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cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Tue May 15, 18 7:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Turns out the word letter is code for formal submission on the proposal. That I will leave to another colleague as i don't have the money to be printing out several reports over 100 pages long in full colour at home.

The preferences were distributed today, and I gained a surprising proportion of the votes from the candidates below me, but not sufficient to move up the rankings. As a result I was culled at around noon and it is now a stand off between the two major parties. Naturally the surviving party I prefer is the underdog and unlikely to gain sufficient preferences off the one surviving Independent to get over the line. So while it could have been worse, it is not good. Luckily with the election cycle of the Upper House (two seats per year over a six year cycle), any unfortunate result will only be in place for 12 months.

Weatherwise it was supposed to be rainy and overcast but was actually fairly sunny. It was blooming cold though and we are heading to zero tonight so it will be crunchy in the morning.

The fire has been a little sluggish all day, so it was no surprise when I discovered I had failed to open the vent. Now that is done it is chuffing away in a more satisfactory way.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Tue May 15, 18 2:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I'm home girls! I have had a really good time, but still loathe to commit to going to Aus next year. It is a flying thing that I can't cope with and to make things worse I want to go west to USA and on to Aus. and come back the same way, with a stop off at Vancouver there and back, in case I have to get on a boat! Flying is not my thing, I can cope with helicopters quite well, but how the big boys stay up is so far from my understanding that I am all on edge in an aircraft. I may have to book in advance so far that I would lose my nerve if I have to wait too long between paying and going!

We had a ride on a steam train on Saturday, which being a railway man I really enjoyed. It was a Southern region loco, so I didn't know it, as I would if it had been LMS, or GWR. I also bought, (indulged), in a couple of railway trucks and an armoured, Dinky, army scout car, which were in good condition to add to the pile I already have. They are only worth nostalgia now till they get another 50 years older. Both items would have been a lot more expensive 30 years ago when they were in demand due to the demise of Meccano Ltd. The demand is down as little boys play 'phones and computers now.

I have to say I don't understand how your elections work, Cassandra, but by the sound of it you have made an impression. Keep at them whilst you can till the next election comes round and have another go, but get as many digs in as you can-keeping your profile as much to the fore as possible. Make sure the electorate know your view with every thing that goes on. Cassandra for PM?.
I keep forgetting you are well into autumn. We are having mixed weather now, but last week in the Cotswolds it was lovely, warm and sunny and no rain and not too hot; here, comfortable only with a pullover and today a drop of rain where I live!. Will they be providing 'full' medical care post golf and sex?, or is it straight to the crematorium.

I'm glad your weekend was ok MR. even if camping is not your forte. It is the not being able to stand up when I get out of bed that makes me want to caravan rather than camp now. My tent will let me stand in the living area but not in the bedroom, so that will be for the axe soon. When I go to the show I stay in a friends stock box, and eat out, makes life easier.
Thank you for the gen on the charcoal, it interests me but I won't be trying it out-seems like a lot of hard work.

You seem well provided for in the winters to come in heat terms Jam Lady. Timber heats the body several times, up to the point when it becomes fire ashes, and then it becomes a source of minerals for the ground. I am sorry for the damage caused, but you now have the planning to do to 'repair' the losses, and the excitement of doing the job no doubt. There is nothing like a challenge to keep the soul and body together, and in good spirits.

At home I have the tractor running and a roller for my ground. I am hoping to get the whole lot done by next week ready for my grazing horse to come and keep the grass in trim. Plan is to make some hay if it gets out of hand. So I am looking for a cheap "wuffler", a machine which teds grass into hay. The rest of my haymaking exercise is catered for by friends. But I will buy a baler if I see one,-cheap! I prefer the wuffler tedding machine, to having one of those tedders that throw the grass every where The wuffler keeps the grass in a row and tosses it up into the air and keeps the grass in a row and dries it throughout as opposed to on the top only.

Time I went before the time gives up, and I go home to find the keys to the sheds-I need to cut firewood and collect some from a shed to deliver to the shop!

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Wed May 16, 18 6:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Glad you had a good time away Gregotyn. Try making a kite the shape of an aircraft wing and you will see how it stays up which may make you a bit less nervous of flying. As far as I am concerned it is another way of being travel sick, but a lot faster than train or bus, so can be useful. We flew up to Newcastle a few weeks ago and it was just like being in a bus in many ways as it was quite a small propeller driven one.

A wuffler sounds a good idea. I have seen them working and keeping the hay in a row seems sensible. I think round here they tend to use the sort with two contra-rotating spiked wheels, which I hope makes sense to you as I have no idea what they are called.

Cassandra, pity you are out of the running in the election, but you seem to have done very well. I suppose it isn't surprising that the main parties remain in the running; just hope they can't do too much damage. Your report sounds rather heavy going, so hope you get it sorted all right. It seems you have picked up some very important omissions.

We are still busy with charcoal. Got in the wood and partly filled a kiln again yesterday. We had some charcoal to bag, otherwise we might have got on further, but we also had a meeting in the evening, so had to finish fairly early so we could get back to a respectable colour. Husband is hoping to go up early and finish off, or at least get a bit further before son gets up there so the kiln can be lit and fired today. The wood is very seasoned and most of it pretty dry, so should fire quite quickly. We left the last one too long, so some of it burnt out, so we don't expect this one to be a long burn as it uses the same sort of wood.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Thu May 17, 18 2:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

The keys turned up in a carrier bag so that is good, essential actually. I have had an email from the Aussies to tell me how they are progressing in the country, one is in B'ham with her sister, and the other is with his uni. medical mates in Stoke. We have friends all over the world between us from school days. They are all better than me at keeping in touch!
It is the 2 contra flowing wheel tedding system that I want to avoid, MR., as it doesn't make as good hay as the vicon rake and the wuffler doing about 2 passes each and baling. well that is how we did it in my farm practical 55 years ago and it worked well. Just waited for the dew to lift and away we went...all day! In around 2 -3 days we had good hay, if the weather was good. I guess I am not suited to the modern way of hay making. My plan is to find the 2 machines, make the hay, and carry it home loose on the trailer. A baler would be luxury to me, but it won't get through my 2 gates till they are widened.
That was something I wondered too with charcoal; how much influence does the atmosphere govern the length of burn, I know about the smoke change between the 2 types of burning but not when it is done. I am not sure why I am interested, there is no way I can do the job myself. I suppose it is because I watched it done at a show once in the Brecon area, but never saw the ending!

There is no change in the weather-it is a lovely week so far continuing the weather from last week. I hope it is the same for everyone else too.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Fri May 18, 18 5:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Yes, it you are throwing the hay in the air all the time I would think it would dry faster, and that makes sweeter hay doesn't it?

If the wood or the hearth are wet it takes longer to make the charcoal, but once the stuff is in the kiln I don't think it matters too much. We can do the firing in the rain, but we need dry weather to load and unload the kiln. Charcoal will absorb water then let it go slowly, so good for controlling water in the garden and has been used as a refrigerator by wetting it and letting the water evaporate.

We bagged some charcoal yesterday and got another load of wood in for the kiln. Am hoping husband and son get some more out of the kiln we fired Wednesday, make the delivery then fill the kiln again, or the other one. Then we will fire tomorrow or Monday and have plenty in store with any luck.

Weather here is good too, but I somehow haven't been very warm, although walking up and down the slope picking up wood yesterday I had to take off my jacket and sweatshirt.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Fri May 18, 18 1:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Hay does dry faster because the wind travels between the rows and the sunshine hits the row sides to some degree too, as well as the top. The plus of the rotating rakes machine is that you only need one machine. Sweetness of hay is governed by sunshine as well as the type of grass. We were always told that the grass Timothy makes the best hay, but there are different varieties of Timothy. It appears Timothy is one of the best for horse feeding; supposed to be suitably sweet.
I was given the rest of the charcoal from my break in the Cotswolds by my friend who didn't want to take it on to the next port of call they were going to; so now I have to make a bbq, or a 'fridge!!!

We are having a bit more good weather today and now wish I had done the mowing, but it is down to my neighbour who grazes here and wants the hay. We have the tractor and somewhere I have a mower resting in some nettles-grown for the bees I claim! I hope June turns out to be as good weather wise as it has been this last week or so.

I have been to give blood to the NHS for my tests-only 2 little phials of it-but it is not my idea of fun. The nurse who makes it is a funny little man, but he is the only one who finds the vein first time and doesn't hurt me whilst looking for it with a needle-he uses his thumb to locate the vein, straps above it, and then straight in and it really is only a pin prick not an ordeal. He also uses a very fine needle, bonus-it heals quickly.

Our weather here is very sunny, but it is not so warm as the amount of sun would indicate, we have lots of billowing white clouds too. Not too hot not too cold.

I do a bit of wood work for my local play group-primarily because I like the leader, we do bits and pieces-wooden garden and stage for playlets. I made a mud kitchen for them recently, and now we are attacking a counting frame all to be outside in their play area. It involves the inevitable pallet, plus some plywood for a blackboard at the top and the an abacus type of thing at the base, using plastic balls of differing colours and string, May be fun to do I don't know yet! We have done a lot together over the years, since her husband died about 16 years ago. I've baby sat, taken the boys to football, the girl to drama practise and so on. Now I see them as grown ups, all done uni, all with degrees and all doing well; the family, without ties, I never had!

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Sat May 19, 18 7:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I hope the charcoal is British Gregotyn. By far the best and easiest and most economical to use.

It has been very sunny here too, but not that warm. I am still needing a sweatshirt of jacket if out of doors too long, but take them off while working.

A good blood collector is a great asset, and if you are on blood thinning medication a major advantage to you too. Nobody seems to have trouble finding my veins, but must say it helps if they get it right easily.

I am hoping to get into the garden today as most of my seeds have come up and need planting out. Round here the fields are not looking too happy as the sowing was late because of the weather, or the seedlings overwinter suffered from the wet, pigeons or both. I haven't seen any hay making, but no doubt it has started here. Again, the grass was late, but the cows are looking happy to be out in the fields again at last.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Sat May 19, 18 9:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I can't confirm or deny the origin of the charcoal, MR. It was purchased by my friends as they needed some for the bbq, bought in Chipping Campden or Stow on the Wold in a red and black bag. we left some there for the next occupants and I brought the rest home. I forgot to look on the bag, but I did wonder if it was yours but decided it was too far from your base, and I assumed, rightly or not, that you delivered all yours to shops and that the Cotswolds was a mile or so out of your way.

It really is a lovely morning, sunny and almost hot; I am in shirt sleeves. I went to my local agricultural dealer this morning to collect 2 large pallets for the kindling. It is Swedish wood, but grown in the lower and warmer areas so not the best Sweden has to offer, but still good enough for fire wood. Some of the northern Swedish is of the best quality timber in the softwood world. Anyway it will be on the shelves in under a week. I have had a good week with wood, done 20 nets so far, and sold 12, so my push for a winter build up is on target. sort of-looking for at least 100 nets in stock if I can before the season starts in earnest.

My neighbour came round last night and we found the draw bar hitch for the tractor, so he is off rolling his ground today and then chain harrowing. I know we are late but it has not been fit in the hills. When I lived in the midlands we would have done our 120 acres of grass by the end of March, mine is still a bit wet, but needs doing. I will be doing some serious draining next autumn if I am feeling fit and can get my digger back. Basically it is time I got the place a bit ship shape! (Or at least did some work).

Locally I have seen some silage cut on the drier areas round Welshpool, on the lighter land, but being on heavy clay up here it will be some time before I will be cutting hay, if I decide to make hay. I am looking for a Bamford single row Wuffler and a Lely "spider- web" turner-acrobat they call them. Other wise I will do it by hand-in theory.

I will go and see how the lad is doing with the roller and then hope he wants to do mine as well!

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Sun May 20, 18 6:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Gregotyn the sooner you book your flight the better Gregotyn. Once you are on a long-haul plane it's just like being on a coach - comfy, crowded, regular food and a chance to kip if it gets boring. Your route sounds exciting - so many lovely places to see.

I can't be PM though - you need to be leader of the relevant party that forms government and that's never going to happen haha. Our election process is actually the best possible one as it makes sure that the views of the people are actually expressed in the outcome. Unfortunately in this case the winner has had a rather larger budget than the rest of us and has used devious tactics which is annoying but unproveable.

I had a nice lunch with friends on wednesday at a winery. I was a bit worried about prices as their menu was not priced on the website, but it was manageable. And on Friday I went to a meeting in Ross. At the lunch we sorted out what I would do about the reports I am supposed to be commenting on so now we are all agreed about the scope of the work I will get onto that on Monday. But today and yesterday I watched the weather and concluded washing was out of the question. And now I have the fire lit and am planning a quiet night in - recovering from the Royal Wedding.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Sun May 20, 18 6:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

The charcoal sounds as if it might be imported Gregotyn, as I have seen those bags around everywhere. Good way of telling is if it either smells of paraffin or needs lighter fluid. British charcoal is without additives and doesn't need much lighting. It is also ready in 20 minutes and comes up again when you add more charcoal, so no need to add half the bag at the beginning. In fact we recommend not doing so or it goes up like a furnace.

Had a day at home yesterday digging the garden and making biscuits. Husband has nearly finished building a bed in the trailer he has bought so we can stay at shows. I want him to finish some new stands for our stall, but he isn't too sure about them as it is son's design, modified, and wants to get on with his trailer anyway.

Jam Lady



Joined: 28 Dec 2006
Posts: 2501
Location: New Jersey, USA
PostPosted: Sun May 20, 18 1:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

We have had some rather wet weather. In the last week (Saturday to Saturday) there was 2.6 inches of rain. Counting my blessings as a friend across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania had double that, 5 inches in the same time frame.

Fortunately last Tuesday was merely hot and humid as I went to the New York Botanical Garden for the press preview of Georgia O'Keeffe's Hawai'i. Mr Jam Lord's sister who lives in Manhattan met we and we had a lovely day.

The greenhouse exhibition was O.K., plus there were 15 of her Hawaiian paintings from 1939 on display in the library's gallery, another fascinating exhibition in the Britton gallery with herbarium sheets and more accoutrements on display, even a poke truck where we could have lunch.

And - the earlier peonies were in flower, plus the azalea garden was at peak bloom.

Which meant I left for home an hour later than intended, driving west right towards a huge storm. Driving, driving, driving - sky has a dividing line, black on one side, almost clear on the other. Rain pelting down close to home, pulled into the garage and the heavens opened up with thunder and lightening.

I ended up writing two entries for O'Keeffe and one for peonies and azaleas. Very pleased with them. And it clears the decks for Wednesday's visit to the Morris Arboretum which, doubtless, will require another entry. Or two. They have the last free standing fernery glass house that I'm aware of.

Today, drizzle or not, I simple must get some gardening accomplished. But first I need to spray a pair of blue jeans with DEET - ticks are very bad this season, with several nasty diseases a possibility. We bought permethrin spray but need dry weather to spray, air dry, then can wear the jeans and socks.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Mon May 21, 18 7:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Sounds as if you had a good time at the exhibition Jam Lady. I noticed when we went to Dorset yesterday that the azaleas and rhododendrons are in flower, but haven't seen any peonies yet. We don't get rhododendrons where we are as we are on chalk; in fact I planted a R. ponticum in our garden when we moved here 36 years ago and it is still only about 3' high.

It was lucky you got home before the storm. I hope you didn't have to go outside between your garage and house.

We went to Dorset yesterday to an Open Day for Dorset Coppice Group. Met a number of people we know and met a few more. Cadged a bit of wood off a man making spoons and more or less made one using axe and knives only, although I am not very happy with it. I will see if something can be made of it, and if not it can go in the charcoal kiln.

Another order for charcoal came through yesterday, so that is the rest of the last firing gone. Loading the kiln for another firing today, but at least we have the wood in the kiln site.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Tue May 22, 18 2:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I can't compete with either of you girls on the flower front, but I have seen, flowering well, bluebells, very early for here, normally next month at best. And I still have a very late daffodil-3 blooms! If you want the rhododendron to grow a bit more, MR, feed it with pig manure, which is much more acidic than most other manures, and rhods. like acidity as I understand-about all I do know about them, heathers are the same. I am a bit of a heathen when it comes to gardening and have the thinking that if you can't eat it don't grow it!

I hope you have plenty of wood ready for the kiln as it is looking good for a while yet, up here. I am whispering as I don't want to tempt providence. We have plenty of grass about, and I am hoping it will stay that way for some time. I have more horses to feed as one couple are moving their 2 horses to me as they are having trouble where they are currently living.

I am glad you managed to make the garage before the weather got too bad for you Jam Lady, nothing worse than being caught in a storm and having to stop until you can see where you are going-it only happened to me once, but that was enough.

Much better to stay at shows in a b+b MR, meals are provided, no washing up!

Cassandra, you may be right about the flight. I think I will go to Aus., but will wait till I give up work before I get too excited. Finishing work will be sooner rather than later, I am getting up in the morning ok but going to bed rather later than I was so am in a state of tiredness when I get up. I have another source of wood for my enterprise nearer home-3 miles at a factory where I worked for 20 years and they will look favourably on me the boss man says!
I think if all goes better for you and your party, you may well get another chance to get elected, and if it goes badly for the new gov't, the chances improve considerably. The secret is to keep chipping away at the current lot via the press. Be a thorn in the side of "them who's ruling." But put over how you would have dealt with the problem, show them you are not just spreading sour grapes. I don't have a television so have not seen any of the wedding, except in the newspaper.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Wed May 23, 18 7:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Our bluebells and other spring flowers are well and truly over now. The bluebells only lasted 2-3 weeks this year whereas sometimes they last 4-5 weeks. They were held back by the cold weather, then suddenly we had a couple of very warm weeks. The wisteria is in flower now too and hanging down over our bedroom window. We have the Chinesis, so very long plumes of flowers.

We were out until well after 9pm last night firing the charcoal kiln again. We delivered the last of the previous kiln full yesterday as well, so no more until we dig out the kiln on Thursday.

Weather here is warm and at the moment rather breezy, so hope the wind drops as it is a bit of a nuisance. We managed to keep the kiln under control yesterday by almost blocking the vents with bricks, otherwise one side would have been burnt out before the other side had fired.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Thu May 24, 18 1:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

We have had a drop of rain this morning, which has settled the dust and it is more pleasant to work at lower temps; it was soon over-by 7am. Clouding over now but I don't have to go out in it when I am not at work, I have the get wet or not option when at home!
I will be doing the kindling this afternoon with any luck The more I bag up in the warm weather the less of a chore it becomes when the weather is cold or wet. Up to now I have sorted the cut sticks into a box, but this time is consuming and so reduces output. It is easier when they are sorted to fill the nets. I am going to cut the next few lots into large bags and not bother the sorting process till I need them. I am hoping this will be more productive than the current sort as I go method. It is at this stage of life when I would appreciate a grandchild who would help his aging grand father!

I did my usual swimming yesterday at the leisure centre, but there was no shower afterwards. 'They' are refurbishing the showers, but it appears that it was the same last week when I was away-nothing moved according to a man who went last week and declared that it is as it was then! Guess there is a plumbing emergency elsewhere! I will be giving a blow by blow account next Thursday; see how long it takes.

Away to chop firewood, must get the stocks up ready for the early winter onslaught, well it will be an early winter if I am short of stock; goes the other way when I have a large stock-colder weather then starts later!

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