"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Thursday 15 December 2011

Merry Christmas

Due to the fact that our suppliers close their businesses for the season today (Friday 16th is a public holiday here), thus forcing us to take our yearly break as well, on Saturday morning RMan and I are escaping to the farm until round about the 7th January.


This will be the first Christmas we celebrate on the farm.  NGirl, WGuy and MKid will be travelling down from Johannesburg, and hopefully RSon will also be able to join us.
But, before that, we'll have plenty to keep us busy over our "holiday".  Our neighbour, CGuy, is in the process of completing his own house, and needs the solar panels he lent us after we had our burglary in January this year as he wants to install them on his roof.  That means we have to remove all the panels, and the supporting frame from our roof, detach CGuys panels, and replace them with some panels we have just purchased.  Bearing in mind that each panel weighs in excess of 14kgs, and there are three of them, it's going to be quite a mission to get the contraption off our double story 45° roof, and then re-hoist it up again.  At least three people are needed to successfully accomplish this feat.  And by three people, I'll talking about man power (as opposed to woman power LOL).
Then, I also have b-i-g (g-e-r) plans for my shadecloth greenhouse, so that is sure to keep me busy.  And we have loads of lemon trees to plant...


Finally, I want to create a water-wise indigenous garden at the front of the house.  I have taken most of the plants to the farm already, so it's be a case of turning the (rock hard) soil and adding plenty of compost.  I am also planning on planting the berry bushes (blackberry, raspberry and gooseberry) and some strawberry plants which I have had waiting in limbo at our town house.  My helper, John, says he is available, and his employment will naturally be shared with Roy and Teach who found him first - should they require his services.
I also want to use my solar oven as much as possible - the sun shines far more on the farm than it does in town LOL  Bread, vegetables, dinners - even biscuits - I can't wait to get going again.  The weather that we've been having in town this Spring / Summer (so far) has been overcast most days, with only the occasional single sunny day which was suitable.  Now I'm going to indulge myself - and my oven :)


It's going to be really strange having so much time to spend there - the most time we've had before is a week - 9 days at the most.  20-days is going to be a luxury :)  A foretaste of things to come... :)


RMan and I sure need the break.  It's been a really tough year - mentally, financially and emotionally, and that always drains one.  Even though we'll be "working" on the farm, it'll be a different type of work - one that is good for the soul.  And for the body.


I will be taking the laptop to the farm with me, but as I will be connecting through my cell phone, the connection is very slow as we are on the "edge" of our cell phone providers area.  I'm not sure how many photo's I'll be able to upload - even on our ADSL line in town that can sometimes take a while. (we have the old analogue line - not the latest fibre optic cable.)  So, I will still be able to follow your postings, and comment, but my blog posts may be restricted.
So, in view of that I would like to take the time now to wish you all a Spiritual, merry, peaceful, relaxed, convivial and enjoyable Christmas, filled with good food, family warmth, laughter and, finally, all best wishes for 2012.


These wishes go especially to all those people who give of their time, and themselves, whilst we are relaxing with our families and celebrating the season - the police, firemen / fire women, doctors, nurses and paramedics, taxi, train and bus drivers, etc.  Thank you - you are appreciated :)

19 comments:

  1. Sounds almost idyllic! Have a beautiful Christmas and well-deserved rest.

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  2. Merry Christmas and Happy 2012 to you and RMan!

    3 whole weeks in heaven...I'm so jealous. The best kind of work is the work you guys will be doing. I'm sure you'll both be mentally and spirtually satisfied at the end of your "working" vacation.

    Take care!

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  3. Enjoy your vacation and have a very Merry Christmas. I do not envy you moving those panels around. Those types of jobs always give you a few more grey hairs:) Cant wait to see how all your projects go.

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  4. Enjoy, enjoy ,enjoy! And if you have time enjoy some more. Have a Merry Christmas and always remember to keep the Christ in Christmas.

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  5. Merry Christmas! Have lots of fun. I'm sure there will be plenty of relaxation sitting on the verandah, admiring your amazing outlook, at the end of a hard day's work. Can't wait to see what you achieve!

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  6. Frogdancer - Thank you - and you too :)

    Tami - Thank you and to you and SM too :)

    I KNOW that the farm will work it's magic - and not a moment too soon either LOL

    Jane - Thank you - and to you and Iceman too :)

    I will let you know what we've achieved - this year or next, depending on my internet connection...

    John - Thank you and you :) I couldn't forget to keep Christ in Christmas :)

    Linda - Thank you - and to you and your family too :)

    Ah, yes - the verandah at the end of the day... LOL

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  7. Hope you have a wonderful time on the farm and I look forward to hearing about everything you do. happy holidays. Jackie

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  8. Thanks Jackie - Happy Holidays to you and Bean too :)

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  9. Enjoy your builders/Christmas holiday on the farm. Gain satisfaction from getting things done, and, take time out to revel in your future life!

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  10. Diana - Thank you. Oh yes, I will gain great satisfaction from all that we hopefully will accomplish - nothing better than some good physical (hard) labour to clear the head :)

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  11. I can't wait to see what else you have planned for the farm. You had me at "lemon trees".

    Hopefully those solar panels will come off without a hitch.

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  12. Thomas -1 Ah - lemon trees :)

    Hmm - yup, I'm also worried about that...!

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  13. I wish it was the custom to take such a break for Christmas here in this country. As it is, come folks get no holiday at all because businesses don't want to risk losing a profit!

    Great update on your farm and doings. I always love the way you look at it and the mindset you have. I pick up a lot of good ideas and encouragement from you.

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  14. Leigh - Thank you for your kind words :)

    It's only the manufacturing businesses which close here - all the retail ones stay open to "make their bucks" in the Christmas rush. We belong to the manufacturing business sector ;)

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  15. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! I'm jealous and happy for you at the same time :o)

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  16. Merry Christmas to you and RMan. I hope you get a lot accomplished on the farm and enjoy some relaxing time too.Emily

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  17. You are impressive with all you have gotten done. Have a Very Merry Christmas.

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  18. Emily - Thank you - and I hope yours is relaxing too :)

    Frann - Thanks. Merry Christmas to you too.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.