alone...but I can! Honestly, for years I thought the only way to have a little permaculture property was to have a partner to do it with, as I had in the past, but you know what, after selling the house, divesting myself of 'stuff' and living tiny for 2 years in the Mouse House, my beautiful van, I realised I could do anything. My time touring Tasmania, NSW and Victoria alone, facing fears on occasions, I realised I could have the life I want, the way I want. So here I am... For months, since the onset of Covid 19, I have been on my block, working really hard, staying well and enjoying the tranquility. I have proved that 65 is still plenty young enough to wield a mattock, line a shack and be offsider at times for my bush builder Marty. I don't have the physical size to hold up a heavy verandah post though. The post weighed more than I do! I think I have also proved, in all the months I've lived here, that I can chop wood and carry water, I can also maintain a healthy and safe environment without all the 'necessities' of modern life. Let's get simple, let's go smaller, need less. If you noticed tea bags hanging by the fire, there is a reason 😊 I drink a lot of tea. I then dry out the tea bags by the fire and then put them in a jar with mentholated spirits. They make great fire lighters. How's that for repurposing? Last month I made a bed and I made a stool out of scrap wood. I got it wrong a few times but does that really matter? Try, try and try again. That's what I was taught. Every attempt makes the next one that little bit easier. As long as the outcome works well that's pretty good isn't it? I've had another couple of goes at spoon carving and only one little nick so far, that's pretty good for me. I had to have a couple of Cassurina (she oak) branches removed as they were hanging down too low for the van and that's what I'm carving now. Little by little a spoon will emerge and when they are finished they'll be off to their new homes. The laundry tub that did contain herb plants has been reassigned as a worm bed. The dozen or so compost worms I was given last year have multiplied greatly so need more space and more food. No cows around here so horse poo had to do. I went with my wheel barrow into the neighbour's stallion paddock. 'He probably won't even come near you', I was told. Well that was wrong, he came cantering up to see what I was doing. I do think he wanted me to put his poo back but I wanted it for my worms more so, in the best 'sootheahorse' voice I had I just kept collecting and saying, 'good boy, good boy', and I managed to get out with a barrow load without Major upending the barrow. I think the worms are happy but it's really hard to see a smile on a worm. It has been cold, down to -4c a few days recently. Frosty mornings and the sheep graziers warning was correct, even my sheep had a frosty back. She's ok though - she's made of tough stuff. The veggies are doing well for winter and I'm eating something green from there every day. The Japanese turnip seeds did germinate and they're doing well I love those crunchy, sweet little veggies that I first came across in Tasmania. I've planted a quince tree and two blackcurrants and a gooseberry this week and my neighbour gave me a container of 10 or more grape cuttings and 3 pots of grape plants with roots ready to plant when the verandah is finished. I do love the colours of the grasses and the sky at this time of the year. Taken out the car window when coming back from shopping with a neighbour. People are so friendly here. (click on any to see larger) My most recent vid, uploaded three days ago. (July 2020) The beginning of Happenstance - one year ago! I think that's about it. Enough maybe.
Enjoy, and stay well, Clare 🤗
25 Comments
Deirdre
3/8/2020 01:20:11 pm
What a lovely journey you are on Clare. Enjoy!
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Clare Colins
3/8/2020 03:58:11 pm
Thank you Deidre.
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Jennifer
3/8/2020 01:57:22 pm
Lovely update :) Is any of your woodwork available to purchase?
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Clare Colins
3/8/2020 03:59:24 pm
If only I were that good at it Jennifer.
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Theresa
3/8/2020 02:47:16 pm
Oh Clare your hut is looking some comfy and homey now! So snug for winter! Love that you have found you can do it alone... inspiring!
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Clare Colins
3/8/2020 04:00:11 pm
Thank you Theresa 🤗
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Diana
3/8/2020 03:23:18 pm
So love following your amazing journey
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Clare Colins
3/8/2020 04:00:40 pm
Nice to have you along 😊
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Helen Ruby
3/8/2020 05:09:48 pm
Oh, I want more and more and what a highlight of your life it will be when Spring comes the day after my 77th birthday! Hey, David (my son) will be stoked when he sees that you've given him a space on your precious blog...I'll forward it onto him right now.
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Clare Colins
3/8/2020 06:13:57 pm
Thank you for the lovely comments Helen.
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Helen Proudj
3/8/2020 06:54:35 pm
Just so interesting and productive Clare. It's inspiring. Where do you sleep. In the mouse house or the tin shed. It is afa achievement in 2 years.
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Clare Colins
5/8/2020 11:05:09 am
Hi Helen.
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anne
3/8/2020 07:26:40 pm
brilliant watching this project grow,, amazing claire well done buddy xx
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Clare Colins
5/8/2020 11:03:50 am
Thank you Anne 😊
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Mae
4/8/2020 09:36:14 am
Hello Clare,
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Clare Colins
5/8/2020 11:00:23 am
Hello Mae
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Mae
5/8/2020 12:38:54 pm
,,,never underestimate the power of planting a seed.
Michele
4/8/2020 08:42:12 pm
I love your journey! I’m 55 and a live in carer for my 85yr old mum. I would LOVE to be able to do what you’re doing one day.
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Clare Colins
5/8/2020 11:02:38 am
Hi Michele
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Clare
16/8/2020 03:20:06 pm
Thank you Kym 😊
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Kelly Black
12/8/2020 09:28:11 am
Hi Clare!
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Clare
16/8/2020 03:23:31 pm
That's a great project Kelly.
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Gabrielle Butler
7/6/2021 09:27:17 pm
I may read more if you have my normal email address...lovely little house.
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bernie lujan
8/6/2021 11:03:46 am
Hi Clare! I am NEW to your videos, blogs, redbubble, etc . . . You are AMAZING! I am from Guam and turning 53 in October. Your vids and blogs will be part of my Summer relaxation. Look forward to anything you put out.
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