There are so many things that need moving from place to place on a smallholding. Horse poo is transfered from paddocks to gardens, firewood is schlepped from the Seven Acre Wood up to the wood-sheds, old hay from the chicken… Continue Reading
Around here we are reeling from an overload of sad events. If you’ve been following along for a while you’ll know what I mean. If you’re new to these scribblings and want to catch up — I’m sorry, can’t bear… Continue Reading
How to tell that you’re acculturating to country life: (1) Although for decades you drank town water with no qualms, you now notice that it smells of chlorine. You find yourself getting precious about having only Northland rainwater in your drink bottle. You worry that this… Continue Reading
This evening I rode Summer for the first time since our move to the farmlet. A combination of my absence due to Auckland commitments, winter weather, and eventually just sheer nerves (OMG, can I even remember how to ride?), has had one… Continue Reading
I met Fencer Phil back in May. He came to look over our fencing job, and after walking around my proposed fence-lines, suggested re-routing them to form a layout closer to something a proper farmer might plan. ‘Let’s put your gate near these trees where… Continue Reading
I like to think I’m a believer in the permaculture ethic of fair share, but really, enough is enough. Since my autumn planting of kale, the humans in this ecosystem have managed to scrounge only two meals from 12 plants. The rest was gobbled by gastropods. Northland snails… Continue Reading
Speaking of my friend Amy-next-door, and of spring lambs, here is Amy with her ‘Calf Club’ lamb ‘Zebie’. Calf Club, also known as Ag Day, is an annual spring event at rural NZ schools. Each student adopts a new-born calf, lamb, or… Continue Reading
Some of you will be relieved to know that Stu the rabbit has gone to a better place — by which I mean a new home with a kid from the local school. Really, whatever did you think I meant?… Continue Reading
It’s officially the first day of spring, and Northland has turned on just the right kind of weather. Around the farmlet spring things are popping up everywhere. Of course no collection of spring photos is complete without a few lambs. Here are some… Continue Reading
Look what we found in the study this morning. How it got into the house is a complete mystery (surely not the cat door?), but its presence certainly explains why Maisie was so restless at 3am. I think it’s just… Continue Reading
