You may have noticed some changes on this blog lately, changes that reflect things that have been happening in my life over the last month. I am now single, Dan and I having gone our separate ways. I will leave it at that as this blog is about sustainable living, not a sounding board for my personal problems! Practically though there is a lot to think about in terms of keeping the farm going. I have to reevaluate all the activities that I do here. I will have to make decisions about what I carry on with and what things I shall have to draw a line under. I need to consider how much time and effort I can put into the farm while keeping a balance of time for my children, friends, fiddle and fun.
Spring is here and it's already time to start getting the beds in the polytunnel weeded and ready for seedlings. I have to admit feeling a bit daunted by starting into it, not knowing if I'd the energy to tackle it at the moment, but a Meitheal came to the rescue. A Meitheal (meh-hill) is an Irish term used for the practice of a group of neighbours to come together to help each other in tasks such as preparing the hay, or gathering the harvest. Each person would help their neighbour who would in turn reciprocate. Two girlfriends came over and the three of us worked for 2 hours weeding. It was great fun, we had a giggle and then shared lunch. A huge amount of work got done that would have taken me a lot longer by myself and it wouldn't have been half as much fun either! It's a great way to get work done when you're 'on your own'. I'll be helping them out in their own gardens in return.
The tunnel looks barren and forlorn at the moment, it's hard to believe in just a few weeks it will be in all it's glory again like in this picture taken last summer ...
This is the time of year to get started if you want to try growing your own for the first time. You'll find lots of information throughout this blog, but it's all collected into one handy ebooklet called Grow Your Own, available from the paypal store at the top right hand corner of this webpage.
Sorry to hear that you're on "your own now". In less of course you're much happier this way then it's a good thing, right? I hope all works out wonderfully for you and your daughters.
I've missed you here and hope to see more of you.
Peace
Posted by: Barbara | February 21, 2010 at 09:45 PM
Sending some strengthening thoughts your way. I've so enjoyed reading about your journey thus far, and am looking forward to hearing about all the days to come, struggles and joys both. Here's hoping this transition will bring a hefty dose of joy along with the struggle.
Posted by: Jess | February 21, 2010 at 10:31 PM
wishing you all the best and a great year in the garden !
Posted by: lil | February 22, 2010 at 03:53 PM
Warm thoughts coming your way from New Zealand. Your friends sound wonderful.
My garden put on a magnificent season of flowers, insects and weeds in this my first year after seperation. Keep remembering to stop and smell the flowers.
Posted by: Gilly | February 22, 2010 at 08:26 PM
All the best Rebecca, hope the spring brings lots of joy, flowers, food and life to your little farm
Posted by: Maria Kinsella | February 23, 2010 at 02:12 PM
So sorry to hear about the changes in your life, but I'm glad to see that you're up and about again.
You've been missed here on your blog, so it's lovely to hear from you again.
It's great that you've good supportive friends to help you keep on top of the smallholding and the changes...
You're lucky to have your lovely girls and a lifestyle that you've worked so hard to create. This may at times seem overwhelming, but it will all work for the best in the end.
Best of luck for the future, it does eventually get easier, given time, patience and understanding & lots of hugs!
Posted by: Polly Pierce | February 24, 2010 at 01:29 PM
Best wishes for the new chapter in life. Great friends you have!
Posted by: mary lou | March 03, 2010 at 03:57 AM
Good to have you back. Best of luck on your new journey and hope all goes well. Have missed your updates for the last few months. Plenty of pictures and notes please on your garden as you progress. Have found inspiration for my own very small patch from your adventure. Willie
Posted by: Willie Mc Mahon | March 03, 2010 at 07:56 AM
Greeting from the USA, I love reading about what you are doing and am sad to hear about your split. I am going through the same thing right now and although I have many things to do and plan for, not as much as you! Good luck with everything and will look forward to seeing your progression!
Posted by: Heather Thornhill | March 04, 2010 at 06:51 PM
I'm sorry to hear of your split. . . . and I send you best wishes during these hard times. Living as you do - sustainably, off the land, etc. - you will undoubtedly feel the the loss in ways many others do not!
Is it possible do you think - truly - to live "single" on the land? It seems to me that some kind of community and joint action will be necessary for you, and I see that you are already doing that in a way with the shared work you described.
Anyway, I wanted to voice my encouragement of you - and best wishes. I've enjoyed stopping by your blog for some time now, although I haven't commented much.
Personal problems have to be taken into consideration, dear heart, in any kind of "sustainable living". You can't separate it out. . . . All the best as you go on. I think you'll find many to wish you well and lend a hand. I'm still hoping for a 'happily ever after'.
Posted by: queenie | March 09, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Hello, just landed on your fantastic, informative site blog. Nice to see more Irish bloggers about, Sunny
Posted by: Stone Art Blog | March 19, 2010 at 03:08 PM
Spring is the start of a new life for plants and gardening is a stepping stone that needs to be taken for plants to grow and bloom giving us a nice and refreshing view.
Posted by: Small Garden Ideas | March 26, 2010 at 09:16 AM