tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64385707047981948812024-03-13T22:45:35.591-07:00No green hair shirts here!A realistic but upbeat blog about how the most inventive species of all can survive climate changeno green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-73212616729459175032012-08-01T07:33:00.002-07:002012-08-01T07:33:31.569-07:00How many plastic bags a second?????Oh bloomin' 'eck, have a look at this: <a href="http://www.sas.org.uk/campaigns/marine-litter/break-the-bag-habit-2/">http://www.sas.org.uk/campaigns/marine-litter/break-the-bag-habit-2/</a><br />
I can't believe we give out 254 plastic bags a SECOND! That's ridiculous people. JUST SAY NO! <br />no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-33841778405124416022012-07-11T03:07:00.001-07:002012-07-11T03:08:09.901-07:00Plastic bottles x 2 of us x 4 bottles a day. Multiply that round the world.I know, I've been absolute rubbish at blogging recently but I've had problems with my mum who is very elderly, frail and has an iron will that means she doesn't accept that she's 89 and thinks she can go on a cruise! It's been difficult to say the least so my environmental concerns have had to go on hold for a bit.<br />
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But, we finally got away last week to a boat in Turkey ( yes, I did pay the extra to offset the flight..paltry I know, but some salve to my conscience) and to survive in 43 degrees we had to keep buying bottles of water. I was glad to see their plastic was thinner than ours but even so, how many of these bloomin things are being sold all over the world every day?<br />
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Is it so hard for us to each have a bottle that we have to carry round and fill up at water fountains?<br />
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Or am I being sceptical in thinking that there is a huge industry there that is being protected?<br />
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And, yes, thanks, I did have a lovely time.no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-57903559748488311662011-12-09T05:49:00.001-08:002011-12-09T05:49:49.824-08:00Are my chocolate Euros worth more than the real thing?I just thought I'd ask?no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-2697585341760083092011-12-05T14:28:00.001-08:002011-12-05T14:35:35.545-08:00Won the bottle of wine!Just been to the Transition Town quiz night and our team won! I suspect because our powers of deduction -and luck-of picking the right a, b or c answer rather than our in depth knowledge of the environment, but hey, what the hell!<br /><br />I have to share a couple of stunning facts with you though. The first is that bloomin' Wirksworth uses 10,000 plastic bags a week. I'm ashamed. And when each plastic bag takes at least 100 years to biodegrade that's 1 million years a week that will be needed for all our bags alone. That's just terrifying.<br /><br />The other is that 50 hectares of rainfores is destroyed every single minute.<br /><br />Oh dear, we're not getting very far are we?no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-1468900262832034712011-12-05T07:23:00.000-08:002011-12-05T07:33:45.909-08:00Under floor heatingHow do you find someone who knows about under floor heating? It's such a new technology...we've got a pressure valve that keeps dropping to nought and we have to release it so it goes back up but every time it does, the heating doesn't work as efficiently. Nobody seems to know what to do about it. The people who provided it send us back to the plumber who sends us back to the people who provided it. Come on guys, get your act sorted!<br /><br />PS. It's still warmer than my sister's Victorian house though!no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-74505633165429125722011-11-09T07:39:00.000-08:002012-08-01T07:34:45.395-07:00Never too old to reinvent yourselfOh help, you'll think I've fled the country! I'm really sorry, I haven't blogged for a while but I've been starting up a new business that I'm so excited about. It's rebootyourlifeholidays.co.uk and it's a short break holiday company for women of a "certain age" who want to nudge themselves out of their comfort zone.<br />
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We are taking over lovely 4 star holiday cottages and a b and b up the road in the stunning Monsal Head area of the Peak District and we're offering weekend breaks for women over 45. They will be a mix of workshops in styling, confidence, travel writing, using a digital camera, cycling walking and just good old fashioned fun.<br />
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We want women who may be on their own to feel they can relax amongst like minded people and maybe learn a new skill or refresh an old one.<br />
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It fits in exactly with my ethos on life which is that you need to face each day with a grin. ( No, I didn't say a grimace, pay attention!) Sometimes my grin is a bit like the Joker's and a bit manic, but it's better than a frowny face!<br />
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So, have a look at the website. If I go quiet, it's just while I'm getting Re Boot Your Life up and running...I'm still trying to be Felicity Kendal and live the Good Life and I would just like to mention, my green tomato chutney was a triumph!no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-43278107789951420432011-09-08T05:31:00.000-07:002011-09-08T05:36:02.139-07:00Shallow, shallow environmentalist....So, when the chips are down, I lose all my integrity and head for Morrison's huh?<br /><br />Oh this is sad. I am "mum sitting" while my sister is away and it is a constant round of cooking things she probably won't eat, preparing drinks she lets go cold and washing bedding and nighties to keep her feeling clean and nice. In between that, I'm trying to do bits of work so when I rush out to buy food in the hour she's asleep, what do I do? --go to the local butchers and greengrocers? Wander round several shops to find the organic or locally produced stuff?<br /><br />Nope.<br /><br />It's straight to the aisles of the supermarkets I eschew at all other times, it's the cheap brands because I suspect she won't eat what I prepare and because I'm in such a rush, I buy packaged varieties.<br /><br />I did take some plastic bags with me though. Does that count?no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-24650574087832206142011-07-27T08:41:00.000-07:002011-07-27T08:44:44.068-07:00Tent in Wales or last minute trip to Greece?OK, now listen to me, God of the weather, I am very happy to be an eco champion and eschew a flight, taking my tent to the Welsh coast but I want some cast iron guarantees here.<br /><br />1. I want sunshine..especially at breakfast time and glass of white wine time outside tent.<br />2. I do not want a flood running through my tent.<br />3. I want beautiful sunsets so I can sit on the harbour wall and breathe deeply<br />4. I do not want a frozen nose at 3am<br /><br />Got that?<br /><br />Then we have a deal.no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-5103164658269144472011-07-14T12:54:00.000-07:002011-07-14T12:57:37.609-07:00Showing off our air source heat pumpWe showed a young couple round the other day because they were thinking of putting in an air source heat pump. I think we rather overdid the enthusiasm!<br />How can you not be enthusiastic when you have 12 friends and family who live in big, but drafty houses threatening to move in with you over the winter! We can't help but feel smug when we read about gas prices going up.<br /><br />I know, it's awful to be this superior but yer know what....<br /><br /><br />Ya boo sucks!no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-12048848993355468362011-06-20T07:51:00.000-07:002011-06-20T07:58:18.659-07:00Anyone know of any rickshaw operators?We are trying to extend our wonderful Wirksworth Farmers' Market to the top end of town so that the traders up there are more involved. The market is going fantastically well..everyone loves it! We always have music and events and of course, it is known as the friendliest market in the Midlands. On 2nd July, we have<br /><p style="" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif'">11.00-11.45 </span><b style=""><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif'">Chevrette </span></b><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif'">‘Early music from medieval to baroque’ (Lesley Clarke 01522-750596 and 07775-685100 </span><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif'"><a href="http:///" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000cc">lesley.clarke30@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif'">)</span></span></p> <p style="" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif'">11.45-1.15 </span><b style=""><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif'">John O</span></b><b style=""><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif'"> “</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; color: black;">Tranquil Autoharp music for pleasant listening”<br /></span></span></p><p style="" class="ecxMsoNormal">as well as a fantastic array of local produce and crafts. There's also a cafe being run by the Stoneywood Group.<br /></p><p style="" class="ecxMsoNormal">But we want to open up parking at the top end of town and as we all know, people are lazy, so I was wondering whether anyone knew of anyone who would like to offer a rickshaw service from the car park down to the market and ( concentrate on this word...) UP back to the car park-yes we live in the hills of Derbyshire! It's not a big hill, honestly, but it could be excellent training for someone!<br /></p><p style="" class="ecxMsoNormal">Do let me know<br /></p>no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-65991302247616768832011-06-06T06:07:00.000-07:002011-06-06T06:24:12.051-07:00Monty Don-eat your heart out<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uCL3kxwHkS3-MvQGJvM2wMtL_OclOFkf9ca-pFoiaBRqJFrtiQOb67fBVXk5JdeypNQTjMVi0ByqTCJnFEaFtbgChBKt7845SLIVStiTpuF_A3RuS-wuZrJmCmSWOmJj4CkUovJRaKc/s1600/IMG00512-20110606-0919.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615096174419609522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uCL3kxwHkS3-MvQGJvM2wMtL_OclOFkf9ca-pFoiaBRqJFrtiQOb67fBVXk5JdeypNQTjMVi0ByqTCJnFEaFtbgChBKt7845SLIVStiTpuF_A3RuS-wuZrJmCmSWOmJj4CkUovJRaKc/s200/IMG00512-20110606-0919.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBrcHn2phz0txbksO_VCtwyamomr0fpq3Lj2EMjKzEHnnkmc40opGR0RVFFeYnlzNrqMeDpikO_wsJ_GqThHNY2yErtHG_3GHRyqcpAKYT_0S0r8MxiYkotkf0z6yUABy4CteELILs6k/s1600/IMG00511-20110606-0919.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615096075090348018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBrcHn2phz0txbksO_VCtwyamomr0fpq3Lj2EMjKzEHnnkmc40opGR0RVFFeYnlzNrqMeDpikO_wsJ_GqThHNY2yErtHG_3GHRyqcpAKYT_0S0r8MxiYkotkf0z6yUABy4CteELILs6k/s200/IMG00511-20110606-0919.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>There is a very vague possibility that I shouldn't be allowed out into the garden. I am an undoubted disaster. So much for my green credentials.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Not only have my cabbages been stripped of any leaves whatsoever overnight but the "peas" I carefully staked have started sprouting lovely coloured flowers! They'll be sweet peas then.<br /></div><br /><div>You have to remember that this time last year, I carefully staked out emerging bindweed thinking it was beans. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Maybe I could write a book on gardening disasters. I may get drummed out of the Transition Town Growers' Group.<br /></div><br /><div>Talking of the Transition Town Movement, we went to the Green Fair at Regents Park on Saturday and the London branch was there. It's brilliant to see the TT net growing, we will report back to our core group here in Derbyshire tonight, but it was also great to see so many people there. The other thing I noticed was that there wasn't that much litter. That contrasted very sadly with Finsbury Park where we went for a picnic ( I know, blame elder daughter, it was her choice) on Friday night. It was absolutely foul, full of litter and rubbish. What is it about our nation? Why do we have to drop litter. People go to a green space and then completely ruin it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What do you think? Any gardening disasters you want to share? What do you think about our rubbish problem? Have you seen CPRE's campaign to try to stop people throwing litter out of cars..that would be a start, don't you think? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>End of rant, back to sorting out this quasi veg patch. </div></div>no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-30593667360621718512011-05-12T12:55:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:30:42.429-07:00Il faut cultiver mon jardinI remember that phrase from "Candide" when I was at Uni and as I sat at the bottom of my garden last week, glass of wine in hand, listening to the stream, the simplicity of nature struck me - and all right, I know I'm totally ignoring Voltaire's deep and meaningful philosophy from the book, but there are times when you need to be simple and shallow!<br /><br />I've had a difficult time with an ailing mum and I needed to escape down to the bench and just close my eyes and listen to the bees, the babbling stream and the birds. It made me drop my shoulders and I definitely felt better.<br /><br />Then the next morning, I got a text from the local Growers' Group. They are planting in the Community Garden and the text was all about what plants they were putting in, how the watering was going and what plans they had.<br /><br />It made me smile.<br /><br />There are moments, even when life is throwing the book at you that nature can remind you that plants still grow, flowers bud and blossom and spring comes.<br /><br />Phew.<br /><br />Voltaire can have his cynicism, thanks, I'll just go and cultivate my garden for real.no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-8611030967677637472011-04-14T04:06:00.000-07:002011-04-14T04:09:50.669-07:00We've done fish discard..now let's look at fashionHave a look at this blog:<br /><a href="http://thiftycouture.blogspot.com/2011/04/in-beginning.html?showComment=1302779014685#c1816337970548205950">http://thiftycouture.blogspot.com/2011/04/in-beginning.html?showComment=1302779014685#c1816337970548205950</a><br /><br />We've had publicity about fish discard but what about the fashion industry? They are unbelievably wasteful. This sounds like a really good idea.no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-17851550664013847862011-03-13T13:26:00.001-07:002011-03-13T13:35:42.326-07:00Our planetWhat is happening to the world? What exactly is going on? Are we going to learn anything from all this?<br />If we get rid of tree belts, then tsunamis, lava from volcanoes and landslips can power through lands without having their force challenged at all.<br />If we build nuclear power stations then we run the risk of natural disasters causing a global catastrophe. Even in this country, their "safety" can be compromised by a terrorist attack or a plane crash.<br /><br />Watch and learn, leaders.<br />If we work against nature then we will be the the losers.<br />We are small and insignificant and although there is little doubt the planet will survive, we may not.<br /><br />All we can do is look after our little bit of the planet, plant our bulbs, grow our own food and walk instead of getting in our cars, but we aren't the ones who look after the bigger picture. Wouldn't it be nice if those in power would do what we're doing on a small scale here in Wirksworth in our Transition Town movement, on a bigger one?<br /><br />Good job the sun came out today and I could sit on my bench and drink in the sunshine. Sometimes it's hard to be a Polyanna.no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-48903707791379180462011-02-22T02:57:00.000-08:002011-02-22T03:08:47.417-08:00Transition Towns don't have to be woolly and homespun!We had a meeting of the Transition Town core group last night which was a proper workshop about running a meeting.<br /><br />I was lulled into the usual feeling of cosy warmth and welcome when the flipcharts came out! It was done really well and I learned a lot, especially about the fact that just because we are a sustainability group, that doesn't mean we can be wishy washy.<br /><br />But running effective meetings, with goals, structure and engagement doesn't mean we lose sight of the essence of Transition Town which is that we involve the whole group, play to people's strengths and allow people to say no.<br /><br />This was an interesting one because volunteers can get swamped and end up walking away.<br /><br />Another interesting aspect was that you have a Mood Watcher..who keeps an eye on the feel of the meeting and if people are beginning to be glazed over or left out, then the MW pipes up! I thought this was a lovely idea and I was so grateful for the moment when the MW pointed out last night that we were losing the thread. Oh for one of those in some of the meetings I go to!<br /><br />It's also about priorities. At various points in a meeting, you re-evaluate the time you have left and adjust your priorities so's you're not trying to do too much.<br /><br />And then the one that is glorious to hear..you MUST finish on time.<br /><br />I remember as a junior reporter going to council meetings where they would spend two minutes passing a £3m scheme and two hours discussing what toner to put in the printer. They needed a Mood Watcher!no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-87114390889092947002011-02-18T05:12:00.000-08:002011-02-18T05:15:49.740-08:00The forests are still mine then!That's really good news! But what's better news is that in our own little British way, we are just as rebellious as the Egyptians when we believe in something and anyone who thinks they can get their commercial little mitts on our forests have been brilliantly scuppered!no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-3693036316940539302011-02-09T03:17:00.000-08:002011-02-09T03:37:51.087-08:00Tiny shoots of recoveryNot the economy, but us. It's been a tough winter with house renovations, work pressures and husband falling off ladder but yesterday, I spotted some snowdrops and the first shoots of daffodils.<br /><br />This is why the environment is so important.<br /><br />We need to know the world is going to renew itself. <em>I</em> need to know that the earth will re-emerge, just as green and beautiful as it ever was. I've been watching our little community of birds re-emerging looking for the food I put out. I was even pleased to see the magpie, although I haven't seen the one with the broken wing who amazed me with its ability to hop around using props to get from one place to another. Maybe it hasn't survived the winter.<br /><br />Ok, this is waffling now.<br /><br />I've been watching Richard Bilton's programme "Who gets the best jobs?" and then one called "Young, jobless and living at home" ( this is on I Player cos getting an aerial sorted in this dip we live in seems to be a mammoth task). So, the answer for our offspring is to work for nothing for at least a year, being supported by rich Daddy. Went wrong there then.<br />Work has to be worthwhile, you have to feel good about yourself and the job you are doing so what is the point if our youngsters aren't valued enough to pay them a living wage. Are we going backwards?no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-75623447889869077892011-01-26T12:24:00.000-08:002011-01-26T12:36:47.417-08:00Been slacking in my duties!Oh help, I've been so absorbed in our house that I've ignored issues in the big wide world! I feel I'm only just able to worry about the rest of the planet again.<br /><br />Let me start at the top: we have no telly as yet cos the aerial isn't up, but I've been watching Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's Big Fish Fight and I've just watched the last one. It's disgusting what we are doing to our fish stocks. I feel really incensed. We throw away tonnes of cod and other good fish because we use purse seine nets ( had to Google that one!) which just catch everything and then they're all dead by the time they throw them back because they aren't allowed to catch them because of fishing quotas. Why can't they just go out fishing less and keep the whole catch?<br />Also, we feed good fish to feed farmed salmon. He was saying why can't we eat the good fish in the first place instead of the ubiquitous cod.<br />And then there's fish and chip shops. Why can't they sell mackerel baps instead of it all being cod and haddock?<br />We are really going to have to act on this one..come on, folks. Sign up!<br /><br />And then there's our tree in town. We heard the other night that the Town Council were planning to cut down the beautiful plane tree because the roots were coming up through the tarmac and there was a danger someone might trip over. We raced up to the Town Council meeting and asked them to think again. It's a nonsense that just because they have put tarmac down instead of paving slabs that could be taken up, sand put down and the roots accommodated, that we have to lose this beautiful tree. Thousands of urban trees are being taken down because of health and safety or lack of water because of too much tarmac. Trees make our streets special. They make them human. We suggested there should be a seat put round the tree so that people can sit under it. We hope they were listening.<br /><br />You can see I've emerged from house building!no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-15028205902775948122011-01-12T08:38:00.000-08:002011-01-12T08:55:32.854-08:00pink house-with spots<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxhFYvJvpuCRoVyGsJiONcprucOp97XhJuDNnVTa8wEHGKlR0gwKPrMIXqGV-9n3iavaPqnjp-6SZlgpN_0THBhSQ4kOswL5UqBIlH3A3CcuHljoEjtlGegqb52oveWIVV_KuJ92WB9U/s1600/IMG00419-20110112-1013.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561343819207469282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxhFYvJvpuCRoVyGsJiONcprucOp97XhJuDNnVTa8wEHGKlR0gwKPrMIXqGV-9n3iavaPqnjp-6SZlgpN_0THBhSQ4kOswL5UqBIlH3A3CcuHljoEjtlGegqb52oveWIVV_KuJ92WB9U/s200/IMG00419-20110112-1013.jpg" /></a><br /><div>That's an interesting development! We have a pink house with spots on. It looks like something out of a fairy tale- it looks just so silly, it can't be real. Oh but it is. </div><br /><div>It's all in a good cause however, dear reader. This is the insulation that is going to keep us toasty and warm and cheap! Tomorrow it will be meshed and then after that it will be rendered, so hopefully at the end of all that, its resemblance to the 'orrible 1960s' bungalow will be ended, over, caput, finished. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I had a masterclass in the underfloor heating system yesterday and I think I've got it. You leave the heating on all the time but as soon as the room reaches the temperature on the sensor, it cuts off, so throughout the year, you can probably leave it on because it won't use any electricity. That's the theory, I'll keep you updated as to whether that's the fact or not. We haven't had our first electricity bill yet. But the air source heat pump is very quiet and doesn't bother us at all and once we get this insulation finished, we should notice even more of a difference. I am getting very used to a constant temperature of 25 degrees and get a hell of a shock when I come outside!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And yes, thanks for asking, Peg Leg is improving. Shuffling around nicely now. </div><br /><div></div>no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-86527404898712347152011-01-07T03:50:00.001-08:002011-01-07T04:39:56.899-08:00Life doesn't always go according to planWell, 2011 has arrived with a vengeance. We are in the house, we sort of camped before Christmas and that was OK. Then last Sunday, KP fell from a ladder and has been in hospital since with various broken bones that should eventually mend OK but not what we envisaged for the beginning of the year.<br /><br />I am trying very hard to do my Polyanna act so..<br /><br />He will recover<br />We are no longer in a one bedroomed place with a loo downstairs<br />It wasn't snowing ( shouldn't have mentioned that one..it is now)<br />It wasn't before Christmas<br /><br />Ok, that's it, that's all I can think of on the positive front. Off to pick him up shortly and I suspect we are going to both need all our patience and fortitude to get through the next two months.<br /><br />Just made a round of cuppas for the builders who've watched me through all this move, build and accident. They've been very sweet. Especially the day I couldn't even find a room to have a howl in!<br /><br />So, 2011, you'd better do better than this. So far, I'm not impressed.<br /><br />PS: the house is looking lovely and is very comfy and warm but so far I haven't been able to imagine it without builders.no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-7664304473554589102010-12-21T02:30:00.000-08:002010-12-21T02:36:13.368-08:00Move in minus 2 or maybe even 1 day..living on the edgeNo, seeing as how you ask...we are not ready to move in! Nearly, granted, and it could all come right by tomorrow night but it's not there yet. All credit to the builders, they are pulling out all the stops to get us in and were still there at 7.30 last night, two of them stayed till 9. If you are reading this Moggs, thank you so much. We really appreciate it.<br /><br />All we need are carpets in the bedrooms and the wooden flooring in..everything else can wait but we can't move anything back in until we have the floors down. Then there are the skirting boards to do. Ah me.<br /><br />So I'm sitting in our little one bedroomed place looking at what I need to pack but there is no point doing it until the last minute. We won't be able to get anything out of storage until next week at the earliest so we will be sitting on mattresses in the lounge but we will be in, I confidently predict.<br /><br />Wood burning stove going in today. This is so exciting.<br /><br />I may be too busy packing boxes and working out how to live with no furniture for the rest of the week, so for anyone who has more time than me and is reading this blog, I'd like to wish you a really really happy Chrimbo. Make eco mistakes but remember, the reason we're all sitting here shivering is because we've all been wasteful, naughty people!no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-5188303916821762292010-12-16T02:56:00.000-08:002010-12-16T03:02:30.690-08:00Move in minus 6 daysAnd I'm not nervous..no not a bit of it, especially not at 3am when I clamber downstairs for the chamomile tea. Are we going to make it? I'm assured by those in the know that we will but when I saw the house yesterday, I did have an odd little doubt. By 2.57am they had grown to huge panic. Twill be fine ! We may be camping out on floors surrounded by builders but we will be in.<br /><br />Anyway, what I did want to share with you, and those of you with large, draughty old houses won't want to hear this...but oh, the warmth as you walk in! It's just fab. There's not a radiator in sight, the air source heat pump is gently ( yes, gently, no great noise) churning away outside and we have heat! I am seriously going to love this. I heard of someone who just laid their washing out on the tiles in the kitchen and came back in the morning to it all dry! As we have racks all over the one bedroomed little place we are in at the moment, that sounds just great.<br /><br />The man from the window company ( A and M Profiles) came yesterday to see if we were happy, I put a hand next to the bedroom window and there wasn't one little bit of cold air. Yep, I'm happy.<br /><br />We're waiting for the next snow--no please, no more, got too much to do and I've sort of done snow this year, but there is a little bit of me that wants to challenge the weather to do its worst so we can be exceptionally smug!no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-76830305249272392842010-12-07T06:30:00.000-08:002010-12-07T06:37:46.670-08:00Piccies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJFf7eCeJ_Y04Z0tpc4A7VCOn_1thuUWqfZ7zGeBr3cg6-DFWPADO5DiaxS3oQnJv58AzEIiYRjuPLlamDpSWJPEAKOvwX3eOS9Jes4J8uCyL-lPUwlvRAfaGONNEfZ5PmIbJgTlBDuc/s1600/IMG00397-20101207-1342.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547949057331707730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJFf7eCeJ_Y04Z0tpc4A7VCOn_1thuUWqfZ7zGeBr3cg6-DFWPADO5DiaxS3oQnJv58AzEIiYRjuPLlamDpSWJPEAKOvwX3eOS9Jes4J8uCyL-lPUwlvRAfaGONNEfZ5PmIbJgTlBDuc/s200/IMG00397-20101207-1342.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4AfzCjwsIsmBhFTXnr1fKPcTny4DokOOqbFGxSSwp1AabdkfyzbE2IggQus0pbsc2l4BY2MiBTAj2cQWe22P6ydTC1Ekia54NUUTNtlhPx2ki0vPNh_PQrDluqLBb_frXUMZqgsrNHU/s1600/IMG00394-20101207-1335.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547948939983967506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4AfzCjwsIsmBhFTXnr1fKPcTny4DokOOqbFGxSSwp1AabdkfyzbE2IggQus0pbsc2l4BY2MiBTAj2cQWe22P6ydTC1Ekia54NUUTNtlhPx2ki0vPNh_PQrDluqLBb_frXUMZqgsrNHU/s200/IMG00394-20101207-1335.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqwsB6VsXdd4iVVKMKK6Smprrb7MctgWOH90j724qhIjhhFzUqGEGPdQst_Hk_HDz-zJDABK2g7qQbZukHK7a-3gRdkA1rFoadVCAY76cfJ46fHwgyG0QbRfUHjIRnpKrWUWldx0iG60/s1600/IMG00393-20101207-1335.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547948842752794578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqwsB6VsXdd4iVVKMKK6Smprrb7MctgWOH90j724qhIjhhFzUqGEGPdQst_Hk_HDz-zJDABK2g7qQbZukHK7a-3gRdkA1rFoadVCAY76cfJ46fHwgyG0QbRfUHjIRnpKrWUWldx0iG60/s200/IMG00393-20101207-1335.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66DdtVxOChAEdPqR4TAnQE5tDUrs-9GajYtVdkFE-LZBEYKkT02Jo8EI0eMS2Kr9ksU1H3Hf1KcZNPm6B_guzBE3dVfsFvEOsEHVVsFp8MhjBTElKLE7-4MswVVxYmwHCyyT6MSH8t6U/s1600/IMG00392-20101207-1334.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547948716833120066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66DdtVxOChAEdPqR4TAnQE5tDUrs-9GajYtVdkFE-LZBEYKkT02Jo8EI0eMS2Kr9ksU1H3Hf1KcZNPm6B_guzBE3dVfsFvEOsEHVVsFp8MhjBTElKLE7-4MswVVxYmwHCyyT6MSH8t6U/s200/IMG00392-20101207-1334.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlsFI_1bCkNyuS6cmoU9utxAwZ0nkdEL-H1cTd9h82VbZxktuwqXbaRlo4dFSCzr4Eo1JwubqYZaGzFnBXIdMLp3PdMXBEOPQijK3BYWembPe4BTKNqFqzAeH7Jxd2oBlf6q0LSi99IY/s1600/IMG00390-20101207-1333.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547948570363576690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlsFI_1bCkNyuS6cmoU9utxAwZ0nkdEL-H1cTd9h82VbZxktuwqXbaRlo4dFSCzr4Eo1JwubqYZaGzFnBXIdMLp3PdMXBEOPQijK3BYWembPe4BTKNqFqzAeH7Jxd2oBlf6q0LSi99IY/s200/IMG00390-20101207-1333.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGy_EOvC6H3bd5JoD_pCgmpAtcYyzchs1PvNszqR6MhR-3cax7EQpyiFjmYl3Ae15uVRIhVFnNHbGXb8stlZwV51xyvofSUEYj9fYQ8QPlvplrpCeNbgpTTYCmyYiU2CRIMlaeeiELIY/s1600/IMG00391-20101207-1334.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547948138828785218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGy_EOvC6H3bd5JoD_pCgmpAtcYyzchs1PvNszqR6MhR-3cax7EQpyiFjmYl3Ae15uVRIhVFnNHbGXb8stlZwV51xyvofSUEYj9fYQ8QPlvplrpCeNbgpTTYCmyYiU2CRIMlaeeiELIY/s200/IMG00391-20101207-1334.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1xThfh05GnajQf2nLFKbnJcTXxr2k3mVx81-OzZJ_PjFzJ-chNtwjrDP3zSF5kS1GCuIc6H14NPh64iIS14WAISDidapULHRJiuG7dN0e4hdgsLIzfPegq2bERuPMgl5jnWji9Wgz04/s1600/IMG00389-20101207-1332.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547947998704233698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1xThfh05GnajQf2nLFKbnJcTXxr2k3mVx81-OzZJ_PjFzJ-chNtwjrDP3zSF5kS1GCuIc6H14NPh64iIS14WAISDidapULHRJiuG7dN0e4hdgsLIzfPegq2bERuPMgl5jnWji9Wgz04/s200/IMG00389-20101207-1332.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Well, you asked for some, so here they are. It's looking more like a house and we should definitely be in for 22nd, maybe even before???? </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-69680135371940964572010-12-07T03:05:00.000-08:002010-12-07T03:15:48.078-08:00Apologies to my readers!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ngcF4dAWrte24kWcBYSbVsRTzxv4seF0L2mAyEk8cIm3WuambV3jJo5My8qyDhCsEP4Qs6qbaatkIC_L8tyq3wKlHNe6PCg7BDIo6ThRE9nph32fyVeEHngT_7jA5-LGJB-QHbU3XuA/s1600/IMG00380-20101204-1444.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547897231499804658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ngcF4dAWrte24kWcBYSbVsRTzxv4seF0L2mAyEk8cIm3WuambV3jJo5My8qyDhCsEP4Qs6qbaatkIC_L8tyq3wKlHNe6PCg7BDIo6ThRE9nph32fyVeEHngT_7jA5-LGJB-QHbU3XuA/s200/IMG00380-20101204-1444.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Eu3b96m5YOLeUwftNxMco_dk_P2sG9VM8-meFRWO4pSIvyzO2FG0AfhNgFYKEdEC8lh8KfK8kDwBH_KbwuPnWy2Za71lgKKJjr0hcJ7vazvUrhFNAuzlyceB7tTaXgcj-W0hmgzfOLs/s1600/IMG00379-20101204-1444.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547897055445344370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Eu3b96m5YOLeUwftNxMco_dk_P2sG9VM8-meFRWO4pSIvyzO2FG0AfhNgFYKEdEC8lh8KfK8kDwBH_KbwuPnWy2Za71lgKKJjr0hcJ7vazvUrhFNAuzlyceB7tTaXgcj-W0hmgzfOLs/s200/IMG00379-20101204-1444.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I've had complaints that I haven't been updating on the house...see, I do have readers! Amazing. Nobody more surprised than me! </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Anyway, it's move in day minus two weeks and one day. We are due to "camp out" with minimal stuff on 22nd which should be fun. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>As it is minus 16 degrees with 2ft of snow still here, we will be thrilled to little mint balls to move into our completely insulated house that feels warm even now and only the dehumidifiers are on. Wait till we get the air source heat pump going...not to mention the wood burning stove! </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I may never move out again till spring. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>So, I will take some pix today to update you which means I have to go down at lunchtime cos otherwise it's dark. Kitchen is in, so I'll put those pix for now to keep you going. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Watch this space! </div></div>no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6438570704798194881.post-37815942457038033882010-11-09T07:53:00.000-08:002010-11-09T08:00:33.035-08:00To LED or not to LED? That is the question.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uAVOAhDNYYmxUzW_P-55Sfpynr-fWxQmamKu0p8JKqhG2dzaKFMWu8bbjcqVLqMsMkg5qlBXrmER7lIcbKR0NR6n1yyFMKBbpX199T9WOPlMEMZkPq_zWgNzc9V3Glw4cvw_x4k3ATM/s1600/Different+lights+at+different+lengths+on+a+tracking+system.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537580434922543266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uAVOAhDNYYmxUzW_P-55Sfpynr-fWxQmamKu0p8JKqhG2dzaKFMWu8bbjcqVLqMsMkg5qlBXrmER7lIcbKR0NR6n1yyFMKBbpX199T9WOPlMEMZkPq_zWgNzc9V3Glw4cvw_x4k3ATM/s200/Different+lights+at+different+lengths+on+a+tracking+system.jpg" /></a><br /><div>But what is the answer? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We've done the first fix for the electrics, all the cables are there waiting but we have been struggling to decide on the best lights to put in. We want to put LEDs in but there's so much conflicting information, that we've become befuddled. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think the answer is to have recessed lights in the ceilings where possible--don't put the white LEDs in-you'll think you're in an operating theatre- and a tracking system in other places so that we can put in a mixture of lights. </div><br /><div><br />We asked electricians, suppliers and manufacturers and none of them agree! It is a minefield. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Roll back the days when we used to buy a 99p paper light shade from Habitat! </div>no green hair shirts herehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06034698811227324037noreply@blogger.com0