Autumn is Here 23 March, 2010
AT HOME: We finished painting and re-wiring the sewing room. Then prompty moved the lounge and TV unit into there so we could begin on the living room areas! It never ends! So I haven’t done any decorating of the sewing room, or found a window covering, or got my junk out of the girls’ room. Yet.
AT WORK: I’m still contributing to Simple, Green, Frugal Co-op, which is a wonderful experience.
My volunteer work with LETS has been busy, because my main helper is undergoing medical treatment in Brisi for awhile. We also have some new members, an increase in trading, and more social events to organise. I’m so, so rapt to see our little LETS group grow!
I haven’t had much time to think about editing and writing work over the summer, though have a few articles in mind…
Spiral Garden has been fairly quiet. We’re still sourcing new products though, and welcoming customers from all over the world. I’m all caught up on ordering and book work, after the Christmas and back-to-school rushes.
ON THE FARM: The wet season has been fairly mild. A bit of wild weather when cyclones were about, but otherwise not too bad.
Still no honey from our hives, hopefully soon though!
One guinea fowl emerged from the bushes and is living with the chooks. We have two chickens with babies, and two more bantams waiting for eggs to hatch. We hope to pick up some naked-neck fertile eggs next weekend.
We have only 3 ducklings left. Some went to another farm, and a lot of them died due to the weather and a wild dog. We also lost two mother ducks to a wild dog (and a chicken, and some guinea pigs, and some chicks). Thankfully it has been 3.5 weeks since the wild dog visited, and we hope it doesn’t ever return.
Immi’s horse Chilli seems to have Big Head (Bran’s Disease). He has had it a long time and we bought him not realising this. We’re now treating him with minerals, and hope that he improves, gains some weight and feels good again soon. No wonder he was so quiet…
The house cow journey continues here. Lucy was due to calf yesterday…
Sweet Pea the Shetland was put down recently. So sad to say goodbye… She was 36 years old and still cheeky.
We have planted about 60 trees over the last few weeks - a lot up in stage 2 of the orchard, and more along the front fences. It’s amazing how fast some of them grow (the previous plantings, I mean!)
HOME ED.: Our at-home days seem to always be filled with ’stuff’ - visitors, outings, something going on at home. I am really craving some quiet time to catch up! The Dad’s shift work doesn’t help at all, because when Dad’s home, the boys only want to be out on the farm with him! They do their basics and then take off!
This term has been a great one for the home ed group. We’re hoping for more fine weather soon so we can enjoy a wider variety of outings and activities.
Our family enjoyed a fantastic few days in Cairns here, followed by a trip to Sugarworld on the way home. The kids really enjoyed “the best holiday ever”!
The girls are doing well with their work at the supermarket, always keen for any extra hours as they race to save up money. Brittany started her TAFE course and whilst it’s something different, she’s not exactly bouncing with enthusiasm over it. I guess it’s a means to an end - uni entry!
Gymnastics is going really well, and Abby’s thinking of moving on to levels some time. Singing is enjoyable for Imogen and her confidence has certainly escalated. There has been minimal music practice around here until the past week or so.
