... and ... we're back

... well I'm back! I've spent the year making sure that the children and myself are doing ok. We've found a new state of 'normal'. I have cut back a lot on animals and work around the farm and just left the bare minimum with the hope of getting back to it bit by bit to a level that's still fun and not overwhelming. I need to make sure I have time for me, the children and other important things in my life that ensure happiness. It's about finding a new balance. The polytunnel has been dormant. We'll thats not the best description. I haven't done any work in there whatsoever but it's far from dormant! It's like a jungle on steroids. In fact there's still quite a lot of edible stuff in there when I do go for ramble. All the perennial herbs of course are thriving and many of the annuals have self seeded. The grapes did exceptionally well with total neglect and were delicious. Self seeded spinach was in great supply as were many salad leaves. At one point in early summer I put in a few bought courgette and squash  seedlings along with several tomato plants but I didn't mind them. I still got plenty of harvest whenever I wandered in to see how the tunnel was getting on but it was hard and quite sad to see it getting so overgrown and out of hand.

I have realised that I need more than just me to get things back on track and keep things ticking along. I'm going to start taking in WWOOFers now and then. I didn't do it this year because I felt it was more important to have the space for me and the kids to find our feet as a new family first. We are getting there and it's time to start looking at seeds for Spring 2011. There's plenty that can be done between now and April in terms of clearing the weeds and preparing the beds. Its going to be a big job!

Watch this space.

Comments

[Chrisi]

I happened upon your blog several months ago while trying to turn moving to Ireland to farm into more of a reality than a dream i was having... I have checked back often and was thrilled to see you back this morning! welcome back- you have a fan! I now know I cannot afford to move out of my country, but will still be shotting for being as self sustained as possible on my tiny property... If i ever have the money to get there to help you out, my husband and I are members of wwoof...

I hope things prove to be a little more manageable for you this year! I'll be looking forward to seeing how it goes!

[Ferris]

Great to see that you're back :-)
Get a couple of friends round for some Meathail (did I spell it right?) sessions and you'll be grand and have the tunnel ready for action in next to no time (I'll give a hand if I'm about).

At least nature has kept the tunnel somewhat stocked for you while you were away (like in my abandoned garden where I got loads of self seeded tomatoes, swedes, sunflowers, kale etc)even if it is a bit chaotic and messy .. free meals are a good bonus.

Hopefully, we'll be back in the spring too .. and I can get back to my Leitrim garden. I usually have spare seed and you know I'm happy to share.

Anyway, welcome back, it's good to see you online again :-)

[mary walker]

Glad you are back. I have missed your posts.

[Jo]

Glad you are back and surviving. I've missed you too.

Wishing you and the children all the best...

[Georgie]

Great news Becks! I love that the polytunnel was bountiful even when left up to its own devices. What a beautiful thing! Aroha nui to you and the girls xx

[lynxx]

Glad that Irish Sally is up and running again. You are a guide and an inspiration to all of us, with your special combination of courage and practicality.

[Anna]

Welcome back! Good luck with the tunnel, and your Wooofers...

[Patrick G.]

Good to hear that things are back on track! :) I am low on funds right now, and I don't get paid vacation time at my current job - otherwise I would buy a plane ticket and fly right on out to (unofficially) WWOOF for you again! Maybe someday soon, if things go well on this end.

'Til then, good luck to you and the girls!

[Gerard Brady]

I've checked the blog from time to time and was wondering how you were all doing. Glad to see you are back in Leitrim. Good luck for next year, and have a good Christmas.

[Paul Ancliff]

Great to see you're back, I came across your blog while I was working in Iraq, it gave me great enjoyment. My wife and I have now moved to Clare and are trying our luck at smallholding.
Good luck to you and your girls for the new year.

[Vicky B]

I've kept checking and I'm happy to see you there again. Have a wonderful Christmas~

[Moonwaves]

Good to see you back again. Nice that the polytunnel still keeps producing, even if it's not too tidy (warning: not too tidy may be an understatement).

I'm kind of hoping to spend a year or so wwoofing the world starting in late 2012 so I'll come back to you then and see if you still need help :)

[Polly Pierce]

It's lovely to see you back in action again. Like so many of your commentators I've been checking and hoping that things have been okay for you and the children.

You're dead right! Concentrate on the important things in life, like your family and everything else can wait, can't it?

[Julie]

Glad to find you back again and to catch up a little with your news. Sounds like the Wwoofing could be a really good way forward - hope you find some takers early in the season and can get things planned for a good harvest in 2011. Anyway just wanted to wish you and the girls a merry christmas and all the very best for a happy, healthy and productive new year xxx

[Moonwaves]

Hope you have a lovely christmas even though it might not be quite the same as you're used to. Have a good one!

[Anita]

Hope everything works out for you in 2011! Good luck.

[Bridget Foy]

Great to see you back. Good luck for 2011. Will check back often.

[Jean]

Come on, come back, we want to know how you are getting on.

[Super Garden]

Here's some info for any amateur garden designers who might be interested:

NEW SERIES OF ‘SUPER GARDEN’
COULD YOU BE A SUPER GARDENER?

Are you passionate about gardening? Is it your ambition to be a garden designer? Do you dream of winning a Gold Medal at Chelsea?

‘Super Garden’ is seeking 5 amateur garden designers to compete for the title of ‘Super Gardener’ in the new RTÉ series, to be broadcast in May 2011.

A passion for gardening is a must, as is creative flair, and the ability to design a garden to a budget and deadline.
So if you feel you have what it takes, this is what you need to do!

Email us and tell us briefly why you love garden design, and what your dream design would be. Where possible, please enclose basic plans or drawings.

Email: supergarden@vipmg.tv

Only amateur garden designers are eligible to enter this competition.
Filming will take place during the months of March and April 2011, so applicants must be available for filming during this time.

Terms and conditions apply.

[kratom]

You are so damn right! Im happy from your comeback!

[Lisa Warner]

Sally I love your articles you have taught me a lot about gardening and i am glad your back. We are moving back to Ireland very soon and i was wondering where you purchased your poly tunnels at. Thanks for coming back we all need and enjoy learning from you.
Irishladylisa

[toldo]

Hi, I came accross this blog searching for new ideas for decorating my garden..anway: very interesting postings :-)

[Laura]

I love gardening and enjoy your articles. thanks for coming back look forward to reading more.

[HBennet]

Winter has gone and now almost spring too. I was hoping that I would find you posting here again, letting us in on your corner of the world. As hard a work as gardening can be, I have always found it to be the most down-to-earth activity that I do. Sharing your experiences of gardening is a great way of making sense of our complicated world. Hope to see you posting again soon!

[Rebecca]

Thanks so much for all your lovely and encouraging comments, I've just re read them all again after and it's very heartwarming.