP_NBR08BkxtERpzgNuD-ytJIrBb7yxS9X69cVqtpxCPTUpTkx2XcFXa2vB8dskuTPWmyTP4uYrnqtXrRESnNLat110Nkn39j3V_D14ILUWQwy7kL70KhlOrUFXnM8-rdVCDdd3-/s4618/IMG_8971.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t6pywjFeP5eGyao8bUO0uK0bWEs-0HwIzVT24X0P5p_p_5eepP_NBR08BkxtERpzgNuD-ytJIrBb7yxS9X69cVqtpxCPTUpTkx2XcFXa2vB8dskuTPWmyTP4uYrnqtXrRESnNLat110Nkn39j3V_D14ILUWQwy7kL70KhlOrUFXnM8-rdVCDdd3-/w640-h480/IMG_8971.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Blue-eyed Beauty</i></div> <p></p><p>This is a new hybrid variety of the same genus. Buttery yellow petals, with a splash of purple in the middle. Plenty of buds on the way, so I hope to enjoy this new variety in the garden, for a while to come. It's quite the show stopper for me. Never fails to grab my attention. Almost like a mini sunflower.</p><p>Something esle I've introducted to my life lately - studying for a Cert III in Business Admin, since April. The legendary story goes, I was once a legal-secretary in training. After a Quest to find the ultimate Garden City though, I eventually sheathed my secretarial sword and doned the garden gloves instead. How many decades later? Don't ask. Anyway...</p><p>I've just finished my assessments for this term, with one-term left. I graduate by the end of year. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMub1tsxcGTfTpPzuSmuc6NGipinFIg1Kg2XL9qb1cYbVjb72IpuYallKeO3QpFqJ3Ik90PhmUcrJh5mU-SbFPLyL_kKyE0U9OBwSS-dWE6yVFbLwTzEWIItVI9bTonCOKwpF6ELMngx5RFvffq5RzS1kK7jw8wkkTMnxP6FeeRFJNHOdWWgqVXU0/s5152/IMG_9020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMub1tsxcGTfTpPzuSmuc6NGipinFIg1Kg2XL9qb1cYbVjb72IpuYallKeO3QpFqJ3Ik90PhmUcrJh5mU-SbFPLyL_kKyE0U9OBwSS-dWE6yVFbLwTzEWIItVI9bTonCOKwpF6ELMngx5RFvffq5RzS1kK7jw8wkkTMnxP6FeeRFJNHOdWWgqVXU0/w640-h480/IMG_9020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photinia" target="_blank">Photinia,</a> Red Robin</i></div><p><br /></p><p>So many possibilities in store for the future. Much like the pentiful flowers of this Photinia. A very popular evergreen shrub in this region. Small native bees, love the pettite flowers. As do the European bees.</p><p>Me, on the other hand, I love coffee! Random fact. </p><p>Not much to do with a garden. Unless you like to drink your coffee in one. Or grow your own coffee in a garden. Okay, maybe it's got something to do with a garden? </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6-1LkG7Z375DjeU8zFKwePU6hYpGm5KR2cxV__oQ02yJRUIsY-APLD5vO2X1btGbzleWXDOBDj8k9hEwcAtfQSBaEu0rD2R86M8CtFK-Jrx-MlWzY4beZdnOY7KsBIawlaluF_mH5qrJyX1BNp9_44owZM_YGzmSuTkGV7dQSoUIV7Kf1dUnHPRw/s5152/IMG_9028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6-1LkG7Z375DjeU8zFKwePU6hYpGm5KR2cxV__oQ02yJRUIsY-APLD5vO2X1btGbzleWXDOBDj8k9hEwcAtfQSBaEu0rD2R86M8CtFK-Jrx-MlWzY4beZdnOY7KsBIawlaluF_mH5qrJyX1BNp9_44owZM_YGzmSuTkGV7dQSoUIV7Kf1dUnHPRw/w640-h480/IMG_9028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pink Diosma</i></div> <p></p><p>This is quite a remarkable shrub. It's part of the original plantings, to go in here. So has endured years of floods and years of drought. Yet look at how it's adorned. I feel like this shrub. I turned 48 in the middle of the year. Living through the same extremes - and then some. Yet look at how I'm adorned. </p><p>Still completely equipped with everything I need. Another quest in the making. That's me. Putting on new growth and can't stop blooming.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflFf73P4flfGj096uN0Hq-6vgrvGeo9jxKO-z0OUEXeu8Rte2xZqYDR-eiEA-1jztSiJvHYjgdDt2cCo5YLkFRcEKD1b4vmezCIqqIiFqsbeveOYOWKDdBdZZpoTm07YER-rw5mWfY3ZZ-Tzqn_jniAXg4v9RG7uVl1qEk5gEPBKWXHtl15NiuPhh/s5152/IMG_8995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflFf73P4flfGj096uN0Hq-6vgrvGeo9jxKO-z0OUEXeu8Rte2xZqYDR-eiEA-1jztSiJvHYjgdDt2cCo5YLkFRcEKD1b4vmezCIqqIiFqsbeveOYOWKDdBdZZpoTm07YER-rw5mWfY3ZZ-Tzqn_jniAXg4v9RG7uVl1qEk5gEPBKWXHtl15NiuPhh/w640-h480/IMG_8995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Keeping the garden tidy</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I haven't completely made this garden. Somehow though, this garden reflects me. Anyone to don the garden gloves, through good seasons and bad - understands this remarkable fete. We leave our mark, don't we? Then the garden demonstrates, we were only part of the equation. Because it kept growing through the good and bad seasons, along with us. Showing how to show up. Even after we quit.</p><p>A garden is inevitable. Just like us.</p><p>Maybe turn off the news. Put down social media. Step into a garden and see what it has to say about you. It will be nothing short of an enlightening conversation. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOScsqG0ZLH9WBweqaCvZ4YiclGiqtvcC0VgHCw9Kr8FPlugE0kb5NofU0P0mEfx4hwl_51LSc20q-ReKz3k9KXB-uTscBRHw8X04tLAjkd1K7VRxy1D2_Dzgbh4xiWpq9YLBNKhWyvyleuLi7FTN6Ga4K2ITLHEUAIciQOgWP-grw8tMn7YuXe1EY/s5152/IMG_8980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOScsqG0ZLH9WBweqaCvZ4YiclGiqtvcC0VgHCw9Kr8FPlugE0kb5NofU0P0mEfx4hwl_51LSc20q-ReKz3k9KXB-uTscBRHw8X04tLAjkd1K7VRxy1D2_Dzgbh4xiWpq9YLBNKhWyvyleuLi7FTN6Ga4K2ITLHEUAIciQOgWP-grw8tMn7YuXe1EY/w640-h480/IMG_8980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What's growing on?</i></div><p><br /></p><p>I want to thank those who have popped in, while I was on hiatus. To share your curiosity of my whereabouts. You were in my thoughts too. So was this space. I have garden projects to share. Small endeavours, I've been plugging away at.</p><p>I've got two weeks holidays and sure I can manage to post something. </p><p>I hope you are enjoying your gardens, wherever they are planted in the world. What are they telling you, right now?</p><p>Cheers,</p><p>CK</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-53003839642256125292022-06-11T19:14:00.003+10:002022-06-12T20:23:59.036+10:00Sourdough donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ58b639cvZTHQTz4_SlqQ-wV0CKwDrxi7e-OqvcTRtvUiBXdKWoNTZgM9brI3c4tmN0qWQVtuHy9nO9CT8hX5DxAjJj2XmbwC16wvOijrMDD77i3VrcYejK0MLG3yyCExJwxsr9a39kzDLiC5KcpMcrS-piTNLhazY77Xxz_6Tm7en5wmQOqTsGjx/s5152/IMG_8673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ58b639cvZTHQTz4_SlqQ-wV0CKwDrxi7e-OqvcTRtvUiBXdKWoNTZgM9brI3c4tmN0qWQVtuHy9nO9CT8hX5DxAjJj2XmbwC16wvOijrMDD77i3VrcYejK0MLG3yyCExJwxsr9a39kzDLiC5KcpMcrS-piTNLhazY77Xxz_6Tm7en5wmQOqTsGjx/w640-h480/IMG_8673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Deep fried and delicious</i></div><p><br /></p><p>The first time I tried making sourdough donuts, it tasted more like bread! I thought the only way to make them, had to be using liquid starter into a batter. Fortunately, I learned not only was it possible to make sourdough donuts, without tasting like bread - but they actually tasted better than regular donuts!</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>You will need to be familiar with making my <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2010/12/sourdough-bread.html" target="_blank">regular recipe of sourdough</a>. Which is a firm but pliable dough. After the <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2010/12/sourdough-sponge.html" target="_blank">sponge stage</a> is complete, different ingredients will be added. </p><p>Substitute ingredients to the sponge for:</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Sourdough donuts</h2><div><br /></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1/2 cup white or raw sugar (your preference)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 egg</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 tablespoons oil</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1/2 cup sweetened Greek yoghurt (I use Jalna Sweet 'n Creamy)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 teaspoon cinnamon</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 teaspoon cardamom</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 teaspoon salt (any salt you have available)</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8eMxAUfmoCDwaidQ3LQeXsA4dgZ5WA9bd2GVPZmqGDwQyrig1tBG_WkrVh719KnOs97ekSf_bWovaOArRMSmubqoDRSaOb5SPkS15elW9CXncOxDAp6Ge6_EzWRKBezZ7g8Yuxfui4WlLPzMeG1TdvWk2gESqLUoOBUra49aVMj17Y_b3tzjr8Lp/s5152/IMG_8587.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8eMxAUfmoCDwaidQ3LQeXsA4dgZ5WA9bd2GVPZmqGDwQyrig1tBG_WkrVh719KnOs97ekSf_bWovaOArRMSmubqoDRSaOb5SPkS15elW9CXncOxDAp6Ge6_EzWRKBezZ7g8Yuxfui4WlLPzMeG1TdvWk2gESqLUoOBUra49aVMj17Y_b3tzjr8Lp/w640-h480/IMG_8587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Add to the sponge</i></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After mixing ingredients into the sponge until well combined, add the baker's flour. Anywhere from 3-4 cups. Add enough flour, to be able to knead without sticking to your palms like glue. But not so much, the dough is too stiff, to fold over itself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Knead dough for 10 minutes, or until a tight, round ball forms.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4TyOk5EkMxK9JN8VnicvGUS8Wyc-yRMqwV9AIUJdavoV5HrxDZVOS4nCB1LgRQYeYSfypP0V3b_vI0fRICstDErmVs_8h_TSge7gU6LELT-zPY1ks5DztqQxAB1pSCCa9jfbBx7kEBnpJCw30sNiNuJLzXdgH-_pzzO0HUN5oGGIi1-I_aGJzkBc/s5152/IMG_8592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4TyOk5EkMxK9JN8VnicvGUS8Wyc-yRMqwV9AIUJdavoV5HrxDZVOS4nCB1LgRQYeYSfypP0V3b_vI0fRICstDErmVs_8h_TSge7gU6LELT-zPY1ks5DztqQxAB1pSCCa9jfbBx7kEBnpJCw30sNiNuJLzXdgH-_pzzO0HUN5oGGIi1-I_aGJzkBc/w640-h480/IMG_8592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ready for the first proof</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Let the dough rise, in an oiled and covered bowl, for the first proof of the dough. Leave on the bench from 4-8 hours, depending how hot it is in your kitchen. This stage can be done overnight, in cold kitchens, if you make it after 8 pm. </div><div><br /></div><div>Or you can simply put in the fridge and leave 1-2 days to prove. Making sure to get it out at least 2-4 hours before you need to use it. Again, this depends on the ambient room temperature. Less time is required, in warmer weather.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dough will be ready, once doubled in size. Remove from bowl, and knead lightly for around a minute. Just enough time to break-up the larger air bubbles. There will be quite a lot of dough, to decide how to use.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHSwYo0c3bCcBql_LNP9GMtJNGfhTkIqeUyMgGEMdBi6ofRr8t_n6tO5_lbqL3Hrk3EeLcDu9n3zS49m2tQEz10nSYROvklDwawTgWWNldBOjsCo4I-B-oj27jvDaOk3RJ0ftw1wW8fidVkIzKKjR_FvCEngG9rf5rZjqwBlX-0gSG0Tqz6fBeo0R/s4618/IMG_8567.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHSwYo0c3bCcBql_LNP9GMtJNGfhTkIqeUyMgGEMdBi6ofRr8t_n6tO5_lbqL3Hrk3EeLcDu9n3zS49m2tQEz10nSYROvklDwawTgWWNldBOjsCo4I-B-oj27jvDaOk3RJ0ftw1wW8fidVkIzKKjR_FvCEngG9rf5rZjqwBlX-0gSG0Tqz6fBeo0R/w640-h480/IMG_8567.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Several options available to suit your needs</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For the sake of flexibility - and retarding fermentation is all about that - the dough can be divided into two balls. One can be used straight away, and the other frozen. Whether freezing or using straight away, however, it's best to shape your donut dough, first. Because it's a lot more convenient, especially when removing from the freezer - to have most of the work done. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lBYQtB5F2dls_3TAVouNjIngidIPszCVseeI5ewyqXh8Ef21hlR_U8MHhyendffef24bTq6Vz7cL6gPsThACmQYMnC4UJ9sp9gMfo9NWVM_3avuKDKSlHmCHAbLuFZ9YcwubV74kaZXfbDONHLSdrwGSx2KNIO3A8YjBp0VlvPPGUakI6W7mRGjE/s5152/IMG_8709.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lBYQtB5F2dls_3TAVouNjIngidIPszCVseeI5ewyqXh8Ef21hlR_U8MHhyendffef24bTq6Vz7cL6gPsThACmQYMnC4UJ9sp9gMfo9NWVM_3avuKDKSlHmCHAbLuFZ9YcwubV74kaZXfbDONHLSdrwGSx2KNIO3A8YjBp0VlvPPGUakI6W7mRGjE/w640-h480/IMG_8709.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Round and small, no-duts</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are two ways to shape your donuts, depending on your personal preference. Perfect for kid's and party food, are the donut holes (no-duts) as seen cooked in the first image of this post. Taking a walnut sized piece of dough, roll between your palms until just smooth. Then space out on a greased tray. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyPr-vgjLaxhhCA6E7iivEsxbFhKlBhdxTIbcRhmSwOwFB4KQrKpMu7GOfumm_DHsakXQClWzPAKFtkbvSXbS2r1kxgECPyjBxyfwB3BnTnpP0nwTJdOQjZ72ifx7Rp_8lauDRs0RVYKyRssjRlfpdC0euq9ddR9ppV1KpOF9B9_8_TY4znpgINvP/s5152/IMG_8571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyPr-vgjLaxhhCA6E7iivEsxbFhKlBhdxTIbcRhmSwOwFB4KQrKpMu7GOfumm_DHsakXQClWzPAKFtkbvSXbS2r1kxgECPyjBxyfwB3BnTnpP0nwTJdOQjZ72ifx7Rp_8lauDRs0RVYKyRssjRlfpdC0euq9ddR9ppV1KpOF9B9_8_TY4znpgINvP/w640-h480/IMG_8571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For the traditional donut, roll a tube of dough - roughly 1cm in diameter and 15cms long</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXf8A873dhpdegNOhu8uZlmnsUUFFH_xOfYAvZnqxmhkH-pUnKl1HvguHiJo5rB41IY5g7xuCAKgGLBh9cEcrDdZ1M8svsfVgmBYJ-r-mP16MqWiK67G7yKNONVOpyonvo-2jrHUIh58wfLkc_c1ZwF03a6T-ovmOleySoY3Oc2Uor1RXkhEfuceB/s5152/IMG_8572.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXf8A873dhpdegNOhu8uZlmnsUUFFH_xOfYAvZnqxmhkH-pUnKl1HvguHiJo5rB41IY5g7xuCAKgGLBh9cEcrDdZ1M8svsfVgmBYJ-r-mP16MqWiK67G7yKNONVOpyonvo-2jrHUIh58wfLkc_c1ZwF03a6T-ovmOleySoY3Oc2Uor1RXkhEfuceB/w640-h480/IMG_8572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Join at ends by pinching, to make a circle. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OCExwLSMu-IFnxejT63yisUJsgvpfJe_K3fVrPnUFGrwR9Mv3Ww9RTZgpebCymLCYQSqr1WDZp7eGKJcfGjVXkBKV2YyTVVA1E3bafC4ubwWID4e94luxHgYdGvb3w29pPURYCwb9_yYzTroh5DO-uSPaSmzdUhbCIfjUB2EQDou7zAv6WpeWhB4/s5152/IMG_8597.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OCExwLSMu-IFnxejT63yisUJsgvpfJe_K3fVrPnUFGrwR9Mv3Ww9RTZgpebCymLCYQSqr1WDZp7eGKJcfGjVXkBKV2YyTVVA1E3bafC4ubwWID4e94luxHgYdGvb3w29pPURYCwb9_yYzTroh5DO-uSPaSmzdUhbCIfjUB2EQDou7zAv6WpeWhB4/w640-h480/IMG_8597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rise for 30 minutes in a warm, humid environment, which will make it almost double.</i></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Place in the fridge for an hour. This chilling of the dough, gives a wonderful flavour and slight chewiness. It also stops the dough from stretching, when you manually move it over to the hot oil. Deep fry in oil that has been preheated, on a moderate-hot setting - either stove-top or electric fry-pan. The donut will expand further when cooking.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>However, if freezing, put straight into the freezer on trays, in a flat position. Once solid, seal in a freezer-proof container, or resealable silicon bag. See <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2022/06/containers-for-storage.html" target="_blank">Containers post</a>. Also browse the <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2022/06/retarding-fermentation.html" target="_blank">Retarding Fermentation</a> post, for recommendations on how to wake your dough from the deep freeze again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, when the dough is cold, it won't be racing to grow. So the times I've given are approximate only. With practice, you'll learn the perfect size you like your donuts to be, before cooking. Always, with this recipe though, it's best to cook with a slightly chilled dough, than completely room temperature.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some ways to dress and enjoy your donuts after cooking:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVweJRcjJUxFouo6bqLs9oh3mDGiDoSF2Vs40vvc668gmAVq1Hrn96vgun35bXDw3Xxrra9pyPxZ2aLnODK3s6ZMK-Tp_mSMByFHJFHoCrW-SSiUt0jLBqwyTPRHOOzzZ3xyZtt_vevjjWZHHlxU_fNbAahgP3fPczBSRqZS1OelQPTszTkX4Gerqp/s4618/IMG_8607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVweJRcjJUxFouo6bqLs9oh3mDGiDoSF2Vs40vvc668gmAVq1Hrn96vgun35bXDw3Xxrra9pyPxZ2aLnODK3s6ZMK-Tp_mSMByFHJFHoCrW-SSiUt0jLBqwyTPRHOOzzZ3xyZtt_vevjjWZHHlxU_fNbAahgP3fPczBSRqZS1OelQPTszTkX4Gerqp/w640-h480/IMG_8607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Traditional cinnamon donuts</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Fry in oil preheated at 190 C (375 F) and cook approx 3-5 minutes, either side, until golden brown. Remove and roll immediately in cinnamon sugar, to coat evenly - made from a pre-blend of 1 cup castor sugar to 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNMReygvHiYsvkTdPnVMeKxN_3Y6dP8d2X4h3oF8hl6fZl-ohMME2B5lGD6j35PIk3s1IH0wl4QXn64yrK6HcYahPG8T0iqT3Qj-1aZ0L6MMuYVA9WDjLMM05w5wHPv7U-Yt0Q8xRsJI4vEUCbfXfAOJLZiY6OADNr2Ln72PHdTj2O-lPxck8ED-l/s4618/IMG_8579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNMReygvHiYsvkTdPnVMeKxN_3Y6dP8d2X4h3oF8hl6fZl-ohMME2B5lGD6j35PIk3s1IH0wl4QXn64yrK6HcYahPG8T0iqT3Qj-1aZ0L6MMuYVA9WDjLMM05w5wHPv7U-Yt0Q8xRsJI4vEUCbfXfAOJLZiY6OADNr2Ln72PHdTj2O-lPxck8ED-l/w640-h480/IMG_8579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A bit of decadence</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Add to cinnamon donut, a dollop of dark blackberry or blueberry jam. Or any of your favourite jam! Experiment to find out how you like to eat them best. My youngest likes the round ones, in his lunchbox, and I like to take them as a snack when in town. They are quite versatile and worth the effort to make.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-31709271613164396952022-06-11T19:07:00.002+10:002022-06-11T19:28:01.820+10:00Containers for storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4Yzlsp2oC9sxbPNgJgYdjH6lwQAT7Xr1pR-LYbMG50ZSVTEljfBoW8I99B4gyi56jOgaZAeBnvjBbWZ1cM12BKIBeTMkMMFUkDHPN0RyZ4CuGRk9JHkpixuGaj1wVvghwIvElZQPjBy4_V1NhSvMPvJPaqr8p8hdfWM7hmCrCysk57fo_oCa3E0B/s5152/IMG_8697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4Yzlsp2oC9sxbPNgJgYdjH6lwQAT7Xr1pR-LYbMG50ZSVTEljfBoW8I99B4gyi56jOgaZAeBnvjBbWZ1cM12BKIBeTMkMMFUkDHPN0RyZ4CuGRk9JHkpixuGaj1wVvghwIvElZQPjBy4_V1NhSvMPvJPaqr8p8hdfWM7hmCrCysk57fo_oCa3E0B/w640-h480/IMG_8697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Thawing in the fridge</i></div></i><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>When it comes to <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2022/06/retarding-fermentation.html#more" target="_blank">retarding fermentation</a> with sourdough making, it's all in knowing which containers to use in the process. As these are what will protect your dough from drying out, from the effects of chilling or freezing. Here are some suggestions for containers, I have found the most useful.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVdDBjbzJti3D_NCJL8IzVaQ0ivetxFpeP8fxEcLLZJnIEgSTicvCZxyu4GaVkW0T2vSHNSh3k_W76D0Cy2ERo4ABJXmSfcudXTTvJpc7QlnewZ0hkOYGTSxYKP0It7eiGLlIYy4mMTSSXVZIPrX2MCkN0Zfi_hbHao56IK_leOUC-WD3GXldUt83/s5152/IMG_8669.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVdDBjbzJti3D_NCJL8IzVaQ0ivetxFpeP8fxEcLLZJnIEgSTicvCZxyu4GaVkW0T2vSHNSh3k_W76D0Cy2ERo4ABJXmSfcudXTTvJpc7QlnewZ0hkOYGTSxYKP0It7eiGLlIYy4mMTSSXVZIPrX2MCkN0Zfi_hbHao56IK_leOUC-WD3GXldUt83/w640-h480/IMG_8669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>No fuss - all in one</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Since making bread using the retarding fermentation method, I have changed from baking one large loaf at one time, into baking two smaller ones. If quantity is required, I can bake both small loaves at the same time (together on a single baking tray for ease of turning) or if frugality is required, I can cook one small loaf to eat now, and freeze the other for later. </p><p>These pyrex storage containers, come with a sealable lid, and the best part is, they can handle the gradual temperature changes as well as doubling for baking pans. So there is minimal containers used throughout the entire process. Saving on washing and even cutting down on plastic bags, to freeze the bread after baking. </p><p>As now I just freeze a whole loaf of fresh dough, and after baking, slicing and taste testing, there is enough room in the same dish I baked in, to store the rest of the slices. Not that it ever lasts long around here.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyKpltElqShjGPzJEjF9L5zM7YQOybguykfytv7Tnc2uCYzXgs8V9I-LHCEhWlhsMaj83w-fWVEwQVcIGWQjBal5ogvXis4c3xgGzjqZhrNcfIf9WTgqvPngPRmQRQl-2j-QcMy6qpJ0QwK0FA9LzonpDixexesX96tUMqSWo-dkvF5eXAC0Z3Tz5/s5152/IMG_8681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyKpltElqShjGPzJEjF9L5zM7YQOybguykfytv7Tnc2uCYzXgs8V9I-LHCEhWlhsMaj83w-fWVEwQVcIGWQjBal5ogvXis4c3xgGzjqZhrNcfIf9WTgqvPngPRmQRQl-2j-QcMy6qpJ0QwK0FA9LzonpDixexesX96tUMqSWo-dkvF5eXAC0Z3Tz5/w640-h480/IMG_8681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Freshly baked bread</i></div></i><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>They work just like a regular metal loaf pan, only (in my opinion) better at cooking a more even crust all round the bread. I like they are lighter to handle too, and can be placed in the dishwasher to clean. Versus, the metal pans I would have to soak and wash by hand. </p><p>Even if I wasn't using them for retarding fermentation, I'd be switching to these permanently, just for the lighter weight handling, and easier clean-up. Also the standard-size sandwich slices, are better for holding too.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTz0g133-zH0SgwnXybA8JgN_wqOBqQxfAJNuoEiwWpiFVHCYK-D5roeZf5ERxx6DbK6i8Y1xwiWrhJqhQ9ZkUDzeBTQDuKzEnRl_DDhfP8VO_cs7MpOXEwjcbDAboaY_iFxY6omFRZZB0lYxg6r5fCsY9ame3PuR_Zwj4nFtCRLWtBPnjc5-Jybd/s5152/IMG_8702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTz0g133-zH0SgwnXybA8JgN_wqOBqQxfAJNuoEiwWpiFVHCYK-D5roeZf5ERxx6DbK6i8Y1xwiWrhJqhQ9ZkUDzeBTQDuKzEnRl_DDhfP8VO_cs7MpOXEwjcbDAboaY_iFxY6omFRZZB0lYxg6r5fCsY9ame3PuR_Zwj4nFtCRLWtBPnjc5-Jybd/w640-h480/IMG_8702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Versatile use, for an old favourite</i></div><p><br /></p><p>If you happen to have an old casserole dish, this is suitable for overnight fridge storage. Great for making a round, cob loaf the next day, which has been shaped in advance. By turning the dish upside-down, it's easier for placement of the dough, and to turn the loaf out, after baking. </p><p>You can choose to leave the lid on, or off, for baking. With the lid on, it creates a lovely crust, however, it needs to removed for the last 10 minutes of baking time, to brown and crust.</p><p>This casserole dish is not recommended for freezer storage, as unlike the rectangular pyrex pans (above) it does not provide an airtight seal, and risks drying the dough out too much.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKBdglKmEoko7OtmsJnlIPZMyvcG9cigFsGa7-WCtBJxtTjAzAXLpmze3_I9wvi5slqjoG1csc2WLa4t1mriUMc_ylbB9BGTNgnPoE98ipcNY0vQEXKGatY1UuduTKwYzo9UsW9xqmr0tOPXIB9sK4lS1kel0VsPs_8mXiVv6i-V4PSwLC6fHqUMy/s4618/IMG_8693.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKBdglKmEoko7OtmsJnlIPZMyvcG9cigFsGa7-WCtBJxtTjAzAXLpmze3_I9wvi5slqjoG1csc2WLa4t1mriUMc_ylbB9BGTNgnPoE98ipcNY0vQEXKGatY1UuduTKwYzo9UsW9xqmr0tOPXIB9sK4lS1kel0VsPs_8mXiVv6i-V4PSwLC6fHqUMy/w640-h480/IMG_8693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Consider the size and shape</i></div><br /><p>On to suitable freezer containers, where any decent quality, plastic container will do. Check to see whether it's rated for freezer use. The short depth/long span ones, are best for freezing pre-shaped dough, such as dinner rolls and donuts. As it allows multiple items to be spaced out, without taking up too much unnecessary freezer space. Make sure to place the container, on an even surface in the freezer, until solid. So the items don't touch and freeze together.</p><p>These no-duts (what I like to call the hole of a donut) were removed from the freezer for the recent workshop. Taken from the freezer the day before, they spent 20 hours in the fridge, thawing. A baking sheet can be used instead, covered with plastic cling-film. It will to do the same thing, however, it would be worth investing in a reusable plastic container - as it's kinder to the environment than single use plastic. </p><p>Plus the reusable container, can be used for other things like sandwich platters, or cupcakes, which also need to accommodate many individual items, while still being hygienically covered.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIrqcYtBvFF5bqFbfyGZoZ-4jrLzB8BADHGptJ8VJZ-GWED1RhIfqBXbPHQMQQQQUUCSbupdHqZx5fpXU-9CgtCVn9vF-dLNyrdSbAQrOge_iSp-Cc9GFKtpgDcgd8U81nowDvPRUarAfBwAYRKTmtWRKcnxKxKmR6QIcMHjQNFM-s2DEYMbKgdnN/s5152/IMG_8676.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIrqcYtBvFF5bqFbfyGZoZ-4jrLzB8BADHGptJ8VJZ-GWED1RhIfqBXbPHQMQQQQUUCSbupdHqZx5fpXU-9CgtCVn9vF-dLNyrdSbAQrOge_iSp-Cc9GFKtpgDcgd8U81nowDvPRUarAfBwAYRKTmtWRKcnxKxKmR6QIcMHjQNFM-s2DEYMbKgdnN/w640-h480/IMG_8676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Once frozen</i></div><br /><p>Once frozen solid, I like to transfer the small, multiple items to silicone bags. These are also designed to be reusable, once washed and dried completely. Do not leave in the bags however, when moving from the freezer to the fridge. As once thawed completely, it will make them difficult to remove from the bags without distorting the nice shape of the dough.</p><p>I place mine in suitable plastic containers to thaw in the fridge (as shown in the very first image) or on a baking sheet ready to go in the oven - for things such as dinner rolls. These baking sheets are covered with a damp tea-towel.</p><p>If you have any container suggestions I haven't thought of, or any environmentally responsible suggestions, please feel free to share in the comments.</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-79081561243991934322022-06-11T18:57:00.003+10:002022-06-11T19:24:01.768+10:00Retarding fermentation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50KFPGXlJL4tYjqf0dDbo7N5LiiV-pJ9CYNO7LQLW7epMTugl8lSMLUFP0Hc9rtqMDEAYrWSUlkBBNJgnFMQwN3bRSGQNgdjfZzXPIKzX57QNfMyBdBdMjtZBvFrGqLBlqTDqY94tdCgHiZyv5A-Lw2EeOdQRCYQ3YR1wLm8P34m6ubM47oE5dpSa/s5152/IMG_8724.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50KFPGXlJL4tYjqf0dDbo7N5LiiV-pJ9CYNO7LQLW7epMTugl8lSMLUFP0Hc9rtqMDEAYrWSUlkBBNJgnFMQwN3bRSGQNgdjfZzXPIKzX57QNfMyBdBdMjtZBvFrGqLBlqTDqY94tdCgHiZyv5A-Lw2EeOdQRCYQ3YR1wLm8P34m6ubM47oE5dpSa/w640-h480/IMG_8724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Made after the workshop, with leftover donut dough + 1/2 cup sultanas</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Thank you to all those who joined me at the workshop today. I had a lovely time, and I hope you all did too. There were some familiar faces and some new ones too, and we all got busy with the leavening! I appreciate there was a lot of information to take in, so I'll share it here again, for your reference.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Retarding, or delaying fermentation, is the process of slowing down and even halting the leaven. This is achieved through refrigeration or freezing, using the right storage containers to protect the dough. Retarding fermentation will change the taste and texture of the final product, as it has a longer window of time to ferment. </p><p>It will be more chewy and a little more sour, as a result, but not unbearably so. In many regards, this is beneficial to things like dinner rolls, or picnic loaves. Where they will perfectly compliment soups, casseroles and sandwich spreads. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH37PJEM_MqKkxhK33Zx5kPN88Gwdm9IR-04ae4D0yiRxFSOi0Na8eCXYaJ516CBFx0DU1Tfu-Ggrj8FBhs-6xE1Fi1TmWLxnnfYBC52ur6_dxlWaUBFqJXaHFlR6Cgm2SpxuIF8LWe37wBL0XZ-oVB0Sc4dBRL6RzjLYUjN_byR4F70u6sreFBDwN/s5152/IMG_8687.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH37PJEM_MqKkxhK33Zx5kPN88Gwdm9IR-04ae4D0yiRxFSOi0Na8eCXYaJ516CBFx0DU1Tfu-Ggrj8FBhs-6xE1Fi1TmWLxnnfYBC52ur6_dxlWaUBFqJXaHFlR6Cgm2SpxuIF8LWe37wBL0XZ-oVB0Sc4dBRL6RzjLYUjN_byR4F70u6sreFBDwN/w640-h480/IMG_8687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Freshly baked, with golden crust</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Light and fluffy sourdough, is the one I make when time permits (above). You will need to be familiar with that process of making sourdough first. Which can be found on my <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/p/sourdough.html" target="_blank">Soughdough page</a>. It takes you through the step-by-step process. Once you understand how to make a dough, from the starter - this dough stage is where the two different options for retarding fermentation, begin.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3OfU4rMSL_AB7VEsQNgRizVp4_JBgCkexskEOw4ok1SEwoV-hNMeJ0RFaE8kAPPWSyiI5KJxx5_b119pW_Sn6vKSd3M3NVI14I5tTLQi28IBiPHUsmGmmVTE2_Gq_WWPNUhds7G5u0q0oDlKVUeVkmMpjW4_S5U_vgHrsysZ3lFppeNINNUMEx73/s597/fridgeFINAL.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="597" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3OfU4rMSL_AB7VEsQNgRizVp4_JBgCkexskEOw4ok1SEwoV-hNMeJ0RFaE8kAPPWSyiI5KJxx5_b119pW_Sn6vKSd3M3NVI14I5tTLQi28IBiPHUsmGmmVTE2_Gq_WWPNUhds7G5u0q0oDlKVUeVkmMpjW4_S5U_vgHrsysZ3lFppeNINNUMEx73/w400-h296/fridgeFINAL.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ After the first knead of the dough for 10 minutes ~</span></span></h4><div><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Place dough, into an oiled bowl, large enough to double in size. Cover as normal.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Transfer to the fridge, and store anywhere from 1-3 days. Be sure to watch after 24 hours, to make sure it doesn't overflow the bowl. If so, prepare to bake early, or consider a larger bowl next time.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When ready to bake, remove from fridge and bring to room temperature. Anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on ambient room temperature.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Remove from bowl, shape the dough and place into baking containers (or trays) as per the usual method. See the <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2010/12/sourdough-bread.html" target="_blank">Sourdough bread</a> tutorial.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Prove again, covered and in a warm/humid environment, for up to an hour. Or until doubled in size.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Baker per the Sourdough bread tutorial (above). </li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kxz_KkjqYIHgNgBFwGjtv9VTWdGvZxGQjDex-EyNsQ4FkfY-B-06ghLcyAZVhYjSyG4fKWYbPUGfXZuapiFabAgv1N_zXf2MWSatjbSDBdyN2M-tVfNOz3ouDdwUmj_MR6BRsNrzFReeRXoer5JbHvZERa4XbPujjU2UuJyAbAuTwgJXb8Ex4MGf/s597/freezerFINAL.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="597" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kxz_KkjqYIHgNgBFwGjtv9VTWdGvZxGQjDex-EyNsQ4FkfY-B-06ghLcyAZVhYjSyG4fKWYbPUGfXZuapiFabAgv1N_zXf2MWSatjbSDBdyN2M-tVfNOz3ouDdwUmj_MR6BRsNrzFReeRXoer5JbHvZERa4XbPujjU2UuJyAbAuTwgJXb8Ex4MGf/w400-h296/freezerFINAL.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ After the first rise of the dough, from 4-8 hours, or doubled in size ~</span></h4><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Shape dough and place into oiled containers. These can be glass pyrex (rectangular or round) and used to bake later on. Or plastic containers with a lid. Always cover containers with matching lid, or, damp tea-towel or cling-wrap. <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2022/06/containers-for-storage.html" target="_blank">See Containers</a> for further information.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Place straight in the freezer, in an upright position, until frozen solid.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Recommended time limits, for freezer storage, are in the list (below).</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When preparing to bake, remove from freezer the day before - then let sit in the fridge overnight. Remove from fridge and allow to come to room temperature, 2-4 hours, depending on ambient room temperature. Let rise in a warm/humid environment, for an hour.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It will be ready once doubled in size, and baked, per the usual instructions. See <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2010/12/sourdough-bread.html" target="_blank">Sourdough Bread tutorial.</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrmcFLJsVIi0LMV4bO1dxGrJFN_Bm1Uo4ZDBlh9NmXMSR6lzJFDMc-VVdPg2DKL-_qENiI2l6ppC2aiJhRwtgrAKB351Usa5HtqDTnZsnq5ajxxbvmzet6URCZA8HuRJboRNBywK_HaQrpv8lYeqJfV1BTzHJAgZWsJDj0f5YnOMxIoCxjbK7dX64/s4618/IMG_8669.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrmcFLJsVIi0LMV4bO1dxGrJFN_Bm1Uo4ZDBlh9NmXMSR6lzJFDMc-VVdPg2DKL-_qENiI2l6ppC2aiJhRwtgrAKB351Usa5HtqDTnZsnq5ajxxbvmzet6URCZA8HuRJboRNBywK_HaQrpv8lYeqJfV1BTzHJAgZWsJDj0f5YnOMxIoCxjbK7dX64/w640-h480/IMG_8669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Two smaller containers for baking 2x smaller loaves</i></div><p><br /></p><p>It's important to remember, you can still bake dough with a slight chill, however avoid huge temperature differences between the centre and outside, of the dough. As this will cause uneven baking, and the possibility of a doughy centre. Which is why the transition between freezer and fridge, is necessary.</p><p>There are a few <b><u>recommendations</u> </b>with the process of retarding fermentation, for the best results:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fridge storage, best used within 1-2 days. Can go to 3 days, but watch for overflow. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Freezer storage, best used 1-2 weeks. Cover completely and watch for freezer burn.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The longer it ferments, the chewier and stronger the flavour. Which can be desirable in certain recipes - just be aware and experiment.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Always wake dough from freezer, by placing in the fridge first. It needs to thaw evenly, before reaching it's final rise. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Times given for waking up dough, are estimates. It will always depend on the ambient room temperatures in your environment. The warmer the temperature, the less time required.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Always proof room temperature dough (ie: after it has transitioned from the fridge or freezer) in a warm-humid environment. As the dough is more prone to skin and rise unevenly, the longer it's left to ferment. Consider using the oven method below, to create the perfect conditions.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Set oven 50 degrees Celsius, with a bowl or tray filled with boiling water, placed on the bottom shelf. Leave oven on for 5 minutes. Place dough in oven (middle shelf) close the door, then switch off immediately. You will not need to cover the dough for proofing, as it has enough moisture to prevent a skin forming. It's also not hot enough to cook your dough.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Another option to prevent skinning, is to spray your dough with a fine mist of oil.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgse8QYDv-XgaD5POHPNMhpFC6WfVskrLVvgW3u1O4iSxZgJSKFRq0cH9_aIl3EyTiNv4bGUALJOfETCXRzR2r5SRQil1qG5zGHyQQ-a5fCzPLewVN2fB4ZFaO8mJq-q_32OZle5ej41Xmi2atEV8d3izyKhf4KovwcdXRf6MqsFBSJ-hdiOGL04gMj/s5152/IMG_8604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgse8QYDv-XgaD5POHPNMhpFC6WfVskrLVvgW3u1O4iSxZgJSKFRq0cH9_aIl3EyTiNv4bGUALJOfETCXRzR2r5SRQil1qG5zGHyQQ-a5fCzPLewVN2fB4ZFaO8mJq-q_32OZle5ej41Xmi2atEV8d3izyKhf4KovwcdXRf6MqsFBSJ-hdiOGL04gMj/w640-h480/IMG_8604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sourdough donuts</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Please bear these recommendations in mind, when it comes to making my sourdough donuts too. They're very convenient for a freeze stash, when you're suddenly notified of visitors coming the next day, and you don't want to race to the shops. </p><p>Still come, is all about making those delicious <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2022/06/sourdough-donuts.html" target="_blank">Sourdough donuts</a>.</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-26865642236964247332022-06-10T09:25:00.001+10:002022-06-10T09:25:59.466+10:00Simple Living Group workshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaB_gfOh2rqRGbY1OHgpyY5FJXiypkL3KvS6I9fRLdtJ9Y8MCaA69QlksFTasHkUso3woKhQ3buJNKEGUKyJBjw8Ooc9y8eMABYCtTZOF_4Leh2MwN-Nze02otLOkIV5DfBFOxoWIV--5XajOcp7SLNVRL6Z5I5QrNkrvZ-zfvpFkTASoZuZDfDxU/s5152/IMG_8681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaB_gfOh2rqRGbY1OHgpyY5FJXiypkL3KvS6I9fRLdtJ9Y8MCaA69QlksFTasHkUso3woKhQ3buJNKEGUKyJBjw8Ooc9y8eMABYCtTZOF_4Leh2MwN-Nze02otLOkIV5DfBFOxoWIV--5XajOcp7SLNVRL6Z5I5QrNkrvZ-zfvpFkTASoZuZDfDxU/w640-h480/IMG_8681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Baked yesterday</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Hi folks, it's been a while. I have an update to make about life in general, but I'll save that for another day. Right now, I have a sourdough workshop to post about. I will be holding a workshop for The Simple Living Group, this Saturday 11 June. Join me at the Breakthrough Centre, 15 Blake Street, Toowoomba from 10am - 12pm. For more details, <a href="http://simplelivingtoowoomba.weebly.com/workshop-information.html" target="_blank">see here.</a></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I've enjoyed doing several workshops over the years, for our friendly group of avid homemakers. This time, I'll be demonstrating the process of retarding fermentation in sourdough making. For the purposes of altering your baking schedule. As it's not always possible to fit the 8-10 hours preparation time, just to get ready for baking. Sometimes you need to break it up more.</p><p>So get ready for sourdough posts, on exactly that process. Including the making of sourdough dounts. Yes, that's possible - even for sourdough! In fact, the process of retarding fermentation, accentuates the delicious donut flavour and texture.</p><p>If you're in the local Toowoomba area, or nearby, I may just see you at the workshop!</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-22721267670102559502022-01-16T16:44:00.002+10:002022-01-16T21:56:43.564+10:00New faces<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiew0ysoRWGkXExxqi9YzHCL7lUHix-Xdc1MJdqD2ec-VgW__WMBezFbxoqsUIUdsA7vr3gXUfJIdX2FrbTYXpOgj8niUBUqKg9b4fpOfXN2KgPl3E2BKI3oaYzi1zObNN6N-bBGuotDlkgCFWAPhiN9PeMyrktiGrwci769vzvhS49UZbEP5JQDMH2=s5152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiew0ysoRWGkXExxqi9YzHCL7lUHix-Xdc1MJdqD2ec-VgW__WMBezFbxoqsUIUdsA7vr3gXUfJIdX2FrbTYXpOgj8niUBUqKg9b4fpOfXN2KgPl3E2BKI3oaYzi1zObNN6N-bBGuotDlkgCFWAPhiN9PeMyrktiGrwci769vzvhS49UZbEP5JQDMH2=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hello there, neighbour</i></div> <p></p><p>I'm still kicking around here, preparing for the new year ahead. School was unexpectedly postponed for 2 weeks, so a lot of my plans have been put back too. It's no major drama just yet. What was though, is an encounter with a neighbour who decided to pop by, for a quick visit.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>I heard my pet cockatiels squarking outside, and then a sound on the metal-roof of the verandah. I looked outside the kitchen window, and see this sweet-face peering under the eave of the roof. I was a little concerned at first, because these are nocturnal, and it's heavy fur coat was in the direct sunlight. </p><p>I grabbed the camera, opened the back door and it just stared at me. So I started asking where they came from, and why weren't they in bed at this time of the morning? </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjWuyJJWE0tGmDqW29qBoMgXGKqMarJ6drQcMvlHN5xmPIqP9TDGQY4Fgozm2xiB6_ZsZODgBl--BuRIkHm_fH2kvu4YjgcxZHk_TefrmrRKsrgPhEGI9MMA6p6YCrmTG3fKUUHKXeS-HoHus6hlBKKekaxJiH1U8mLh7a1woay0O2-icWLNjbaRWM=s5152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjWuyJJWE0tGmDqW29qBoMgXGKqMarJ6drQcMvlHN5xmPIqP9TDGQY4Fgozm2xiB6_ZsZODgBl--BuRIkHm_fH2kvu4YjgcxZHk_TefrmrRKsrgPhEGI9MMA6p6YCrmTG3fKUUHKXeS-HoHus6hlBKKekaxJiH1U8mLh7a1woay0O2-icWLNjbaRWM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Err..what?</i></div><p><br /></p><p>They just gwaked at me, as if to say - silly human - didn't you erect this shade-cloth, for my day hammock? Well, not exactly, but I felt compelled to remind them all the same - they weren't exactly dressed for the occasion. Fur coats and summer, don't exactly mix. Maybe it could be their winter retreat hammock, instead?</p><p>The possum decided it would be gracious enough to take a rain cheque, before posing for a few snaps. More time, than I honestly thought they would bear my intrusion. A few minutes later, they calmly shuffled over the shade-cloth, before an impressive high-wire gallop across narrow wire. Finishing with a full, half-pike, with a twist landing, at the very bottom of the structure. It was incredibly graceful, until the final plop! </p><p>Thanks for popping by, my inquisitive neighbour. Heaven knows what you were doing on my roof, but it was nice to meet you this morning. </p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-11606418689044861402021-12-13T11:42:00.002+10:002021-12-13T11:43:07.943+10:00Huge Thank-you.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJMiaJK2UtkieNn4k8D5tWWUFfUqtCXdBQxA-lddj8mHrPMEUoRl6xHjM_UBvvSQfWYsT2t08HpMyBpTy8pUeo26CdaIEBaO20YIXRe0dxSLE554O1KpLMili4TYDAc89o07Ar7ENGxrXV0AT-facO50VZmwacBQ0ycsa0ZydiFterRYXH4NeBOyAe=s5152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJMiaJK2UtkieNn4k8D5tWWUFfUqtCXdBQxA-lddj8mHrPMEUoRl6xHjM_UBvvSQfWYsT2t08HpMyBpTy8pUeo26CdaIEBaO20YIXRe0dxSLE554O1KpLMili4TYDAc89o07Ar7ENGxrXV0AT-facO50VZmwacBQ0ycsa0ZydiFterRYXH4NeBOyAe=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Elderberries</i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>It's been several weeks since my last post, and I wanted to say a huge thank-you, for all the wonderful replies. They were incredibly supportive and kind, which meant the world to me. When you feel like a deer, staring into headlights, it was nice to hear voices calling somewhere safe. Which is how I felt. Safe in your wonderful thoughts. So thank you, each and every one. Now to fill you in with the rest.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>My apologies for leaving this long to reply, but I was wrapping up the school year, with my son. I had so many things that kept me busy, which I intended to share. Firstly though - my Elderberries. The wet weather and overcast days, made them very plump! They've been plentiful too. A huge difference from the dried and spent berries I normally get.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4xnFTPxCaHX5Fc3S_6rzXDoFSi-tCMW5iXE30NVgxZ4Pn4GbD1JwBbETeNi-Rx-kxvKLJ_FYwFuASi0tznn5oEjmsmRu3S9HQPRN4EqG53D7CvwrxoQnW6SDn-INA1VVoWWbWFoxfLlA7lJpf2X-QeNRivHAQDdRT1FU0Q70wKyxYvamnhhkQmIvn=s5152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4xnFTPxCaHX5Fc3S_6rzXDoFSi-tCMW5iXE30NVgxZ4Pn4GbD1JwBbETeNi-Rx-kxvKLJ_FYwFuASi0tznn5oEjmsmRu3S9HQPRN4EqG53D7CvwrxoQnW6SDn-INA1VVoWWbWFoxfLlA7lJpf2X-QeNRivHAQDdRT1FU0Q70wKyxYvamnhhkQmIvn=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A thoughtful gift</i></div></i><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>When I discovered my life would be changing, I decided to start volunteering at my son's school tuck-shop. It was really productive, and it drew me closer to an environment my son spends a lot of time in. Not only did it bring us closer together, but I got to know his friends, classmates and some of their parents, a little better too.</p><p>The above is a card, made by the grade 5's at his school. They handed them to Volunteers at school assembly. It's a way of thanking them, for help during the year. It made me feel very special, and I still have the card on display.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeVoiKm-a5bex5SM67-Evdqp8X7f_JOCGQLX2d5Tl7y6Okd7XTSWKDXqwwqECwiQYpFZY0dhfg9H_DC7HY434GAeYMgZZDEv-RHpSORunDVgP12npkSQgZ9bWMuacdtyx-akSySmoGnHDOP5tEm2_B2i6u-fLTz8AnmqVgH15KbBqYjGMoWr6o0J0b=s5152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeVoiKm-a5bex5SM67-Evdqp8X7f_JOCGQLX2d5Tl7y6Okd7XTSWKDXqwwqECwiQYpFZY0dhfg9H_DC7HY434GAeYMgZZDEv-RHpSORunDVgP12npkSQgZ9bWMuacdtyx-akSySmoGnHDOP5tEm2_B2i6u-fLTz8AnmqVgH15KbBqYjGMoWr6o0J0b=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Decorating</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>The Christmas decorations went up, and as you can imagine - made me a little teary-eyed. It wasn't the kind of Christmas I was expecting. Fortunately, my eldest, who no longer lives at home, volunteered to come over and decorate the tree with her brother. It was the first time they did it all on their own. I'm sure they both felt a sense of accomplishment. </p><p>I found this little model gingerbread house, at the second-hand shop, for a few dollars. While the kids worked on the Christmas tree, I worked on small displays, like this one, around the rest of the house. We're making the most of the season, in the small ways we can. Mostly spending time with each other.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhna1x42_VycqWlCzNs5RcJaoZzcD7r8uffUO6Y1fE1pj1gSINiWxyf-UWYxtEfa5IK8RSOatosnPwLjHpHfEspc9kkWkRrVz6vHyu9Jm6EMpfUkRuTvllJ24F975I0wzbxxBsc3PAA2QTZqo_yQ4brmkExZJDuuQx0S9DRvpNtslhVPZ3y-jnXDbtW=s5152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhna1x42_VycqWlCzNs5RcJaoZzcD7r8uffUO6Y1fE1pj1gSINiWxyf-UWYxtEfa5IK8RSOatosnPwLjHpHfEspc9kkWkRrVz6vHyu9Jm6EMpfUkRuTvllJ24F975I0wzbxxBsc3PAA2QTZqo_yQ4brmkExZJDuuQx0S9DRvpNtslhVPZ3y-jnXDbtW=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Making</i></div><p><br /></p><p>My son had a school concert, and his class sang, "You've got a Friend in me", from the Disney movie, Toy Story. He wanted to dress as an Alien, so I made this DIY headband, and badge - which accompanied his blue clothes and shoes. I didn't get a photo in his costume, because that was a very busy evening. </p><p>However, he loved his costume and so did his classmates. I volunteered in the tuck-shop, to help with food service, prior to the concert. Then the next day, he had his class party, which had me baking up a storm! Peter helped decorate gingerbread-men for his friends and teachers. Needless to say, the last week of school was the busiest!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOpcvkiyfso3DB3gjgDegOuaLzj0hAgPZAZ0HjVLLeJimpsTWJIeLe2ofEHDFx80WvrhFrx7yfqoz70FvkedbYdocgeIatQ6Pr7gobTPwXz6Muw4Gld-cmOjILPFox7FclkCaVVNmUoaJ3bNmSGRYhcs3I42PADDI9EGwljBp0PMyEODwC43KU5TFP=s5152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOpcvkiyfso3DB3gjgDegOuaLzj0hAgPZAZ0HjVLLeJimpsTWJIeLe2ofEHDFx80WvrhFrx7yfqoz70FvkedbYdocgeIatQ6Pr7gobTPwXz6Muw4Gld-cmOjILPFox7FclkCaVVNmUoaJ3bNmSGRYhcs3I42PADDI9EGwljBp0PMyEODwC43KU5TFP=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Another thoughtful gift</i></div> <p></p><p>In that last week, a wonderful surprise came in the mail, from my dear friend. She has a hand-made business, run from her property in NSW. Her products are designed to replace disposable items, with fabric ones. This is a set of different sized crowns for our family to celebrate on Christmas day. So we don't have to wear those paper, disposable ones. </p><p>It came with a hand-written note too, which personalised it even more. I will be very happy to try them out, and grateful for her kind gift. Thanks Nicole!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOcSDf4KsoCkAHIdfMdyyd4Ihb3mobrvOMcLaxJB1wujKwxVYSZ3SMbtMm4bWFECQKKSL878GuWpFjtnBlEG9PUKpxmr5W6wDYzpPEBHop9LEOb5ZvLRKKxdy1u9DUZ7r_Uew2EU77_i51Bspofg1XRp1YReq9yrxMxraGCnswZAhYGnO__DodDDyw=s5152" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOcSDf4KsoCkAHIdfMdyyd4Ihb3mobrvOMcLaxJB1wujKwxVYSZ3SMbtMm4bWFECQKKSL878GuWpFjtnBlEG9PUKpxmr5W6wDYzpPEBHop9LEOb5ZvLRKKxdy1u9DUZ7r_Uew2EU77_i51Bspofg1XRp1YReq9yrxMxraGCnswZAhYGnO__DodDDyw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Banksia Rose blooms</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>So this year is coming to a close very soon. It has been quite an eventful one for our family. I hope you are well, wherever you are in the world - and enjoy the people you get to spend Christmas with. I understand that some of us have lost people we care about, which makes it challenging at this time of year, especially. My thoughts are with you, and wishing you well too. Remember, even if they are no longer there to remind us - we are still amazing in what we do.</p><p>Of course, after Christmas, comes the new year. A brand new start for everyone. I hope we all find the peace we need, amongst the chaos that inevitably arrives in the process. I'm looking forward to next year, with new things to explore and discover about myself, and making new friends. As well as checking in with my existing ones. </p><p>Rest assured, if I venture away from this blog, I will let you know my new one. Once again, thanks for leaving your kind comments on my last post. I want you all to know, you are amazing people, and I'm fortunate to have met you. Take care in the holidays, out there.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-84792359055062295302021-11-22T12:40:00.001+10:002021-11-22T14:45:16.258+10:00A big chapter closes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XbY3Vf6SxRf1v-RCXo-zYWHGteFoAV63PfFw5hnTCMtzhtxTUpFgsPg9VW-92BDtFm2X_8hoPPM41ShNBg841IURuLpLbajGyMk-h3HXOvIh1517OIpbUXLhBNxkYY_Fx8wdV_gFqjI/s2048/IMG_8345b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XbY3Vf6SxRf1v-RCXo-zYWHGteFoAV63PfFw5hnTCMtzhtxTUpFgsPg9VW-92BDtFm2X_8hoPPM41ShNBg841IURuLpLbajGyMk-h3HXOvIh1517OIpbUXLhBNxkYY_Fx8wdV_gFqjI/w640-h480/IMG_8345b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The day begins</i></div></i><p><br /></p><p>Well hello again. I sat down to a lovely salad and coffee, for breakfast this morning. I've been wanting to sit down and write this post for about a month now. I guess the words don't come easy, for one of the hardest things I've ever had to share. I'll do my best though.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Around this time last year, <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-garden-today-hello-blogging-friends.html" target="_blank">I wrote about our dilemma</a> of deciding, whether to invest in my husband's deceased family estate, or sell his share, and invest it in our property. I was optimistic, whatever happened, I would potter around in my garden, as usual. Where ever that ended up being.</p><p>I was looking forward to updating you all, on the decision we finally arrived at together. However, I was later to discover, that decision was made without me.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2pNKlvkiDQeGuIQZyzYO_Y4nnMploTWUFBCBl-pnR6pyJkvzo6ghUmhTNcwxliUOn5h6_JcEuseHTGAd9EXKbU0XVUMb8ujirHJclX1rJI3kVVh_JpnZu-4SDidavq8coW8L7fqlEOg/s5152/IMG_8319.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2pNKlvkiDQeGuIQZyzYO_Y4nnMploTWUFBCBl-pnR6pyJkvzo6ghUmhTNcwxliUOn5h6_JcEuseHTGAd9EXKbU0XVUMb8ujirHJclX1rJI3kVVh_JpnZu-4SDidavq8coW8L7fqlEOg/w640-h480/IMG_8319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>18 October 2021</i></div><p><br /></p><p>It all happened, with the last hail storm. About a month ago, we experienced the first severe hail storm, in our 14 years living here. Fortunately, there wasn't too much damage. At least, to the property. I was about to have a bombshell dropped on me though, when my partner of 23 years came home and announced he was leaving. </p><p>If you're shocked, that was my reaction too. I didn't fully understand at the time, why this was the case. As we had endured ups and downs in our relationship before, and always come out the other end, stronger. However, I later discovered, there was a third-party involved. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Yf0q1aioacYs1-2JwPkf-hScfUpuWVHL2_J0MKDc7I5VvpLzDdCeoH9i-h8mtUzbLRRCdnmMDh0zBYrtn0glKZaJzGyEIgdH6LltWfXkLXoGaVymQy-2NOK2qUr0vaOdbSsSbcXPMsI/s5152/IMG_8326.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Yf0q1aioacYs1-2JwPkf-hScfUpuWVHL2_J0MKDc7I5VvpLzDdCeoH9i-h8mtUzbLRRCdnmMDh0zBYrtn0glKZaJzGyEIgdH6LltWfXkLXoGaVymQy-2NOK2qUr0vaOdbSsSbcXPMsI/w640-h480/IMG_8326.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Day after the storm ~ assessing the mess</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>It's been a whirlwind since, putting my life back together. The hardest part was having to lay to rest, an identity I nurtured for 23 years. Everything I ever thought was my future, suddenly died. I'm still coming to terms with that. Taking one day, at a time. </p><p>I'm learning to focus on my life, in new ways. Not in a needs-must, act of survival. More of being gentle and kind with the process, of realising who I am again. Because understandably, my self-esteem took a big hit, and there's reluctance to put yourself on the line again. Even when it comes to believing in your dreams again. </p><p>Which leads me to why I'm sharing. What is going to happen to the property?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NWV9lLPEDUmG_6IgnCNs7WxZP27e7IsDJQWOt-4FsWvvwW7N2sMhidoHPAFgf52OM9TS5jkv7lsmQhSZV7U8IK9_7poz6HXRAXL5OZZcUQZFX6uNZZEUNa-ME_yulxvafY93Bpk_MXQ/s5152/IMG_8317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NWV9lLPEDUmG_6IgnCNs7WxZP27e7IsDJQWOt-4FsWvvwW7N2sMhidoHPAFgf52OM9TS5jkv7lsmQhSZV7U8IK9_7poz6HXRAXL5OZZcUQZFX6uNZZEUNa-ME_yulxvafY93Bpk_MXQ/w640-h480/IMG_8317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Gully competely flooded ~ first time in 3 years</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I wish I had a definitive answer. For now, my son and I are going to live here, and finish off the school year. Which is only 3 more weeks of. There are school holidays to plan for too. My mother is selling her property, and will be moving in with us as soon as she can. Which will help immensely.</p><p>After that, I cannot say. There may be an option to buy the property, and maintain it myself. Or maybe reality plays out a different option. We'll definitely see the end of 2021 here though, and beginning of 2022. More to come. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y_FvYTZ6mQDAqbwtiU57mGuXXUqluSL7KU2shJ35bJgSiwCqdaVKrNRuGvcwjKMy2hizId1bw6VOvk3yxP7IsfJntB_p73BWJgew76-VjPJHqCS_h3xGbVqKynZTwGDIPe2tvuwXzsQ/s5152/IMG_8355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y_FvYTZ6mQDAqbwtiU57mGuXXUqluSL7KU2shJ35bJgSiwCqdaVKrNRuGvcwjKMy2hizId1bw6VOvk3yxP7IsfJntB_p73BWJgew76-VjPJHqCS_h3xGbVqKynZTwGDIPe2tvuwXzsQ/w640-h480/IMG_8355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Everything is green again</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Just know, as this big chapter closes on my life, there is a reason and purpose for every season. Renewal is waiting to emerge somewhere down the line, because of it. Doesn't it always come back to a garden though? </p><p>Thanks for all your support over the years, my long time readers. Also to those new arrivals, who just found my blog. Don't let my recent news, set you back from pursuing your own dreams of becoming a land steward. It's still a very worthwhile pursuit, which you won't regret making. I certainly don't regret it, and still have much more to share about my journey in that regard.</p><p>Until next time though, may your soil always be fertile and covered with something good.</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-72614504287650840372021-09-08T11:37:00.002+10:002021-09-08T12:27:37.808+10:00Prop boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZvvkIy7mn85j9LzgCj-5F33-cGzZOJ9ndNcivEip9-SPjOAvl23OwGyHGQfWWn3B4ydniTIXxdC2L3OuKAD09y_XZWeqWpCvr0WWjs9vYNe5ISShzOX65NGWbQGr1LY3Qoyun6HFnyY/s2048/IMG_8102B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZvvkIy7mn85j9LzgCj-5F33-cGzZOJ9ndNcivEip9-SPjOAvl23OwGyHGQfWWn3B4ydniTIXxdC2L3OuKAD09y_XZWeqWpCvr0WWjs9vYNe5ISShzOX65NGWbQGr1LY3Qoyun6HFnyY/w640-h480/IMG_8102B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Growing plants & making new ones</i></div><p><br /></p><p>I was going to share my propagation boxes, once I finished the first month. To track progress during that time. However, after receiving a question in the comments section of my last post, I thought, why not share what I know to date? Like, where I first learned about prop boxes, different growing mediums to use, etc.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>It all started when I first acquired some indoors plants. Youtube is where I went looking for knowledgeable mentors, to keep those plants alive. There are many wonderful mentors I watch, but Harli G, is where I first learned about prop boxes. This video, in particular:</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://youtube.com/embed/2APhx-C2sfI" width="620"></iframe></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Almost 15 minutes</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Notes about the video: (1) I haven't needed, and don't use the mosquito bits, (2) I've only tried the shoe-box size container, which are incredibly cheap to buy a pack of three, and finally (3) when she mentions exposing the boxes to direct sunlight, she really means indirect light. Coming through the window, and into the container in her house, is still filtered light. Even when there is no barrier like a curtain.</p><p>I made the mistake of putting direct light on my boxes when outside. They overheated and cooked some of the smaller node cuttings. So now my outside prop boxes, are under shade. The main thing is to give them plenty of light and warmth. The growing medium and container, creates humidity.</p><p>There was another prop box video, I discovered more recently. It outlines the same concept, with a few more ideas. </p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://youtube.com/embed/3LRII0x-IXo" width="620"></iframe></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>About 12 minutes</i></p><p><br /></p><p>When referring to green moss in the video, it's more commonly known as sphagnum moss. I don't know about your location, but my regular garden supply stores, aren't stocking sphagnum moss any more. My guess is, due to the lock-downs and people keeping more indoors plants, nurseries are increasing demand for various growing mediums, for propagation. </p><p>So the average plant person, may find it challenging to secure sphagnum moss. Never fear however, as there are alternatives. Perlite. Usually sold as a potting-mix amendment, to increase drainage and aeration - it can also be used, in the place of sphagnum moss. </p><p>I just started a new prop box, trying this new medium:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVec35vFXRhSYKeJx9Pcnc251cHTwPeQzcHG45CAYdmjwSzlcE7Nwu7Mn3DixvSCIcKY7LlRZOLlPLCV116W9ruQzYF3_wFbWXrkWr6VSOZrPBZtoCjZXZF2OExFpttK0s1TbmEsCN_A/s5152/IMG_8082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVec35vFXRhSYKeJx9Pcnc251cHTwPeQzcHG45CAYdmjwSzlcE7Nwu7Mn3DixvSCIcKY7LlRZOLlPLCV116W9ruQzYF3_wFbWXrkWr6VSOZrPBZtoCjZXZF2OExFpttK0s1TbmEsCN_A/w640-h480/IMG_8082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Semi-hardwood cuttings - Day 1</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>I'll share more in a month. It's a little different to the first one, where the medium covers the entire base of the container. These separate vessels however, allow comparisons between the different medium's performance, in the same box. The cups are also better at holding, upright cuttings too.</p><p>If this works, I'll be really happy. As I've struggled propagating plants for the property, for a while. It's expensive buying them as tube-stock, and even more heartbreaking when they die! Unreliable rainfall of the past, has been known to make that happen a lot. So hopefully I can turn a corner, with this new method of propagation.</p><p>And it all started, by keeping indoors plants!</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-12948681592075855262021-09-06T13:16:00.002+10:002021-09-06T18:50:02.497+10:00Winter Hiatus - Hello Spring!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBS_smo4bX-_yWpxsQwSCL1Qc9jhYcirVCjOP15bVZ6fprbOBIYXhF0QQdHtpfk1TQpaqLqx9W3lbImHM_KYFQGieRMJ9Uq4SznS3t46E5vzZhHUiU0BJiZz8iCPvzi0dBAPaBtMyAN0/s5152/IMG_8036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBS_smo4bX-_yWpxsQwSCL1Qc9jhYcirVCjOP15bVZ6fprbOBIYXhF0QQdHtpfk1TQpaqLqx9W3lbImHM_KYFQGieRMJ9Uq4SznS3t46E5vzZhHUiU0BJiZz8iCPvzi0dBAPaBtMyAN0/w640-h480/IMG_8036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Plant alter</i></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>So I missed winter, on my blog completely! It's been a peculiar year of big changes. We're on the last push to finalise David's family estate, and our eldest moved into town with some friends. So many things had to be rearranged, moved, stored and eventually used. It's an ongoing process. This is some of what I've been up to lately, in our new outside area.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>The large planks were found under David's family home, in Brisbane. They were used for a stair repair to their old Queenslander, many moons ago. After being de-nailed and cut to size, they're now a plant stand, The besser blocks were given to us by my mother, many moons ago too. So it basically cost the fuel money to Brisbane, where we also collected a lot more building supplies as well.</p><p>This is what our outside area looked like (about four months ago) after our eldest's 18th birthday party...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXRtLY_0lJrhrWiU_PiCHXsBlFhKuAtefPcXd084RB_cFzzz12V55s_gfPmWngEv7UbWofOD-kArf7fuXvbf-g5Z5ANcj7rN9J-0LUgOIFCqsa-q2HBL30KpQyTrKOzW0dMMdCcS8z4k/s5152/IMG_7909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXRtLY_0lJrhrWiU_PiCHXsBlFhKuAtefPcXd084RB_cFzzz12V55s_gfPmWngEv7UbWofOD-kArf7fuXvbf-g5Z5ANcj7rN9J-0LUgOIFCqsa-q2HBL30KpQyTrKOzW0dMMdCcS8z4k/w640-h480/IMG_7909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Earlier, in May</i></div><br /><p>I had plans then for my plants, and I'm happy to say, some of them are coming to fruition. Because with our new shaded area, I can keep plants and not have them bake in the sun all day. This very small change outside the back door, has made it a new destination I'm constantly visiting, to fuss and potter around my plants. When I really just started this area for a small kitchen garden to graze briefly. But it has become so much more.</p><p>There were necessary reasons to make changes too. Like our daughter moving into a small house in town, meant she couldn't take her birds with her. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA6veBrYln7R6CxpSDcV73LJNEfur6b86t00R_xb-9JDhdO3qY9hONaFpBkcRCRlpdGX4xT3t40cZ5eHqPyOuECEjNmnCvkPz1c7CNHYyS0auOaJa1yJdUPzAHmVAHR4bAeIYkCuKrMw/s5152/IMG_8037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiA6veBrYln7R6CxpSDcV73LJNEfur6b86t00R_xb-9JDhdO3qY9hONaFpBkcRCRlpdGX4xT3t40cZ5eHqPyOuECEjNmnCvkPz1c7CNHYyS0auOaJa1yJdUPzAHmVAHR4bAeIYkCuKrMw/w640-h480/IMG_8037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>New friends</i></div><p><br /></p><p>During winter, they would come inside at night where it was warm, then have their temporary cage brought out during the day. So the table has become a destination point for them. We chat to each other, when pottering around my plants. Otherwise, the wild birds keep them company, which they like to converse with vocally. </p><p>The Cockatoos, King Parrots and Rosella's, like to graze the nearby trees. While many smaller birds, fly in, and catch the bugs which somehow manage to get trapped in the shade-cloth. I have some options I'm working on now, so insects can escape easier - but I wouldn't be surprised if they find another way to get trapped. I think they just get confused by the light.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjG5WqOXxcnSimMcHogmGd5-SUH2sw-J8QeI5vXFj2VFsmtb-wM06W8kla6zr8v0ta3j73Ra4iFvUe5HwaVbkRbykS2R7zkc0VrMpOJN3VvXT2vms7W4s8_dep94LdmQH0AbMJ38MZ8Y8/s5152/IMG_8040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjG5WqOXxcnSimMcHogmGd5-SUH2sw-J8QeI5vXFj2VFsmtb-wM06W8kla6zr8v0ta3j73Ra4iFvUe5HwaVbkRbykS2R7zkc0VrMpOJN3VvXT2vms7W4s8_dep94LdmQH0AbMJ38MZ8Y8/w640-h480/IMG_8040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cage Flip</i></div><br /><p>We moved our daughter's large bird-cage, out of her room, so her birds can live outside, all the time soon. I just need to predator-proof it, better. I'm also going to ditch the straight perches, and find some natural branches for them to use instead. We certainly have enough of them laying around! </p><p>My goal is to surround the cage on either side with plants, ensuring our new bird friends, will feel less exposed. It will also offer some wind protection. Right now though, the bottom shelf of the cage, is storing some new propagation boxes, I'm experimenting with.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YWZ6xUDW8eVsX76RsOp348HXyamyin1dzOyLUOz_XdYgYmNhRhK5IroUhUq_qlDrkkE-PoDR-kCt2yV5SoT6T4WFXt2HmCX_rdM-lA74b3bH7_QEJfzjrShZqDEBMtx1qOOUhNrx1X8/s5152/IMG_8046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YWZ6xUDW8eVsX76RsOp348HXyamyin1dzOyLUOz_XdYgYmNhRhK5IroUhUq_qlDrkkE-PoDR-kCt2yV5SoT6T4WFXt2HmCX_rdM-lA74b3bH7_QEJfzjrShZqDEBMtx1qOOUhNrx1X8/w640-h480/IMG_8046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Plant babies</i></div><p><br /></p><p>These propagation boxes, have been helping multiply my indoors plant collection. As I like back-ups, in case anything happens to the parent plant. In under a month, I've managed to get some impressive root growth. The box creates humidity, that prevent plants from drying out before they take root. </p><p>This is my first time with the prop box, so I'm going to try something similar for other plants on the property, I want to multiply. I've tried propagating them in the past, and they just haven't succeeded. Because we get more of the dry heat, than the humidity, during warmer months. My prop boxes, have been working throughout winter though, so here's hoping!</p><p>Anyway, this was just a quick update, as I have more plants to pot! I hope you're all keeping well, and if you have any garden plans in your future, feel free to share them.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-7629837803196403992021-05-23T15:09:00.002+10:002021-05-23T15:14:22.450+10:00It's over<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV4JeQ_LQim_cqcLf1lBsJuAxitZokboJ4r6Qb7FjuaJmcoJ8cn3bTrypNJc54MK_xuceM5KIXY6Vgso-QW1KPRbtFD_eNP4RoivlZd79hALhlqKSCFCH1lbUH1uqCwl6638N33xk93E/s5152/IMG_7898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV4JeQ_LQim_cqcLf1lBsJuAxitZokboJ4r6Qb7FjuaJmcoJ8cn3bTrypNJc54MK_xuceM5KIXY6Vgso-QW1KPRbtFD_eNP4RoivlZd79hALhlqKSCFCH1lbUH1uqCwl6638N33xk93E/w640-h480/IMG_7898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p></p><p>The party, that is. Our daughter's 18th!! It has been keeping me away from my blog, since the beginning of the year. Well, one of the things. As we had to fix the narrow back landing, behind the house, to make it safe for partying teenagers. Seven in total, and they were mostly well behaved. I say mostly, because I'm sure the neighbours heard. But it's the first loud party we've had, since moving here in 2007. I'm glad to say it's over though...<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>I can return to the projects I've planned in conjunction with the back landing. At a pace I can manage though. <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2021/05/small-inconveniences.html#more" target="_blank">The stormy weather</a>, which took the power out for 24 hours, threatened our original deadline for the party. Because concrete had to cure, before we could construct the plinth for our long-awaited fire-pit. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BZ7jL9C4BTwj_-eNf9ScRTjEV3fG4a-eomIgGu9jtRl240p9vj3aisde2-tBv6VLE0lDsICSnqUeyXalSqG47ZANp2Io8-IQY_ARuy5NC82led3eGfKPzCQTqixvaNzH19F1ysj_io0/s5152/IMG_7893.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BZ7jL9C4BTwj_-eNf9ScRTjEV3fG4a-eomIgGu9jtRl240p9vj3aisde2-tBv6VLE0lDsICSnqUeyXalSqG47ZANp2Io8-IQY_ARuy5NC82led3eGfKPzCQTqixvaNzH19F1ysj_io0/w480-h640/IMG_7893.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The hearth</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Marshmallows were toasted, and enjoyed on our chilly May evening. I've always wanted a terracotta chiminea. They're safer than open fire-pits, because the chimney contains some of the flames. We put a rebar cage around it, to protect the chiminea from being bumped accidentally. Because it's a narrow space with partying teenagers - it was a very likely outcome. I'm happy to report, it went without incident though.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZP8sVTzZ_jSbHGkmCDsa-BmpfKbbi4REaGsZS7ExbZqzNUpcel0NMvitNJZxdHIfogYckaMgIHFO451YmYixGNsmylmC4G5EXwKkR3MuTLLlLnnAXpVZskiRxMr2rQodfNCoM_WiZIw/s5152/IMG_7908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZP8sVTzZ_jSbHGkmCDsa-BmpfKbbi4REaGsZS7ExbZqzNUpcel0NMvitNJZxdHIfogYckaMgIHFO451YmYixGNsmylmC4G5EXwKkR3MuTLLlLnnAXpVZskiRxMr2rQodfNCoM_WiZIw/w640-h480/IMG_7908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The business end</i></div><p><br /></p><p>We had a little green, wheelie bin, with a sign, "cans and bottles". This was separate to the general rubbish bin. It made clean-up afterwards, much easier! We sort them and return to our local recycle centre. Since the beginning of the year, we've earned $20 for our efforts. My husband, collects bottles from his work-place too. We're Curious to know, how much we can earn in a year. Ten cents per item, doesn't sound like a lot, but consistently adds up!</p><p>We're trying to decide what we'll use the money for. I was leaning towards a property project. Perhaps something for the native animals. A dedicated tank for allocating water to them, maybe. Any ideas?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP7eHG6EpvAdxCvM4j7lDEzPDAscQGElWRLfwl1xZzmh2eCxx-98VIWwGTUxZWRwR0TycXwIvSHtKKF73L0gSMBksHnPyQBkwVpgzLceuK_oDAihcMdHOwxvSqg45Fy3sJQQj4r52r00/s5152/IMG_7915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP7eHG6EpvAdxCvM4j7lDEzPDAscQGElWRLfwl1xZzmh2eCxx-98VIWwGTUxZWRwR0TycXwIvSHtKKF73L0gSMBksHnPyQBkwVpgzLceuK_oDAihcMdHOwxvSqg45Fy3sJQQj4r52r00/w640-h480/IMG_7915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bee </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>shenanigans</i></span></div><p><br /></p><p>I will also wash and reuse the plastic cups, for art projects and feeding my plants. Worm-wee is dispensed from the main bucket with these cups. Then added to a small watering can (with extra water) for my plants. I have a worm farm in my kitchen garden now, I have yet to share with you. Saving it for another post though. </p><p>What I found interesting, was the bees taking an interest in the small amount of lemonade, leftover in a cup. I guess it's similar to sugar water. An unintentional discovery, as I went around, cleaning this morning. After removing the reciprocal, the bees returned to the flowers in my kitchen garden. Which is probably much better for them, and my plants!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_PJMXYqR6YDla21ghZSjKkYYEy2fKYlF3ZCaMkjCoI9nozq8hMD2K15tDhStCKnJMNzmVcx02ubIXqk0AsUHQtzlibBueIgMM_q17b7DRQDh23XEure4EqGG1UXlJ-zqsTWbem26y4g/s5152/IMG_7909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_PJMXYqR6YDla21ghZSjKkYYEy2fKYlF3ZCaMkjCoI9nozq8hMD2K15tDhStCKnJMNzmVcx02ubIXqk0AsUHQtzlibBueIgMM_q17b7DRQDh23XEure4EqGG1UXlJ-zqsTWbem26y4g/w640-h480/IMG_7909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Needs more work</i></div><p><br /></p><p>While the party may be over, work on our back-landing, continues. It will double as my plant sanctuary and expanded kitchen garden. There's a whole bunch of ideas I want to implement in this small area. Now is the time to just kick-back and relax though. We've worked hard and need a break. A small one. Then we'll be straight back into it!</p><p>Do any of my readers, recycle their drinking vessels and save the money? Do you put it towards anything special? Please share your ideas (if you have any) of what we should do for our property, with the funds we collect. Cheers!</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-75852303107585515442021-05-14T07:58:00.001+10:002021-05-14T07:58:52.004+10:00Small inconveniences<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz0M1QQZsTzwfG7OIdB3VYgoTJ8mE9pzHVzQDD0KPxnD-dNBWh3IhMEG_fYGDGGe3Z8w2RDek3yTfc3wGylTOIlQxSDd9rlR1JeR88sFUq9Idcp6OhON8D0-zHXGPSZ3RhsqQTkF0pAc/s5152/IMG_7817_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz0M1QQZsTzwfG7OIdB3VYgoTJ8mE9pzHVzQDD0KPxnD-dNBWh3IhMEG_fYGDGGe3Z8w2RDek3yTfc3wGylTOIlQxSDd9rlR1JeR88sFUq9Idcp6OhON8D0-zHXGPSZ3RhsqQTkF0pAc/w640-h480/IMG_7817_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What's this wet stuff?</i></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Like the rocks piled around our septic tank, waiting to be turned into a retaining wall, so are the rest of the jobs, piling up outside too. We were already struggling with time but recent storm activity, held things up further. I don't mind the rain. It's fantastic! Always does wonders for our garden. But I do find myself counting the hours, to when I can get the next job done! <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>My shoes are tracking clay into the house, and when walking around outside, I need to find stable ground. Otherwise my shoes start sinking. Just look at this little ripper of an example!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jPDdBzE2GMntfZXhjwj1F58fOdLVF1G04JDouZuYnbfJSpYJaQiIiR3tD-p4r9Dnmr6RGo_EdQSGXMIXVLxX2uzTim7HLVa7EZjIKMdmdgo2DaJm7X46lAKO-6hof3MtlNCv-FAkGUg/s4618/IMG_7873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jPDdBzE2GMntfZXhjwj1F58fOdLVF1G04JDouZuYnbfJSpYJaQiIiR3tD-p4r9Dnmr6RGo_EdQSGXMIXVLxX2uzTim7HLVa7EZjIKMdmdgo2DaJm7X46lAKO-6hof3MtlNCv-FAkGUg/w640-h480/IMG_7873.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One of these legs, are not like the other</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Maybe it has something to do with the barrow being full of road-base, with a 20kg bag of sand & gravel, on top? Otherwise remnants from a project, we failed to put away as the sun went down. Believing we'd return the next afternoon to finish. The overnight storm had other ideas though. Because once completely saturated, the barrow became twice as heavy. The ground soon gave way. Now we wait for clear skies to finish the job we started. </p><p>During one of the storms, we lost power too. For almost 24 hours. It fined up a little during the day, so I went outside to put some plants in the ground. Of course, when you live on slopes, planting a tree isn't a simple affair. Often, you have to make your own flat land. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPwb8HWf_9r5Wof7bHO97R5HliO-nDagdEvUimYdk8Fv4rNlhMCMF02WAWs4qffMblFttlsWPQommJyNyDm1Tqdrcz4t2f6CIfkboz1bOLtgIaTpvKY2WEXv1UDKOPHm6s_M7hcHCFoc/s5152/IMG_7861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPwb8HWf_9r5Wof7bHO97R5HliO-nDagdEvUimYdk8Fv4rNlhMCMF02WAWs4qffMblFttlsWPQommJyNyDm1Tqdrcz4t2f6CIfkboz1bOLtgIaTpvKY2WEXv1UDKOPHm6s_M7hcHCFoc/w640-h480/IMG_7861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Organic raised beds</i></div><p><br /></p><p>I actually started this project a few weeks ago, when we took down some trees. One of the large trunks had a fork in it, which helped create another planting pocket. We stacked other branches on top, to create the terraces. Nothing fancy. Just using what we have to create flat land. It does the job. What it takes is time though. Removing the tree, separating their parts and utilising them elsewhere. A true commitment.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-MQ8_RSY_wIyVdAYX3QOEl09oACwJH2c-ivKJfNRbqCI_HErCcTp2ZHU2fMkPYQTAtMRNpRmtdnnx7rMR0k2gE2W42XYsUsyBme-vxODouCAl0V1_V5D-9XOQIgryb3IK_hNAD8WiVM/s5152/IMG_7862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-MQ8_RSY_wIyVdAYX3QOEl09oACwJH2c-ivKJfNRbqCI_HErCcTp2ZHU2fMkPYQTAtMRNpRmtdnnx7rMR0k2gE2W42XYsUsyBme-vxODouCAl0V1_V5D-9XOQIgryb3IK_hNAD8WiVM/w640-h480/IMG_7862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Finally, it can start growing</i></div><p><br /></p><p>All this, just to plant a fruit tree! A Brazilian cherry, which I propagated from seed. In high rainfall areas, fruit trees can be planted directly onto a slope. No landscape interventions required. Given we experience long dry spells though, it's better to plant trees onto flat ground. Which allows gravity to soak any rainfall, directly down to the roots. Rather than skimming the surface on the way down the slope. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9QVkTETc77iY0JHXN4Z-Bs3N4DqjIOdigsh3E5j-xbtoBzrD2yNhyXaBWnQUFVGuu_xkkQ8pCd-K1cMadB8xo0fefBsZPFO_djXaKXbUFSFX2SE4kun9WcQ5PDED1rd7EzOC_vAfCE0/s5152/IMG_7888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9QVkTETc77iY0JHXN4Z-Bs3N4DqjIOdigsh3E5j-xbtoBzrD2yNhyXaBWnQUFVGuu_xkkQ8pCd-K1cMadB8xo0fefBsZPFO_djXaKXbUFSFX2SE4kun9WcQ5PDED1rd7EzOC_vAfCE0/w640-h480/IMG_7888.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All mulched in</i></div><p><br /></p><p>The cherry got a friend, in a variegated Dietes Iridioides. This strappy-leaf grass, can handle the heat and grows fast. It will help create a nicer micro-climate, for the fruit tree to establish. I also planted a few ground-covers which are too small to see, at present. They will fall over the wood terrace, helping shade it from direct sun. Reducing evaporation. Translation - more moisture for longer. So many strategies layered in place, to give the best chance of success!</p><p>I wish it was a simple matter, of just planting trees in the ground. We don't have the terrain or conditions, to foster that simple approach though. In the past, our fruit trees did't stand a chance of establishing on clay slopes, with sporadic rainfall, heat, and mini dinosaurs - otherwise known as brush turkeys. Who regularly uncover the mulch with their incessant scratching. I can't tell you how many fruit-trees we lost in the recent, four-year drought. Or maybe I will...in another post though. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRXLiPuvbp1a1iMLZ52C8U77vwmpmpprrpj2NTro5DpfDO7kxFmk41XyvzjuT8NfsfriTXIG8iU5za9qxfPfu5sebAiXsFKh0Qo8g-v26UEY0CUAgKbkx_2DtWNsTF4hWt6SzTM-4bSc/s5152/IMG_7863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRXLiPuvbp1a1iMLZ52C8U77vwmpmpprrpj2NTro5DpfDO7kxFmk41XyvzjuT8NfsfriTXIG8iU5za9qxfPfu5sebAiXsFKh0Qo8g-v26UEY0CUAgKbkx_2DtWNsTF4hWt6SzTM-4bSc/w640-h480/IMG_7863.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A different kind of fruit.</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Right now, the rain is triggering the fungi to proliferate - so the cycle of soil improvement begins once more. I'll take these moments, when I can get them. Shuffling as many jobs as I can, between showers. Weather predictions suggest, I'll have a few clear days coming up. So I'll use those as best I can. Starting with repatriating our wheelbarrow!</p><p>Are you having challenges with the weather, in your location at present? I'm personally grateful for my small inconveniences, if it means the land becomes hydrated again.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-42643878114224039952021-05-11T13:40:00.003+10:002021-05-11T13:48:55.811+10:00Welcome back!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36deofxNqdBSiVe0nB1HmENMhJzbG3fqYVjsN_aqazNqwXTI2M1MlChLRxh0H1hsaqVwYpyhVmQTdWSFz8Xua-JOAB6w40u4EJfU1zVciETycYgOX2JIFABATP8I7E1ZeaALo9UVKk6s/s5152/IMG_7855.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36deofxNqdBSiVe0nB1HmENMhJzbG3fqYVjsN_aqazNqwXTI2M1MlChLRxh0H1hsaqVwYpyhVmQTdWSFz8Xua-JOAB6w40u4EJfU1zVciETycYgOX2JIFABATP8I7E1ZeaALo9UVKk6s/w640-h480/IMG_7855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nasturtiums in the Kitchen garden</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I didn't intend to be this long away from posting. Over 3 months! Stuff has happened though. How to unpack it all without writing a saga? I'll just say what you all might be wondering. We're still here and the whole family is doing well. Health hasn't changed since we last caught up, but there's always room for improvement, right? I don't believe in waiting until you NEED a doctor, before listening to your body. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Anyone reading here a while, knows I try to provide good food for our family. </p><p>Unfortunately, I've struggled with extreme weather events (aka: drought) to grow our own food. So began my experimentation with how I might be able to garden differently. Hello Peter Andrews', Natural Sequence Farming - and Permaculture, the wonderful brainchild of Bill Mollison and David Holgrem. Such a wealth of design by nature, I needed to start observing to help my garden grow better. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYwKo9dKBht1MFVr66R15ewcPDkOvog_oaSLBBLs2UobKJxGtlkIV_S2Jq-3ypQJpLDxb-Q0rLzA8rDLE-CQGx7lzejNpSZ5iGisRN0XL-upSRUnOLY-i-JWo686d4aJF95MQANObhHc/s5152/IMG_7850.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYwKo9dKBht1MFVr66R15ewcPDkOvog_oaSLBBLs2UobKJxGtlkIV_S2Jq-3ypQJpLDxb-Q0rLzA8rDLE-CQGx7lzejNpSZ5iGisRN0XL-upSRUnOLY-i-JWo686d4aJF95MQANObhHc/w640-h480/IMG_7850.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Homegrown tomato on a BLT</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Here's a sneak peak of some of the goodies, coming from my kitchen garden. Just two tomatoes were produced, but they were utterly delicious! Reminding me precisely why I continue with the struggle to grow food. Nothing in the world tastes as good, as what comes from your own garden. Although my success is extremely limited, it's still success I can build on. Which is why we are tweaking my kitchen garden area. </p><p>More on that in another post though. It's still a work in progress. The whole reason for posting today, was a marvellous video I stumbled across recently. All to do with how human health is tied to the methods of food production. Why I found it particularly profound, is that it's research uncovered by a doctor who specialised in producing better chemotherapy treatments. He found the natural preventative medicine, in how human food was being produced. </p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Aw16LPVnNco" width="620"></iframe></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Approximately 25 minutes</i></div></i><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Towards the end, the Doctor says something profoundly similar to Bill Mollison's belief in Permaculture, that the problem is the solution. The good doctor says, "Identifying a problem is so much of the solution". </p><p>To summarise the video, it's how we produce our food that awakens or deletes our cellular response. This is the catalyst to disease, or a healing event. We all know Hippocrates said: let food be thy medicine. But this video was the first time I've seen a medical doctor, describe it as a whole system event. Which is how it should be. I don't think you'll regret watching the video.</p><p>Anyway, I hope you're all having success in your gardens, especially your edible ones. </p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-9396337651060720792021-01-27T15:20:00.000+10:002021-01-27T15:20:05.011+10:00Defying gravity<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomYmy-V_SdPOKKNqkufut2jbzDVyZaFKINd3oVSpe1LOU8poVzJJd3UP1rgUS0Ly0VjsJEUAs68QRcvuFihkd3rtxA-TVfzh7nQXhgEVQopMARnRVifyp3LC7uRMxQiIRQOFqSZiSyAg/s4618/IMG_7661b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomYmy-V_SdPOKKNqkufut2jbzDVyZaFKINd3oVSpe1LOU8poVzJJd3UP1rgUS0Ly0VjsJEUAs68QRcvuFihkd3rtxA-TVfzh7nQXhgEVQopMARnRVifyp3LC7uRMxQiIRQOFqSZiSyAg/w640-h480/IMG_7661b2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Red marker is where I met the hornet</i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Today, is the first day back at school, for our youngest. Grade 3. Time certainly marches on. So we should do something meaningful with the time we have - wherever we are, and whatever condition we find ourselves in. Presently, I'm grateful to have the full use of my hand back, after a <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2021/01/then-this-happens.html" target="_blank">recent injury</a>. So I can finally return to the companion post about dealing with soil erosion, <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2020/12/feedback-frenzy.html">on the front slope</a>. It's a long overdue project, because it's such a tricky slope.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVVzLrF88gzw-XblZQJjCYTpDoZr6cPV9aqznPz2hQmLmz5BS98roEMFOAA0aVH9v7eLGKsL2ijdnCofQaf5WN0OT3rJ9WXhCgymgyOeMAF52u572GJFP9eFd4zy_S_XGdKEO5I6iMF0/s2048/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVVzLrF88gzw-XblZQJjCYTpDoZr6cPV9aqznPz2hQmLmz5BS98roEMFOAA0aVH9v7eLGKsL2ijdnCofQaf5WN0OT3rJ9WXhCgymgyOeMAF52u572GJFP9eFd4zy_S_XGdKEO5I6iMF0/w640-h480/IMG_0210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">August 26, 2006</span></div><p><br /></p><p>Tricky, because there isn't a lot of room between the various tiers on our front (north facing) slope. This section is the road we contracted the earth-mover to install for us, after they cut the house site, lower down. We liked this particular arrangement, however, it would not stay this way for long. After the initial survey flags were placed for the house slab, the inspector halted the build. Stating there wasn't enough fill between the slab and drop-off, at the back.</p><p>This created an altercation between the earth mover and builders, squabbling over whose responsibility it was to fix. The earth mover, claimed they followed the plans given to them. The builders claimed they were under contract to finish the job. Unfortunately, what this came down to, was a loss for us. Because without our permission, the earth mover, altered our road and made a steeper cut for the fill required.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBJyZh_tlM0aEpiX9y0FcJsNlOInVUM7am3YGDt1SlXvr3qsLJReIVLRme8ocXRapz7rTyTQLEJvlJXtdIr-7Jr7MQsGhx9apfX3AvUt5zaYX2py8gHE-Q051eJW5YjtNYHXTdwTccNI/s2048/IMG_0326b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBJyZh_tlM0aEpiX9y0FcJsNlOInVUM7am3YGDt1SlXvr3qsLJReIVLRme8ocXRapz7rTyTQLEJvlJXtdIr-7Jr7MQsGhx9apfX3AvUt5zaYX2py8gHE-Q051eJW5YjtNYHXTdwTccNI/w640-h480/IMG_0326b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>October 5, 2006</i></div><p><br /></p><p>My husband snapped this candid shot of me, ten days after the previous photo was taken. We arrived on site, to find sheer cuts into the earth, instead of the smooth batters, made previously. I was not impressed, because they effectively cut further into the slope. This was a big lesson for us, in verbal agreements and cash transactions. We didn't have a contract, like the builders did with the earth mover.</p><p>In hindsight, we would have done things much differently. But time doesn't go backwards to fix mistakes. We can only use them to inform the future. So here we are today, with a dilemma of how to prevent erosion in this particular area.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcF_cLHFI8LLv5YN3wlThQBncw-h-5hjQik7i7gQE86JPxO8Hlzj-7UqrjvhKz87vwC-bYw1ye511lqBNfZRRg-0raQadQ5J1QTN4QY8gx2RLktOP2-dwTSPAbTvvgdTmHP5FkCJBkp0/s5152/IMG_7496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcF_cLHFI8LLv5YN3wlThQBncw-h-5hjQik7i7gQE86JPxO8Hlzj-7UqrjvhKz87vwC-bYw1ye511lqBNfZRRg-0raQadQ5J1QTN4QY8gx2RLktOP2-dwTSPAbTvvgdTmHP5FkCJBkp0/w640-h480/IMG_7496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>December 2020 - near the overflowing swale</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Thankfully, nature left some clues for inspiration, in the last downpour. I observed where the water overflowed, at weak points of our swale. This walkway hugs the swale, and the material we placed on it formerly, has compressed over time. Making it a low point for the overflowing swale to breach. </p><p>Remnants of the bark-mulch on that walkway, indicated where the water attempted to escape down hill - creating little steps where it hit barriers. I noted the short distance between the steps, on a relatively steep slope - only on a much smaller scale to our front slope. Was this the answer I was looking for?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVuEZ2fqKcUrBBRyVQc34JSx9CBhs2x3YAXuWdN0qxB6QL9XpeqiUAzESPkrAvrjDMVzCBXHWlPFBsAaOnFTQFhAvqfP2oFxbDyZ7WbQEMZQVUxjn4Rf1B7bHNJm3DL06p-oX_wDwdtc/s4618/IMG_7497b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVuEZ2fqKcUrBBRyVQc34JSx9CBhs2x3YAXuWdN0qxB6QL9XpeqiUAzESPkrAvrjDMVzCBXHWlPFBsAaOnFTQFhAvqfP2oFxbDyZ7WbQEMZQVUxjn4Rf1B7bHNJm3DL06p-oX_wDwdtc/w640-h480/IMG_7497b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Closer view of the steps ~</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>dotted lines, are obstacles</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Difficult to see, due to being buried by mulch, are branches laid across the slope. These were discarded saplings, we've strategically laid to catch debris. By strategically, I mean, dumped. The flow of water moved enough mulch, to show how it captures water and particles on the slope. These horizontal obstacles, defy the force of gravity to create natural compost steps. </p><p>What this means is, halting erosion on a steep slope. At least, in part - as plants would also have to be introduced, to stabilise the obstacles further. I've seen this before on other parts of our property - the south facing slope. <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2018/07/all-downhill.html" target="_blank">Living tree roots</a>, neutralised gravity moving sediment and water down hill.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4ewfbOn5hLYfsXHNe0HeQXxPsf9am8_7I-liSZw3DYH65Ca08tdwTAOdAEWKcfSHSv4GlmRcuQcdeu-IHC5x0_dazzB523AqMaiB6Z57SDUWP_Q9KHHHJBIEu_ZuIbHVMpOn2wqMgBo/s4618/IMG_2590b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4ewfbOn5hLYfsXHNe0HeQXxPsf9am8_7I-liSZw3DYH65Ca08tdwTAOdAEWKcfSHSv4GlmRcuQcdeu-IHC5x0_dazzB523AqMaiB6Z57SDUWP_Q9KHHHJBIEu_ZuIbHVMpOn2wqMgBo/w640-h480/IMG_2590b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>July 2018</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Combining dead, woody material, and new living plants in such a way, should be able to neutralise some of the force of the water, coming down hill. All without the engineering involved with retaining walls. Plus, the aesthetic should be much more appealing when everything grows in fully. So plant selection will be crucial, to handle the long dry periods. </p><p>This strategy potentially brings up the issue of bushfire hazards though. So we'll probably have to scorch, some of the larger timbers. Enlisting the help of the local Rural Fire Brigade, who do practice burn-offs, for such training purposes - will be my first option. That's if we get large enough pieces. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY13WeVESU62cgCZ5RsjTSNrvMSac0QeuWyCAATTGhPyJW1jPOSaHONIgxssHSNF2fKfAf4voJuyViYv5ege245oHINk4vbIN4UuyynBdpUc-unO9XJFukIXsYtlDH3JixFPdmMfg9QI/s5152/IMG_7665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY13WeVESU62cgCZ5RsjTSNrvMSac0QeuWyCAATTGhPyJW1jPOSaHONIgxssHSNF2fKfAf4voJuyViYv5ege245oHINk4vbIN4UuyynBdpUc-unO9XJFukIXsYtlDH3JixFPdmMfg9QI/w640-h480/IMG_7665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Time for a change</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Luckily we have plenty of woody material nearby, that needs to be removed. The power pole is on our property, meaning it's our responsibility to maintain. So it's time for the trees to go, before they get any bigger! This will be a winter project, when we are able to wear long, protective clothing, to use a chainsaw.</p><p>We're favouring climbing bougainvilleas, as our plant of choice. We know it grows in our area, and will make great nesting sites for small birds. Which we like to encourage for pest control. Bougainvilleas will certainly get excellent drainage on the slope, which is something they prefer.</p><p>So that's coming, this winter. Along with a bunch of other projects, lol. Do you have big plans for the seasons ahead, in your area? Or do you have any recommendations, for a die-hard plant on our slope?</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-79435504172916493752021-01-08T13:46:00.000+10:002021-01-08T13:46:06.062+10:00On the mend<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4WcuIFqYgnE1gDGvmqatngASSbY2dY84h2aMMABP_3Of24XWr2DoAjssFNmFAddPfH_gWkxLDiX5ns9wtVnwx-s6MwIZRT9xz_D2D7Jg6mMVoJOYNMFz-Ho6ven8_2wPbtELCv1ltvQ/s5152/IMG_7646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4WcuIFqYgnE1gDGvmqatngASSbY2dY84h2aMMABP_3Of24XWr2DoAjssFNmFAddPfH_gWkxLDiX5ns9wtVnwx-s6MwIZRT9xz_D2D7Jg6mMVoJOYNMFz-Ho6ven8_2wPbtELCv1ltvQ/w640-h480/IMG_7646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>After rain</i></div> <p></p><p>The new swale alteration, before my weird accident <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2021/01/then-this-happens.html" target="_blank">involving it</a>, is doing as I'd hoped. It's been much fuller, with heavier rain recently, but my hand wasn't up to taking photos then. About 6 days is how long it took, to use my hand properly again. It's almost like it was, mobility wise - being able to twist my wrist now. However, I still can't put as much pressure on it, when it comes to gripping, pulling, or even typing on the keyboard. Which is why I haven't replied to all those wonderful comments, you all left.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>I've read each one and really appreciate them. I'm not able to reply though, with my wrist niggling at me, even now. I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude though, and give an update on recovery. It's looking good!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nxT6BvCd_qKw1zNkmiJ7c9uFVw7SW0fHFXXVvjIGBYGFDQAQMrKsnAq-vEix1VcapIAaM1ttW6cDNhxQRFoyCce9uevgQUZSNXbp1INxAolyTsA2E0Q45MZZL934nPiDym6YTtDqaT0/s5152/IMG_7648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nxT6BvCd_qKw1zNkmiJ7c9uFVw7SW0fHFXXVvjIGBYGFDQAQMrKsnAq-vEix1VcapIAaM1ttW6cDNhxQRFoyCce9uevgQUZSNXbp1INxAolyTsA2E0Q45MZZL934nPiDym6YTtDqaT0/w640-h480/IMG_7648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Our Pond ~</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>attached to, and further up the swale</i></div><br /><p>The landscape is looking good too, with a bounty of rain our property hasn't seen, for some four years now. It's like our regular monsoon season has returned. But I have to sit back and not plant things, like I want to. Which is a little disheartening, since I've waited this long for a rainy season to get more long-term plants, established. Life is just like that sometimes. Endurance tests our patience. No use fighting it, when you can't even swing your right hook, lol.</p><p>Anyway, thanks everyone. I hope you're all well, and so are your gardens.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-84207372528725796162021-01-03T13:06:00.000+10:002021-01-03T13:06:47.013+10:00Then this happens...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kGmiAlfploX2AyW1ITtw6KNPwiiVrZEm88zvCbuCbabkl9_Nxqs31pMs0kHILkdGoviLgQsmfcnDFyqMMoBtODlqEr3Zgh_Guvh94TFOblX3nXQWJ_MBVrVgi5cM4PLQxmd0dTZBtPk/s5152/IMG_7645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kGmiAlfploX2AyW1ITtw6KNPwiiVrZEm88zvCbuCbabkl9_Nxqs31pMs0kHILkdGoviLgQsmfcnDFyqMMoBtODlqEr3Zgh_Guvh94TFOblX3nXQWJ_MBVrVgi5cM4PLQxmd0dTZBtPk/w640-h480/IMG_7645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oops</i></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I tried taking a picture of my injured hand, one handed. My chest played a crucial role, stabilising the camera, because David is currently at work. Thankfully he wasn't yesterday morning, when the weirdest accident happened. I was surveying the swale I was <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2021/01/another-gardening-year.html" target="_blank">working on recently,</a> to plan my next step. Turning towards the ramp, to get some tools near the house, a huge hornet comes flying at me. I try dodging it, but everywhere I moved, it re-positioned to go for my face. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>So I back-up, very quickly to the swale - not anticipating the small berm, recently constructed. Heel made contact, I fall backwards and land on my wrist. Thankfully, the hornet disappeared into the ether, only to realise my forearm and wrist were now stinging. Getting up, I couldn't place any pressure on that forearm. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn9Fox4iomV_FuuhjYEBr8b6ngGROg-qKHdO9764VmQRf4KATtgJmAlpdybkAO-q62_Ia1I6XE4DPgJDIz5kXiO0wuDtn359WdC75UwaA8rdUJ44-JSKRaWFWeMfDNw-7TcxLMCuvY6E/s2048/LoganPT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1223" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn9Fox4iomV_FuuhjYEBr8b6ngGROg-qKHdO9764VmQRf4KATtgJmAlpdybkAO-q62_Ia1I6XE4DPgJDIz5kXiO0wuDtn359WdC75UwaA8rdUJ44-JSKRaWFWeMfDNw-7TcxLMCuvY6E/w382-h640/LoganPT.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My hero, in cosplay</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Clearly the Adrenalin was working, because after making my way down to the house, I told David what happened, claiming it was just a little sore. His First-Aid training kicked in, and got me a cold compression from the freezer. An hour later, he wrapped my hand in a bandage to further reduce the swelling. He helped all day yesterday, as best he could, because I suddenly became one-handed. </p><p>If he hadn't acted so quickly though, I estimate the swelling would have sent me to the hospital. It definitely wasn't broken, as that kind of pain can't be ignored. The next question: was it sprained? While incredibly painful, I still had movement of my fingers and wrist. Albeit, extremely limited movement from all the swelling. We're watching to make sure it gradually improves, which it seems to be doing. If it gets worse or discolouration appears on the skin, I'll go see the local GP. </p><p>So yeah, I wasn't expecting that to happen yesterday. I can live with snakes and poisonous spiders, it seems. Hornets, I sincerely loath. Looks like I'll be out of action, for at least a week. So take care in the garden, you guys. Nature can turn around and surprise you!</p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-89565056527325867342021-01-01T22:04:00.001+10:002021-01-02T08:34:07.272+10:00Another gardening year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgFYxZzZf2FsTImFIzPu7vAc8UivxkAPH3SQLeKtokZsDXcLNycGZuVplyD32_7UicW0_nS_Fi8u4ReUpwgNsTDFoU5t1uoEPJ6y19XkJQYOsu5smVVNAFq9ZgBSO6zxuJQ1Uyskl_N8/s5152/IMG_7620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgFYxZzZf2FsTImFIzPu7vAc8UivxkAPH3SQLeKtokZsDXcLNycGZuVplyD32_7UicW0_nS_Fi8u4ReUpwgNsTDFoU5t1uoEPJ6y19XkJQYOsu5smVVNAFq9ZgBSO6zxuJQ1Uyskl_N8/w640-h480/IMG_7620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It's all happening</i></div> <p></p><p>Well hello there 2021. Didn't you come out of nowhere. I made no new-year's resolutions, because I was just happy to have a blank slate! Let me be deluded a little longer. Of no pressing responsibilities. School holidays are in full swing, and the weather has been gloriously perfect. Instead of baking in the summer heat, I've been pottering outside, in what feels like autumn weather. One thing I do know about this year is, I will be gardening. In fact, I couldn't imagine a more perfect way to spend the first day of the year, than in the garden.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>The accidental pumpkin patch (above) spawned from sheet mulching with compost, has taken over. The only thing stopping it seems to be the concrete verandah. Although we had to persuade it a little, with some pruning. After all, we need room to walk as well. The native bees are swarming the two Emu-bushes in the background, and copious blossoms are falling to the ground.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MLkWOta7_sVtE4hW9Wuvx5uEp21jv3WH_onIc6SwIVUu6frvjKgmUMuir-oAzzhbpVvhKLZKWEJcYXp6Y8VJPDsGC3YmPOsa3EWdNAg06BlKxf0ulZPreZ6JyCMIwdM9QQH9KoriyDA/s5152/IMG_7618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MLkWOta7_sVtE4hW9Wuvx5uEp21jv3WH_onIc6SwIVUu6frvjKgmUMuir-oAzzhbpVvhKLZKWEJcYXp6Y8VJPDsGC3YmPOsa3EWdNAg06BlKxf0ulZPreZ6JyCMIwdM9QQH9KoriyDA/w640-h480/IMG_7618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>On the vine</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Checking the pumpkin vines, there are plenty of fruit. Initially, I thought there wouldn't be many pumpkins, because they were prematurely aborting. It was too hot prior to Christmas, before the weather turned for the better. So the bees weren't out pollinating. I hand pollinated a few that took, but others started to grow - then unexpectedly turned yellow and died. So thought our accidental pumpkin patch, was just going to serve as ground cover.</p><p>With the cooler temps and overcast days though, the copious vines that volunteered, are now covered in so many pumpkins.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjMhsxhGqCnCpDPS26gQfNK7DWKRsmWDK6eki7QAUsMHGbxxeVUqUiC-qc1RUIekKBX5hiOLY-Sj5UATpwv8dEfTuz0TlrUZ3mH1sPOwC1uywztdAoVZ8V6sacCYdJoyM8dlLuKyjnAo/s5152/IMG_7626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjMhsxhGqCnCpDPS26gQfNK7DWKRsmWDK6eki7QAUsMHGbxxeVUqUiC-qc1RUIekKBX5hiOLY-Sj5UATpwv8dEfTuz0TlrUZ3mH1sPOwC1uywztdAoVZ8V6sacCYdJoyM8dlLuKyjnAo/w640-h480/IMG_7626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Curing</i></div><p><br /></p><p>This is a Kent variety, also knows as a JAP pumpkin. When I saw one of the pumpkins had been munched on by a critter, I picked the largest ones I could see. Four have already cured, and two were picked recently (the greenest ones). I leave them in the sun, upside-down, for their skins to harden. I had them on an outside table, to keep them elevated from hungry critters. But I needed that table for something else, so put them in a plastic tote with holes in it - raised on a milk crate.</p><p>Gotta love those make-do solutions. I haven't successfully grown pumpkins for years, so I'm very protective of these. Although, honestly, the fruit still on the vines, and still being pollinated, I think I'm going to need the neighbours help to get through them all.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DuECQoe3End0xO0VLBr_dBwdsygLndKAk2A0qvOdv0HDKS2HClo59qwdf3CwGJNTnRRZodrtulzQsRsP6y6ZH08aaGqNcVJhs_didkdMxPeooOlQr6es088xiLMDQBz4UDWt1Im1dWw/s5152/IMG_7617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DuECQoe3End0xO0VLBr_dBwdsygLndKAk2A0qvOdv0HDKS2HClo59qwdf3CwGJNTnRRZodrtulzQsRsP6y6ZH08aaGqNcVJhs_didkdMxPeooOlQr6es088xiLMDQBz4UDWt1Im1dWw/w640-h480/IMG_7617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Plant babies</i></div><p><br /></p><p>So this is what I needed the table for - various plant propagations. Some of these were purchased new, some gifted as cuttings, and others were either cuttings taken from my existing plants, or made from compost - like pineapple tops. This is how I afford all the plant material I need. Through Propagation. The elevated table allows me to provide sunshine for a few hours, before placing them under the verandah again. </p><p>I don't have the perfect space for my plants to grow, so I have to alternate them between sun exposure and verandah time. Most mornings, I do this little dance - carrying out my plants, only to bring them back in again. But it's one of those make-do things, that has to happen too. You work with what you have.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BjacTFz_eb_V4AblAl3iFKix0B-UaYUsiMM4xa1IAaI2Rppzt6HND8XLVrdMYU7jGBo8m0tfeuEylvf_8gScakxOAd_-cEv9qa_nR5JjR38gkXHbMaAl90hUCO7xW-F9Mp1iWxxrAQM/s5152/IMG_7637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BjacTFz_eb_V4AblAl3iFKix0B-UaYUsiMM4xa1IAaI2Rppzt6HND8XLVrdMYU7jGBo8m0tfeuEylvf_8gScakxOAd_-cEv9qa_nR5JjR38gkXHbMaAl90hUCO7xW-F9Mp1iWxxrAQM/w640-h480/IMG_7637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Grass jungle</i></div><p><br /></p><p>What doesn't need help growing right now, is the grass! Turn your back, and it's upon you. Though I don't mind, because it's all free mulch. Something I need lots of right now, as I engage some larger projects of disturbance. Setting my hands to those projects today, I stopped for a moment and looked up at the grass on the slope, above me. Naturally, I started calculating all the places I could use it, as chop and drop material. I don't always have this kind of abundance, so when I do, I exploit it.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmW3TM_40wA5VVSm2-b88SSDvVLI1S9bNZxEziZYnd76V6F2WQ20bLMgw9179D7fRr2RcNR5vaVrup9kJiB59uodTty5M90CEEoycvmMWaLH8FkQGtJ5lFUEBhlrGwpgLFqZh195qo98/s5152/IMG_7638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmW3TM_40wA5VVSm2-b88SSDvVLI1S9bNZxEziZYnd76V6F2WQ20bLMgw9179D7fRr2RcNR5vaVrup9kJiB59uodTty5M90CEEoycvmMWaLH8FkQGtJ5lFUEBhlrGwpgLFqZh195qo98/w480-h640/IMG_7638.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Re-shooting</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Another thing that caught my eye in the area I was working, was the Leucana Tree I recently pruned. It never ceases to amaze me, how quickly it re-shoots from a hard prune. I needed the former branches for some projects, and in under a week, it set to business, growing more. I hope to be able to get at least one more harvest from this tree, before winter. </p><p>As David's brush-cutter, whirred in the background, I knew there was my own work to return to, if I wanted to get it finished. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2sl5MqUMmt45C_LSYemcjQ_dGyEk25HuH9hLt4zHmEzTj4ajM0wP_dQgdN88PFW9c0FqUc_j_ZKtWxlZMOdTIf8K2L0_dGOuxenaAhs_gmZY2PBlCFyvmoKFNcAIpRe0DA-z3PP8HhU/s5152/IMG_7634.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2sl5MqUMmt45C_LSYemcjQ_dGyEk25HuH9hLt4zHmEzTj4ajM0wP_dQgdN88PFW9c0FqUc_j_ZKtWxlZMOdTIf8K2L0_dGOuxenaAhs_gmZY2PBlCFyvmoKFNcAIpRe0DA-z3PP8HhU/w640-h480/IMG_7634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Moving dirt</i></div><p><br /></p><p>If the pattern holds true for the wet season, there's normally a big downpour in the first week of January. Knowing we had some minor erosion from the last downpour, I wanted to improve some of the upper swales. The best time to work this clay is a few days after serious rain. It was like carving through butter. So I spent the afternoon shifting dirt. Some might consider it an arduous task, but it's something I always enjoy. </p><p>After recovering from Christmas, we were straight back into the yard work, trying to use what the temporary abundance provides. Which is why I've been so preoccupied lately. Just throwing ourselves into what we can, without killing ourselves!</p><p>So did you get to spend your new year, doing something you enjoy - just as we did? I will return to the second part of my recent post, soon. I just wanted to pop-in quickly, for the new year, first. Thanks to those who commented on my last post. I'm a little late in replying, which I apologise for. Because I like to reply in a more timely manner. Anyway, hope you're all safe, are well, and this year is filled with abundance for you too. </p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-54763982196399269522020-12-20T18:01:00.000+10:002020-12-20T18:01:01.092+10:00Feedback Frenzy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNPmQqSl15_hYdkHRprI_Ph_SklFHU7nZ6Id2IbeOUEnls2CtDD9wdOC1LVb_dN-EFGlwq84o3srr08mD7nsYAIRIxqYaXEolXNBvbB8TytrujyARyHslA6aFQyI6NxVfUazwQC8t8zw/s5152/IMG_7441.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNPmQqSl15_hYdkHRprI_Ph_SklFHU7nZ6Id2IbeOUEnls2CtDD9wdOC1LVb_dN-EFGlwq84o3srr08mD7nsYAIRIxqYaXEolXNBvbB8TytrujyARyHslA6aFQyI6NxVfUazwQC8t8zw/w640-h480/IMG_7441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stay on the designated walkway</i></div> <p></p><p>As I've been mulling over what to share about the garden, on Friday night, we received a downpour. Perhaps the biggest rainfall we've seen since January 2011, when the infamous Queensland floods destroyed the Lockyer Valley. That's nine years of increasingly, smaller amounts of rainfall, and my garden had to cope all that time. Much to my surprise, there are successes when plants survive. However, the soil takes a beating when fast water is on the move again. Especially after drought conditions. This latest event has revealed problems I still need to address. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Until this recent downpour, I couldn't tell if improvements I made since 2011, has made a difference. The above photo shows a deepening sinkhole. This is where the swale around the house, drops it's water down the slope. We have a plank of wood for crossing, and a large rock to hold back silt. The job is being done successfully behind it (catching silt) but as the fast moving water goes over it, soil gets chewed out.</p><p>Thankfully, I have <a href="http://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-new-swale.html" target="_blank">another swale</a> just bellow this drop-off point, to slow the water again and catch silt. But it's feedback I need to pay attention to. So I've decided this area is a candidate for a <a href="https://www.milkwood.net/2011/11/04/making-a-zuni-bowl-let-the-water-do-the-work/" target="_blank">Zuni blow</a>. Or a specially designed, rock pool, which allows water levels to drop without causing further erosion.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://youtube.com/embed/9jGbAEtdyQM" width="640"></iframe></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Mine won't be as large as the one in the video, but it shares the principles behind proper construction of a Zuni bowl, and why you might need one. I especially liked the idea, it becomes a moisture magnet in the landscape - growing vegetation on the edges. It's a design feature, arid landscapes like mine, need, when struggling to grow vegetation on a slope. </p><p>Formerly, I explored the idea of a pond in that location. However, evaporation would be the major issue, in the dry years. That location is limited in space and close to the house, so I cannot grow large shading shrubs to prevent evaporation. Plus I've always had problems growing plants in that particular area. So a Zuni bowl, is probably the best solution here. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kph7CC4wuauT8d7fTXX5ihKTryhsJlP2Xl9JhwSxIRXpKtCk9scihIJGopOlKiQmIf1mEIZYVM8BaPIoo1Gz1BCt_o-bGDJo2yWKfpyFLyOG0OaILM-csE2mx3q1fD2toCcEfGrbBbk/s2048/IMG_7432b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kph7CC4wuauT8d7fTXX5ihKTryhsJlP2Xl9JhwSxIRXpKtCk9scihIJGopOlKiQmIf1mEIZYVM8BaPIoo1Gz1BCt_o-bGDJo2yWKfpyFLyOG0OaILM-csE2mx3q1fD2toCcEfGrbBbk/w480-h640/IMG_7432b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Feedback in the system</i></div><p><br /></p><p>We're now going higher up the slope, in front of the house. This is where water uses our access paths to migrate downhill. We do have swales at the top, to prevent too much water travelling down. This recent event however, caused the swales to spill over slightly. There's a reason it happened, and I'll explain soon. But you can see where the fast moving water, beat down a track - exposing the red clay.</p><p>Years ago we mulched this footpath with chunky bark, and it looks like it needs another dressing. It was a brilliant area for feedback though. As just a few days prior to the downpour, I saw an ant spout being being built, between the top, two lines. They formed a dirt spout around their nest, which scaled about 2 inches high. I had a sudden urge the day prior, to start chopping and dropping, what mulch I could. Seeing that spout, just confirmed the ants sensed (like me) a LOT of rain was coming.</p><p>Mulching this walkway again will help break up the water, as it migrates downhill. Where we can make the most difference though, is probably higher up the slope.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhu3wLU49NoRPsigJVM3hpF53fyPfI2dp0yfUR_A3IBIsU-D20gp0ZXEMV87AG6asZ_nJWA-tLo_IJ5xHHP6G9vn2rQh1janA0jsvDtAKHB7ObkDlYpjkEKID1kyaW6jIozhCh5ZbnrM/s2048/topWalkway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhu3wLU49NoRPsigJVM3hpF53fyPfI2dp0yfUR_A3IBIsU-D20gp0ZXEMV87AG6asZ_nJWA-tLo_IJ5xHHP6G9vn2rQh1janA0jsvDtAKHB7ObkDlYpjkEKID1kyaW6jIozhCh5ZbnrM/w640-h480/topWalkway.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>JULY ~ 2012</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eighteen months, after the 2011 floods</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Before I show where we get fast water, entering from the street, I want to share what we did improve at the top of the walkway, roughly eight years ago. The walkway slopes down towards the house. Our berm is on flat ground, just before it drops off down the slope. We mulched it with bark and grew cana lilies into it for stability. In theory, water can get a foot high, before spilling over, into the garden. </p><p>The susceptible point, is where the two colours of my lines, meet. It's where the walkway starts to drop off. Water will spill over that, before it reaches a foot in height. So the berm is doing it's job for the most part, protecting the garden. But I need to address that susceptible point, at the top of the walkway. I can do that by tweaking the contour on this slope more. </p><p>It will also help to top-dress the berm with woody material again, It's been a while. We actually stopped doing it, when the brush turkeys would rake it away religiously, to build their nesting mound. We'll just have to bight the bullet though and put some more down. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYYI_Q_VS6d1HTh8WyHW498qxEMn1JK2CvKNqsp3ZG76GfYhOY7PMNkdmHArgCQOCWRPuv_Eb41NQCRvR8RNbZ-qJSLbcCSiDXn6xGzd7GN16sfy12ME69-_2H1IsA2yfZ2tnyWj2a2o/s2048/IMG_7435b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYYI_Q_VS6d1HTh8WyHW498qxEMn1JK2CvKNqsp3ZG76GfYhOY7PMNkdmHArgCQOCWRPuv_Eb41NQCRvR8RNbZ-qJSLbcCSiDXn6xGzd7GN16sfy12ME69-_2H1IsA2yfZ2tnyWj2a2o/w640-h480/IMG_7435b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Street level, at the very top of the slope</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>This is where all the problems are originating. Our neighbours driveway is on the other side of the street, and runs down their hill. So gets plenty of momentum from water rushing down their slope. The problem is the silt, the water carries. It's deposited in The Council spoon drains, filling them up. So instead of the water being carried away in the Council spoon drains, which are now blocked with silt, water shoots across the road, over to our side. Where we get a torrent of water down the slope.</p><p>This doesn't happen all the time, just when there's particularly heavy rainfall. As the water rushes down our front slope though, it takes silt with it too. I'd love to do a series of swales down this particular slope, however it's too steep. So the swale at the very bottom of this slope (near the berm and walkway) is where the silt gets deposited.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLtjCBFV7daE7GgkbRZD1lR4shLnmnmDiqH07FP1-PBaqYhsd9skY0HAKNi0115j5TtKh672FQeLdGSXZjQ7F0Wt__4-JclyATKfdpMmWA1jkV-StEor-sh_JlktL8nofuTpi03s6OdA/s2048/IMG_7433b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLtjCBFV7daE7GgkbRZD1lR4shLnmnmDiqH07FP1-PBaqYhsd9skY0HAKNi0115j5TtKh672FQeLdGSXZjQ7F0Wt__4-JclyATKfdpMmWA1jkV-StEor-sh_JlktL8nofuTpi03s6OdA/w480-h640/IMG_7433b.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Water mitigation works</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>This is the main swale that disperses water down the walkway, if the neighbours driveway floods. The swale is designed to hold a lot of water, before dispersing it gently, at both ends. This is not the swale, on the same level as the house. It's above it, on a slope, to hold back as much water and silt as possible. What I need to address in this area, is dispersing the two main channels of water, coming down the slope. On the actual slope. With no room to do much.</p><p>By dispersing the water higher up the slope, it will prevent silt from blocking this main swale. It will also prevent erosion of the slope, itself.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAioRe-M4qRYMzYqWkiAxx2GoHRyouZYelYVAlBmZuiQJOpSHAJm3BADTNJxrz4_XmP2qsoMhiC6PM5nvThRvK8W2GxDccqlXlTBG994arHsQWkwJJvcMEVTkwBoWL8ueqSPz7x5EgW4/s5152/IMG_7482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAioRe-M4qRYMzYqWkiAxx2GoHRyouZYelYVAlBmZuiQJOpSHAJm3BADTNJxrz4_XmP2qsoMhiC6PM5nvThRvK8W2GxDccqlXlTBG994arHsQWkwJJvcMEVTkwBoWL8ueqSPz7x5EgW4/w640-h480/IMG_7482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Erosion</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>This is small chunk out of the slope, just before the silt deposits. The hard part about only being able to observe this fast water event, some nine years after the flood, is that in between, we experienced a prolonged drought. So there was absolutely no way, I could establish plants to hold this back. Not without additional water, which is challenging to find in a drought.</p><p>Okay, that's not entirely true. There is a way I can work this slope better - and hopefully to establish some plants also. It won't depend on reliable rainfall either. But I'm going to have to share that strategy in another post. Not sure if it will be before, or after Christmas. I'm in a feedback frenzy, workathon, in the garden at the moment. Doing my best to implement better strategies, before the next storm. Still with Christmas presents waiting to be finished and wrapped too. </p><p>Basically though, it's a strategy I've tested successfully in other parts of the garden. Only, on a smaller scale. I look forward to sharing that with you, when I can. I hope your garden is receiving the rain it needs, or snow, if that's part of your water cycle too. It all counts towards more hydrated land, and happier plants. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-63503972897655734102020-12-17T20:17:00.002+10:002020-12-17T20:21:48.423+10:00Ambiguity is the hardest word<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXsRkVcPPYkC3AKaEmW8b3dRcKEZRGxy9nh-l_NxJxt5KYFheQrztleB2ORXKiYth8wVLgs1h8jA_mvUCsBG82dujRZIi9TG2jwZj0JlPJrCSH-0N2l27bZHO00SKezf5IYg_SJGnBpM/s5152/IMG_7354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXsRkVcPPYkC3AKaEmW8b3dRcKEZRGxy9nh-l_NxJxt5KYFheQrztleB2ORXKiYth8wVLgs1h8jA_mvUCsBG82dujRZIi9TG2jwZj0JlPJrCSH-0N2l27bZHO00SKezf5IYg_SJGnBpM/w640-h480/IMG_7354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i>The garden, today<br /></i> </span></div><p></p><p>Hello blogging friends! I thought I would return to this space much sooner than now, but the last six months have seen some exceptional times. Not just because of the various shutdowns, as the world decides how to deal with a pandemic, - but other things have emerged in our lives, which required some decision making of our own. I'm still in the throws of that process, but will do my best to explain.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>My favourite philosopher, Socrates, said two things which are applicable to these times. <i>"The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing"</i>, and, <i>"Know thyself."</i> It sounds like a contradiction at first, but ultimately means wisdom is the pursuit of knowledge, but you have to start with yourself.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNGZyH0R-U8AMCngGUu6i5GmK__qqIrgquCHchrkdbeOZCnY1eDSiC-KbDtGYG_TgWYjifSU0tcpTFanV2gw5aAt-CXsAp1c7MsNqMRdoutQnqIAWiU8z3mYfhemOmeKWwYpB04S-8kQ/s5152/IMG_7405.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNGZyH0R-U8AMCngGUu6i5GmK__qqIrgquCHchrkdbeOZCnY1eDSiC-KbDtGYG_TgWYjifSU0tcpTFanV2gw5aAt-CXsAp1c7MsNqMRdoutQnqIAWiU8z3mYfhemOmeKWwYpB04S-8kQ/w640-h480/IMG_7405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>New acquisitions</i></div></i> <p></p><p>What I saw coming down the pipeline, this year, was our daughter graduating high school. Which meant organising graduation dinners, formal clothes shopping, job interviews, break-up parties, and finally a new car. Decent price. Good condition. Now we're in the process of driving lessons for a manual license.</p><p>As the money poured out of the bank account, I kept wondering how this was even possible? Actually, that's not entirely true. The savings we put aside, made it possible. But there was a point I began to wonder, will this spending trend, ever end? Will I have to dip into the home loan? Will I have to seek employment, and have both of us scrounging for time to maintain the property? These are not insurmountable challenges, but it was a worrying time nonetheless. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvecKtc6VxJSz-JCfZquBTYcI6pfz_WIi6AofeUdu9JlrcKnhqjXZGVgnWrsa5b1d4SDpnBi7mO2PlfLb6_rcQuRhkXQxSr6Ss2DaOjz_6QonU1jNz28-P0SzWnQDunfWaGVAGlHNJNZo/s1324/DavidsParents2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1222" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvecKtc6VxJSz-JCfZquBTYcI6pfz_WIi6AofeUdu9JlrcKnhqjXZGVgnWrsa5b1d4SDpnBi7mO2PlfLb6_rcQuRhkXQxSr6Ss2DaOjz_6QonU1jNz28-P0SzWnQDunfWaGVAGlHNJNZo/w592-h640/DavidsParents2.png" width="592" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>David's parents ~</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>they met at a dance, and married shortly after</i></div><p><br /></p><p>Then something devastating happened. David lost his mother, at the end of October. His only remaining parent. We saw it coming down the pipeline, this year too. So made special trips to Brisbane, to visit when we could. David's older siblings, made sure she didn't have to go into a nursing home, by taking her into their respective homes. The blessing is that she died, peacefully at home, with family. Just the way she wanted to. And the lock-downs lifted in Queensland, so her family could all gather for her funeral.</p><p>David now has to travel to Brisbane every fortnight, to help clear-out a lifetime of their family memories, in his mother's house. They do what needs to be done, but it's dismantling something very meaningful to them. It's the house they lived in the longest, and experienced many firsts. David came to live there, when he was only 4 years old. The same age, our daughter moved into our house, at Gully Grove. </p><p>It's hard to believe, this Easter, we'll have lived here, 14 years already. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijf8m-NEP5FumwO0ImsQ1HpbI3cn4ewP_-gOuhB2s3S83uWiePWsduOHyYHJJDBx6Y2aoMK4yTkSRjwt3vfhjZGCKJ5wQqC15ys_YM_Jp5pFkMB2m9Ve4tn2WodXJ-vuFSRnw0FCY2xU/s4618/IMG_7393.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijf8m-NEP5FumwO0ImsQ1HpbI3cn4ewP_-gOuhB2s3S83uWiePWsduOHyYHJJDBx6Y2aoMK4yTkSRjwt3vfhjZGCKJ5wQqC15ys_YM_Jp5pFkMB2m9Ve4tn2WodXJ-vuFSRnw0FCY2xU/w640-h480/IMG_7393.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>More storm clouds on the horizon ~ </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the garden loves it</i></div><p><br /></p><p>So as we prepare to sell his mother's home, before next October, with regular trips to Brisbane - we'll be running the gauntlet in other aspects of our lives too. Like our daughter's 18th, is in the first-half of next year. Then there's the meaningful business of seeing she launches successfully, in whatever capacity she can earn money. Finally, there is one more piece of the complicated puzzle, I've debated whether to share with you. It's relevant though. </p><p>David wants to work with some of his siblings, to buy shares from the remaining ones - to keep the family home in the family. We're talking enormous amounts of money, for a gabled house on a quarter acre block, in Brisbane - which also needs necessary renovations. We'd have to take on a substantial debt burden, which means selling Gully Grove, and all that entails.</p><p>I'm not suggesting that's going to happen. I'd much rather accept the gift of his hard-working parents, to liberate ourselves from our own mortgage. Rather than take on a debt to acquire, part of what they already paid off. But it's on the cards for discussion, as I know it's meaningful to David to investigate at least.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbg0AkLFbvs94F-R-F2Xe7uNoAG6_-x-dnJ0fBkgeaX9EfYgCf4Tfkm4-NcnQC1Jdzvvjcmfos_k1zadu_NO_c0uLgI5jGc7acE-eJdOJ05xHZjFw26F-vaQxw_sqgNdNZl9DdyAbS4E/s4618/IMG_7402.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbg0AkLFbvs94F-R-F2Xe7uNoAG6_-x-dnJ0fBkgeaX9EfYgCf4Tfkm4-NcnQC1Jdzvvjcmfos_k1zadu_NO_c0uLgI5jGc7acE-eJdOJ05xHZjFw26F-vaQxw_sqgNdNZl9DdyAbS4E/w480-h640/IMG_7402.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My favourite Frangipani ~</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> propagations, now </i><i>in bloom</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>As lock-down comes to an end in our country, and people start planning for more certainty - ours will be somewhat unknown, until next October. Meanwhile I'm still in the garden, taking what certainty I can from propagating. Somehow watching plants grow, and knowing their success (and sometimes failures) fills in the blanks, of what might be coming down the pipeline next. As long as I continue engaging in what I have, that's the best I can contribute - and it's a blessing. </p><p>When I set time aside, I look forward to sharing about the ever-evolving garden, here. As there is always more to tell! I needed to start with this post though, to better, "know thyself". I didn't want to become cryptic with you guys, running everything I say through a filter of ambiguity. My life is ambiguous enough at present. That's just the plain and simple truth. But it doesn't mean the journey has stopped, altogether. I'm just growing in the unpredictable elements, like my plants.</p><p>I hope the weather has been kind to your garden, and no matter what you're facing at present, you continue to grow as well. Please have a safe and happy, holiday season, with whomever you're fortunate to spend it with. Many blessings, from our family, to yours.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-4208055320033113942020-06-18T14:38:00.001+10:002020-06-18T14:42:04.236+10:00The potter planner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Making words with lego</i><br />
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Hello again, friends. Where have I been for the past two months? Like most parents during lock-down, our kids started learning from home with study packs. Getting creative with lego and playdough, made it a little more interesting - but all things come to an end. They returned to school, a few weeks ago. I'd like to say, that's when I caught-up with my property projects. They've been heckling from the sidelines, to come finish them. But I needed some unstructured time to myself, first.<br />
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I still pottered around outside - in the kitchen-garden, mostly. Noting how slowly, seedlings were growing. Completely normal for winter, but in an attempt to avoid heat and pests (still clinging to the warmth) I planted later too. Summer seemed to be hanging onto Autumn, and Autumn hasn't quite relinquished to winter, fully yet. We've been having 25 C days, (77 F) with overnight temps, close to 10 C (50 F). So no substantial frosts yet. At least the pest load, has eased.<br />
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<i>11 April 2020</i><br />
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Back in April, I was surprised to find my first Cucamelon, or Mouse Melon. It seemed to take forever, but was only planted <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2020/02/kitchen-garden-expands.html"> 2 months earlier.</a> After plucking the fruit, I found more tiny flowers emerging. They're so cute and surprisingly hardy. The skin of the ripe fruit, was a little tough to bight into, and was mostly seeds as there isn't much flesh. But it still tasted nice, with that fresh cucumber crunch.<br />
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The skin on future fruit, was less tough - which I attribute to less evaporation, helping the soil hold onto moisture longer. I haven't quite gotten a flood of fruit yet. Not enough to pickle! Nonetheless, I was happy to graduate to a handful, recently. My son has eaten them too, and likes them!<br />
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<i>7 June 2020</i><br />
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I'll save seeds from this lot, in case my current plants don't make it through winter. I shouldn't have a problem, you just never know what the weather will bring. I'm content so far, with this miniature cucumber's performance in containers. It seems to grow a lot of fruit, for the small space it occupies.<br />
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The leaves haven't succumb to powdery mildew either, which is a problem I normally have with cucumbers, in our climate. So it appears to be an all-round, good performer for the kitchen garden. We'll see if it survives winter though, as we haven't experienced a frost yet. We don't normally, but it can happen. I'd rather plan for a back-up (ie: seeds) than just hope for the best. As nature can be unpredictable, like that.<br />
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<i>Oh Brother, where art thou?</i></div>
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I dismantled my trusty Brother sewing machine, because the stitch selection knob, wasn't turning. I've had this beauty for some 20+ years, and even made my first quilt with it, <a href="https://gullygrove.blogspot.com/2017/04/plugging-away.html">back in 2017</a>. I eventually located the problem with a plastic part. Even found the part number online. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a supplier for the part. Not even overseas.<br />
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Reluctant to throw it away, I have it stored in a box, hoping I can somehow find the very simple part, required. I still have a few calls to make, so fingers crossed. As a surprise, my family purchased a new machine for Mother's day! A simple one, that does the basics. I've never really had a need for fancy stitches, so I'm perfectly happy with it.<br />
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<i>I think it's a torte?</i></div>
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As it is with every year, May is the birthday month for both our kids. A decade between them, but still a lot of cake to get through! Mum and dad, really try to help out of course. Our daughter chose a yummy torte from The Cheesecake Shop.<br />
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Considering it was still lock-down, we couldn't invite guests to a party. We considered ourselves lucky to even get the cake. As she seems to really love the tradition of selecting one, every birthday. We clean and reuse the plastic decoration, when it's required.<br />
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<i>Homemade</i></div>
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A few weeks later, it was our son's turn. He requested Oreo's, so I bought a packet of mini ones. I also cleaned his Minecraft play-set, to use as decoration. This was enjoyed very much - as was, the first cake. Although by the end of May, we were completely over, eating cake! Even with four people, a slice a day, can take several days to get through. We had TWO cakes to eat, in May.<br />
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I will have to consult with the Stork, whose idea it was, to bring them both in May - it's doing nothing for my waistline, lol.<br />
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<i>Flowering Vinca, in the Kitchen garden</i></div>
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Basically, my pottering has involved quite a lot of work though. What I mean by unstructured time to myself is, I don't plan anything. After the cake-a-thon, learning from home and eventually returning to school again, I avoid lists. We need time away from them too. Given I'm so driven though, I inevitably find myself doing work.<br />
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I've been chipping away at those property projects - planting more in the kitchen garden, building retaining walls, propagating cuttings, managing my indoors plants and even getting more of the chicken coop renovation, done. Yes life goes on, even if the world seems like a confusing place at times. But it helps to avoid a list of expectations, on occasion too.<br />
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Do you find there are times you just cannot hold yourself to a list, and float through the tasks, by osmosis? I'm looking forward to reading all my favourite blogs in my list again. Catching up with your thoughts and goings on, always makes me smile. I'm sure I've missed a lot! To the food growers, plant enthusiasts, critter carers, land managers and community luminaries, we've got a lot of work to accomplish for the rest of the year. By osmosis, or by list, we'll get through it.<br />
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<br />Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-65747027731186237982020-04-16T13:56:00.001+10:002020-04-16T14:17:14.268+10:00Sweden's controversial COVID-19 approach <div style="text-align: center;">
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Someone is finally saying, what I have been thinking all along. Trust Sweden to make rational decisions. Not the political hot-potato, countries try to juggle, so no-one gets burned. We have to face the reality that deaths WILL come of this pandemic, but what is the long-term cost of trying to hold off facing the toll? Dr Bjorn Lomborg, Danish Political Scientist, is starting the discussion, no-one wants to hear - but inevitably, society will have to face. <br />
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A little disclaimer here: I have no desire to see people die. I simply appreciate the kind of thinking, which analyses a systemic approach - and its ramifications Not the fantasy of what we would like to happen by amputating limbs, in a body we don't know where the gangrene is spreading, or likely to spread. There is a cost to every amputation, society is going to have to face.<br />
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<br />Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284944855633609232.post-58935062919424819212020-04-15T14:12:00.001+10:002020-04-15T14:12:40.069+10:00Patterns in nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Aloe vera, currently in flower</i></div>
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While contemplating my recent series on developing healthy immunity, the pandemic was not far from my mind. Just as I had to learn what diabetes was, and why it effected me, I would cast the same discernment over the current strain of coronavirus. It's the only way to understand what exactly, we're dealing with. What I have learned, isn't really discussed in the mainstream.<br />
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Instead what dominates the digital waves, are measures for avoiding death. Which is really just the final symptom, of a system in failure. What is causing that failure though?<br />
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The key is in the name. Patients are diagnosed with COVID-19. But the strain of the virus which causes the disease (and what they actually test for) is referred to as SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organisation has taken deliberate measures, not to use the official strain of the virus, in media releases. To avoid unnecessary fear in Asia. Where in 2003, many people died of the then novel coronavirus, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sars/">SARS</a>. Or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR93rA1VsVczYgrZ3VJldvTZf3C6s_TJr_UJwDE53Nwt6BOEd0hCQp73xq3SL6EtBocgAxi45sfA8x42yD-oguhyphenhyphenlMDUsZLWjiv4uwt-Tyu7zp87A0H2PAOiIyW2T9q5G6cgjdkiLOSQ/s1600/IMG_6506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR93rA1VsVczYgrZ3VJldvTZf3C6s_TJr_UJwDE53Nwt6BOEd0hCQp73xq3SL6EtBocgAxi45sfA8x42yD-oguhyphenhyphenlMDUsZLWjiv4uwt-Tyu7zp87A0H2PAOiIyW2T9q5G6cgjdkiLOSQ/s640/IMG_6506.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Succumbing to the elements</i></div>
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<br />
What has research, discovered about SARS (the original coronavirus strain, SARS-CoV) that we should know about, today? Firstly, it's a zoonotic disease. Meaning, it incubates in wild animals, and then passes to humans. Either through another host animal carrier, like domestic animals, or direct contact with human settlement (ie: wild animal migration).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html">Lymes disease</a> is the perfect example. Deer migrate close to human settlements, carrying ticks. Which then attach themselves to humans. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/">Rabies</a>, is another zoonotic disease. Do we know what the host animal for SARS was though?<br />
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Some twelve years after the initial outbreak, a collaboration of international scientists under the Australian CSIRO, confirmed the host.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDdyxuLhrNy_eAEZt5FUKxU-7GiJ4wBx-7yDbAGLp2QrafRnV6UMVjAOAkFfgAOiOSoNLXVTqMjNOj0UUxHn3qsAugIE-vDDfNZCcDPhso6Ycf873_NAI0D4ohq9RWzL8zAjSPJUHRig/s1600/selective-focus-photo-of-black-bat-on-brown-stone-3261020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDdyxuLhrNy_eAEZt5FUKxU-7GiJ4wBx-7yDbAGLp2QrafRnV6UMVjAOAkFfgAOiOSoNLXVTqMjNOj0UUxHn3qsAugIE-vDDfNZCcDPhso6Ycf873_NAI0D4ohq9RWzL8zAjSPJUHRig/s640/selective-focus-photo-of-black-bat-on-brown-stone-3261020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://photo%20by%20hitchhike%20from%20pexels/">Photo by HitchHike from Pexels</a></div>
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The CSIRO in Australia, was <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/Research/BF/Areas/Protecting-Animal-and-Human-Health/Zoonotic-capability/Bats-confirmed-host-of-SARS-virus">able to confirm</a> the original host for SARS, was bats. An exert from the CSIRO website:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #575757; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Horseshoe bats are found around the world, including Australia and play an important ecological role. Their role in SARS-CoV transmission <b>highlights the importance of protecting the batβs natural environment</b> so they are not forced into highly populated urban areas in search of food."</span></span></blockquote>
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Have you heard anything about that [my bold] in recent pandemic media releases, as a potential solution? The World Health Organisation, currently speculates, bats being the likely host for this new strain of coronavirus too, <a href="https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200221-sitrep-32-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=4802d089_2">reporting</a>:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #575757; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The new COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The most likely ecological reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 are bats,
but it is believed that the virus jumped the species barrier to humans from another intermediate animal host. This
intermediate animal host could be a domestic food animal, a wild animal, or a domesticated wild animal which has
not yet been identified."</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyXmijzd2kjfZRm2Ws8xNqVYAkvq9BO2lWDaYEVhj2alEyCfHFOTor18L_ETy_yAz4Gz3mlD4BnzjJFrWca6rfTNWX1aoJxUAo4tNCb1UtFuRsegyGHKmcygcUqUKq8kPPiu1SZzo2cE/s1600/man-looking-through-a-microscope-4033152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyXmijzd2kjfZRm2Ws8xNqVYAkvq9BO2lWDaYEVhj2alEyCfHFOTor18L_ETy_yAz4Gz3mlD4BnzjJFrWca6rfTNWX1aoJxUAo4tNCb1UtFuRsegyGHKmcygcUqUKq8kPPiu1SZzo2cE/s640/man-looking-through-a-microscope-4033152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Research attempts to deliver answers</i></div>
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<br />
Distance between the original SARS-COV virus, and now SAR-CoV-2 novel strain, keeps the scientific analysis objective. However, the lessons of the past, are going unnoticed in the present. It's a methodical process I've seen repeated in the research of autoimmune diseases too.<br />
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The amount of new autoimmune diseases being diagnosed, and normalised for treatment today, is remarkable. Adopted as a scientific process, without evaluating the biological lessons learned from autoimmune disease, as a whole. It's a system-wide failure, within a biological host. If you wish to treat the disease, you treat the whole system. Not just the parts found to be failing.<br />
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Which is what SARS of 2003, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/about/index.html">MERS</a> (Middle-Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) of 2012, and now COVID-19 of 2020, is signalling to the world. An ecological system wide failure, within a biological species. These different strains of coronavirus, specifically have mammals as the incubating species. Bats, cats, dogs, camels, and possibly more, which haven't made it to the speculation list. Given we are the most prolific mammal species in global terrain, and now the most migratory in any given season of the year, who is the next novel coronavirus going to target the most?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHaabGb8WpAR7iViFtr_HuXEDbA9Y6vNrRMpXAcuB5Ng0r4ThUETtQR5mSViMCXT9cEJcxmrhvqjy28ItB3w3HrFLsxib1598c2hAQImTJNo6SmolQ3a5J59GcDNjFJ2rFYNW5xdIxVM/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHaabGb8WpAR7iViFtr_HuXEDbA9Y6vNrRMpXAcuB5Ng0r4ThUETtQR5mSViMCXT9cEJcxmrhvqjy28ItB3w3HrFLsxib1598c2hAQImTJNo6SmolQ3a5J59GcDNjFJ2rFYNW5xdIxVM/s640/IMG_6520.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Yucca ~ unattractive, but prolific</i></div>
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It's been seventeen years, since promises of a vaccination for the original SARS coronavirus, were made. Still no delivery. Because it's a rapidly mutating virus, with many different biological hosts. Yet they need to tailor a vaccine, suiting human biology exclusively. This is a big ask, and a waste of energy. Because the system is just going to fail again. If we want effective solutions as a society, we need to treat why the system is failing.<br />
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At present, we're the kind of nation, that will put small businesses out of business, to stay alive. So why then, aren't we tackling the bigger elephant in the room, that is global industry? A lot of focus has been placed on Wuhan China, as the source of the current pandemic. I believe Guangdong China, was also where the original SARS outbreak occurred, in 2003.<br />
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Instead of making China and it's cultural practices (diet, traditions, etc) the culprit, how about we review what China specialises in. Industrial production, for global trade. The global economy demands cheap products, and China has the perfect overpopulation problem, to specialise in solutions. The world demands, and China supplies. Allies through beneficial trade. Pardon the pun, but our hands, really aren't clean in all this. The world demands cheap products, so China crams it's factory workers, and their food supply into the city. Which is a breeding ground for disease.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPrHjxk7tbK_g9MDVe347cXkENgbKX5VP7ImLkKEl7SfY14LXfN40nZi_BfBZaPPbh5dXWZh1mNgfxBVCJgfXncgVUAvjmEfwJFTUmILaZs5ns1AkTA65JNdhURqABGFkS3pvvMrqb1A/s1600/IMG_6510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPrHjxk7tbK_g9MDVe347cXkENgbKX5VP7ImLkKEl7SfY14LXfN40nZi_BfBZaPPbh5dXWZh1mNgfxBVCJgfXncgVUAvjmEfwJFTUmILaZs5ns1AkTA65JNdhURqABGFkS3pvvMrqb1A/s640/IMG_6510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Leucaena is a weed species, but provides nitrogen to depleted soils</i></div>
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As the world makes this financial transaction, we continue expanding as the dominant species. With the side-effect of depleting the number of different animal species in the world too. So much so, it's now being referred to as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocene_extinction">sixth mass extinction event</a>, the world has known. Nature has a biological control in place to limit dominating species though. For where resources flow the most, becomes the target - good or bad.<br />
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We normally associate an abundance of resources, to good things. Receiving the best food, and materials to build houses with. Technology. Sophistication. On the other hand, coronaviruses are not welcome in our town. Associated to death, gone is the welcome mat. So we paralyse our global dominance - hiding in isolation, just long enough to starve the virus out. But once the data (ie: curve) starts trending in our favour again, we'll reignite the global economy. Expanding into more territory again.<br />
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That is the disconnect, society needs to start addressing, if we really want to save lives. Because these are patterns in nature, which don't go away. Ancient sophistication, that serves a vital purpose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDco7YGl8k_-Sc0qVldH3OOuKPhCILdQ7FEEPkNbxVlv6wWVEysqamC1BvY76KjnXpZi9nW_xGc4ZiI62q4uvuMDIP8N1BI03mHw84PMpYvnAiATrXFh0culUhsvJPw6iqJBcb3NNpH0/s1600/IMG_6487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDco7YGl8k_-Sc0qVldH3OOuKPhCILdQ7FEEPkNbxVlv6wWVEysqamC1BvY76KjnXpZi9nW_xGc4ZiI62q4uvuMDIP8N1BI03mHw84PMpYvnAiATrXFh0culUhsvJPw6iqJBcb3NNpH0/s640/IMG_6487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Growing like weeds</i></div>
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If coronavirus, is a byproduct of global industrialisation, the lesson to be learned is building fail-safe measures, into our domestic markets. Keeping our supply chain local, short and transparent, means more control over what's happening within them. Our society can then shift from worldwide consumers, to potential community producers.<br />
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Whether that be producers of knowledge, communication systems, or goods and services - we have a better chance of addressing issues, rapidly, the closer they are to home. I'm sure many of my readers, already do this, either by growing their own food, or making meals from scratch. I bet you even stake out, the local Farmer's Markets for fresh produce? But have you really explored everything with potential yet?<br />
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I stumbled on something recently, through a product I couldn't purchase any more. A skincare cream. I'll save you the full blurb. Basically it contained natural ingredients with healing properties. I started looking in my garden for anything which might duplicate it. What grew in abundance was aloe vera. It's healing benefits for skin are <a href="https://www.bcm.edu/news/skin-and-hair/benefits-of-using-aloe-vera">well known.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGjn8GM_EFc-yOxF4lm9hEzJlHebvj66XFyjKLtElGWi8goj4azipD3yLIQDVVk30hD1AyXdEbbF4BGIl56JMysbuKfMWnV18SU3-wLRF10joAQ-Ut9q430wqqM3WIY3AgcDRsrntK5c/s1600/IMG_6530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGjn8GM_EFc-yOxF4lm9hEzJlHebvj66XFyjKLtElGWi8goj4azipD3yLIQDVVk30hD1AyXdEbbF4BGIl56JMysbuKfMWnV18SU3-wLRF10joAQ-Ut9q430wqqM3WIY3AgcDRsrntK5c/s640/IMG_6530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>New acquired skill</i></div>
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It took time, watching countless youtube videos, to formulate how to process the aloe myself. I then turned it into the softest cream, my skin has ever felt! It sounds easy. But it wasn't. I had this new enterprise attached to a normally busy day. Yet driven by a need to use what I had, rather than outsource. I still buy oils and beeswax, but source from local suppliers as much as possible. Such as Liz from <a href="https://eight-acres.com.au/collections/all">Eight Acres</a>. But the aloe is now a substantial ingredient, I can grow at home.<br />
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Busying ourselves with local networks, utilising what's already in abundance (rather than forcing something else to be) takes the pressure off industrialised cities (like China) to manufacture absolutely everything for us. In the process, we learn to be more wise with the resources at our disposal. I can't tell you, how many times I've ignored the aloe in my garden. There's many stands of it now, they grow like weeds! In the past, I opted to buy a product, instead of utilising a resource I was drowning in.<br />
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I guess, there's knowing what you should do - then there's, actually <i>doing</i> it. Which takes a few more steps, and a truck load of persistence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbqZxHzOiqGdGT-zQLb-BHgqaxNl19YLUVlNEA5IrQdGpq1ks4vLAKl6Km-cETkrPjtmXSiKMtrurkZN4baWXyGznVsTfWcMQWgo3Nv18OguRRj1fciOlxDxHcCuANQap7hK1LIi4Rso/s1600/IMG_6472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbqZxHzOiqGdGT-zQLb-BHgqaxNl19YLUVlNEA5IrQdGpq1ks4vLAKl6Km-cETkrPjtmXSiKMtrurkZN4baWXyGznVsTfWcMQWgo3Nv18OguRRj1fciOlxDxHcCuANQap7hK1LIi4Rso/s640/IMG_6472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Processing fresh Aloe</i></div>
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What COVID-19 has done, is reveal our weakness as a species. We can have all the knowledge in the world, yet still possess unwillingness to use it. So laws are enacted to make criminals of people, wanting to congregate outside. Stigma attached to being healthy, as potential for disease. Subverting the language of a strain of virus, to protect people from the fear of it. Completely ignoring the roots of it's origin. Thereby ignoring the solutions too.<br />
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We wait for a cure, that will not fix the system that is failing.<br />
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I wouldn't be writing this, if I didn't believe my readers knew better. In fact, I almost didn't write this post, in fear of making too much noise. Because at present we're supposed to be capitulating to authority, instead of understanding our own. I challenge the language in the mainstream, to control fear around coronavirus. It's not a foreign concept to science, as the CSIRO research, demonstrates. We know how it incubates, also how it migrates. We just need to change how we do business as a species, to demonstrate we're serious about saving lives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgisyq3yGPa2v6xFhgiU7AUYqFiqPdqfg-R6fGR7jU5vGcojkgxql-ZZDFkd2Wa0ab7sfbn_qDn9VvKzKaDZ8LyaFyIutBj1lflsA-XW1_FF7A5Vo81Z6DeTS36xipuaVC_S0tx3sR-Fw/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgisyq3yGPa2v6xFhgiU7AUYqFiqPdqfg-R6fGR7jU5vGcojkgxql-ZZDFkd2Wa0ab7sfbn_qDn9VvKzKaDZ8LyaFyIutBj1lflsA-XW1_FF7A5Vo81Z6DeTS36xipuaVC_S0tx3sR-Fw/s640/IMG_6497.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Escaping the original container, they arrived in</i></div>
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We can engage these initiatives as a global enterprise, or we can simply engage our communities. Ignoring what needs to fix the system however, won't make it go away. For the more species we eradicate, the more we make our own species the target for coronavirus. These different strains of virus, act like the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allelopathy">allelopathic</a> effect of the plant kingdom - only for the species of mammals. Allelopathy distributes plants in any given terrain, so the invasive ones do eventually have an expiry, placed upon them.<br />
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Why not the same allelopathic effect for mammal distribution? While our brains like to think they've evolved outside of nature, our biology is still very much, influenced by it.<br />
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I have every hope however, we can stop ignoring the aloe growing in our respective gardens, and start utilising them, instead. Aloe may be something different, growing in your region. It might be right out your back door. You may have even, tripped over it a few times! Do you know what drove me to process that first batch of aloe?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTU2CANXkwBx6b748DHyTtkr4dafGcIvmROrTSjwggJv1O-OFvgTyKFibwjf3PD0yaiPw3zqsJPsir7QfigWFUE29QpRZ_JNadiA3lOjZE7lUdH6cH6WJUyUHHK5lLBcRplW7nMi6wMSk/s1600/IMG_6443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTU2CANXkwBx6b748DHyTtkr4dafGcIvmROrTSjwggJv1O-OFvgTyKFibwjf3PD0yaiPw3zqsJPsir7QfigWFUE29QpRZ_JNadiA3lOjZE7lUdH6cH6WJUyUHHK5lLBcRplW7nMi6wMSk/s640/IMG_6443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Work in progress</i></div>
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<br />
I began installing a retaining wall, around our septic tank. I won't bore you with the copious reasons why this wall was necessary, but basically the aloe was growing onto the steps required, to reach the house. Where all my tools were. No way, was I going to trip over that large specimen. So by removing it, I finally decided to utilise it. Now I'm sharing about the biological resources I can literally trip over, in my arid region - to inspire you to stumble upon solutions in your own backyard.<br />
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By utilising the resources right outside your back door (and locally) reduces the impact on the rest of the world's resources. If you ever wanted a reason to kick yourself in the butt, and get serious, long term, consider putting global industry into permanent isolation - instead of your community. That's how we reverse-engineer this problem. Not just for when coronavirus are causing yet another pandemic. But for as long as we care about another person's life, mattering.<br />
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To protect our own species, we must start repopulating the world with different species again. It starts with the number of species in our soil. Then the number of ways we produce our food. Not one way. Monoculture. Then we can expand into what we clothe ourselves in, and what industries do we employ to build our houses? What products, with minimal processing. Does it employ a local? Only once we've utilised our local industries and resources, should we consider going outside of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2CMZsdmqEk2QLSkj0JwDt_k6ABgCL7qhTEnadLzOtWlGp5rSp5L25123FLbTiYIksTFqVKXszBU-0GQTlpj9bJdqwEqYw8YieofMKwRibfLftrwrT9Eqpiplnzs3Jfb73Q0kx-lgI9o/s1600/IMG_6537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2CMZsdmqEk2QLSkj0JwDt_k6ABgCL7qhTEnadLzOtWlGp5rSp5L25123FLbTiYIksTFqVKXszBU-0GQTlpj9bJdqwEqYw8YieofMKwRibfLftrwrT9Eqpiplnzs3Jfb73Q0kx-lgI9o/s640/IMG_6537.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Not as exposed to the elements ~ surrounded by diversity in our gully</i></div>
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If you want a relevant authority, to base your decisions on though, consider the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Assessment_Report_on_Biodiversity_and_Ecosystem_Services">Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services.</a> This was released close to a year ago, in May 2019. Several key points to take away from that report, are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Society should not fixate on economic growth</li>
<li>Base economies instead, on nature being the foundation for development</li>
<li><b>Restore habitats</b></li>
<li>Grow food on less land</li>
<li>Stop illegal logging and poaching</li>
<li>Protect marine areas</li>
<li>Stop leaching heavy metals and wastewater into the environment</li>
<li>Reduce subsidies to industries harmful to nature</li>
<li>Increase funding to environmentally beneficial programs</li>
<li>Restore sovereignty to indigenous populations </li>
<li>Address over-consumption habits, such as meat</li>
</ul>
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These points are where we can start championing domestic markets, and petition local laws from. As opposed to waving through the global economy, because it's the way we've done business, formerly. We can each choose, which path we want to go down. What we choose to invest in. Even if it's not consuming.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimztb4hySwMwoKkF4OJPcIbXvffruU7VtxxyGcOyIdjQ0NTZazX37bWePcgv8mczQu9N5SyO26jseTp7YUmeFoVm1xq7GTjuVmEGQMDjrg7Zghp_E00foArc8Ejok0QuszE5qzwxJBWiE/s1600/IMG_6541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimztb4hySwMwoKkF4OJPcIbXvffruU7VtxxyGcOyIdjQ0NTZazX37bWePcgv8mczQu9N5SyO26jseTp7YUmeFoVm1xq7GTjuVmEGQMDjrg7Zghp_E00foArc8Ejok0QuszE5qzwxJBWiE/s640/IMG_6541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Propagating extra aloe pups, rescued from the steps</i></div>
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I know what I want to do. Now, more than I ever have in my entire life. I hope to share my process of evolution with you. Currently, it starts with processing aloe vera. When I'm confident, I'll document and share it. So you can create products at home, with beneficial qualities too. I can't believe I ignored aloe, for the sake of learning about a process.<br />
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It's not that hard, really. Change. Sometimes we just need a fire lit under our butts, to get going. Like coronavirus. Or diabetes. The question is, will we learn the lessons and change for good, once the threat is brought under control? It's possible. We're a species known for evolving in cycles. Perhaps the next one, will encourage more species interaction in the domains we occupy? It will certainly keep coronavirus from evolving on it's current trajectory.<br />
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The patterns in nature, have always sort diversity though. Our world is built upon ancient sophistication, like that. If we don't supply diversity in our systems, we become damned by our own simplicity, instead. But what do you think - is the world ready for lasting change? Are you preparing for lasting change, in a way that benefits other species?<br />
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<br />Chris http://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.com14