Despite getting a bit creative with the title it’s evident, notwithstanding the best of intentions, for the moment monthly round-ups are the only posts I’m managing to blog* with the exception of my spur-of-the-moment #covid19 post last week. Even with our focus on Covid-19 life here is busy-ness as usual. Amidst it all I’ve completed a few Tafe NSW Permaculture course assignments including the base map and overlays of my project site, as well as wildlife and animal care.
Base map overlays and site assessment
We’re fine. We live 30 km from the nearest town so popping to the shops lacks appeal even in the best of times. There is a pub in our village but given our aversion to risk-taking, and its current government mandated changes to trading conditions we’ll do our best to support whatever it offers without compromising ourselves. We have enough food and supplies. Our usual fortnightly or so food shop and stash of provisions in case of fire, flood, emergency will keep us going for the time being. We’re still getting a few eggs from our chooks, have a bit of a vege patch, local growers and a weekly produce pick-up/swap at our local reserve… conducted in accordance with safe social distancing.
The few upcoming events we had in our social calendar have been cancelled… no matter; our usual day-to-day life at home offers plenty of opportunity for distr-action and creativeness: gardening; studying; reading; watching; making our own food; social media; care calls; simply being and living this wonderfully simple & frugal life… much the same as we do anyway.
Shared on Facebook
I’ll spare you the worst, and share only the best. I stayed quiet for a while but carelessness and self-interest of too many people began to make me anxious so I decided to keyboard warrior my way through it.
After reading Fat Pig Farm’s latest email newsletter, titled “The tough bit in between”… I, and others, asked them to post the content on Facebook. Below are the closing paragraphs. Inspirational.
“It can feel like the ends of days. It’s not. It’s the beginning. A time to reassess what is important. Who is important. How community is built by us, not foist upon us, or something that only exists on Seachange. This last week was pretty damn hard for Sadie and I. We faced defeat, faced betraying the people who helped make our farm, and helped make us, what we are. I don’t know how we’ll be able to keep our immediate farm community buoyed financially. But we must find a way.
This week has also been the best week of our time together: Seeing the incredible goodness in the souls of our staff. Being honest about our failings, our vulnerabilities, our strengths and our hopes, and having others do likewise, has brought a new vantage to what is coming. We know that at the other end of this lies a new place. A different phase. It may be altered in many ways. But it will also be the same. It will have all the laughter, tears, pain, courage, joy and pleasure that humanity is capable of. There’s just a little tough time to get through in between.”
And this, attributed to Kitty O’Meara to which I added… And gardened.
“And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.
And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.”
Shared on Instagram
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” said the Queen to #aliceinwonderland… but if she’d lived in country Australia during the 70’s and 80’s what the Queen could have said is “I believe in impossible things for lunch…” and whipped up a quick #impossiblepie from eggs, plain flour, milk, cheese and whatever filling she had to hand. Once again relevant because when you’re social distancing, haven’t been to the supermarket for a while, making a decent lunch should be important not impossible. Today’s version included few slices of onion, 400g tin of Alaskan pink salmon plus a breadcrumb and parmesan topping, with a side of diced cucumber and red onion with basil pesto dressing. Bonus… enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow. This Women’s Weekly recipe is #anoldiebutagoodie https://www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/recipes/savoury-impossible-pie-16329 … #LiveSimpleHomeGrownMadeLocalCreativeBetter ~ 31 March 2020#teafortwo … Good timing receiving in the mail today this beautiful gift (with bonus lovely handmade card) from my friend Kate @ https://talltalesfromchiconia.wordpress.com/ coinciding with the new #covid19 “two-person” rule restricting gatherings to 2 people (NSW, Australia). A tea-tablecloth made by Kate’s mother in the 1950’s while she and Kate’s father were posted to Angola, and which has seen many elegant tea parties #preciousobjects #handmade #vintagelinen #vintagetablecloth #coololdstuffIf you understand the homeopathy core principle #likecureslike then this care basket I received of #homegrown #homemade goodies from @our_river_cottage makes perfect sense… Hint… #covid19 is turning me into a #basketcase 😜 😂 😣 ~ 27 March 2020#timeslikethese … dog needz hiz bestie and blankie… and to sleepz next to hoomanz bed safez from darnz #mozziegeddon outsidez 🐾 #kooliesofinstagram #dogsofinstagram ~ 27 March 2020If #whatnext is a #vampireapocalypse I’m sorted… Stocked up on #elephantgarlic aka #russiangarlic from @dollysrun … planted a dozen smaller cloves in the garden as backup. But seriously #timeinthegarden takes my mind off #covid19 #covidanxiety #stayhomestaywell ~ 25 March 2020Be without doctrine / tactile worship mother earth / feed body and soul. #planthunterodeproject #haiku #inmygarden #sundaymorningvibe Join in The Ode Project @theplanthunter ~ 22 March 2020#inmygarden feels normal… while it #feelsliketheworldsgonecrazy #socialdistancing #flumageddon #greenprepping #basilpesto #radishleafpesto #LiveSimpleHomeGrownMadeLocalCreativeBetter ~ 20 March 2020Preparing for #flumageddon2020 by drying organic mushrooms. Joking. There were 3 tubs marked down on sale when I went to the supermarket for my slightly delayed normal fortnightly shop this morning just after the doors opened… there was no toilet paper, tissues or bicarb soda… I only needed the bicarb. Just curious about the other. I bought 2 tubs of mushies, left one ‘cos I’m nice like that. Actually there was no shortage of food except dog food. I wonder why they need all the toilet paper. In other news Council has directed the quaint arch of trees as you drive through our village be removed apparently in case they make the bank fall down… If all that is reflective of the real world I’m glad I live in my world… I’m having mushroom stems and an egg with rice & leftover eggplant for lunch… #thatshowiroll #homemadelife #ladolcevita ~ 11 March 2020#theresnoharmintrying … so they say. Still in stomach bug recovery mode @welshy055 opted for leftover #waspm savoury mince for dinner. I thought I’d try #stirfryeggplant with onion & garlic, #backyardeggs … and #sourdoughtoast to avoid #toastfomo plus a dab of Siracha… #livingdangerously #hanginginthere #foodasmedicine #homemadelife ~ 10 March 2020#whatadifferenceadaymakes … @welshy055 and me are recovering from a stomach bug. He worse than me. But thought yesterday he could manage a small amount of nice dinner… #savourymince … plain… 1970’s #waspm style… mince, potatoes, onions. The pic is my dinner… didn’t agree with me at all. Fortunately that means leftovers for @welshy055 … #happyhusbandhappylife … Couldn’t face looking at it until now, so #latergram … Let’s just say charity sausage sizzles at markets no longer hold much allure for us 🤤 #homemadelife is better… safer. ~ 10 March 2020I bid thee farewell #mercuryretrograde … This morning I submitted an assignment which should’ve taken 2 weeks but ran out to 4… No hard feelings. I know you’ll return. But for now the roses I picked after 3 days of rain folded their single mighty stem over to the ground are keeping me company on my newly clean desk 🌟 #celebratelife ~ 10 March 2020#weekendfeels begins with #taylorsarmproducepickup … #greenstuff from @dollysrun and @abundantvitalityfarms … #basilpesto … #chickenstock or broth if necessary… #leftoversforlunch with #homemade rocket & lemon zest pesto and sunflower shoots.. today’s #grahamthomasrose with yesterday’s bloom now gone dotty #LiveSimpleHomeMadeGrownLocalCreativeBetter #ladolcevita ~ 7 March 2020#youaremysunshine First blooms on #grahamthomasrose cutting given to me when I was at Tafe and studying propagation… This, from what was essentially a twig pruned off the parent plant #yellowroses #roses #inmygarden ~ 6 March 2020“No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other’s worth.” Robert Southey My lovely and talented friend Kate, and her husband Mr C who live far away north of the border came for a lunch visit on Tuesday, bearing wonderful gifts. Among them, a quilted teapot for our kitchen wall (by far the worst corner for light/photography…) and their friends @verasusandaniel and Mr D who although from far away south of the border are now our friends too ♡ ~ 5 March 2020Not nice to play favourites… but there are exceptions. This. #orrisroot #irisgermanica #irisgermanicavarflorentina #florentineiris #whiteflorentineiris #inmygarden #whiteflowersofinstagram “According to Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the multi-coloured rainbow, which she used to travel across the sky in her role as Goddess of messages, communication and new endeavours. There is suggestion that this name was chosen for her because of the multi-coloured nature of iris flowers. However, others suggest that the plant was named in honour of the rainbow goddess. The Iris was also the floral emblem of a number of French monarchs. The word ‘orris’ is simply an old English word, derived from a mistaken pronunciation of the word Iris. The root of this plant has a distinct violet fragrance, which develops as the root dries out. It is often used as a powdered preparation and has extensive commercial applications. The scented orris root has a long history of human application and was used as a perfume in Ancient Egypt. There is a flower engraved into the Sphinx, which is thought to be an iris. In the latter part of the 15th century, it was used together with anise as a scented powder blend to scent linen. Moving into the 18th century, it was put to good use as a hair powder and charged with keeping highly decorated hair styles in place.” Source: https://www.herbcottage.com.au/orris-root.html ~ 3 March 2020
“Waking up begins with saying am and now. That which has awoken then lies for a while staring up at the ceiling and down into itself until it has recognized I, and therefrom deduced I am, I am now. Here comes next, and is at least negatively reassuring; because here, this morning, is where it has expected to find itself: what’s called at home.” ― Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man
Join me in staying at home as much as possible to slow the coronavirus 2019-2020 pandemic. Take care, and be well. Keep in touch… we can do this together but apart. Let’s make the best of it.
If you would like join my lovely Insta community, you can follow me @daleleelife101 and some other worthy Instagrammers I hang out with via the link to the right or below depending on which type of device you’re viewing this.
I said only this morning in an email that while I realise this isolation and distancing is more difficult for some than others, I won’t buy into believing it has to be ‘miserable’, as some have said. I think it is a matter of shifting focus and looking hard at what our lives are about. It is a great opportunity to make needed changes, and enjoy the good bits that we sometimes don’t make time for. I loved both of those quotes, as well as your style of getting on with it as well. All the best to you both. xx
I think for some it might take getting used to, plus there is underlying anxiety which dulls the enjoyment somewhat. I can relate in a way… years ago a work project and my contract finished, and for the first 2 weeks I spent at home I couldn’t imagine how the world nor myself could keep going without me out in it! I’m grateful to be where we are and in a position that coronavirus has impacted on us minimally… I keep wishing I was less busy. But I’m going to take an Easter break… staycation obviously. I’m so pleased you are home and all is well 🙂
I must say, I’m not finding the isolation at all difficult. In fact, I’m not really noticing it, since it’s so close to my everyday status quot. If I stay far enough away from other people, I am less worried and therefore more content. And I do find I’m doing more constructive things because I can! We get by, don’t we, with a little help from our friends. In my case, that’s friendly faces and voices by Skype, Zoom or FaceTime and plenty of purposeful sewing and cooking. You are smashing it, I think, with your studies, garden, cooking, baking and thoughtful posting.
I haven’t heard for Queensland yet, but I can’t imagine it will be dissimilar… NSW has announced the current lockdown will run for 3 months, at this stage ending 30 June, so we’ll all have time to make the most of it. I’m smashing it yes… it’s quite my normal but I’m trying to be more focussed on study and carve out some me time for reading and recreation.
I find I am in the odd situation of not having enough time! Keeping social connections takes time ~ delightful time, but time non-the-less. I chat away to my Mum every couple of days, type emails, WhatsApp, make other phone calls, read blogs and comment, write blogs and comment, and I am learning how to use Zoom. By the time that happens, have a walk (often slowly because of the Fella), try and do a sketch and do something to keep the house and garden vaguely tidy the day has gone! I am sure I will settle into a routine, especially if this is to continue for months, I am just not there yet.
Sorry, I also meant to say that your quotes resonated with me. We have the potential now to create a better place out of all of this. How is looks depends on the actions we take now and over the next months.
We are both in that odd situation together then. What you’ve written describes my life except daily dog tennis, and walks sometimes… we’re working on more walks. I see anecdotes of houses being cleaned and sorted, books read, and films watched… and I’m so happy that people are worthily occupied and stimulated, making the most of it but downtime hasn’t happened to me yet! We have until the end of June to practice… my Tafe course finishes in July :~ )
I like to think it will give us time to think, and realise that as a society we have made changes we thought we couldn’t, saving ourselves at present, saving the earth’s future.
Yes, the news about the reduced pollution has come and gone with nary a ripple. Yet it, and a change in priorities could see us save ourselves almost by accident.
I love these positive posts and connections in the blogging community. Your writing lifts me, and your photographs are soothing in ways that showcase “home”. That yellow rose and the iris images reminded me of a grandmother who delighted in her ability to add a splash of color to the farm. Life was more isolated back then in rural farm communities and life was difficult. But both grandmothers created lovely landscapes with flowers, hearty and sustaining meals, and beautiful quilts and laces and finery. I never once heard my elders complain about being miserable or bored. I am not nearly as connected socially as most here. I’ve always found social media distracting and non-productive. Isolation has not affected me much, except maybe that Forrest is working from home now, and I keep my phone conversations with my family in Nebraska (an 8 hour drive from here in Oklahoma) outdoors while I work. I appreciate his company during the day and we laugh at the end of each work day when he announces from the next room, “I’m HO-oooome” in a happy tune. We haven’t been to the store in a couple of weeks, and we can manage for a long time on what we have. Spring brings us warmer temperatures and ample rain. I have part of my vegetable garden started. We live just on the edge of town, and our property stretches back into woodlands, the pecan orchard, the old river channel and on back to the Washita river, and right now is prime morel mushroom hunting, so there is much foraging to be done. Nature presents so much to us. I find myself researching for a good book on wild edibles in these parts. I love being pushed to explore more and find creative ways to cook and rethink how we live.
Funny you should say that, and so beautifully expressed. Home is very important to me. This one I live in now pays homage to my early childhood memories of my grandparents’ homes, one a tidy old cottage in town, the other a farmhouse on a dairy-beef farm and graced by my grandmothers similarly. Both are indelibly imprinted on my psyche. Ordinarily I would agree with “social media distracting and non-productive” but these are not ordinary times, and social media has stepped up to the role of social connection while physical distancing. It is however, taking up more of my time that I envisioned, something I need balance. I love “I’m HO-oooome”… We don’t spend all day together but since we treechanged I enjoy spending more time with the G.O. I recently bought myself The Weed Forager’s Handbook, a guide to edible and medicinal weeds in Australia, and The Wondrous World of Weeds by Pat Collins who coincidentally lived at the next farm to my grandparents’, fortuitous timing to “explore more and find creative ways to cook and rethink how we live”… exactly.
That’s a huge catch up with so many elements, outside, inside, nearby and internally. I must apologise for my late responses here on the blog- it wasn’t coming into my email alerts so I shall reset it. I hardly ever refer to my reader on WP. I catch up with you almost daily on all the other daily socials, but love blogs so much more. Yours are put together with care, and through your own reflections, photos of daily life, and the quotations that help pull it all together. i know that when this is all over, it will be time for us to drag the van up north for a visit. F xx
No apology necessary, that we’re able to remain part of each other’s day-to-day via the various platforms is a balm any time but especially in a time such as it is. Somewhat too huge a blog post catch up, I think. I doubt it will continue as is, but life is flux. I rarely go to WP reader, what comes up in email inbox is enough… This is a good time to take stock, plan… grateful we aren’t on the road at the moment, that is good news that you are planning a trip up north, something to look forward to, and you are very welcome here.
daleleelife101.blog 
I said only this morning in an email that while I realise this isolation and distancing is more difficult for some than others, I won’t buy into believing it has to be ‘miserable’, as some have said. I think it is a matter of shifting focus and looking hard at what our lives are about. It is a great opportunity to make needed changes, and enjoy the good bits that we sometimes don’t make time for. I loved both of those quotes, as well as your style of getting on with it as well. All the best to you both. xx
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I think for some it might take getting used to, plus there is underlying anxiety which dulls the enjoyment somewhat. I can relate in a way… years ago a work project and my contract finished, and for the first 2 weeks I spent at home I couldn’t imagine how the world nor myself could keep going without me out in it! I’m grateful to be where we are and in a position that coronavirus has impacted on us minimally… I keep wishing I was less busy. But I’m going to take an Easter break… staycation obviously. I’m so pleased you are home and all is well 🙂
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I must say, I’m not finding the isolation at all difficult. In fact, I’m not really noticing it, since it’s so close to my everyday status quot. If I stay far enough away from other people, I am less worried and therefore more content. And I do find I’m doing more constructive things because I can! We get by, don’t we, with a little help from our friends. In my case, that’s friendly faces and voices by Skype, Zoom or FaceTime and plenty of purposeful sewing and cooking. You are smashing it, I think, with your studies, garden, cooking, baking and thoughtful posting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I haven’t heard for Queensland yet, but I can’t imagine it will be dissimilar… NSW has announced the current lockdown will run for 3 months, at this stage ending 30 June, so we’ll all have time to make the most of it. I’m smashing it yes… it’s quite my normal but I’m trying to be more focussed on study and carve out some me time for reading and recreation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find I am in the odd situation of not having enough time! Keeping social connections takes time ~ delightful time, but time non-the-less. I chat away to my Mum every couple of days, type emails, WhatsApp, make other phone calls, read blogs and comment, write blogs and comment, and I am learning how to use Zoom. By the time that happens, have a walk (often slowly because of the Fella), try and do a sketch and do something to keep the house and garden vaguely tidy the day has gone! I am sure I will settle into a routine, especially if this is to continue for months, I am just not there yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry, I also meant to say that your quotes resonated with me. We have the potential now to create a better place out of all of this. How is looks depends on the actions we take now and over the next months.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. The quotes are courtesy of social media at its best. Normally I’m pretty quiet on FB but Covid19 has generated so much material.
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We are both in that odd situation together then. What you’ve written describes my life except daily dog tennis, and walks sometimes… we’re working on more walks. I see anecdotes of houses being cleaned and sorted, books read, and films watched… and I’m so happy that people are worthily occupied and stimulated, making the most of it but downtime hasn’t happened to me yet! We have until the end of June to practice… my Tafe course finishes in July :~ )
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I don’t know how this will all end, but I hope that all of humanity will appreciate life, just /life/, a little more. -hugs- Stay well.
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I like to think it will give us time to think, and realise that as a society we have made changes we thought we couldn’t, saving ourselves at present, saving the earth’s future.
LikeLike
Yes, the news about the reduced pollution has come and gone with nary a ripple. Yet it, and a change in priorities could see us save ourselves almost by accident.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love these positive posts and connections in the blogging community. Your writing lifts me, and your photographs are soothing in ways that showcase “home”. That yellow rose and the iris images reminded me of a grandmother who delighted in her ability to add a splash of color to the farm. Life was more isolated back then in rural farm communities and life was difficult. But both grandmothers created lovely landscapes with flowers, hearty and sustaining meals, and beautiful quilts and laces and finery. I never once heard my elders complain about being miserable or bored. I am not nearly as connected socially as most here. I’ve always found social media distracting and non-productive. Isolation has not affected me much, except maybe that Forrest is working from home now, and I keep my phone conversations with my family in Nebraska (an 8 hour drive from here in Oklahoma) outdoors while I work. I appreciate his company during the day and we laugh at the end of each work day when he announces from the next room, “I’m HO-oooome” in a happy tune. We haven’t been to the store in a couple of weeks, and we can manage for a long time on what we have. Spring brings us warmer temperatures and ample rain. I have part of my vegetable garden started. We live just on the edge of town, and our property stretches back into woodlands, the pecan orchard, the old river channel and on back to the Washita river, and right now is prime morel mushroom hunting, so there is much foraging to be done. Nature presents so much to us. I find myself researching for a good book on wild edibles in these parts. I love being pushed to explore more and find creative ways to cook and rethink how we live.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny you should say that, and so beautifully expressed. Home is very important to me. This one I live in now pays homage to my early childhood memories of my grandparents’ homes, one a tidy old cottage in town, the other a farmhouse on a dairy-beef farm and graced by my grandmothers similarly. Both are indelibly imprinted on my psyche. Ordinarily I would agree with “social media distracting and non-productive” but these are not ordinary times, and social media has stepped up to the role of social connection while physical distancing. It is however, taking up more of my time that I envisioned, something I need balance. I love “I’m HO-oooome”… We don’t spend all day together but since we treechanged I enjoy spending more time with the G.O. I recently bought myself The Weed Forager’s Handbook, a guide to edible and medicinal weeds in Australia, and The Wondrous World of Weeds by Pat Collins who coincidentally lived at the next farm to my grandparents’, fortuitous timing to “explore more and find creative ways to cook and rethink how we live”… exactly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a huge catch up with so many elements, outside, inside, nearby and internally. I must apologise for my late responses here on the blog- it wasn’t coming into my email alerts so I shall reset it. I hardly ever refer to my reader on WP. I catch up with you almost daily on all the other daily socials, but love blogs so much more. Yours are put together with care, and through your own reflections, photos of daily life, and the quotations that help pull it all together. i know that when this is all over, it will be time for us to drag the van up north for a visit. F xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
No apology necessary, that we’re able to remain part of each other’s day-to-day via the various platforms is a balm any time but especially in a time such as it is. Somewhat too huge a blog post catch up, I think. I doubt it will continue as is, but life is flux. I rarely go to WP reader, what comes up in email inbox is enough… This is a good time to take stock, plan… grateful we aren’t on the road at the moment, that is good news that you are planning a trip up north, something to look forward to, and you are very welcome here.
LikeLiked by 1 person