Thanks all. We ended up just brining them and then put them in the vinegar and brought it to the boil and then into the sterilised jars pouring the vinegar over them. They still nice and crisp but very salty. I wonder why they need to be brined? I might slice the next lot. Still have so many coming on. But that’s about all with this dry weather.

Thanks Mukluk. No they’re definitely eating the mildew. Lovely little yellow and black ones. What I ended up doing is removing the badly affected leaves with the lady beetle larvae and adults on them. I moved the little critters from the not so badly affected leaves on to these ones as well. I’ve sprayed the not yet affected leaves with the milk…[Read more]

What I have noticed these last few days is many more blue banded bees about. I’m wondering if this is due to the absence of the honey bees. Interesting !!

That’s interesting that you should say that Mukluk. Cos we were wondering if now that they’re not around other pollen hungry native critters might get a go. Would love to encourage the little native bees and one year our radishes went to seed and we had millions of them. Might plant some more and let them flower.

I don’t think they can afford to move. They seem to be back on track with lots of fundraising happening. Truly irrepressible optimists.

Just heard that the farm is gone again. Their animals are ok but all their hard work is gone again. Such a shame.
http://www.serendipityfarm.org.au/

BlueWren post=353102 wrote: Hi Sue , good to hear from you again.I suppose you are bracing for the SEQld “rain event” ?

Yes very wet and windy, as no doubt it is for you too.No damage so far. Just lost the side fence which was on its last legs anyway. Hope everybody is safe and no damage to your homes and property.

Bluesbandit. Loved it and still do. Last year was a write off for a few reasons but we hopi g to make our move at the end of this year. Lining up all our ducks so to speak to make it happen

Thanks all. Nice to be back!!

Food from a Loving Home by Lauren Burns.Lots of lovely vegetarian recipes as well as home remedies and homemade cosmetics.

hello Burra. I too have just discovered this thread and have really enjoyed looking at all your photos and reading your posts. thanks 🙂

hi Nane! I’m a Qlder but my heart belongs to Tassie too.Last time we were down there the guy at the Legana fruitshop told me that a bloke grows them commercially near Sheffield. Apparently they are the Bacon variety.I know they dont like wet feet so maybe against a warm wall in a well drained spot for your winter rain.

just read the link.Imagine what could be achieved if big multi national companies didn’t run the most of the planet!Instead of charging people a fortune for water and energy we could all be more self sufficient and take more responsibility for our own well being. I wonder what will happen when the western world runs out of food due to GM failure…[Read more]

inspirational!

Hi mauzi!! I think that little nursery is jus t up the road. I look longingly in there as we go walking but I know I won’t be able to control myself so I haven’t ventured inside. We are heading up to our friends place next week for a month so thought we would catch up with you when we get up that way if that’s ok with you. Will give you a call…[Read more]

Survived the storm. Phew. We are still high and dry. I am surprised how well we are taking to the whole camping thing actually. A very simple life. No cleaning to speak of and basic food. I think we have both lost a bit of weight from all the pitching and Unpitching and from eating plain food with no junk.

Had a bit of a hot day yesterday. But opened up our little house and the sea breeze did its thing. All the vans were all closed up with their air con on. It was 30 I think but different to what that is like at home. We are in a storm ATM so hoping we don’t get blown away. Very windy and I have to say a bit scary but we are zipped up tight and…[Read more]

Well I just had a look at the photos!! Looks like a lovely time was had by all. We are in Melbourne ATM after driving down from Brissie. We are zapped!! Looking forward to havin a rest on the boat tomorrow.

What is this thing called snow? :S What do you call a heatwave? :shrug:

We are heading off tomorrow, bright and early and hoping to get to Taree. We had our tent practise yesterday,; 😉 that went quite well. Today is packing day!We are looking forward to getting away from the heat up here- 36 today :ohmy: Did the farewell family lunch yesterday. Have made a list for DS to refer to (doesn’t show much interest at this…[Read more]