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Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Fri Jan 03, 20 7:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Things are developing on the fire front in Tasmania, but as Cassandra is still posting on FB, and hasn't says she has to evacuate, I assume all is well with her. I will pass on your condolences Gregotyn.

That is the problem when you start something like firewood or kindling; everyone comes to rely on you. We have managed to have a break over Christmas and New Year, which I must say we really needed. All our outlets got well topped up before Christmas, so as they haven't come back to us, we assume that they are all right at the moment.

Firelighting pimps are bundles of birch twigs that are not good for besom brooms with a few bits of kindling, usually birch or hazel, on the outside, tied in the middle. 25 or 13 are then put together and tied to make a large round. For use, the large one is divided into the individual ones, then each used separately.

Some of the birch we collected the other day will be used for pimps, and some for besoms. When I sort and bundle it properly I will divide the two sorts. The best is for besoms; that is the straighter stuff, and the rather less good for pimps.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Fri Jan 03, 20 3:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thank you for the definition of fire lighting pimps-now I know! We had forgotten about the other shop closing down which was our only competition-back on song now. I will be having a blitz tomorrow and Sunday to try to get a bit extra stock and get a bit cut today if the light holds out. I only have one outlet for straight kindling, and the odds and so on go to friends for their fire lighting. Surprising how many friends you have got that you didn't know you had as the weather gets colder!

Not much else to report, but I am making headway with my will. It appears that by appointing a solicitor to be the executor, you incur the costs of doing that "distribution" of your assets, which can amount to a lot of money. I have left all mine to friend's children. The girl says that she can do all the distributing-her and her brother are the beneficiaries-so straight forward. They get on well anyway and the girl is well off so she will treat her not so well off brother fairly-well I hope so!

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Sat Jan 04, 20 8:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thanks for the kind thoughts people. I am safe at the present - the nearest fires are at a considerable distance, but the dryness persists and today we were very fortunate that the super hot day was thwarted by an early cold change. It was accompanied by high winds, and will doubtless result in more dry lightning. I am not, however on high alert for evacuation, and if I am, I have places to go and people to stay with.

The Christmas New Year period has been fairly fraught as I have been looking after Kat's business again as she was off earning money at the Falls (pop) Festival. I have found an app for the phone that allows me to take credit card payments which is handy - the money goes to my account, they send me a statement and I then transfer it to Kat (which will be easier now I have her bank details. Our new shop will be opening in February so it is all rather exciting.

Sebastian - I have no idea what happened. I suspect he launched himself off the bed and landed awkwardly. One evening he was a bit off-colour (I assumed he had eaten something naughty), in the morning his back legs were a bit wonky, he was eating grass, but he was passing stools and urine, by the afternoon he needed to be carried outside, where-upon he launched himself gaily toward the lane, but only his front legs were moving. I checked for paralysis tics and snake bite but no such luck. The next morning he had not passed anything for 24 hours, his hindquarters were useless, and even the tender spot on his spine (that I found when checking him over) had lost sensation. So after numerous phonecalls to find a vet that would give me credit, he crossed the rainbow bridge in my arms on Christmas Eve.

Needless to say I was gutted and as my Christmas day plans involved a luncheon with in the grounds of a grand local house with numerous owners of healthy dogs who go everywhere with them, I put in my apologies and settled in for a miserable Christmas. But my wonderful friends found out, arranged for all the dogs to be removed, came and swept me up leaving me to join in or not as the mood took me. Still miss him. Breakfast does not involved interruptions for walks, the bed stays made, there is no-one on the bed when I go into the room.

I have decided not to get another dog until I qualify for the Pension and will therefore have some additional money available for such emergencies, but that is only ten months away and in the mean time, as I said, I have many generous friends whose dogs all like me.

Driving activities have been fairly busy but I have asked for Thursdays off so I can shop sit over the summer months. I will also be doing it on Sundays (except for Market sundays).

The Hall situation does not appear to have improved but I am heartened by the recent visit of two of the committee members to discuss options for moving things forward. They now understand I am not trying to take over the world, and have some good ideas (and skills) which can be used for the Hall (if they stay off the drugs). So that is good news. And our meeting on Thursday will hopefully be more constructive than was the last one.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Sat Jan 04, 20 9:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Good to hear you are not in danger where you are Cassandra, and that you have an evacuation plan in place.

Was very sorry to hear about Seb, but at least he was only sick for about 24 hours, so you did you absolute best for him. I assume Poppet is still with you, and no doubt will be taking up residence where Seb left off. Lovely of your friends to arrange a dog free Christmas Day for you, even though you must have been really down.

The shop sitting sounds good, especially as you can manage business as usual with card reader. Also, glad some of the Hall committee are seeing sense, so hopefully if the previous person retires home, you will get a sensible regime in place there.

So far things are quiet for us on the log sack front and the firewood loads are gently ticking over with a few orders coming in for the next week or so. Hoping to start on the coppicing, more thinning and birch cutting over the next few weeks and that the weather stays dry.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Sat Jan 04, 20 10:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Glad you are safe, Cassandra, take care and have a bag packed by the door ready to go! I have a bag in my motor in case, having had a stent job in the past and told to be ready in case-all down to smoking for 50 years, not fires, but the same principle is the same.
You need to fill me in a bit with the shop and your duties. It sounds good, but I hope it means you get income from it and from spinning too?

I get some dog walking exercises occasionally for a friend whose manic little dog loves me. I don't want the grief of losing another or leaving one behind. But this little dog recognises my motor coming down their lane, charges up, gets in and licks my face as I attempt to drive to see them! They are the horsey couple who take me in when I have to have company after hospital, in case!

Glad the hall is going to get going for you-where do the drugs come in?

Not much else to report, but that the firewood is easing now as people are back on the central heating after the Christmas log fires are extinguished, till they light up again when they just want the chill off for the evening in front of the fire after the warm spring days and cool evenings in March.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Sun Jan 05, 20 8:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Don't have a lot to do with dogs, apart from saying hello to quite a lot that visit the wood, but do occasional cat sitting duty for son. Every time they visit, for some reason their cat marks my handbag and then sits close to it.

Spent a short time in the woods yesterday rebundling and partially sorting some of the birch we cut the other day. The worst has been reassigned for pimps and the rest had the thickest stuff cut out and rebundled. Husband hand split some wood for me, so log sacks and finishing the rest of the birch looks like the next jobs.

Stay safe Cassandra.

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Sun Jan 05, 20 9:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Haha - Gregotyn - the father is on heavy painkilling medication which he started to over-use, so his son came home to manage his medication. Problem is the son is not that long out of jail for dealing some fairly hard core drugs which he was using also. But he happily informed me he now only uses dope which he grew himself, so I guess that's OK?

Poppet is doing an excellent job of discovering the possibilities of human beds, but still in her very tentative way which involves leaping down at the first sign of sudden movement. As bedding is an optional extra at present I am hoping that come winter she will also find out about 'sleeping under the blankets', but at present she insists on lying beside my shins, where-ever they are, and so rolling over involves some fairly complex gymnastics.

The shop belongs to a friend Gregotyn. She and her husband moved here about 12 months ago, bought a bed and breakfast as a going concern, closed it almost immediately due to the fact all previous work on the place failed to meet the building code and are currently doing it up. But as they still own their house in NSW and are paying two mortgages, they kind of need an income. As shops specialising in artisan work are not exactly profitable she has struggled to keep it open when she needs to be earning real money. So she is gardening at the distillery, working in the Pancake shop, doing various casual jobs like the festival and doing quite nicely. But as she is unable to be in two places at once she is not able to open the shop very often. Building a client base needs the shop to be open reliably which is where I come in. If I am not working I go sit there and spin and deal with any clients that happen by. For me it's a good chance to get away from the house (not a happy place at the moment) and as I can spin, or knit while I am there, my time is more constructively used than usual. I don't get paid, but then I don't get paid to be at home either and it helps here, helps the tourists, and keeps the High Street a bit more lively than it would be otherwise. I do get a care package when I am there (chocolates, tea and coffee sachets etc), and the knowledge I am helping a friend and the village. Amply payment from my perspective. It also means there is some chance of selling my hats as she is the only supplier.

There is an app called Square which you can download to your phone so you can accept credit card payments (minus a small commission and once you have spent some time setting it up), which is particularly useful, and also provides detailed reports on an all too regular basis.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 20 8:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Well I suppose marijuana, which is probably what he grows, is better than hard drugs, but better still no drugs. Hope he can help his father if he is still 'under the influence'.

Sounds like a good system for the shop. You get to do your work there, which generates stock for both you and her, and keeps the shop open.

No doubt, cats liking to be comfortable, Poppet will find the warmest place in the winter, which will be cuddling up to you.

We went to the pantomime yesterday, which was really good. The special effects were brilliant. At one point Aladdin was on a magic carpet, and initially thought that it was ropes and pulleys on stage, then it came out over the audience, so thought it must be a projection, except he was acknowledging people in the audience. In the end, just caught sight of the arm of a material handler or similar with a spotlight behind it. Very well done. The other part was a 3D ghost sequence in a graveyard where we had to put on special glasses. The last bit was a ghost that came out at us then exploded, and somehow we got wet. May have been someone stationed in one of the boxes with a high powered water pistol. The cast had a go with water pistols later too, so got wet twice. They did do the 12 days of Christmas with 5 toilet rolls, but that might have been just for the last night, and although a good fight, wasn't as spectacular as last years. The dame got rather out of breath at the end of that one. Only down side was that our bus home dismaterialised, and we had to wait an hour for one. Luckily we had gone to the bus station which is enclosed and toilets and coffee available.

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 20 9:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I had to go to see father and son again today as father had had a brain fart about a way to earn interest on our account (he was wrong, we'd need to have quite a bit more than we have to open a fixed term deposit). Father was still working on the radio station and so son and I had a long period to talk, during the course of which he opened up about his past (I was rather flattered TBH). It seems he does not, nor has he ever used drugs stronger than the very dilute dope he is presently using (which is also helping with pain management - he has a collapsed disc). The rumour mill was wrong. His jail time has been associated with drink driving offences. Apparently his trouble with the police was four years ago when he was being investigated for involvement in a rather messy murder. He had been assumed to be involved as he was living rough at the time, and left to come back here at a time that coincided with the death. As he is still out of jail one assumes the police are pursuing other leads these days. So I assured him that while I hear local gossip, I don't necessarily take it seriously, and judge people by the way they interact with me. He was vastly relieved so the rest of the conversation was planning for the Hall's future (yay).

It was rather smoky today, and my most recent washing smells like a kipper house, but at least it's clean. As I will be running out of petrol before pay day I will spend tomorrow at home clearing some of the longer grass, and enjoy the overcast weather they are promising us.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Tue Jan 07, 20 7:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

It sounds as if the rumour machine may have got it wrong then, but as well to continue to keep an open mind. If the son is sensible, then he could be a useful ally, even if not trusted by all.

Hope the fires keep away and the wind direction keeps the smoke away from you too.

I spent some time yesterday bagging logs, which is just as well, as one of our outlets has ordered some more. After that I roughly sorted and bundled the birch we cut the other day. That is now settled and gently drying. We had to give up the last hour or so as the rain came in and it not only poured with rain but also got very dark, so couldn't really see to do a lot without lights either.

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Tue Jan 07, 20 10:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

The son was recruited as part of the pretty little failed coup that was engineered by my nemesis. Unfortunately neither he, his father, his nor the Boyz were able to attend the meeting. But voila, since we now have a quorum regardless of the new recruits the issue is not great. We achieved this by having the treasurer return to the committee, which was intended to usurp me from the position, but since the new treasurer is unsure of the duties, she is happy for me to carry on. I suggested she and one other committee and I meet to design a system that is easy for her to understand and which also meets our legal obligations.

I suspect father and son decided not to come as they were aware of the planned bloodshed. They pleaded a real estate issue which is plausible as they are selling the house due to a separation. Life is never dull in Parattah.

This left the field clear for Trish to once again launch into a series of attacks, storm off and burst into tears (it took her at least 5 minutes to work her way up to sobbing loudly enough for people to pay attention to her), accuse me of telling her to shut up (I actually asked if she could please extend me the courtesy of being able to complete my sentences), and finally abusing me (again) for making her an editor on the FB page, along with a variety of other rather more fictitious allegations. When I attempted to respond to the allegations I was shouted down at length by her, yet still I did not tell her to shut up (or shut the F up as I was tempted to do). I obliged her to make a commitment to not remove me as Admin in from of the committee, and have now reinstated her. It will be interesting to see if the harrasment continues.

I have washed and finished 3 skeins of chain plied pot-dyed fleece which I now have to work out a use for, but I suspect inspiration will strike while I am doing the other six WIPs and finish spinning the balance of the fleece.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Tue Jan 07, 20 2:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Cassandra, I think I would give the hall up until those who seem to be giving grief are unable to cope and go away, and you can return in triumph! In the mean time you can concentrate on the spinning and knitting in the shop-money coming in!
I am glad you have no fires close by. My friend on the mainland is away from the fires too, though he said they were not far away at one point. He has emailed me today to say they are safe and sound; I don't think I will be visiting if this is to be a regular feature. I have never done drugs except those prescribed by the doctors. I had an intake of weed a long time ago which had no effect, so I didn't carry on, waste of money anyway!

The pantomime sounds really good MR, not sure getting wet is a part for a paying audience, but times have moved on since I was a boy!

I have discovered that a friend has a stick chopping machine and is available to cut wood for me, but we have to get a price sorted; at present he is selling at £2 a net wholesale so may as well be an idea to get a sample to make sure they are acceptable to the buyer. But that is the same price that I sell them for, so I would be paying for the haulage I may have to negotiate a bit! I would have to negotiate a rise in the wholesale price-which may spark him off to look at other suppliers. We'll see!

I am away now to chop wood if I can see!

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 20 7:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Don't the other Committee members get fed up with her play acting? I am afraid that I would be inclined to say something very rude politely, but it would probably be wasted on someone as stupid as her as she wouldn't understand it was rude. I was trained by a British civil servant.

If you are finding her behaviour funny now, then it doesn't matter, but if it is still making you ill, you might be better out of it Cassandra, and allow them to sink on their own.

Looking at your wool on FB, it looks a lovely mix of colours and will go well with a dark contrast I think, but no doubt you will decide once you have spun it all.

Gregotyn, it doesn't seem worth while buying chopped sticks off your friend, but he may be willing to rent our man-and-machine for a day to do a load for you to package, although I think quite a lot of those machines put the kindling direct into a bag.

I was hoping to cut some more birch yesterday, but the weather came down and we were working in a cloud, so everything wet as it was drizzly and couldn't see very far either, so we gave up.

Son gave me a penknife in a case for my birthday yesterday. He made the leather case which has a belt loop, so useful for cutting string for bundling birch etc. and can easily be carried round. Unfortunately it slipped off my belt when I was using the loo, and I didn't notice, but husband retrieved it for me. I will have to put it further round and be careful when undoing my belt.

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 20 9:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I was a little hamstrung last night as the four allies I have been cultivating were all missing in action, but the treasurer has returned to the Committee (but wants me to continue as Treasurer until she settles in) and did break it up when it became apparent we'd be there half the night if she was left to keep it up. As it was we did not get through all of the Agenda but agreed to carry it over until the other four were present.

It was rather warm today so I put a pot of wool out in the sun with some dye on it to see what would happen. It was a pale moorit (brown) fleece from a corriedale sheep and has lovely long staples. It is now still pale brown in parts, but the dyes have grabbed at various points (but not as densely as I had hoped), so I will dry it and put it through my friend's carding machine while I mind the shop on Sunday (it will still be too damp tomorrow), so as to reduce the gaps between colours and get a bit of a blend happening.

A lovely still day today, with a blue sky (miraculous). Had a chap in to quote on dealing with the grass but it was $60 more than I had paid another chap last year for a much harder job, so I might get him back again and see what he offers me this time.

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 20 7:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Today was shop duty and what fun it was. An endless stream of visitors (albeit few of them actually buying) and the last of these turned out to be someone who I am familiar with from FB (my political commentary). Not knowing this we hit it off pretty much immediately and it was actually hard to shovel her out of the shop. She is also a pretty impressive artist, so by the time she left we had negotiated to stock her art when we move to our new venue, haha.

It was also rather hot and is now becoming rather windy, and tomorrow will be rather hotter. I have decided to spend the day in the shop on Saturday so I am free to organise the Market on Sunday (the hours clash something horrid).

So a productive day (I also finished a bobbin, plyed it and am well advanced on yet another).

And yes, other committee members are finding it tiresome - one spoke up last meeting, the father and son will be speaking up next time if the medication has not kicked in. Basically we have not been able to complete any business for four months which is ridiculous!

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