We have finally purchased a really interesting 26 acre chunk of land (deciduous woodland and overgrown coppice, rough overgrown pasture and wetlands too) on the Wrexham/Shropshire/Cheshire border of Wales and England.

We are absolutely delighted as it means we can finally finally after five years of a slightly strange nomadic existence in large rented [...]]]>

We have finally purchased a really interesting 26 acre chunk of land (deciduous woodland and overgrown coppice, rough overgrown pasture and wetlands too) on the Wrexham/Shropshire/Cheshire border of Wales and England.

We are absolutely delighted as it means we can finally finally after five years of a slightly strange nomadic existence in large rented houses all over the UK begin to make an area of the country a permanent place to reside and call home. This purchase has been a bit of a dream come true for us as we have tried and failed to buy some (wood)land for over two years now since we first started the buying process on a lovely woodland near our house at the time in Worcestershire. That purchased failed when we were gazumped and so did several other attempted purchases, some failed because our solicitor uncovered some ‘interesting’  aspect of the access conditions and one memorable one failed because we were too slow to make an offer despite whizzing up to Wales see it from Cornwall on the day it came on the market and making an asking price offer the following day.

Ever since we sold our house in London and started to rent rural houses instead we have committed to ourselves that we would *first* buy some land  and then we would find somewhere to live near to it as land is harder to find than houses and we are not able to combine the two due to lack of funds (or is that due to the extortionately high price of houses in the UK at present?)

We first saw this piece of land advertised on an agent’s website who specialises in land sales (Roger Parry) in March. Darren had a weekly search through all the agents’  websites and suddenly found this one with no photo. He got in the car to have a look at it and the following day I went too. It was a warm sunny day and I instantly fell in love with the place as it had huge skies, was private, was on the edge of a nice village with a school and a shop and only four miles away to a market town with good rail, road and canal links.

The purchase was made with our pension pots. We had contacted Peter Jones at SSAS Practitioner.com earlier in the year and as luck would have it the monies were transferred to our new combined pension pot ready for the purchase of land just the week before we found this piece of land. The story of  Buying Land with Pension Funds, how we were able to convert the stocks and shares pension funds from our decade of being London full time earners into woodland and pasture is written about in detail by Bealers on his blog.

I think we were both assuming the sale would fall through as the previous seven (or was it eight?) had so when in mid May our solicitor contacted us to say the contract had actually been exchanged and the purchase completed we could not believe it. Darren was halfway through his permaculture design course with Steve Jones (from Sector 39) as the tutor in Oswestry which is only a stone’s throw from the new patch and so his entire group went for a field trip there on our first day of ownership.

Since the purchase in May we have left the extraordinarily lovely and picturesque smallholding we shared with our very fine neighbours just outside the very special Mid-Wales town of Llanidloes and have instead taken a 2-acre smallholding in a pleasant Shropshire village just a few minutes drive from the patch our pension now owns.

The move came about after several camping trips on the land and associated 3 hour round road trips with car sick kids. As I had extracted the children from the local school to educate them at home and Bealers’ internet software business was able to be located anywhere in the UK we couldn’t resist the pull of the nice house in a nice village just a short trip away from the land where we want to spend so much of our ‘spare’ time.

The latest move has been a great success in that the kids are back in a really great small village school where they are thriving and making high quality friends, Bealers and I are able to set about bringing the woodland into a productive, sustainable source of timber and other functions as well as enjoying the masses of flora, fauna and restfulness a woodland environment offers.

The fact that we are lucky enough to rent another smallholding (our second or is it our third if we count the experience of the Cornish community?) we are now really transitioning to a portfolio of rural livelihoods by keeping hens and selling their eggs, cakes and lemon curds, obtaining a small flock of Badger Faced Welsh Mountain lambs to breed from for meat and fleece products, embryonic horticulture and permaculture designing skills, forestry and childcare.

The remaining question is where will decide to live if we aren’t going to rent other people’s fine houses for the rest of our time on this Earth?

The book I am reading at the moment is yet another on the now familiar and alluring theme of family self-sufficiency. ‘Living the Good Life: Changing the world from your own backyard‘ is Linda Cockburn’s diary of [...]]]> A day late but not too late to write a post to participate in blog action day 2008.

The book I am reading at the moment is yet another on the now familiar and alluring theme of family self-sufficiency. ‘Living the Good Life: Changing the world from your own backyard‘ is Linda Cockburn’s diary of her young family’s pledge to spend 6 months not spending a dollar. It naturally includes several examinations as to why shunning of ‘normal’ consumerist lifestyle is a good exercise including the following shocking list on ‘Consumerism versus Humanitarianism’

Consider the priorities in global spending in 1998

Global Priority (US$ billions)

• Basic education for everybody in the world (US$6 billion)
• Cosmetics in the United States ((US$8 billion)
• Water and sanitation for everyone in the world (US$9 billion)
• Ice-cream in Europe (US$11 billion)
• Reproductive health for all women in the world (US$12 billion)
• Perfumes in Europe and the United States (US$12 billion)
• Basic heath and nutrition for everyone in the world (US$13 billion)
• Pet foods in Europe and the United States (US$17 billion)
• Business entertainment in Japan (US$35 billion)
• Cigarettes in Europe (US$50 billion)
• Alcoholic drinks in Europe (US$105 billion)
• Narcotic drugs in the world (US$400 billion)
• Military spending in the world (US$780 billion)

Appalling statistics.

This blogpost was written as a contribution to Blog Action Day. More than 9,000 bloggers worldwide have joined together to raise awareness of poverty and the issues related to it.

Hmmm. I’ve just been watching the boldest, chunkiest rat while I did the washing up. He/she/it was waddling around the path in the garden, popped up the apple tree and sat looking at me then waddled back down, had a sniff around the drain and the rubbish bin (no lid and generally [...]]]>

Hmmm. I’ve just been watching the boldest, chunkiest rat while I did the washing up. He/she/it was waddling around the path in the garden, popped up the apple tree and sat looking at me then waddled back down, had a sniff around the drain and the rubbish bin (no lid and generally has refuse sacks containing the week’s waste complete with holes made by a mystery creature) then waddled back to where I presume it sleeps in the ex-outdoor toilet which is now used as a garden store.

Until I came upstairs I thought little of the latest visible wildlife in our garden other than a fleeting ‘Gosh aren’t they sweet looking, nimble and intelligent too’

Turns out they have nasty diseases, nasty habits (like popping themselves up nearby sewage pipes and into one’s lavatory), can cause nasty things to happen (especially if they chomp through household electricity cables) and the only thing to do if you have signs of rats living near your premises are to kill the blighters. The best way to kill them is apparently with a rat trap.

Great. It wasn’t something I had on the to-do list but here goes – better start getting rid of them before they get the better of us and start being really cheeky like coming into the house. I’m a bit scared of traps though as I imagine they would hurt A LOT if it went off on a human finger or toe and with two daft five year olds living with us I guess we’ll have to wait until after their bedtime to set the things up.

The following advice is taken from the very helpful page at King County:

Rats are dangerous! They can ruin your food, destroy things in your home and start electrical fires. Rats and their fleas can carry disease.

Where do rats live outside?* Under wood piles or lumber that is not being used often
* Under bushes, vines and in tall grasses that are not trimmed or cut back
* Under rocks in the garden
* In cars, appliances and furniture that has been put outside and is no longer being used
* In and around trash and garbage that has been left on the ground
* In holes under buildings

Where do rats live inside the home?

* In the insulation of walls or ceilings
* Inside the crawl spaces
* Behind or under cupboards, counters, bathtubs and shower stalls
* Near hot water heaters and furnaces
* In basements, attics and wherever things are stored in boxes, paper or cloth

What foods brings rats into my yard and neighborhood?

* Garbage that rats can get into, like garbage cans with loose lids, plastic or paper bags, and litter.
* Food for pets and birds that has not been eaten. Birdseed on the ground, pet food in pet dishes, bread crumbs, etc.
* Fruits and berries that have fallen to the ground.
* Compost pile or worm bin that isn’t taken care of the right way (do not put meat, fish, poultry, or dairy in the compost)
* Dog droppings

What do rats eat when they get inside the house?

* THE SAME FOODS WE DO!
* Foods, fats, oils that have been spilled and left on counters, floors, appliances and tables
* Grains, like cereal, oats, rice and vegetables like potatoes and carrots that are in cardboard boxes and plastic bags
* Pet food in boxes or bags
* Any garbage that is not in a can with a tight lid

Keep rats away from your home!

Do not give food and shelter to these most unwanted guests!

* The time to act is before the signs (droppings) of a rat or mouse.
* Stack fire wood 18 inches off the ground and away from all buildings.
* Birdhouses and seed should be on poles and in trays rats can’t get.
* Keep garbage can lids closed tightly.
* Plant bushes so they will stay at least 3 feet from your house.
* Keep yards and alleys clean. Take junk to the dump!
* If you feed them, they will stay. Pick up fruit and vegetables in your yard.
* Do not compost any animal products (fish, meat, chicken, cheese, butter). Keep lids tight.
* Use only rodent resistant composters.
* In basements keep any food in closed containers that rats can’t chew through.
* Cover all openings to your house. Rats can get into very small places.
* Do not leave your pet food outside. If your pet doesn’t eat it, the rats will.
* Roof rats get into your house from tree branches that hang over the roof. Keep trees cut back and cover any openings in the eves.

Keep rats out of your sewer pipes!

Rats live in sewers and can follow the food in pipes up to your toilet.

* Keep your kitchen sink rinsed clean and use garbage disposals as little as possible.
o Rinse out your kitchen sink once or twice a month.
o Use 1 cup of bleach (an alternative to using bleach, 1 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar) and rinse with boiling water.
* Never throw grease down the drain.
* Keep your toilet lid down when not in use.
* If you find a rat in your toilet, flush it! (hint: squirt a little dishwashing liquid under the lid into the bowl, wait a couple of minutes then flush)

To kill a rat, use a rat trap!

The best trap is the large, simple, cheap wooden “snap trap.” They are sold in hardware stores.

To use the trap:

* BAIT IT with pieces of apple, potato, raw bacon or with peanut butter.
* ATTACH IT firmly to the ground or solid place to keep the rat from dragging the trap away.
* PLACE THE TRAP near where you have found the droppings. Make sure the trap is safe from people, children, pets or animals who could get hurt from it.

POISONS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED for rat control, because children or other animals may eat it by mistake. Also, poisoned rats can die in hard to reach places causing a very bad smell.

DEAD RATS must first be wrapped in newspaper, or placed in a plastic bag before putting it in a tightly covered garbage can. Injured or sick rats must be killed, then wrapped and put in the garbage can. Try not to touch the dead rat. Use gloves if possible.

WASH YOUR HANDS WITH HOT WATER AND SOAP AFTER GETTING RID OF DEAD RATS! (even if you used gloves).

How do I clean an area where rats/mice have already been?

If you are cleaning out a building that has been closed up, such as a cabin, shed, or garage, or areas where rodent nesting material have been found, follow these steps.
1.

Air out the building for at least 30 minutes by opening windows and doors. Leave the building while it is airing out.
2. Wear latex or rubber gloves and a dust mask while cleaning.
3.
Avoid raising dust that may spread the virus through the air: Do not vacuum, sweep or dust. Carefully wet down areas with disinfectant before cleaning.
4.
Use rags, sponges and mops that have been soaked in the disinfectant solution to wipe down counter tops, cabinets and drawers, mop floors and baseboards.
5. Mix a solution of 1 cup bleach to 10 cups water or use a household disinfectant.
6. Steam clean carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
7. Thoroughly spray or soak any dead mice, droppings, or nesting areas with disinfectant or bleach solution.
8. Wash clothes and bedding in hot water and detergent. Set the dryer on high.
9. To dispose of contaminated items, including dead mice, put them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and put it in another plastic bag. Seal the outer bag and put it in your outdoor garbage can.
10. When you are done, disinfect or throw away the gloves you used. Wash your hands or shower with soap and hot water.

http://www.becomingdomestic.co.uk/recommended-reading-list/

For the first couple of weeks I had quite a backlog of paperwork and spreadsheets to bring up to date but now am able to do everything I need [...]]]> I’ve been back in the office for a couple of weeks now that the children have started school and are there Mon-Fri until 3pm each day.

For the first couple of weeks I had quite a backlog of paperwork and spreadsheets to bring up to date but now am able to do everything I need to by being there Mon-Thurs.

As a celebration of being on my own with nobody requiring my services until school finished last Friday I took myself for a long overdue haircut (awful I feel like a shorn sheep with unruly curls springing out from all over my head instead of hanging down in demure ringlets) & then a completely frivolous but highly enjoyable manicure & pedicure combo (still getting my money’s worth 3 days later everytime I catch a glimpse of my pampered, glossy digits) THEN topped it off with a really nice lunch in a really laid back but stylish, wholefoody cafe with two lady-friends. All *very* pleasant and lovely but not something I wish to make a weekly habit.

My dilema is what does one do with oneself on one short day when one doesn’t have small kids to take care of and not in the office….? I’m especially aware that such a once a week treat will only be available for a very limited time as by January I will be back in the 27-7-365 role of being mummy to a new baby. The pressure to relax and use this weekly slot to its maximum benefit is on!

Once upon a time the answer would have been to Go Shopping and I would have merrily meandered round retail establishments looking, touching and buying their wares. Nowadays I’m much more consumer conscious, have way too much stuff already and want to remain as thrifty as possible so I can have money for things that are actually important to me.

If I was still in London I would maybe visit a gallery or museum or meet a friend for lunch or coffee.  Maybe I should do that round here.

One  thing I very rarely make time to do and now use the constant small companions as an excuse is exercise. Admitedly I’m always on the go – bringing laundry downstairs or putting clean clothes away, ferrying meals or empty plates to/from the table. But why not make the time in my diary for a nice long riverside stroll, a swim, a yoga class or a bike ride. That sounds really appealing.

Something I know I’d love to get off my to do list (but am not so keen on actually doing) are all the little household jobs which aren’t easy to do when the children are here. I think I know in my heart that it is these seemingly boring tasks that would actually give me the most satisfaction and inner peace once they had been ticked off. Instead of telling myself it is ‘sad’ to want to do such mundane things on such a precious alone time I’m going to give myself credit for knowing myself well enough to know what will make me feel like I’ve spent my free time well, that I’ve made our home environment even more lovely by spending time on it and with the help of some really loud music I reckon I’ll relish getting my hands dirty and having time and space to let my mind wander and achieve good things. What’s on my list?

• Do some gardening – plant some spring bulbs, clear the vegetable plot of its nasty blanket of weeds, clear the path of weeds, try to locate the flower border under yet more weeds, clear out summer tubs
• Take toys which are broken/ no longer played with out of the toy boxes and thrown away or Freecycled
• Get rid of unwanted / too small clothes, odd socks etc.
• Filing of papework, purging of old unrequired papers, sort out ‘In Case of Emergency’ summary details of life insurance policy details, bank account numbers, pension locations
• Put photographs into albums
• Donate surplus paperbacks to the library

The last idea I’ve just had as well as the ones listed above will be to take advantage of the ability to sleeeeeeep during the day. Shame it can’t be bottled up and used sparingly when really desperate for just the smallest of cat naps.

I’m planning to write a quick note to the teacher/school on Monday as I need to nip a potential problem in the bud but I really don’t want to be known as the [...]]]> [Update: I decided not to write a note to the teacher after all as really don't want to be a tricky customer]

I’m planning to write a quick note to the teacher/school on Monday as I need to nip a potential problem in the bud but I really don’t want to be known as the troublemaking parent just 5 days into the twins’ time at their new primary school.

I was in our office this morning writing some letters, sorting out financial forecasts and other bits and pieces when I took a phone call from the school’s office who had rang to tell me that my son had had a short sharp nose bleed. He was ok but would I please bring him a new jumper and polo shirt to wear. I was really taken aback and explained that I was at work. I queried how sodden the jumper was to warrant a parent going home tp personally courier in a fresh sweatshirt. The secretary said ‘Hold on a moment’ then came back to phone and said ‘Yes he is going to need a fresh change of clothes’. I imagined that he had managed to cover himself in blood and was soaked the the skin. Luckily I had planned to purchase a couple of extra school logo’d sweatshirts anyway and in my haste I asked her to sell me two and to put one on them (usually I am more inclined to buy 2nd hand school uniform for 50p per sweatshirt rather than £8 apiece) which I’m now regretting.

Errr both my husband and I had many many gushy nosebleeds as small children and neither of us recall having our parents involved in bringing in urgent fresh clothes.

Ten minutes later I took another call from the school secretary because my daughter had fallen on her head was allegedly groggy and needed to be taken home. Of course I went straight to the school to get her. As she she came out I was handed a plastic bag of her brother’s clothes. I got them out at home to soak in cold water and was curious to see that his ‘Blood stained jumper’ which had required me to leave work to swap actually had two smallish blobs of blood on the neckline and his polo shirt had a fifty pence piece sized splat on the collar.

I fail to see how a school can expect a parent to drop what they are doing in order to provide spotless clothes for a four year old child who has got a tiny bit grubby during the school day. Most perculiar. I have a definite need to get to the bottom of this rather strange policy. I mentioned the incident to one of the other mums (of four kids at the same school) while we were waiting for the school day to end in the playground she replied ‘Oh they’re terrible for doing that! They called me at work once to bring fresh trousers for my son just an hour before the end of the school day because the button had fallen off them’. She told them he could wear his PE trousers or they could fasten his trousers with a safety pin but she could not leave her shift at the shop an hour early for such a non-event.

(NB: The child who was sent home to me today because of a bumped head was full of beans all afternoon which was great for her but not so good for me. The strange thing is that when her brother suffered a bumped head earlier in the week and then proceeded to sleep all afternoon in the book corner I was only told at home time…. I am now officially a confused parent of small school children)