Changing Our Stars

As previously mentioned, we are hoping to buy a block of land and build our own home. This was a far off dream that was years away, putting our savings away for some years and fulfilling our dream.

Well, this has taken an unexpected turn for I have finally convinced Andrew that waiting may not be the best policy, considering all the bits and bobs available for the FHO right now. So, we'll be doing some radical changes, probably living in a tent to save and doing it sooner. With this in mind we have moved some of our stuff from objects to money, and buying things the children won't be requiring a powerpoint to enjoy, like hand held games etc.

I still don't understand solar power, but we'll get one or two hot water systems for hot water, buy nature loos that don't require plumbing at all and are good for composting and trying to figure out cheap building options. We've decided on getting as much recycled, reclaimed and renewable items as possible.

Now I wouldn't say we're exactly the model green family, my motivations are to go earth friendly as possible, using a grey water system, harvesting our own water and providing our own solar power needs, and relying on passive solar and thermal heating in as far as that goes. Some of my motivation relies on self-sufficiency, self-reliability (growing our own fruit, nuts and vegetables, having laying chickens/turkeys etc for eggs and meat, keeping sheep or goats or both for milk (dairy intolerance and how much space a cow takes up does heavily weigh on this decision), cheese, fetta, and a hive or two for honey (inspired by the woman from my blogroll living the good life etc) ... and some of my motivation is probably a bit selfish, I'd rather have more money in pocket that giving it away to someone else for things I can provide my family myself with a bit of ingenuity, intelligence and good old back breaking hard work.

We'd also love a husky, lots of yummy cosy cats, a reptile or two (prefer a mountain dragon to a python, I think I've finally convinced Dante that is best) and most likely not birds. Though I love them I don't think I'd like to keep them for two reasons 1. Its a bit cruel not to be free when you can fly so far and 2. They are bl**dy messy!

These things are limited by where you live and how much space you have to call your own. Ideally we want at least 2.5 acres or so, and I like the idea of a food forest, the kind of place that is self-sufficient in itself, in that it self-waters. its weed-repressing, and its self supporting by nature.

Obviously this will take time and money, but by heck it will be worth it - financially, emotionally, educationally and most importantly I guess I'm a hippy at heart and I think I belong in the country where my head might not spin quite so much. I want it to be a haven, a place the children will wish to return to after they leave the nest as they may view it as a peaceful soulful and restful santuary, that's certainly my wish.

So we're taking donations... only JOKING! I just wish I could hurry things along a bit and get a piece of land to call my own, things will fall into place after that, I'm sure (as the way we'll be doing it will be quite cost effective. More on this later.

Adieu, Q.

Art and Craft Day

Today was all about drawing and sculpting modelling clay - just for fun! Here is the results: Below Dante's working drawing of 3 amphibians, Brinnies T-Rex, Dante's finished amphibian piece.



Labyrinth's squirrel, and pregnant rabbit below, followed by Kai's working drawing elephant and Labyrinth's working drawing.

Below is Kai's final drawing of an elephant, followed by Raven's drawing.

Below is an amphibian that Dante drew and cut out, and below that is Labyrinth's craft doll (she actually made that with a friend of hers on Monday when they came to visit).


The following is a lesson led by Andrew with modelling clay. First up is a mouse he's made

Dante's made a nautilus, and fish
Labyrinth's two birds in a nest sharing a tree
Kai has made an octopus
Random images that Kai's made and cut out:
Raven's Egg
Andrew made these slugs

In progress:




We also played games too today, so it was an emphasis on fun and enjoyment!

It was a fantabulis day *) Q.

Splendour in the Grass

Not quite. But it was to us!

We had a busy morning working in the house, then a slow afternoon. Then the day really started for us. We all went on one of our "family BBQues". It was great, the children played full on for two hours, and hubby and I made a lush bbq tea, which included Chicken pasta salad, and fetta/spinach in pasta pockets which was tossed with basil, oil and sundried tomatoes, YUM YUM!

Hubby and I played on the grass with Monika while the others roly polyed down the grassy hill, and played in the play equipment. We also watched the clouds roll by - and Dante said the cutest thing *), he told us that a cute pig was chasing a fast fox up in the sky (cloud formation).
They also had running competitions, and played shops and house. It wasn't hot, nor cold, it was just a peaceful lovely time. The grass was GREEN! Not something you see out our way... out here its like straw. And hurts too.

I wish days could be made up entirely of moments like these... but then I wouldn't appreciate them as much, would I?

I really couldn't imagine a better life than the one we have right now. How am I going to cope in winter when I usually feel like hibernating like a bear??? LOL.

If I won lots of money it wouldn't be the people or lifestyle I'd change, I would probably build a house that met our needs better, and made a nice piece shangri la (sp?), but what we do and who we are I wouldn't want to change that, not for anything.

Its been a splendid day all round.