Free-Range Living

In spite of some cooler latter half of April weather, the crops here at the organic eco micro-holding (small smallholding) in the UK midlands have progressed quite well, probably due to quite a bit of sunshine having been about. The 'wild bunch' hens have not fared so well with the fox having penetrated what was thought to be a watertight paddock. Stunning countryside has been the order of the day, particularly now that more bright yellow oil-seed rape is grown hereabouts.

Individuals still struggle with the 'on the make' modern business model, as an example illustrates. 'Hard-edged' commercial practice can appear to often be the norm, but maybe if tempered with humanity, business results could be boosted in the longer-term - ? Does 'hard-edged business practice then too impinge over time on those who practice it - ?

Ubiquitous 'free market' thinking appears to have had an impact in terms of relieving people from individual responsibilities and consequences of their actions, which might then impact on the degree of civilisation within a particular society - ? As 'true' free market conditions have not been maintained, a 'big beast' jungle appears to have developed with the 'small beasts' such as small firms and individuals becoming the 'prey', prompting politician's here in the UK now trying to ride to the rescue, but late in the day, no doubt some would say. Money having taken centre stage, there may be a question as to whether it's better as an 'means' rather than an 'end' - ?' One way of limiting the potential power of money is to operate within a fixed amount, so avoiding then the 'chasing the dollar' syndrome, whilst potentially boosting creativity in the process.

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A quick-change spring sprang here at the eco organic micro-holding (small smallholding) in the UK midlands, bringing a suddenly colourful countryside panorama. Micro-holding crops have gone into the ground well and on time, with one currently cropping crop having to go onto temporary storage, to facilitate the planting of a micro-holding stalwart crop.

Various measure have been taken in an effort to support the wildlife, some of which, for example the bees, are key components of the growing system. All wildlife live freeranging style, employing unique 'survive and thrive' survival strategies, as did one animal which came to live at the micro-holding.

'Largist' modern life is reported to be having negative impacts on individuals, causing for instance rises in insecurity and in some cases real hardship, which the powerless individual likely finds hard to counter. The 'fast flow' of life and the rate of change, along with high degrees of commerciaism and media impact, are factors no doubt contributing to any difficulties individuals are experiencing in coping with modern western-style cultures, along with receiving relatively thin slices of 'the cake' - ?

Changes in cultural trends and mores have also probably influenced 'life as we know it', with social priorities possibly suffering in the 'age of self', begging the question as to whether better balance is needed in societies,  highlighting one that appears to be achieving said balance to good effect. Weighty considerations can, though, be counterbalanced by simple practical tasks ---- ?

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The yearly cycle starts again here at the eco organic micro-holding in the UK midlands, with 'hope springing eternal', and the woodash and compost going on the growing ground. The 'hit' leek crop is showing good signs of fight-back, and seed supplies have been obtained, with early crops going into the ground.

The main fuel, wood, is depleting, and it seems is not quite what it was thought to be, as shown by more precise assessment. Whilst it is a rewnewable fuel source, some problems have been reported concerning its use as a domestic fuel. Walking through woods in a nature reserve revealed spring to be around the corner, with various flowers on display, although some birds were finding it still hard going.

Recent internet research to do with 'higher consciousness' states for a new 'freerange' 'e' publication indicated a variety of access routes available and that modern 'western style' materialistically-based cultures might not be conducive to their delivery, although there is considerable activity in this area.

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Back in harness after the Xmas semi-hibernation period at the eco organic micro-holding (small smallholding) here in the UK heartlands, trying to 'endure' the mid-winter blues period.  Determining to tidy the place up a bit by degrees has helped ,with the newly-dug ground from 'green manuring' (digging in green vegetation) in particular raising spirits.

More maintenance work in the form of lopping has been the order of the day, which in turn will produce more fertiliser on the permaculture basis (permaculture is growing self-containedly, with both exhaustive crops and replenishing crops). The year's woodash and compost applications will shortly be made.

Seeds for the year have been ordered fom a long-standing mail order source offering big savings over buying seed from retail outlets, which are reportedly doing brisk business due to current and impending shortages of veg to buy from shops.

Wealth and wage inequalities appear to remain an issue in the UK, with the current Prime Minister calling for a fairer society, in spite of actions that seem to suggest otherwise. Insurance seeking revealed  'on the make' business models designed to relieve people of as much as possible , with four out of six insurance firms making questionable interest charges as part of their business practice. Consolation could appear shortly in the shape of a bluesplayer about to perform locally ------

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There'a currently a mid-winter feel about the place - the organic eco micro-holding here in the UK midlands - , which might be due to the fact that it is mid-winter ------ . The hungry birds get their feed every day, and the 'Houdini 'wild bunch' hens lay relentlessly away, thankfully now out of harm's way. An extra wood source usefully provided a further supply of free fuel, some of it for current use but most of it put in store to boost next year's supply. A new chainsaw augmented the wood cutting armoury well, equipping that side of things handily for the forseeable future.

A late pest attack on what was a good leek crop has wreaked its havoc, with chances of recovery perhaps slim. Winter veg is generally pretty good and hopefully will crop for the next period, untill the spring greens come on tap in March.

'E' mail blitz seems to be rampant in this day and age, getting to the poimt of becoming a nuisance - one of the effects of a highly commercalised culture. There doesn't at times to be that much awareness of the dangers of counter-productivity, with some firms seemingly sending a never-ending supply of 'e' messages. Maybe it's all part of the new 'make-believe', 'build-it-yourself' reality that seems to be in the making, although some - many? - might say straying from actual reality could yet prove to be a dangerous pastime  - ? Then again the unfashionable longer-term 'husbanding scarce resources' approach might need to be resurrected - ?

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'Geese gone' - their stay next to the mico-holding here in the UK midlands was temporary, to then move on to winter quarters. The mid-winter rest period of semi-hibernation has arrived - time for rest and 'navel contemplation'. One piece in the weekend broadsheet paper bemoaned the fact that politicians, et al. seemed to be on a crusade to make older people do work. 'If they want to sit and do 'b----r all', why not, they've earn't the right', said the writer. Winter landscapes are now the order of the day, and good to see , with the many trees hereabouts looking particularly good.

Recent events don't appear to bode particularly well for planet conservation, and maybe more 'down-to-earth' awareness could be needed, as folks in olden days knew - ? Heavy material levels of consumption may not be long-term sustainable, so economic or frugal, even, living styles might yet be useful, and beneficial at the individual level. People may feel that at the micro individual level, any contribution they might make might be too insignificant, but if more than a few act ------ and of course, why should it not be meaningfull and significant at the individual level - ?

Having and retaining individual values may be important to act as 'anchors' for people against the 'fast flow' of mainstream commercially-focused cultures - it's what's lead 'downsizers', for instance, to give up 'buck chasing', to then adopt more multi-dimensional lifestyles, and/or more 'basic living' lifestyles, which reminds - better get that wood chopped up ----

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Migrant geese have colonised the field next to the cottage, here at the organic eco micro-holding ( small smallholding ) in the UK heartland. They've been feeding up, maybe to continue the journey , reminding of the flock of lapwings which did likewise two/three years ago.  The autumn micro-holding work has proceeded as usual, with quite a bit still to do, and home grown produce has lasted out pretty well.

'David v. Goliath' mini battles ensue as ever, trying to limit the adverse effects of what's often perceived as quite a 'grasping' commercial culture, with car insurance and broadband and phone provision being the latest 'battlegrounds'.  Getting past the 'it's all about money' mindsets seems to be at least some of the problem ----- Local good community interaction has helped in the 'faith in human nature' restoration department. It's reported generally that faith and trust are in dwindling supply, which may just be to do with the aforementioned commercial cultural style and a propensity for 'big is best' mindsets , given the extent of 'corporate power' - ?

The individual, though, can still practice the independent ( 'freerange') style of thinking and to at least some extent, the independent style of living ----

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Autumn is both the maintenance and the 'preparing for winter' season here at the organic eco micro-holding in the UK midland heartlands. Sorting and sawing wood is a major part of the latter, with both two man chainsaw and one man sawbench operations taking place to ensure a decent wood supply to last the winter out, and at the same time providing satisfying work.

It's been a pretty good growing year for both micro-holding veg and for wasps, with old fashioned cornfield gleaning  resulting in straw for the chicken house and run, aiming to look after them well, the same intention apparently as a local food supermarket which announced that it would only stock milk from grazed cows. A variety of seasonal tasks beckons , all working to the 'end of season' satisfying purpose.

Getting pleasure and joy out of everyday activities might be seen as 'small beer' in today's 'fame and fortune' culture, but also as a blessing for those who can, employing even, an 'expanded awareness' approach - ? Various authors have expanded on this theme, raising again Fritz Schumacher;s theme that 'small can be yet beautiful',  supported too by eastern mysticsm examples..

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The lazy, hazy days of August passed by nicely with a fair bit of sun and heat for a change  - the last two/three Augusts haven't been that great, weather-wise. here on the UK  Midlands-based eco organic micro-holding (small smallholding). With fewer cattle about  there's more corn stubbles sitting in the sun these days, increasing the 'golden glow' factor. The caterpillar pest on the brassica plants has been prominent this year, and steps have had to be taken.

According to some, the modern scientific, rational age has impinged adversly on natural feelings, so innateness and intuition, for instance, have waned, maybe to a point where 'imbalance' has occurred - ? No imbalance though, in the compost compartment, although the simple ( but effective) method used here doesn't match up to that of the TV experts, who's recommended methods seem to involve quite a lot of work - ?

Loss of intuitive powers might imply that 'wrong roads' could be taken and that the potential for fulfillment, for, instance, could be lessened - ? Modern cultures, though, seem to hold more store by 'external display' success factors such as wealth, fame and power position, with then less emphasis on 'internally directed' success factors such as self-integrity , self-development and fulfillment - ? The semi self-reliant micro-holding style of life here is definitely 'internally' motivated, with wealth accumulation a fairly distant prospect - may have to settle instead for a pint of Holden's aptly named beer ----- .

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Onwards through the summer the eco organic micro-holding's journey continues with the usual ups and downs, but always in countryside that's gorgeous this time of year. Crop results have been as usual mixed resulting in the feeling that it'd be useful to make and use even more compost, especially after seeing the outstanding crops of the freeranger couple featured below in this piece. The chickens, though, sail on regardless -----  and soft fruit production has been one of this year's features.

Interesting freerange-type of bedtime reading has come unexpectedly from  one of the downtown charity shops, which sell books at very reasonable rates, including some 'extreme freeranging' classics - interesting to read them again. Some modern 'live' examples of extreme and semi-extreme freeranging are related, along with some of the effects thereof.

Quite a range - a freerange - of reading material has materialised via this source - useful to read before surrendering to the world of the sub-conscious ----- .

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