tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79570747203246868692024-03-14T03:41:19.756+10:00Life at Arbordale FarmHomesteading New Zealand StyleFiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.comBlogger685125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-7568367067730610832019-07-27T19:47:00.003+10:002019-07-27T19:47:40.999+10:00So Much To Tell YouHi Anyone and Everyone who is still listening.<br />
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I know it has been a really long time since I stepped into this space but the business of life, study, work, house building, family and setting up a new homestead has left no time for blogging.<br />
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But I do miss the community that blogging gave me and the stories of other people doing similar things and the inspiration and community that comes with it.<br />
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So I started a Facebook page which allows me to tell our story in a few less words, much more quickly and as things happen.<br />
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If you want to see what we have been up to including raising animals, building a new passive house and setting up our homestead you can find me at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArbordaleFarm/">https://www.facebook.com/ArbordaleFarm/</a><br />
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I have been creating a bit of a back story so you can see the house build from start (June 2018) to finish (December 2018) as well as bit of life through this period until now.<br />
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Hope to see a few of you soon in FB land.<br />
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Fiona<br />
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<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-21026729901918861762018-02-21T17:05:00.002+10:002018-02-21T17:05:58.424+10:00How To Have A Better Conversation<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have a spare 10 minutes this clip is really worth watching. In fact even if you think you don't have 10 spare minutes find the time, you won't regret it.</span><br />
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<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-51015861513200203072018-02-15T18:59:00.000+10:002018-02-15T18:59:13.713+10:00Choosing our Homestead and 5 Years of Preparation<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the start of 2012 when we decided that we would move back to New Zealand from Australia we started scouring the internet for land. As I mentioned in my last couple of posts the geographic region that we chose to homestead in was one where we were <a href="https://lifeatarbordalefarm.blogspot.co.nz/2018/02/choosing-land-for-homesteading.html">within a 30 minute drive from family</a>, but also <a href="https://lifeatarbordalefarm.blogspot.co.nz/2018/01/homesteading-vs-lifestyle-block-or.html">major centres of employment</a> as we are not close to retirement age or in a financial situation where we could retire early. We wanted enough land to be fairly self sufficient without it being a full time job straight away so we looked for land between 5 and 15 acres in size.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were definitely working with a budget in mind, as at the time we also had a mortgage on our homestead in Australia, and we knew we wanted to build a new house so we looked at bare land. We spent a number of months just looking online at the properties that came up for sale, the ones that remained for sale and the ones that sold quickly. The region we were looking in was fortunately one of the cheapest areas of the North Island. Once we had seen a few that meet our requirements we travelled from Australia to look in person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When visiting potential sites we took a number of things with us: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A spade to check soil type, water logging, topsoil depth and visual biology. We want to be able to grow a lot of fruit and vegetable and raise animals for meat so knowing if you a looking at a property with good soil or poor soil gives you an idea of how much work might be required before you achieve this goal. Soil can be improved but it takes time and effort, so knowing what you are dealing with from the beginning might help you make a decision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A camera to take photos in all directions from the centre of the property and you will never remember what can be seen in every direction and when you look back at photos you might see things you hadn't noticed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A 50 m tape measure to measure distance from power and water supply to potential house sites. We did not need to worry about water as it was always planned that we would have water tanks installed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A note book to record findings and note things like access to adjoining properties, quality of boundary fencing and physical sensations like smell,wind and noise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some properties you will rule out quickly but in others you might see potential. It is quite important to spend some time standing quietly on potential properties each time you visit (which should be at different times of the day) and listen to the noises around you. How much traffic noise is there? Is there manufacturing going on nearby? Are the neighbours dogs barking continuously? Can you see and hear the neighbours? These are things easily over looked that might infringe on your imagined lifestyle.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking south from our North West corner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking East from our North West corner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcJSQz8vIqUOwBGvb04ltUJyBrv24Nuc7sHCNRLnTk_f1vNTI9cpWk16PBU9b7QIdu05rFLNcgRhKpZ7tqZX5KCQTaQmJorpQ-rS3kKF2SsvGgoXi4W_sooP8k3oQrdi-nehvJGBCYJg/s1600/IMG_8865%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcJSQz8vIqUOwBGvb04ltUJyBrv24Nuc7sHCNRLnTk_f1vNTI9cpWk16PBU9b7QIdu05rFLNcgRhKpZ7tqZX5KCQTaQmJorpQ-rS3kKF2SsvGgoXi4W_sooP8k3oQrdi-nehvJGBCYJg/s640/IMG_8865%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby with measuring tape in hand</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We finally found a property that suited many of our needs and was within our budget. <a href="https://lifeatarbordalefarm.blogspot.co.nz/2018/01/homesteading-vs-lifestyle-block-or.html">The location</a> was good, the size (5.5 acres) was good, t</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he houses around us were newish (built in the last 10 years) which can help improve the value of the area, it was down a country road, mostly flat with a very slight slope and tree-less (which can can be both positive - blank canvas to work with, and negative - the cost of trees).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The soil was way better than what we had in Australia and pretty good on New Zealand standards with at least 30cm of topsoil. The property had been used for growing maize then re grassed so we knew this meant chemical fertilisers had been used and likely herbicides (although soil tests would give us more information), however we also knew we would not be relocating for a few years and the land would therefore be able to heal itself. It has now bee more than 5 years which means we could start the process of applying for organic certification but we are not sure if we will go down this path yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once we owned the property we started preparing for our eventual move by planting a windbreak on our western boundary. We get very Strong winds from this direction and sometimes salt spray blows in from the ocean even though it is more than 10 km away but as you can see in the photos below trees in the area can attest to the power of the wind.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY5sH4LIP8MsEm9HdNjYQXLNG9MbFlRvMtrLdP1KzbtQ957wwzEiFdgBQYkLfS8Tf7tL4WZBJ_s6NrB87ejQlckhOXXTyf8CSEucgItl1tjZWgN11oObTPjY39QPHhNBpFzSS938xc4k/s1600/DSC04006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY5sH4LIP8MsEm9HdNjYQXLNG9MbFlRvMtrLdP1KzbtQ957wwzEiFdgBQYkLfS8Tf7tL4WZBJ_s6NrB87ejQlckhOXXTyf8CSEucgItl1tjZWgN11oObTPjY39QPHhNBpFzSS938xc4k/s640/DSC04006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We mowed a 4m wide strip and fenced it off. Then the planting began.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We planted about 100 trees the first trip back to New Zealand, all self seeded natives that my mum propagated for us. And after planting all the trees out we went on to fill those same pots with more seedlings.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFDrzPa9hf_IdxHurR-7y2kaKuvnxKzJ4TTtP58Yq9uDWm_WVbutdCv7W2MxBgn3GOtWYCs8AcdK-om844WhfoDY_v7UZFC8qeHVgj7QeZ0jEcamNtLWicbZqExfbEbpkrOoVFtI-ng8/s1600/P1020011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFDrzPa9hf_IdxHurR-7y2kaKuvnxKzJ4TTtP58Yq9uDWm_WVbutdCv7W2MxBgn3GOtWYCs8AcdK-om844WhfoDY_v7UZFC8qeHVgj7QeZ0jEcamNtLWicbZqExfbEbpkrOoVFtI-ng8/s640/P1020011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every time we visited New Zealand which was about every 6 months we would plant more trees, replace any that didn't survive and propagate new ones. Slowly but surely we planted out our entire 200m boundary.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbukFy5KhAT4gXwv9oU-VEsUqCGpLTwltHYcKsCmWpwiKtQjuC3KOXLda2Lt1ApIA6VPQHzVni3sZhHc73uee42AGOkNeCvP4gPhDg4qPi-eGQwfzRjwtL7tAETzfNqCu18cWrQNM31DM/s1600/IMG_0972%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbukFy5KhAT4gXwv9oU-VEsUqCGpLTwltHYcKsCmWpwiKtQjuC3KOXLda2Lt1ApIA6VPQHzVni3sZhHc73uee42AGOkNeCvP4gPhDg4qPi-eGQwfzRjwtL7tAETzfNqCu18cWrQNM31DM/s640/IMG_0972%255B1%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Getting the windbreak established was a priority and 5 years on the trees are mostly growing well and about 1.5 metres tall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As you can see from the above photo we did more than just plant trees in 5 years we also built a shed and undertook a range of other activities but more about that later. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The way we are designing our property is based on my permaculture knowledge. I don't claim to be an expert and it is something I continue to learn about and practise, but I try to make decisions based on what I have learnt about permaculture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The main thing that the 5 years allowed us to do was to get to know our property through <a href="https://permacultureprinciples.com/principles/_1/">observation</a> (number 1 of </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the </span><a href="https://permacultureprinciples.com/principles/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">permaculture principles</a>) <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in a way it forced to take thing slowly</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> making small changes over time which is permaculture principle </span><a href="https://permacultureprinciples.com/principles/_9/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">number 9</a>.<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During this time there were many times we wanted to push forward and do things. But living in another country meant we couldn't, which at the time was frustrating as we are both doers and like to be busy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we move forward now the time we have had to observe and think things through I am sure will be a blessing because we are now at the point of making big decisions and putting permanent things </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">like our new house </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">in place which obviously cannot be undone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I am trying to move past the fear that there are things I haven't considered that will create problems down the line. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I am not going to become paralysed by it because I think there is a risk of doing nothing for the fear of getting it wrong, </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">and I keep reminding myself that nothing is a problem just an opportunity to be creative with a solution. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever had that feeling when undertaking a project?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever built a new house or started from scratch somewhere new?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">What are your tips for keeping up the forward momentum?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-6507430339306285982018-02-01T10:00:00.002+10:002018-02-01T10:00:45.894+10:00Choosing Land For Homesteading<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone will have a different set of criteria for the land they buy to homestead on. Some people will be like us and want to start from scratch, others will want something that has some bones to build on or maybe even a more complete picture that they can make minor adjustments too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The one thing that almost everyone will have in common is that they will have a budget to work with. This provides a starting point. Additionally you may also have a geographic area that would like to live in to maintain connections to family and friends, however sometimes your budget or current location will mean you need to move away from your desired location to homestead how you would like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Knowing what you want or might want from your homestead will help you make good choices when it comes to finding a property to rent or buy. It really helps to write this all down and have the rest of the family write down their thoughts as well so you can see what everyone is thinking. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't limit yourself to what you think is possible in 5 years but instead list all the things you think you might want to have a go at in the next 20. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While listing the physical aspects of the homestead such as soil type, land contours, existing vegetation, room to keep animals etc is important, make sure you also list how you want your life to feel, the connections you hope to create and the benefits you hope to gain. Things such as having good relationships with neighbours, being able to enjoy the work you do on your homestead, having time to pursue you interests, harvesting your own rain water, growing nutrient dense food or linking up with like minded people are also what helps to create balance. Once you include all of these things you will be able to develop a better picture of what you are looking for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After developing your list each person can then divide the list further into three different categories, deal breakers, important aspects or nice to have items. It can be helpful to do this individually so that everyone feels that they are not being persuaded to another's point of view, then re group to discuss and see where compromises can be made and what items were agreed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of the factors that influenced our decision:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having previously lived in the middle of the suburbs, and then on a small parcel of land in the country in a old house where a lot of work was required on both the land and house to deal with problems created by previous owners, we knew that this time we wanted to start from scratch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That move also involved relocating to a community where we knew nobody and we experienced first hand how long it takes to make friends and build up a support network, so this time we also wanted to live within 30 minutes of my parents and a cousin who I am very close to. This would mean no other family or school friends lived nearby therefore we knew we would be building new friendships and connections which we were happy to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being in our thirties when we purchased we also wanted to have access to work opportunities, schooling in case a child came along, opportunities for involvement in community activities. We also intended on this being a long term set up which makes sense if you are going to start from scratch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did not intend for our land to be our sole source of income however we know that we have sufficient land to pursue a range of activities should we decide to earn a living from our land.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeTQnKhpPgO6DOXKmVH2aeKuGiJdRFXGID48PTcNqZeK_s_m9-cXHIp3rF_a1zaASWfI9ddsp2NAIBqde7tXTYFL7NJIKI4MlbpaFC2-nFHYxZxs6GEaoAC9bR9JHcJ9Wkfa4YATFh-8/s1600/IMG_8868%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeTQnKhpPgO6DOXKmVH2aeKuGiJdRFXGID48PTcNqZeK_s_m9-cXHIp3rF_a1zaASWfI9ddsp2NAIBqde7tXTYFL7NJIKI4MlbpaFC2-nFHYxZxs6GEaoAC9bR9JHcJ9Wkfa4YATFh-8/s640/IMG_8868%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What we started with in New Zealand - A big vacant paddock nothing but grass</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below are a range of factors that you might want to consider when buying/choosing land to Homestead on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Access</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are only renting the property haw long can you have it for? If you are not guaranteed a long term agreement this will shape the improvements you make and the financial investment involved and relocatable infrastructure may be the way to go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are buying what access to you have to the property itself? Is the access seasonal? What access do you have to utilities? Do you want to be connected to the grid or go off grid? Can you get cell phone coverage? If you move from suburbia to the country you may be unaware that there are still many places that do not have cell phone coverage and fast internet access even when they don't seem to be in a remote location. We lived 100 km from a city of 2.2 million people with many smaller cities and towns much closer and we had no cell phone coverage. We did have fast internet but not all of our neighbours did as there were only a limited number of fast connections available in our area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you need to earn a living from the land or will you work off farm? How will you finance the setting up of your homestead?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Size</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The amount of land you need to achieve your homesteading goals will be determined by those goals and you may need to do some research to help you make a decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you only want to grow fruit and vegetables and perhaps have some chickens or rabbits then a large plot of land in a town or city may be all you need. But if you want to have a sheep, goat or cow for milk or meat then you will need consider the needs of these animals as none of them are solitary creatures so will need at least one other for company. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The size of the land required to support these activities will then be determined by the quality of the land itself or the carrying capacity (how many adult animals can the land support without bringing in supplementary feed). If you plan on having livestock do not underestimate the importance of this. Buying in feed can be expensive and could derail your homesteading dreams unless you have very deep pockets, in which case it would be better to spend that money on better land that you have control over in the first place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Age, Physical Strength and Stamina</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the time we purchased we were both in our thirties so we knew we had the physical strength, stamina and the time ahead of us to set up a homestead from scratch. If you are older or have any physical limitations then you should factor this in to your decision making.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Location and Personal Connections</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is the climate like? What sort of soil is it and what do you see growing in the area? What has the land been used for in the past? Our land had been farmland that had primarily been used for cropping and had therefore had synthetic fertiliser use. We got soil tests done before buying and had this written into our contract so that if we were unhappy with the results we could pull out of the sale without penalty. How far from other people do you want to live? It might seem romantic to live in the wilderness but be honest about the type of person you are and how much social interaction you like to have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aspect</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you plan on producing food on your land you need to consider the aspect, potential shading from trees on both your potential property and the neighbouring ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Community</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you like to belong to sports clubs or community groups? Where do you prefer to shop? Do you need regular access to medical facilities or specialist services? Are you likely to find like minded people living nearby? Visit the towns nearby and talk to the locals. Find out what community groups already exist and the facilities you will have access to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Restrictions</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Land is subject to council by-laws and some developments and subdivisions will have covenants dictating the types of activities that can be undertaken or what is restricted, the type of house that can be built and in some cases even the colours you can use. Speak to the local council about the land zoning and future plans for the surrounding area. What may currently be farmland on the outskirts of town my be destined for subdivision into housing estates, commercial or industrial use, or be ear marked as a rail or power corridor. The time spent investigating these things could prevent your dream from being squashed or severely altered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally identify anything that you know you <b>do not</b> want. Sometimes this will help you go back through your list of things you do want and see if there are any clashes. For example, if you think want to keep livestock but don't want to give up your annual month long holiday at the beach each summer you will need to come up with a plan to manage your absence or reconsider your want to keep animals. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not doing enough research can be costly in time, money and emotional well being so a bit of time spent before committing</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> will always be well spent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What other suggestions do you have for someone looking to start out homesteading?</span><br />
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<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-92093281060248397502018-01-26T18:22:00.000+10:002018-01-26T18:22:04.986+10:00Homesteading vs Lifestyle Block or Hobby Farm<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our farm is 5.5 acres or 2.17 hectares in size and when we purchased it in 2012 it was one big grassy paddock of almost flat land with a dip in one area towards a pond in our neighbours land. We are 6 km from two small regional towns Bulls and Marton, 20 - 30 minutes from two small regional cities Whanganui and Palmerston North and 2.5 hrs from Wellington the capital.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In New Zealand land the size of ours is termed a lifestyle block as people generally choose to have a bit of land to keep a few animals, enjoy having a bit of space for their family and pets but tend to work elsewhere and not earn anything from their land. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wikipedia provides the following definition for a lifestyle block:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">A hobby farm (also called a </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">lifestyle block</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"> in New Zealand) is a smallholding or small farm that is maintained without expectation of being a primary source of income. Some are merely to provide some recreational land, and perhaps a few horses for the family's children.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Moving to a lifestyle property can be rewarding and provide plenty of opportunities to learn new things, in fact for many people, they will have no choice but to learn a huge range of skills. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These may include animal husbandry, small machinery use (think chain saws, weed whackers/line trimmers, ride on lawn mowers, rotary hoes and tractors), towing and backing trailers and horse floats, fencing, tree pruning, managing your own water and sewage systems and lots lots more. Every skill that you don't have will be one you have to to pay or barter for or find a mentor to teach you. For some people the acquisition of these skills, the new opportunities and the new community of people around them leads to a feeling of fulfilment. However some people have a romantic vision of living in the country and are unaware of the time and work required to maintain a lifestyle property (it takes a lot longer to mow an acre of lawn, move the cows, shear the sheep, and clean out the chicken pen than to sweep the front porch of a townhouse and clean out the budgie cage) which can become a burden that interferes with other hobbies and activities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Homesteading on the other hand is more about self sufficiency and may or may not involve making a living from your land and Wikipedia defines it as:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">Homesteading</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"> is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. It is characterised by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of food, and it may or may not also involve the small scale production of textiles, clothing, and craft work for household use or sale.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Homesteading is a term that might conjure up images of people living an agrarian lifestyle toiling away to eek out a life from a parcel of land in the country and for some people this is still the case, but there are of plenty of variations on the theme of homesteading and you don't even have to live in the country or have a lot of land. Modern homesteading is a mindset of doing as much for yourself as you can, acquiring practical skills and shortening your supply chains. It is about being responsible for you own well being and living a life that allows you do more for your self and others reducing your dependence on the consumer society. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">You might learn to make soap or cheese, spin wool and knit, grow your own food and learn to preserve it, learn to forage and collect wild edibles or medicinal plants, grow willow and take up weaving, learn to hunt or raise livestock for personal consumption, you might live in town so start a community garden or find some land to share, or you might go completely off grid, move into the wilderness and fend for yourself<span style="color: #545454;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Having land in the country is not a pre-requisite for homesteading and it is always better to start where you live now. Skills take time to acquire and when you are not also having to manage a larger parcel of land you have the time to dedicate to learning new things.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was fortunate to grow up in the country on 10 acres of land where my parents built on bare land and started from scratch. We raised most of our meat, grew fruit and vegetables which we preserved, had bees, gathered our own firewood, cooked all our food from scratch, had pets and a house cow. My dad is an engineer from a farming background and my mums a nurse from town. Between them they had quite a few skills but they still had a lot to learn along the way. We are a bit like my parents with Randall being born and bred in a city while I grew up in the country. We first started our homesteading journey when we lived in a 2 bedroom town house 3km from the CBD of Brisbane Australia. We grew citrus in a pot, planted a vegetable garden that we watered with grey water, collected and propagated plants, built a pond, started composting, shopped at the produce market and preserved what we grew and brought and cooked from scratch. At the same time we worked hard and saved as much money as we could so that we could move to the country.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">We were able to purchase a rundown old farmhouse on 3.5 acres in the Queensland countryside and set about expanding our skills further to include managing our own water and septic systems, caring for chickens and cows, fencing, soap and cheese making, dehydrating, fermentation, permaculture and much much more<span style="color: #545454; font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3jS8LBFUhZahORsm-IeQkqa9ErULQ86KPfL6iDaXxA19yyLgr2OpsKsmso05VEcd8mbBzvkIMsYJcu-vHYqlQMIwH8cNndd413HB6pSDYhj6tRyAw3h2189AZC3_1YIh85IewrHm1yc/s1600/IMG_1584%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3jS8LBFUhZahORsm-IeQkqa9ErULQ86KPfL6iDaXxA19yyLgr2OpsKsmso05VEcd8mbBzvkIMsYJcu-vHYqlQMIwH8cNndd413HB6pSDYhj6tRyAw3h2189AZC3_1YIh85IewrHm1yc/s640/IMG_1584%255B1%255D.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">We have now moved to New Zealand to a slightly larger parcel of land but it has good soil, regular rainfall and a temperate climate so will be incredibly productive compared to our land in Australia. But this time we are starting from scratch. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">What was once a big grassy paddock is gradually taking shape and becoming a rural homestead. We will use the skills we have to do what we can and work of learning new skills a long the way. It's not a race as rushing in can be expensive. We want to live closer to nature, making the most of each season doing as much as we can for ourselves, learning new skills, meeting like minded people and reducing our reliance on the system.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">For us this is definitely not a hobby farm, and while it is about a lifestyle what we are aiming to achieve is much more about providing for ourselves, doing it for ourselves and being as self sufficient as we can and perhaps in the future even making a living from our land.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So come along for the ride as we set up our homestead from scratch, learn from our mistakes as no double there will be many, have a go yourself where ever you live and challenge your self to try something new. Our homesteading journey in underway and hopefully we can provide you with the inspiration to give it a go no matter where you live.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-43704299198176297842018-01-17T07:33:00.001+10:002018-01-17T07:33:55.572+10:002017 - July - December<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second half of 2017 was filled with a range of activities that supported the development of our amazing little boy, took steps towards our future, worked towards the development of our new property and developed new connections. However there was a big low point which came out of the blue and left us in a state of shock for a few months, the death of my Nan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now for someone who is nearly 40 I realise that loosing a grandparent is to be expected especially when she was 87, but my Nan seemed like she had at least another 5 + years in her and had only stopped skiing in 4 years ago. Her death was also as a result of an accident. She had gone into hospital for a routine operation and had come through successfully. But the night following her operation dosed up on pain medication she tried to get out of bed (which had the sides up) slipped and fell hitting her head and causing a bleed on the brain. Because of the anticoagulants the bleed put her into a vegetative state but sadly stopped before she passed away. So because she had a do not resuscitate order we then had to wait for her body to shut down and for her to pass away, no IV fluids (as this would have just kept her alive) just pain meds. Our family travelled from all over the country to be by her side and after 5 days of our bedside vigil she passed on. The funeral followed and over the following few months so did the selling of the family home and moving my Pop into a nursing home. It was a tough few months and not a day goes by that I don't miss her. I am extremely grateful that we moved back when we did so that she could meet Kingsley and I could share some more moments with her.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVDU7g5djmdvAq5x2WULQayTOWoDm7-sfFfeUkLtfyHu72gRe_xG3fofzuFO7Hpf6uVffX2oFA_P7gJHenhvjOc9ezawunGfeIciwd7kn6MX7faUJqW4dX-t_-wQbeqdPhYPPwg4ZxGc/s1600/DSC03059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="899" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVDU7g5djmdvAq5x2WULQayTOWoDm7-sfFfeUkLtfyHu72gRe_xG3fofzuFO7Hpf6uVffX2oFA_P7gJHenhvjOc9ezawunGfeIciwd7kn6MX7faUJqW4dX-t_-wQbeqdPhYPPwg4ZxGc/s640/DSC03059.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But life has also provided many opportunities for us to grow and learn and enjoy each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have joined in at our local community garden which is organically run along permaculture principles. It has been great to meet like minded people as one of the concerns I had when we moved was the opportunity to meet people with similar values in quite a traditional small rural community. Kingsley and I go every Friday for coffee morning where he digs in the dirt and enjoys green smoothies and picks himself strawberries. Kingsley a a sociable little bunny and shares his hugs and kisses around adopting new nanna's and poppa's wherever he goes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1wv2IFqW5_OBmuQ2t1_d5tb_kNPTWa4xzU17ESHpudGfsACO8db4dZ4LNPsno2X1Gfe2uliIT58Zn3jQfn78LaR4Clcn1fG1zQgCKPpbnm-f674I1-qhgWPF9rZOtG86Jf31akWoHBI/s1600/IMG_20171027_114932%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1wv2IFqW5_OBmuQ2t1_d5tb_kNPTWa4xzU17ESHpudGfsACO8db4dZ4LNPsno2X1Gfe2uliIT58Zn3jQfn78LaR4Clcn1fG1zQgCKPpbnm-f674I1-qhgWPF9rZOtG86Jf31akWoHBI/s640/IMG_20171027_114932%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L7QbyX50uxb3NwlByiwAOTjWZobwxeHWsZd-yU5v2rbWrA2a65dSsRqnAMSQkQBJt04ibvFtOtlAJjpLoChz10USdwm-xijA_HxcJRz-Zz6lJjA8vgkCS41GpxqknpvnPfHQg4ZG2hQ/s1600/IMG_20171027_114717%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L7QbyX50uxb3NwlByiwAOTjWZobwxeHWsZd-yU5v2rbWrA2a65dSsRqnAMSQkQBJt04ibvFtOtlAJjpLoChz10USdwm-xijA_HxcJRz-Zz6lJjA8vgkCS41GpxqknpvnPfHQg4ZG2hQ/s640/IMG_20171027_114717%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Green smoothies .... mmmmmm.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The original windbreak we have been planting for the past few years is doing ok, we have lost a few plants due to water logging and some to salt spray (even though we are kms from the coast) but we still have plenty of survivors and once we plant some <a href="http://www.nznativeplants.co.nz/Articles/Phormium+tenax.html">giant flax</a> down the road side of our planting strip that will suck up a lot of ground water and create a thick buffer for wind.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXUg0Z4FpAQgavjm7NCdYdQDnUt-B2dJyi86rEDDvdgodNiks0FQHiQPVdhbCKjxsyToKMH6-THoXyJtqmDYIVmTT34bIQEH1ASfgFrXDVaZkfxYY3GONkSTnSyjAxiqvEZ-bLiLjsvk/s1600/IMG_20170410_164704%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXUg0Z4FpAQgavjm7NCdYdQDnUt-B2dJyi86rEDDvdgodNiks0FQHiQPVdhbCKjxsyToKMH6-THoXyJtqmDYIVmTT34bIQEH1ASfgFrXDVaZkfxYY3GONkSTnSyjAxiqvEZ-bLiLjsvk/s640/IMG_20170410_164704%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the year we also planted out a row of trees that will form the base of our orchard windbreak. We are using all natives that we have grown from seed to keep costs down as purchasing the potting mix is cheaper than buying the plants.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctPk7bbv_nRvtc5NbvCZYWXD7i4iV7qlk3eVwtNqoTCsJVWEs7ezLDx5cTLpf6WwOylKcMmGEPZ9-cH-FnqKhA1TpVxOBFuHIi_hWhrPkSkaR_PXGUzMfKXNwzx1FahSlOmYKz2OVgGk/s1600/IMG_20170409_161239%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctPk7bbv_nRvtc5NbvCZYWXD7i4iV7qlk3eVwtNqoTCsJVWEs7ezLDx5cTLpf6WwOylKcMmGEPZ9-cH-FnqKhA1TpVxOBFuHIi_hWhrPkSkaR_PXGUzMfKXNwzx1FahSlOmYKz2OVgGk/s640/IMG_20170409_161239%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My cousin and her kids helped out on planting day with the kids pushing the wheelbarrow, picking up pots and entertaining Kingsley in his makeshift playpen made up of possessions we haven't unpacked and have stored at the farm.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Y8Kid-hqnVYUXi424sEO4OEeHIQd-0Xp07uBOqhkTriGcv4GE8qSMpy1OBCbcSKV7ic_L_1QRif0jS7EmYi6yfxxyy9P7LHpe-j5yyPZuKVDzbAihKNZ70jTN73vOfQQq3kC6brmbgk/s1600/IMG_20170416_132557%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Y8Kid-hqnVYUXi424sEO4OEeHIQd-0Xp07uBOqhkTriGcv4GE8qSMpy1OBCbcSKV7ic_L_1QRif0jS7EmYi6yfxxyy9P7LHpe-j5yyPZuKVDzbAihKNZ70jTN73vOfQQq3kC6brmbgk/s640/IMG_20170416_132557%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t9ja9ULga8gafhinFIUpq5TfFM-mPgLL-zoBhvd1d4FR42R5xaLVEHTvCJGyZpWhdXVxBC_6DyjPyLNEnzDjvuIZiLzsgxdAesynEFDwY-yW0V59J9G3SCKBaQP_W5vUQoiEPLI_qCo/s1600/IMG_20170416_132817%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t9ja9ULga8gafhinFIUpq5TfFM-mPgLL-zoBhvd1d4FR42R5xaLVEHTvCJGyZpWhdXVxBC_6DyjPyLNEnzDjvuIZiLzsgxdAesynEFDwY-yW0V59J9G3SCKBaQP_W5vUQoiEPLI_qCo/s640/IMG_20170416_132817%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makeshift playpen set up by the roller door so he could see out</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have since been back and added more plants to this row and the reality is that we will be planting a lot more over the next 5 years just for shelter and shade for us and our animals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kingsley is a really busy kid, which is not surprising since he has a very busy mother who is pretty task orientated. He is happiest outdoors which is great most of the time but sometimes results in tears when he gets brought back indoors. We have also learned not to put any footwear on him until the last minute as he associates this with going outside and heaven help us if we are not ready to go yet.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkxFSZQnug1HLHhELPZuUftxY2nExgxCs6znDuH7_KJpOD5ZYqcDaAphuivqZ0G2JNGzeI777BI-0tMACEfD96r0u53FMLEPTeMJ2Gr4xrhmx4JJfSfPmGO5mgvTc6WHKKB6RTAPz0DQ/s1600/IMG_20171104_144713%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkxFSZQnug1HLHhELPZuUftxY2nExgxCs6znDuH7_KJpOD5ZYqcDaAphuivqZ0G2JNGzeI777BI-0tMACEfD96r0u53FMLEPTeMJ2Gr4xrhmx4JJfSfPmGO5mgvTc6WHKKB6RTAPz0DQ/s640/IMG_20171104_144713%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskvkeOZkfd9RpuKZorSt43ztBL9A8b4tEWeda4dmybKMRw7H79gGXd80JcgrioHtQkJL2MNqcMCTvzwtpBa-F5S1m7chtriyo74J255lRuI7EFeOIBsMctNCJD3R6Bs2j13zSAiEW7OU/s1600/IMG_20171104_154837%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskvkeOZkfd9RpuKZorSt43ztBL9A8b4tEWeda4dmybKMRw7H79gGXd80JcgrioHtQkJL2MNqcMCTvzwtpBa-F5S1m7chtriyo74J255lRuI7EFeOIBsMctNCJD3R6Bs2j13zSAiEW7OU/s640/IMG_20171104_154837%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are getting to spend lots of time with my parents and they love having a grandchild who they see a few times a week. They have 5 acres so this also provides lots more opportunities to be out doors, visit the animals at their place and in the neighbourhood and to help Poppa do jobs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNjWHqKvrPIk9LjsF_ui10_BABtBr_zlx7Z5d6OOHKvqxNt5ejhyFfEjAIl5KTPNEGu6Lrq5D0eGiHjSXevyFfeVnJ1h6_sfqiC7EhFNoF2K3phvbAa46C88u20sG8DBi0kfumKTMK4g/s1600/IMG_20171010_093916%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNjWHqKvrPIk9LjsF_ui10_BABtBr_zlx7Z5d6OOHKvqxNt5ejhyFfEjAIl5KTPNEGu6Lrq5D0eGiHjSXevyFfeVnJ1h6_sfqiC7EhFNoF2K3phvbAa46C88u20sG8DBi0kfumKTMK4g/s640/IMG_20171010_093916%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kingsley my not be getting another sibling but he has an incredible bond with Jessie our dog. Jessie was one of the first words he said and he starts asking for he as soon as he gets up each day. Lucky she is only 7 so should be around for a while yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We think he will make a good farmer as he loves animals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weather has been brilliant since the start of November with lots of sunshine and just a little rain. Brilliant for being out doors but a little dry for many farmers. Kingsley's older cousins treat him like a bit of a toy and fight over him but I am sure the novelty will wear off when he gets a bit bigger and starts getting into their "precious" things.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajlI7sc30h_AWAUKXWCpS82zMLW7qzAoXXE0Vi0ra4JqGHHxi9qWDy80GY_0vpJmResT9XQ9AyCEQFIXpwnapckGzeX8x_iRzs1Y6R2QJ2LuxPxwxg49iALLn5KfIewrgCqoxEHlklxM/s1600/IMG_20171204_161700%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajlI7sc30h_AWAUKXWCpS82zMLW7qzAoXXE0Vi0ra4JqGHHxi9qWDy80GY_0vpJmResT9XQ9AyCEQFIXpwnapckGzeX8x_iRzs1Y6R2QJ2LuxPxwxg49iALLn5KfIewrgCqoxEHlklxM/s640/IMG_20171204_161700%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All year I have had one big splurge to look forward to and that was Cat Steven in concert. I went with my mums brother and mum and dad and it was amazing. It was held in an outdoor venue and packed with nearly 20,000 fans all enjoying the great weather and great music. We got there early and got an awesome seat along the top of a wall so we had an uninterrupted view.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year my family hired some holiday homes at a beach for 3 nights over Christmas. It is a spot we have all holidayed before as there is good fishing minimal people and sheltered spots for the kids to play in the sand even if the weather is not great. This was Kingsley's first trip to the beach and he loved it, especially breaking the sandcastles people built for him.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxVJefulY886vUCfoFstK8CC8wHyeHUgBBc3cBh6GIgNJUu4uXJovi8vEfpvvrOJMJEOTKSbaxDGDfowKMbGV6HcQeRYKV-vpJWCWkrDzDmynORqeU8_n70qaW_XXxTZnPiCMDlkSvY4/s1600/IMG_20171224_100054%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxVJefulY886vUCfoFstK8CC8wHyeHUgBBc3cBh6GIgNJUu4uXJovi8vEfpvvrOJMJEOTKSbaxDGDfowKMbGV6HcQeRYKV-vpJWCWkrDzDmynORqeU8_n70qaW_XXxTZnPiCMDlkSvY4/s640/IMG_20171224_100054%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We followed up our 3 days at the holiday house with my parents and one of my brothers and his family with 3 nights camping at a different beach. This was with my Aunt (mums identical twin), uncle and my cousin (who is like my sister) and her family. We all grew up very close and still see a lot of them so to Kingsley this is just another Nanna and Poppa. We did lots of bike riding, more fishing and playing in the sand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj035WBbv6fSK9u8l3KptyjMlt7KLTAtGkk7qOkK8eBAQ2mkOEt19jtXj5vTOXeDKHXwNzU0jYM3s-Zg-86_PYzJ5ftiVh-2eCFpoc8nnGaFXFAwd9xWCXuQnVuA-FMCM-bc2C9wahUTg/s1600/IMG_20171228_130520%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj035WBbv6fSK9u8l3KptyjMlt7KLTAtGkk7qOkK8eBAQ2mkOEt19jtXj5vTOXeDKHXwNzU0jYM3s-Zg-86_PYzJ5ftiVh-2eCFpoc8nnGaFXFAwd9xWCXuQnVuA-FMCM-bc2C9wahUTg/s640/IMG_20171228_130520%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We wrapped up the year quietly and then launched our selves into the new year (more about that another day).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have also continued to make the most of the good weather with a trip to a local river for a dip when my brother, his wife and girls came to visit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmcnq30-tqtEXXtjZE6LAet7W0PAjtheThtopFA4OdEO0YBAKL-EfEaN6U_MLIXMcCDUKkYO28NCRBK_o2T63mCheiDTwJAEXEuAllp2-zI3rEz69as2or2ddtPMTVb0tHIdHdBrNd8Q/s1600/IMG_20180113_113321%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmcnq30-tqtEXXtjZE6LAet7W0PAjtheThtopFA4OdEO0YBAKL-EfEaN6U_MLIXMcCDUKkYO28NCRBK_o2T63mCheiDTwJAEXEuAllp2-zI3rEz69as2or2ddtPMTVb0tHIdHdBrNd8Q/s640/IMG_20180113_113321%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year is going to be a big one for us with our friends Liz and Pete from Queensland visiting in February, our new house build will start in April, I have a trip to Melbourne in April, I am studying full time at Uni, my best friend is visiting in the middle of the year for my big 40, a couple of camping trips are already planned and I am sure there will be lots more happening too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am sure there are things I have missed but that is a brief look at the last 6 months. Really glad you stuck around I have missed this space.</span></div>
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Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-90361568489010433222018-01-11T08:08:00.003+10:002018-01-11T08:08:43.194+10:00Happy New YearYes I am still here. So much has been happening here already this year and over the past 6 months since I last posted.<br />
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Our little baby is now a happy little boy who is busy busy busy. At 15 months he runs he jumps he climbs he throws the dogs ball for her and walks her on a lead. That's what happens when you walk at 10 months old.<br />
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I have lots to tell you all if you are still there and care to tune in. I am also working on updating my blog so hopefully I will get that done over the next month and a half before heading back to university.<br />
Life has not allowed a lot of time for reading blogs so I am well out of touch with what most of you have been up to over the past 12 months so feel free to tell me about the big moments of your pasty 12 months in the comments section.Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-38267323359608452282017-07-02T09:00:00.000+10:002017-07-02T09:00:10.089+10:00The Baby File - 6 Months of Being in New Zealand<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this post is pretty much all pictures and all about Kingsley.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are photos with cousins, grandparents, great grandparents, great aunt, aunts, uncles, Hubby and I and of course Jessie. There has even been some swapping between Jessie and Kingsley, him on her dog bed and her on his play mat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see from the photos he is a happy little baby, not that it has all been smooth sailing as I am sure all parents know but for the most part is is a bundle of joy.</span><br />
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<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-34913223680672286302017-07-01T14:59:00.001+10:002017-07-01T14:59:20.523+10:00Still Here And Hoping To Be Back A Bit More Often<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello.... Are you still there?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes it has been ages. So long in fact I will not be surprised if you all left, but hopefully some of you are still here and are ready for some updates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last six months have flown by and we have been super busy adjusting to our new life here in New Zealand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life here is great and our little boy is growing up fast. Tomorrow will be a photo heavy post of Kingsley and how he has grown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until then ...</span><br />
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Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-73414069843194029212017-01-27T06:00:00.000+10:002017-01-27T06:00:11.605+10:00Lemon ChutneyThis is my favourite chutney hands down and I am quite happy to sit and eat a stack of crackers with this and blue cheese instead of lunch. <br />
This recipe has a 2 day lead in time to sale the lemons so you need to plan ahead but otherwise it is very easy.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Lemon Chutney</u></b></span><br />
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7 Thin Skinned Lemons<br />
1.5 Tbs Salt<br />
500 g Sultanas<br />
4 Cloves of Garlic<br />
1 Tsp Chilli Powder<br />
1 Tbsp Grated Fresh Ginger<br />
1 1/2 C Apple Cider Vinegar<br />
500 g Brown Sugar<br />
2 Tsp Grated Fresh Horse Radish (or 1 Tbs of purchased Horse Radish Cream)<br />
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Slice the lemons into wedges and remove any pips. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Cover and leave for 2 days.<br />
After 2 days place the lemons and any juice in a food processor along with the remaining ingredients and process until the lemon is in small pieces approximately 5 mm in size not to a paste.<br />
Place the mix in a large pot and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the mix is thick.<br />
Pour into hot sterilised jars and seal.Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-89343177101091540002017-01-26T05:42:00.001+10:002017-01-26T08:26:38.000+10:00Maharajah's Chutney<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is preserving time in my parents house and while we wait for our shipping container to arrive and I have the extra 2 sets of hands to help with Kingsley I am using some of my time to start building up our stockpile again. Yesterday I made 2 different chutney's and stewed some plums.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love chutney with it's lovely mix of spice, tang and fruityness. I love it with cold meat and good cheese. This is one that my Mum makes and it is done in the slow cooker which makes it so easy (although I am sure you could do it on the stove top).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made a double batch so Mum and Dad get some and so do we.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maharajah's Chutney</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10 Plump Garlic Cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3 Brown Onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 Tsp Grated Ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">500 g Sultanas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 C Malt Vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 C Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 Tbsp Salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grated Rind and Juice of 2 Lemons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 Tbs Mustard Seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5 Small Dried Chillies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3 Tbsp Coriander seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 Tbsp Cumin Seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/4 C Oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 Tsp Cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 Tsp Ground Turmeric</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dice your onion finely and crush your garlic and add both to the slow cooker along with the sultanas, vinegar, sugar, salt,lemon zest and juice and set the slow cooker to high.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder crush the mustard seeds, chillies, coriander and cumin. In a heavy based pot heat the oil over a medium heat and add the crushed spices, the cinnamon and turmeric. Fry gently stirring often until you can smell the spices release their aroma (approx 2 mins). Do not over cook or they will go bitter. Add the cooked spices to the slow cooker and give the mix a good stir.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cook on high for 3 - 4 hours giving it a good stir ever hour then bottle into sterilised jars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like all chutneys the flavour needs time to fully develop so give it at least a month before you open it.</span><br />
<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-73482386464899172212017-01-22T15:32:00.001+10:002017-01-22T15:32:17.680+10:00Our New Zealand Move - Week 1 Update<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well here we are in New Zealand starting our new lives and I have found time to do a quick update.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trip over was all going well with a baby who slept for a lot of it and had no trouble with his ears from what we could tell until trying to land at Wellington airport. Winds of 145 km per hour saw our first landing aborted and on our second attempt which was bumpier than the first Kingsley woke up and promptly vomited all over his father. Thankfully it had been a little while since he had fed and it was not too dramatic. But the second attempt at landing was also aborted and our plane was diverted to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch we were advised that we could not be cleared by customs and quarantine and therefore had to spend the next 2.5 hours in the plane. Thankfully it was a half full flight so it was not too claustrophobic and our ticket had included a meal just after take off from Brisbane. We had also packed snacks and I had some bottles of expressed breast milk so none of us were left hungry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a few hours on the plane we took off again and this time landed in Wellington with not too many bumps along the way about 3 hours later than expected. Thankfully our dog Jessie was not on our flight and was due to land a bit later so her flight was only slightly later than predicted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the time we passed through the airport, collected all of our bags, waited for Dad to pick us up, had dinner, picked up Jessie and did the 2.5 hr drive to Mum and Dads it was after midnight. It was a long and exhausting day but it was done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since arriving we have been quite busy looking for a house to rent, Hubby has been looking for a job and has interviews lined up, we have been up to the farm and inspected our shed in person and are very happy with the result. All the trees that we have planted over the years are growing well and bushing out nicely and our paddock grass was waiting for the hay makers to come and cut it which has now been done. The weather has been quite changeable with showers, wind, sunny days and mild temperatures which is nice after the hot weather we left and what we have been told we left behind.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9sqU4uzDi6iew454Fx0tcvFYaVcZkUtWmE2siIEShog2ws7B_vFk24s6WP2KzSQO4OySnITLcnSuWLaEzRx06xLAriGhadUoSOboQEbBUoRX4AA1mpFyURYCGFY3dI38ZH2XHpgjmyg/s1600/DSC02942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9sqU4uzDi6iew454Fx0tcvFYaVcZkUtWmE2siIEShog2ws7B_vFk24s6WP2KzSQO4OySnITLcnSuWLaEzRx06xLAriGhadUoSOboQEbBUoRX4AA1mpFyURYCGFY3dI38ZH2XHpgjmyg/s640/DSC02942.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jessie is really enjoying having lots of space to run around on again as mum and dad have 5 acres and we have been taking her up to our farm when ever we go.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jessie sitting at the front of the open bay of our shed</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some obligatory baby photos of our little man. He is a real talker and loves to talk and roll over.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5W87rEzDTDbO8awTpQukdkUGtYfp-QVKZZGu5VbcLZ_Od6vsn67TboqFfaRoEgS3eqhcqwIvodxwnpg_mGLi2nKmUF_zOE_IGxWPMPRsMXRhjc17dYK64xXrdSiTpFBqwPiilvJw1Lo/s1600/DSC02958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5W87rEzDTDbO8awTpQukdkUGtYfp-QVKZZGu5VbcLZ_Od6vsn67TboqFfaRoEgS3eqhcqwIvodxwnpg_mGLi2nKmUF_zOE_IGxWPMPRsMXRhjc17dYK64xXrdSiTpFBqwPiilvJw1Lo/s640/DSC02958.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has been enjoying cuddles with Nanna and Poppa.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_wRPiaV7HsJvThz4_BHqd1lQgEmwLPMJfXtNPRMgs3Ef4_5GRnm-chdWrJsad-MUGz1EqiI7WUzIecX7W1Yhsb74GtA1X4k6hrCuf7OkxqULD1dGLxBCJnmaeshlaSO1SlDpwYRc7mM/s1600/DSC02974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_wRPiaV7HsJvThz4_BHqd1lQgEmwLPMJfXtNPRMgs3Ef4_5GRnm-chdWrJsad-MUGz1EqiI7WUzIecX7W1Yhsb74GtA1X4k6hrCuf7OkxqULD1dGLxBCJnmaeshlaSO1SlDpwYRc7mM/s640/DSC02974.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a laugh with Nanna</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJDhM_Y0bqproEqCwmJIAR34u6JXI_oIb7-8SSmQHp0KUXSVEcS5LI-HuEV5sl71_G-qCXR4vkVH4V7vZQE7ptzarWhyphenhyphenX-34uBtEDWMHOAKPcEdT9ErBX55atwWalSnHDhgTb1qqowRQ/s1600/DSC02947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJDhM_Y0bqproEqCwmJIAR34u6JXI_oIb7-8SSmQHp0KUXSVEcS5LI-HuEV5sl71_G-qCXR4vkVH4V7vZQE7ptzarWhyphenhyphenX-34uBtEDWMHOAKPcEdT9ErBX55atwWalSnHDhgTb1qqowRQ/s640/DSC02947.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watching TV with Poppa</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also took him to visit his Great Grandmother (my dads mum) who turns 90 this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will be going to see his other Great Grandparents on the 30th and lots of other relatives that week too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since arriving at Mum and Dads we have been spending time out in the veggie garden picking strawberries by the kilo every few days and beans by the bucketful. There has also been cucumbers, gherkins, plums, apricots, snow and sugar snap peas and beetroot to harvest and enjoy. Rather than start a veggie garden of our own in pots at our rental or up at the farm straight away we are just sharing what Mum and Dad have grown (which is plenty for all of us) and we are planting out enough winter veggies for all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mum and I have also been preserving the harvest. Beans have been blanched and frozen, chutney and pickles are being made, fruit stewed and bottled and I have got some gherkins fermenting. Later this week Dad will be killing a sheep as well so having had to get rid of all our food before moving and start from scratch again it is nice to know we will have home grown meat and vegetables to reduce our food bill as we look to build up our pantry staples again.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabtGWMI7YIuASXNNFwasYPAMJqW0OInmrOhOUkHWsEUwxv3LNchgef1GA_A5EnTUSELUVsDcieBXFXqd0Wty1ebrbzcnRV3AFQdiEWolE0lytlICGLN1KFC3J8VMdMCqS95X0X7-AiGA/s1600/DSC02955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabtGWMI7YIuASXNNFwasYPAMJqW0OInmrOhOUkHWsEUwxv3LNchgef1GA_A5EnTUSELUVsDcieBXFXqd0Wty1ebrbzcnRV3AFQdiEWolE0lytlICGLN1KFC3J8VMdMCqS95X0X7-AiGA/s640/DSC02955.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lacto fermented gherkins</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am hoping to catch up on some blog reading this week but we will see as I keep thinking I will and other things take priority.</span><br />
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<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-20557131084254048332017-01-03T09:56:00.000+10:002017-01-03T09:56:28.800+10:00Quality Time And Saying Goodbye<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year to you all I hope everyone is safe and well rested after the festive season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For us the time has come. In 10 days time we will be in New Zealand and starting the next chapter of our lives. The past month has been busy with us introducing Kingsley to the special people in our lives and saying goodbye. It has been exhausting with some days seeing us visiting one lot of people in the morning and another in the afternoon. Kingsley has been cuddled and kissed and loved everywhere we go as well as showered in gifts, he is a very lucky and blessed little boy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far all is going well and he is a happy little boy most of the time, except when he has wind which seems to be too often for my liking and I will have to look at what I am eating to see if that helps, perhaps he is just a gassy baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is now 3 months old and developing well and there even look like there are some teeth appearing, sigh... too soon I say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway here are some photos of the last month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our happy little boy:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyI61YJE4xG_XXh1PKqjX4bYfFih3ujgKlQdMt3xD4IjYdQgYi3kGqFISYTsgiZRd0VcaFaQdlQ859ly8Dkng6VurPJTh3lV0Liid299bd81Djsit-jf61IrgzwToodT11xVsIKgzdMs/s1600/DSC02777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyI61YJE4xG_XXh1PKqjX4bYfFih3ujgKlQdMt3xD4IjYdQgYi3kGqFISYTsgiZRd0VcaFaQdlQ859ly8Dkng6VurPJTh3lV0Liid299bd81Djsit-jf61IrgzwToodT11xVsIKgzdMs/s640/DSC02777.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family Selfie:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYck6kv9qsgMhxmA5wUBxvNaLi6xIQXuoz7Rerzgx5YMDslZuSHXtAJu4ftOtp8ndzY5WyCnbbu3iV9JTHEkFAahTTQqChKeRgeoL3Yh46SXsyy4zZP-rDTxmCPyrp9IqAk_CNOIWxXek/s1600/DSC02800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYck6kv9qsgMhxmA5wUBxvNaLi6xIQXuoz7Rerzgx5YMDslZuSHXtAJu4ftOtp8ndzY5WyCnbbu3iV9JTHEkFAahTTQqChKeRgeoL3Yh46SXsyy4zZP-rDTxmCPyrp9IqAk_CNOIWxXek/s640/DSC02800.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hanging out with friends one last time in Australia, These two travel to NZ frequently so we will see them again soon.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQvpRprz2Ripj2KJQVUVW9ko6uBYe5j9x2WIjuNrqIr17OOddcBrD2EZYeT58DfdN2l6SddpEoC8HSD0r5vhyphenhyphenTo9U3Ke8RfazdmBFcN3YjhLP0-HmV9jDMSPwY7hB41sYaIwxPOm_iWE/s1600/DSC02806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQvpRprz2Ripj2KJQVUVW9ko6uBYe5j9x2WIjuNrqIr17OOddcBrD2EZYeT58DfdN2l6SddpEoC8HSD0r5vhyphenhyphenTo9U3Ke8RfazdmBFcN3YjhLP0-HmV9jDMSPwY7hB41sYaIwxPOm_iWE/s640/DSC02806.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sharing cuddles</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf22d1SUSo8GuKRdIH98_T6VjE4KfTqf2FFEXdpxBgVEswrvlcPJFVptsslnE7tbpqyHbx93GtUbB5sX08yTKF9H2Fy7_lebqUTwxCMfvJNcqUCPCXE16Gv3Jtqo1NaQZs_BluCjuhFI/s1600/DSC02813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf22d1SUSo8GuKRdIH98_T6VjE4KfTqf2FFEXdpxBgVEswrvlcPJFVptsslnE7tbpqyHbx93GtUbB5sX08yTKF9H2Fy7_lebqUTwxCMfvJNcqUCPCXE16Gv3Jtqo1NaQZs_BluCjuhFI/s640/DSC02813.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surrogate grandparents:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSDji_6ZIpRaZ6Wh4oInOEokfjs_Ku-zaBI4a2HigP2kdbXj5s3hZypmrS-F5eswFmpNtmlg9p_1Szr-b0fAYeI4Z9e9sT6hJXFQEFypgpGZSeDNONiia2ahhMy6Zp9E8XwyZTp-tx58/s1600/DSC02818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSDji_6ZIpRaZ6Wh4oInOEokfjs_Ku-zaBI4a2HigP2kdbXj5s3hZypmrS-F5eswFmpNtmlg9p_1Szr-b0fAYeI4Z9e9sT6hJXFQEFypgpGZSeDNONiia2ahhMy6Zp9E8XwyZTp-tx58/s640/DSC02818.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More cuddles:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimj6yHmMlXBH4JuX1DXa_o9HW5nZo1LKmOT6RQV_oqdzBu1uh_TpgfhOoxp5JjnSyHiVtWNMhy3iK67AzKSG7L_jgDrh9ZqMmyR0F2Ac3trHdf_wTpdMlhdGhZEPWxIkbs8Oi3fJkk_Jo/s1600/DSC02821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimj6yHmMlXBH4JuX1DXa_o9HW5nZo1LKmOT6RQV_oqdzBu1uh_TpgfhOoxp5JjnSyHiVtWNMhy3iK67AzKSG7L_jgDrh9ZqMmyR0F2Ac3trHdf_wTpdMlhdGhZEPWxIkbs8Oi3fJkk_Jo/s640/DSC02821.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Farmer Liz having a cuddle:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXPQAuE6rP5OW-3tZ_nJ0zFim-MoWlD6evZbPH0Ve9Z4TcskFmAm6oyB4v5mLUBSosVABYvEfeADh7CSjJ_cfQgmxGikxSH8Ljt82XJlTobVMHWMw-CmgmEmtjpCRCXLSuOTG9WExUDc/s1600/DSC02827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXPQAuE6rP5OW-3tZ_nJ0zFim-MoWlD6evZbPH0Ve9Z4TcskFmAm6oyB4v5mLUBSosVABYvEfeADh7CSjJ_cfQgmxGikxSH8Ljt82XJlTobVMHWMw-CmgmEmtjpCRCXLSuOTG9WExUDc/s640/DSC02827.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Farmer Pete is a natural:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ww6hn0DNxUys_yyQ0wk7kpzjPIUg4MpcZB6SDYfF2uvRV0p9Y4sWSI-pUQfy0LkU8rRN-5a9Dn3QaE5t6ZCGlyyT4RWLXprQbbQhoxzS51b_scdC04k-LUIE3x2r0GqfaozcHZU8nvc/s1600/DSC02830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ww6hn0DNxUys_yyQ0wk7kpzjPIUg4MpcZB6SDYfF2uvRV0p9Y4sWSI-pUQfy0LkU8rRN-5a9Dn3QaE5t6ZCGlyyT4RWLXprQbbQhoxzS51b_scdC04k-LUIE3x2r0GqfaozcHZU8nvc/s640/DSC02830.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone loves the new baby smell:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxWikJGlAQGeJtDEmGAFKYC5llaue3UypFS1YLuuvqfW7FIgZIG1VaJje-RIK1Lp1DPfK0c1kCUI895aUlyyA5EgdCyGdyPF6kiEfnVK34syZw_0079846v7fNzmCInwWTbxXDFXEGXk/s1600/DSC02841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxWikJGlAQGeJtDEmGAFKYC5llaue3UypFS1YLuuvqfW7FIgZIG1VaJje-RIK1Lp1DPfK0c1kCUI895aUlyyA5EgdCyGdyPF6kiEfnVK34syZw_0079846v7fNzmCInwWTbxXDFXEGXk/s640/DSC02841.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having his first swim, I can't say he loved it but he was a bit tired and hungry:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgRPNcn0UEtQ3YhEyF7WeTpOcDY28EG9_Ef0tng_sXY85_4qxtIBJmftxLnGVa_WvRlEPAJAkIoeGJ494l6U3cUTVwbO82g4ooWmXCytS1KbTFyndpdwEnxi6ZOnufAn_Xw0yI9YCIwg/s1600/DSC02855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgRPNcn0UEtQ3YhEyF7WeTpOcDY28EG9_Ef0tng_sXY85_4qxtIBJmftxLnGVa_WvRlEPAJAkIoeGJ494l6U3cUTVwbO82g4ooWmXCytS1KbTFyndpdwEnxi6ZOnufAn_Xw0yI9YCIwg/s640/DSC02855.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His cousin and Aunty helping him open presents on Christmas Day:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xaT7QVkMEaiA6JlEvpVCVt8OWMLYHSwNmpSB9Qb35LkyDTlQMvqfPVQNofUZRG6Ao8LJRBK9FQ4EWIfcnchU6H-lwKNLZcOK5vN_GNO3yCWgPzqjUnghNbgsiutQQDxVwqcUTnxw1zE/s1600/DSC02857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xaT7QVkMEaiA6JlEvpVCVt8OWMLYHSwNmpSB9Qb35LkyDTlQMvqfPVQNofUZRG6Ao8LJRBK9FQ4EWIfcnchU6H-lwKNLZcOK5vN_GNO3yCWgPzqjUnghNbgsiutQQDxVwqcUTnxw1zE/s640/DSC02857.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wearing his new hat with his Aunty:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYNTQLG2Khx0q8bElwF2AhKBLX5MJhttfUY8uwan1mbaYIH_9Ng9jRZdMI3mR1JkO9DrZaAy-NGnDt_Cn3lEYe7UA_tz0MS-AflMxwOBxtmaB-ei-TvDhlzNXtGgPL2zaCDb1s1Iobhg/s1600/DSC02866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYNTQLG2Khx0q8bElwF2AhKBLX5MJhttfUY8uwan1mbaYIH_9Ng9jRZdMI3mR1JkO9DrZaAy-NGnDt_Cn3lEYe7UA_tz0MS-AflMxwOBxtmaB-ei-TvDhlzNXtGgPL2zaCDb1s1Iobhg/s640/DSC02866.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the family on Christmas day:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2Ccb7-ywvIDu2lgAOubbXXlS6T4ZukdI3VZFTHQtqoy5heMYPiUNOFgBWx2Tj-vq0MCfLURJJCGwV9KimsgIwWCJpwlfBxT94ws8bFNOLxqgnz3bv8XYowxzWniXRZKFPnwWPqeWaSw/s1600/DSC02868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2Ccb7-ywvIDu2lgAOubbXXlS6T4ZukdI3VZFTHQtqoy5heMYPiUNOFgBWx2Tj-vq0MCfLURJJCGwV9KimsgIwWCJpwlfBxT94ws8bFNOLxqgnz3bv8XYowxzWniXRZKFPnwWPqeWaSw/s640/DSC02868.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mummy cuddles at Christmas:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyyBGpZpRX7_67TQCSacBRJGsOuydAccjjpWVmrZ7KMK2YXNM7s0yCWbbLarc7LjdieKD2YuZRzhKm1u4p9taV2aJy6yPCjmHVnfSBfprJSdOlXvL0fwC6bZT1AAhzguwG_HjrWfo5co/s1600/DSC02878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyyBGpZpRX7_67TQCSacBRJGsOuydAccjjpWVmrZ7KMK2YXNM7s0yCWbbLarc7LjdieKD2YuZRzhKm1u4p9taV2aJy6yPCjmHVnfSBfprJSdOlXvL0fwC6bZT1AAhzguwG_HjrWfo5co/s640/DSC02878.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hubby's cousins having cuddles on Boxing Day:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vOeXqH5xwHsj5uM47I8lwouJLMM3UCm1YlJygP0-6ynPICEgAOmUjaO19mnScQlXhYfA-H9Vo5LCZ6-MgtAh3YwsFwsi_voSTGbobLAOTVbt1WM5yb_zQEMvVEYbu5NHBBXrdl8RrA8/s1600/DSC02883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vOeXqH5xwHsj5uM47I8lwouJLMM3UCm1YlJygP0-6ynPICEgAOmUjaO19mnScQlXhYfA-H9Vo5LCZ6-MgtAh3YwsFwsi_voSTGbobLAOTVbt1WM5yb_zQEMvVEYbu5NHBBXrdl8RrA8/s640/DSC02883.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More Aunty cuddles:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0Cdmbp7_u0vHKbJBVpWauTiLR-oYhaDd_U5OIYoInArSNZA-_4jJYJb04ggpnoeNVfEIenCH_-etWZEkp_73zPmT4nyiZdBVW3oLtL5VLbazrJGuklAxzb740Q7LTfLYmisGiJEX3U8/s1600/DSC02907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0Cdmbp7_u0vHKbJBVpWauTiLR-oYhaDd_U5OIYoInArSNZA-_4jJYJb04ggpnoeNVfEIenCH_-etWZEkp_73zPmT4nyiZdBVW3oLtL5VLbazrJGuklAxzb740Q7LTfLYmisGiJEX3U8/s640/DSC02907.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy baby:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EMfCdgCJLChaqXTh-Ux5x0miDsxPRfTI0GMIEpiH8qk26hXKeRmvkG3G8OKHppBWPb_vqXrKAP1Axq7S8JD77GQMXVIotFlYfu1nrfRTjGXSJ42j-TN4rQvFMHp_2V8cx2TG7_VJl5A/s1600/DSC02915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EMfCdgCJLChaqXTh-Ux5x0miDsxPRfTI0GMIEpiH8qk26hXKeRmvkG3G8OKHppBWPb_vqXrKAP1Axq7S8JD77GQMXVIotFlYfu1nrfRTjGXSJ42j-TN4rQvFMHp_2V8cx2TG7_VJl5A/s640/DSC02915.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a laugh with Grandma:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgeYi4J7nFugIOFPNAOpl_QgJAlVG_OOQTh4mT5MNwqZA3uFewL6AbCO85y1ZGKd3nq16pCZbt0cHZXpgIglSEqowD_C-XOETXWyUCohdiNfk0iZ0r8mFMyIGPAdiR5_1naC7OB-NCjw/s1600/DSC02927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgeYi4J7nFugIOFPNAOpl_QgJAlVG_OOQTh4mT5MNwqZA3uFewL6AbCO85y1ZGKd3nq16pCZbt0cHZXpgIglSEqowD_C-XOETXWyUCohdiNfk0iZ0r8mFMyIGPAdiR5_1naC7OB-NCjw/s640/DSC02927.JPG" width="358" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My best friend (deceased) parents who will be another set of grandparents and are already spoiling him.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFb7Vf2R5t6GxlxVXPs_FfA-vvZKg3mez4P6sTNWkBBYYbfU-j-3G_NCZdjXKJqkew9BI6WMAaayPuOJyux2P6jf62Gife4mLCwNW-mFuo-wzE5UlV1MUezKQqMiKtR3iaTBdDDnuKYQ/s1600/DSC02928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFb7Vf2R5t6GxlxVXPs_FfA-vvZKg3mez4P6sTNWkBBYYbfU-j-3G_NCZdjXKJqkew9BI6WMAaayPuOJyux2P6jf62Gife4mLCwNW-mFuo-wzE5UlV1MUezKQqMiKtR3iaTBdDDnuKYQ/s640/DSC02928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My best friend (deceased) son who is now all grown up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe5WJ3_vRnUEiCJY0jnao4awAtrkyimCPN6Fx62hGjan2lytnJ5t3U1ihhOzcEI52kJyG32lcrB6wI8eHKPYmgfp4d3W1ygh7CyRBQtpPf3V3oqO63o7e86P01W-oenePK7-w7yjKb7U/s1600/DSC02930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe5WJ3_vRnUEiCJY0jnao4awAtrkyimCPN6Fx62hGjan2lytnJ5t3U1ihhOzcEI52kJyG32lcrB6wI8eHKPYmgfp4d3W1ygh7CyRBQtpPf3V3oqO63o7e86P01W-oenePK7-w7yjKb7U/s640/DSC02930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I a not sure if I will be back in this space before we jump on the plane next week but I will be back. We will be documenting our journey in New Zealand and you are all invited to come along for the ride. At this stage it looks like we may not be building our new house this summer and while this is a bit of a disappointment for us it does mean we now have time to hunt for some bargains, take more time to make decisions, do more tree planting on our farm, and get to know how our land behaves over a period of months not just the week or so we are there each year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully I will also find a few moments to check in with each of you and see what you have been up to. </span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-14128285721540162472016-12-06T13:45:00.000+10:002016-12-06T13:45:00.146+10:00Poor Jessie<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So Jessie had a little accident and managed to tear the outside of her entire claw off exposing the quick below with all the nerve endings in it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We took her to the vet as she would not even walk on that foot so we knew it was not good. It turns out that it was better that she tore the whole thing off as if only part had been torn off they would have had to put her under anesthetic to remove the rest of it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQTp2iqCs6hqMtwUj1Eg7X5koeuGYN2AtiakRSzAxoeumyknFZPPqjfQYOWA0ndlplDSvVwbggBfR_9gktQ3xdsqFOnCQPUHyiVy2IiUlRa9Q-IO_j9HsPokG7zPjAX9SfQPfWob1dxk/s1600/DSC_0230%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQTp2iqCs6hqMtwUj1Eg7X5koeuGYN2AtiakRSzAxoeumyknFZPPqjfQYOWA0ndlplDSvVwbggBfR_9gktQ3xdsqFOnCQPUHyiVy2IiUlRa9Q-IO_j9HsPokG7zPjAX9SfQPfWob1dxk/s640/DSC_0230%255B1%255D.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is all bandaged up and will stay that way for a few days and she also had to take pain killers and antibiotics. The vet did send us home with a cone for here to wear to stop her trying to chew the bandage off but we took it off as she was not worried about the bandage at all.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHetVCMQ_LR3K9Ibr-CtVBpHu3G1BNy2DtRBfvYir4NhIYEgiDas9f2WT295NnAAnCgRMqN7KyvyKUNMQ8q_tNygNDisGB-2Hj_CdX0ZznRuGmnH03F28WJ887-xCS1XxcO8x3Y3enUL0/s1600/DSC_0234%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHetVCMQ_LR3K9Ibr-CtVBpHu3G1BNy2DtRBfvYir4NhIYEgiDas9f2WT295NnAAnCgRMqN7KyvyKUNMQ8q_tNygNDisGB-2Hj_CdX0ZznRuGmnH03F28WJ887-xCS1XxcO8x3Y3enUL0/s640/DSC_0234%255B1%255D.JPG" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It will take up to 2 months for the claw to grow back and for this week at least we need to keep her calm and quite with restricted movement (haha the vet must be joking right, she is a kelpie) but so far so good.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vodx2QzBTlgfBGC1QihFXJDZPN-JSWL24ZlbgE_GPdGYDJxXc07TNeid_bZp-0lRFzDp9qCLCekjD5OJVkKckC-d6H6izyyf421u2VqErugI-K0dA7KD1dTjEOoip3hP5pfrgyrAdcE/s1600/DSC_0228%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vodx2QzBTlgfBGC1QihFXJDZPN-JSWL24ZlbgE_GPdGYDJxXc07TNeid_bZp-0lRFzDp9qCLCekjD5OJVkKckC-d6H6izyyf421u2VqErugI-K0dA7KD1dTjEOoip3hP5pfrgyrAdcE/s640/DSC_0228%255B1%255D.JPG" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will take the bandage off in a few days and hopefully not get nipped in the process. Only then will we know if she if comfortable enough to go walking, there might just be lots of swimming in the meantime.</span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-36580124483087972142016-12-05T13:33:00.004+10:002016-12-05T13:33:52.944+10:00Eight Weeks Into My Motherhood Journey<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has now been just over 8 weeks since Kingsley arrived in our lives and while the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy dragged these past weeks have flown by. There has been a lot going on though not just with adapting to motherhood and parenting but as we are living out of suitcases with family we are adjusting to that new dynamic and there is a lot going on in relation to our move to New Zealand including trying to see everyone before we move.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_duCjtfw5XX3Uf23uGDEETTRN1KWicC_Bn_OXCYAzNL2KTis5ob0B-tWI8z4xSY8pJrx5K00JNnd8DhosdX-vaODlEKCjEmZvWyyfInBU0N5aqLT2uHU9bi5g2rnnPCdSZtuxILkYgg/s1600/DSC02654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_duCjtfw5XX3Uf23uGDEETTRN1KWicC_Bn_OXCYAzNL2KTis5ob0B-tWI8z4xSY8pJrx5K00JNnd8DhosdX-vaODlEKCjEmZvWyyfInBU0N5aqLT2uHU9bi5g2rnnPCdSZtuxILkYgg/s640/DSC02654.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mum, Hubby, Kingsley and I (Jessie in the background)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51dnjNvJCeC8NYaukcXFXFmv6-e3Q0ljS9AKpc9JzUUys6IXgJGvCliec6nAqPL1Pjpe1uk9ql4T1fCNl1Pf6w0e1HF8MqEi88sMW2gkovvtFLVPV1W8TeyOpXciVQEztoch1t40pjKY/s1600/DSC02652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51dnjNvJCeC8NYaukcXFXFmv6-e3Q0ljS9AKpc9JzUUys6IXgJGvCliec6nAqPL1Pjpe1uk9ql4T1fCNl1Pf6w0e1HF8MqEi88sMW2gkovvtFLVPV1W8TeyOpXciVQEztoch1t40pjKY/s640/DSC02652.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hubby's parents, his brother, my sister in law and their son and Hubby and I</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacrE7J7_p0SYdfMdGQXSJG8cxM0QUItPobB3wTKNxLw4ShR2T4B_nKgRUlVDt9tRAM7UhNRBKksshfXcbF5kThFOmOF-eKgrR4DtBOa0DaR2AmDSiksbmufvXUM6SYcHDvOKcYk8aC5Q/s1600/DSC02663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacrE7J7_p0SYdfMdGQXSJG8cxM0QUItPobB3wTKNxLw4ShR2T4B_nKgRUlVDt9tRAM7UhNRBKksshfXcbF5kThFOmOF-eKgrR4DtBOa0DaR2AmDSiksbmufvXUM6SYcHDvOKcYk8aC5Q/s640/DSC02663.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Midway through packing by the movers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here are a few of the things I have ticked off the list in the last few weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Had my mum here from New Zealand for the first week after Kingsley was born</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Supervised the international movers packing all of our belongings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cleaned and moved out of our rental</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Relocated to live with family out of suitcases</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had to get Kingsley a passport, do you know how hard it is to get a passport style photo of a 3 week old baby (looking straight at the camera, head straight, awake not crying or frowning) it took 12 shots before we got one that was usable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hubby and I both had to renew our passports</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kingsley had to be added to our flight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Travel insurance purchased (couldn't do it till he was born)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Advertised my car for sale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ordered new bank and credit cards to extend their expiry dates (it costs a bit to have them sent overseas)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kingsley's 6 week vaccinations and my check up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Accommodation booked for my brothers wedding in February</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Organising Jessie's vet checks before she moves with us</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Planning for Christmas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sending Christmas cards</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trying to see everyone before we leave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meeting with a couple of ladies from work who also have babies in an impromptu mothers group. Because we are leaving I have not joined one of my own (I need every minute with existing friends)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Getting Kingsley's hearing check done (all good)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Working on our new house build</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also took the little guy on his first road trip from Brisbane up to Tin Can Bay ( 2.5 hrs north) and then to Maaroom (a further 45 mins north of Tin Can Bay), We had 4 nights away and thankfully I was staying with good friends so I was not under too much self imposed pressure to keep him quiet and not disturb the rest of the house.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHlPtebSYkJGpuLE0hIykjSK4bL_UuKrWIiqawmg00zxpVmf35eijCBxnTsdh08a4CK19qspIHs510inyA9WcBcDC5TigjY2bqqYB7DSGuD9i9Y5dg9HL895Bu4c_SCFrKSqEmuHc3ms/s1600/DSC02728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHlPtebSYkJGpuLE0hIykjSK4bL_UuKrWIiqawmg00zxpVmf35eijCBxnTsdh08a4CK19qspIHs510inyA9WcBcDC5TigjY2bqqYB7DSGuD9i9Y5dg9HL895Bu4c_SCFrKSqEmuHc3ms/s640/DSC02728.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kingsley with good friends of ours who we used to live near when we had our farm </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17YuhT5Ko-4akiJ5N3GrFtouUAxZcvs__odFCThIoBA5LVFHHCXVCaw7sJ4pVDH7NaRSkJd4aSRsoX58WWOVKwMaLVRlg0XnPK9TYGW24HYDJTw6hFs_tksZbj6kOTU5-l0GI9axFODI/s1600/DSC02740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17YuhT5Ko-4akiJ5N3GrFtouUAxZcvs__odFCThIoBA5LVFHHCXVCaw7sJ4pVDH7NaRSkJd4aSRsoX58WWOVKwMaLVRlg0XnPK9TYGW24HYDJTw6hFs_tksZbj6kOTU5-l0GI9axFODI/s640/DSC02740.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is Kingsley's surrogate Nanna (my best friend who passed away's Mum)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqS17CezoAXlodfLbsNhQqh1RdPT_8vVLr52wImTEXqdDSsK39D8TjRnXbtdkYpDGMi16BREOqnIL2K4kBd516LtO84xlJP6CidUNeZMhM8xjGqDmXi3vNKNeeraLe2ZpofehiF3d6IU/s1600/DSC02742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqS17CezoAXlodfLbsNhQqh1RdPT_8vVLr52wImTEXqdDSsK39D8TjRnXbtdkYpDGMi16BREOqnIL2K4kBd516LtO84xlJP6CidUNeZMhM8xjGqDmXi3vNKNeeraLe2ZpofehiF3d6IU/s640/DSC02742.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Love this photo</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLar1fCKPCRwvL5M0It5tPtZ18YBDla5l3fh6fLHoetpeSl34RGv3fAs4CPfqrPLjRvbPTvk-RtKgiUJAmnvwMVejblLpuEgAdBik04CRiO-JqCwmPk41K02X9Zp8YOgOc7PPl_iG90A/s1600/DSC02754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLar1fCKPCRwvL5M0It5tPtZ18YBDla5l3fh6fLHoetpeSl34RGv3fAs4CPfqrPLjRvbPTvk-RtKgiUJAmnvwMVejblLpuEgAdBik04CRiO-JqCwmPk41K02X9Zp8YOgOc7PPl_iG90A/s640/DSC02754.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With Kingsleys surrogate Nanna and Grandad (my best friend who passed away's Mum and Dad and Max the dog)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO6Xzp4shsAGUbKFpsy96t2ZoHyRnz4u-gEeiH8uOlmyBCOT6MBSCKQlp5FAQ1uuO7H8WqbfoCTsl8dPpRLTk9QZ8VVMRAG_mMjwgsmJ9l_EqU55wHOnKu5v2HYdPHRJenw_AQFCUHag/s1600/DSC02718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO6Xzp4shsAGUbKFpsy96t2ZoHyRnz4u-gEeiH8uOlmyBCOT6MBSCKQlp5FAQ1uuO7H8WqbfoCTsl8dPpRLTk9QZ8VVMRAG_mMjwgsmJ9l_EqU55wHOnKu5v2HYdPHRJenw_AQFCUHag/s640/DSC02718.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kingsley and his cousin in matching outfits (not arranged)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmF7CMGKMtSLkr-4ZThtwk7aTBFZ_dcJdz9_QTAf8nbNem57wEzSzLto8Kly-Co83YF3K4Cp3SUP5G0m8EzIOGeNA-uuP9Uip-eA3ID0vYM6zUrtWQITJpE_JFqsM7Clp4m8IAMQuGE8/s1600/DSC02679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmF7CMGKMtSLkr-4ZThtwk7aTBFZ_dcJdz9_QTAf8nbNem57wEzSzLto8Kly-Co83YF3K4Cp3SUP5G0m8EzIOGeNA-uuP9Uip-eA3ID0vYM6zUrtWQITJpE_JFqsM7Clp4m8IAMQuGE8/s640/DSC02679.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kingsley and Grandma (Hubby's mum)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJi8-j2l-DBb27ZeFFhtq7xAZ0vCfnE396ZhlrwAwRVZAXdPZ0HBtEKJNkZMslU4D2_UN5YOW-2owjGnJO_Kr053g_F_z51X48qV9LngHK5cxpHW9eSWCwjkJj-DwxIzrk1Y7OfuHJ_4/s1600/DSC02692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJi8-j2l-DBb27ZeFFhtq7xAZ0vCfnE396ZhlrwAwRVZAXdPZ0HBtEKJNkZMslU4D2_UN5YOW-2owjGnJO_Kr053g_F_z51X48qV9LngHK5cxpHW9eSWCwjkJj-DwxIzrk1Y7OfuHJ_4/s640/DSC02692.JPG" width="358" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kingsley's cousin reading him a story</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has been a busy few weeks during which time we have relocated all our remaining belongings 3 times (from our rental to Hubbys parents then to Hubby's brothers house, then back to his parents. Next move will be to New Zealand on Jan 12, the count down is on.</span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-59790008872573045382016-10-18T16:08:00.000+10:002016-10-18T16:11:20.868+10:00The Baby Post<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A big thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post I have not had time to reply as we are mid packing and moving out of the old house and life is just a little busy. But I thought I would share these with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were very lucky to have the lovely <a href="http://oursimpleandmeaningfullife.blogspot.com.au/">Kathy from Our Simple and Meaningful Life</a> come to the hospital the day after Kingsley arrived and take some photos for us of those first precious moments of our new little family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are just a few of the amazing shots she took.</span><br />
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<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-29249549494215539132016-10-12T08:33:00.000+10:002016-10-12T08:33:03.770+10:00Peanut Has Arrived<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our little boy has entered this world and we are adjusting to the roles of new parents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me introduce Kingsley</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just born with Daddy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 Hours after delivery</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the end it all happened naturally. I was booked in to be induced on Sunday morning but on Saturday morning I woke up at 5 am already in labour. Of course it was the day Hubby had gone to work at 4am to do a special extra shift that he only has to do every 3 months. So I sent him a message to let him know things were happening and to get ready to come home since he was an hour away. Thankfully he was nearly finished doing the big important jobs and was home by 7am and after a quick shower we went straight to the hospital.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the time we arrived at the hospital things were well and truely moving along. I was able to have the natural birth that I wanted without intervention or drugs other than the gas which is exactly what I had planned and at 1.27pm Kingsley arrived into this world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were both well enough to be discharged by 2pm the next day which was wonderful as my Mum was arriving from New Zealand later that afternoon so we have been well supported in our recovery at home for the last few days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far feeding is going well and sleep well it is what it is for all new parents and with mum and Hubby's support I am getting enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next Sunday we move out of our house and on Mon - Wed the movers will be here packing up all of our things to send to New Zealand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So with all that we have going on I will be a bit absent from this space for a little bit but once we are settled in a few weeks I will be back and there might even be some more photos in the mean time.</span><br />
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<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-8865075525979630032016-10-11T05:00:00.000+10:002016-10-11T05:00:15.513+10:00Using Up Food Before We Move<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With our impending move to live with family we are doing our best to use up as much food from our pantry, fridge and freezer as we can. This is very difficult for people who are used to having a large stockpile of food and we are eating things more often than we normally would (polenta a few times a week)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will be able to take food with us to keep using over the next 3 months but here are some of the things we have used up and how we used them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pastry and feta used up in Spinach and Feta Triangles.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP18TpnJGN5ZRxhbaPeoYRMZQ_C48yHJdkyWrJCwImKZsNL4ap5GLFx3g8Wz28mE61dLY3zlgIYBEQMF_aKaluKMJAbeKED-DLHNoxgH_ZpAwZZhs9JphZJlq0acc2FMqaxn8mnHB0nLg/s1600/DSC02589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP18TpnJGN5ZRxhbaPeoYRMZQ_C48yHJdkyWrJCwImKZsNL4ap5GLFx3g8Wz28mE61dLY3zlgIYBEQMF_aKaluKMJAbeKED-DLHNoxgH_ZpAwZZhs9JphZJlq0acc2FMqaxn8mnHB0nLg/s640/DSC02589.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coconut used in <a href="http://edmondscooking.co.nz/recipes/slices-squares/louise-cake">Louise Cake</a> a classic New Zealand sweet slice and on breakfast cereal in the mornings.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1M4SfpUm0fpEVh-t3slSFYh7YFnMJ2OOC8vMr-yFGj0NJSI0WV6kXCl2be5n9Ev0BPFfYqYFrht3oo5XM43hFqGoXfO0Yagdvwoxda6q7kDFuC2TYX2yV4vbiWYAeBAUjgAzeKqCx4c/s1600/DSC02594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1M4SfpUm0fpEVh-t3slSFYh7YFnMJ2OOC8vMr-yFGj0NJSI0WV6kXCl2be5n9Ev0BPFfYqYFrht3oo5XM43hFqGoXfO0Yagdvwoxda6q7kDFuC2TYX2yV4vbiWYAeBAUjgAzeKqCx4c/s640/DSC02594.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used up the last of my pepitas, sunflower seeds, linseed's and most of my bread flour by making a few loaves of <a href="http://lifeatarbordalefarm.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/baking-bonanza-banana-cake-bread-and.html">Busy Peoples Bread</a>. I also included poppy seeds, sesame seeds and chia seeds but I still have some of these left and will keep adding these to breakfast cereals and mixed in yogurt till they are gone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also made bread crackers from part loaves of bread that I had in the freezer. All I do is cut it thinly brush with olive oil and when just out of the oven a given them a sprinkle of salt.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzEoSW6HFRiQp7aERJXjjWFEY-bJXaQcXyUKI85RyaKu0lY5cjSPHa1iEkEnREScfRYaDpT0Bv8FhVG6fABli5jL-leNfIlT3p9eGTMEAW379kmYm95E6Ag63gsx62UD70Vh91dRCdPg/s1600/DSC02595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzEoSW6HFRiQp7aERJXjjWFEY-bJXaQcXyUKI85RyaKu0lY5cjSPHa1iEkEnREScfRYaDpT0Bv8FhVG6fABli5jL-leNfIlT3p9eGTMEAW379kmYm95E6Ag63gsx62UD70Vh91dRCdPg/s640/DSC02595.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used up the last of the dates in a couple of date loaves and I used up all my sushi wrappers and sushi rice making sushi for our baby shower.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hubby has taken the last of my <a href="http://lifeatarbordalefarm.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/best-baked-beans.html">Homemade Baked Beans</a> to work for lunch, all the chickpeas have been turned in to hummus, the last of the yellow spit peas are now dahl and portioned out in the freezer, and we have been using up frozen meals that I have in the freezer. There are still plenty in there for after peanut arrives but now that he is overdue I have been less inclined to cook and they have come in very handy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still have a bit of Quince Paste (about 2 cups) left and am looking for a way to use it up so if you have any ideas let me know.</span><br />
<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-38687507896155365202016-10-10T04:00:00.000+10:002016-10-10T04:00:01.304+10:00From The Web This Week<br />
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<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/shortcuts/2016/oct/03/six-billion-plastic-bags-cant-be-wrong-so-what-do-we-tax-next">Taxing plastic bags in the UK</a> reduced the amount used drmatically do you think we should do it here?<br />
What else should we tax?<br />
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<a href="http://learningandyearning.com/garlic-powder/">Making your own Garlic Powder</a> if you had a bumper crop<br />
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Have you ever tried <a href="http://thehealthyfoodie.com/homemade-salted-herbs/">Salted Herbs</a>? I love this idea for using up herbs that you may have purchased and don't want to waste any left overs.<br />
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I quite like <a href="http://www.ecosnippets.com/environmental/build-an-earthbag-dome-for-just-300/">this idea</a> for an above ground root cellar or mushroom growing chamber<br />
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<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/04/great-pacific-garbage-patch-ocean-plastic-trash?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other">The Great Pacific Garbage Patch</a> is bigger than believed, devastatingFiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-47085140127510558762016-10-07T17:30:00.000+10:002016-10-07T17:30:21.415+10:00Still Waiting For Peanut<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I am now 7 days overdue and Peanut is quite happy in his little water world. I am doing ok not too uncomfortable other than getting up 5 times a night to go to the bathroom and having a very tight stomach. I think this is due to my weight gain being so low (about 4 kg). This has allowed me to remain active right up to now and most days I am still taking Jessie for a 3 km walk, but I do this first thing as it is too hot later and by 1 pm my energy levels are starting to fade.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am booked in to be induced on Sunday if he does not arrive before then so the end is in sight and we will finally get to meet the little guy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My Mum arrives from New Zealand on Sunday afternoon so she may or may not be here for the big event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So sometime next week you can expect some baby photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">See you all on the other side.</span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-3043045263974304192016-10-06T19:46:00.002+10:002016-10-06T19:46:47.630+10:00Vehicle Maintenece And Prep For New ZealandWe are taking our ute to NZ so in preparation Hubby did some basic cosmetic maintenance/repair work. The ute has a steel tray that is powder coated for rust proofing however over the time we have had it the powder coating has come off in places through wear and tear leading to patches of surface rust. <br />
If we were staying here in Australia we would probably not have worried too much as we would have likely changed the vehicle before it became a problem. But with taking the vehicle to New Zealand which is a much wetter climate the rust would increase more rapidly and we will not do such high kilometers so we will therefore keep the car longer.<br />
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It was only surface rust and there were no holes or anything like that so it was just a matter of Hubby grinding back the rust, applying rust converter and repainting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit38gEelFXMf6O6paQLKH8HMrRwoiJNSvJYTqTs4AduAA5lk3xIk7vYtz8fTKUrkr240yrC-VAjKZwF3iR4fwXWb9V6NeJk5ZxlLa5DXIwSxUECxJ0jsl2-OpOwPAfk5bkR7x-dfr07VI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit38gEelFXMf6O6paQLKH8HMrRwoiJNSvJYTqTs4AduAA5lk3xIk7vYtz8fTKUrkr240yrC-VAjKZwF3iR4fwXWb9V6NeJk5ZxlLa5DXIwSxUECxJ0jsl2-OpOwPAfk5bkR7x-dfr07VI/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is after the rust has been ground off and scrubbed back and rust converter has been applied and left to dry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D5TJAnZbla0FgPLcxC7Dch9VKoNYuOkETv0gC_tgFx86nUaGoa7fUtpSyui3ZkkP-_bMwrR-adbhcJrTNij6572MEbOS1lQer-7jJF2F50OrdbazZrLNR5vLpPBsWTGoPevHeNi6PG0/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1D5TJAnZbla0FgPLcxC7Dch9VKoNYuOkETv0gC_tgFx86nUaGoa7fUtpSyui3ZkkP-_bMwrR-adbhcJrTNij6572MEbOS1lQer-7jJF2F50OrdbazZrLNR5vLpPBsWTGoPevHeNi6PG0/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hubby then repainted the entire tray with undercoat/primer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAmDtWMKjUd72P72G3NjypBTUbyCzkXNChMSb4QQ5UY_Cc5OjoUzfIKjc5C0VH5-PemBlDG51S60fTfpibdDT9OSub2xhPQa2QFYpjypAtiwBR-u8P-3cUTwO_Sy1IObnAFtXH1QfGFc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAmDtWMKjUd72P72G3NjypBTUbyCzkXNChMSb4QQ5UY_Cc5OjoUzfIKjc5C0VH5-PemBlDG51S60fTfpibdDT9OSub2xhPQa2QFYpjypAtiwBR-u8P-3cUTwO_Sy1IObnAFtXH1QfGFc/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XordNoUAiDBsbHWvsHWgwFZrbkLh4btcScJkhrNS4ibuQXlgqm7Phg0L4MK_wOROMLrZIKSk1tnP66UNmz6ntVAoQpPiDenjDoSSBvpsO_8HAoS_Mr1aT7blgXLoQJEu_BOZ03jb71k/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XordNoUAiDBsbHWvsHWgwFZrbkLh4btcScJkhrNS4ibuQXlgqm7Phg0L4MK_wOROMLrZIKSk1tnP66UNmz6ntVAoQpPiDenjDoSSBvpsO_8HAoS_Mr1aT7blgXLoQJEu_BOZ03jb71k/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then finally the entire tray was repainted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0Df12XR5hXRYw0vy5Xd4uco_2sDx9x4IPJqr0kwBwbpppMTtE2otfgWiLuW8ECNH47pV-iOXL7tc_9Ue7bLg2uGYs5y9jvLg67AY_cStDRvSB-XkV7hUA_YFeCJakPXWuQq6Qo-YUQ4/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0Df12XR5hXRYw0vy5Xd4uco_2sDx9x4IPJqr0kwBwbpppMTtE2otfgWiLuW8ECNH47pV-iOXL7tc_9Ue7bLg2uGYs5y9jvLg67AY_cStDRvSB-XkV7hUA_YFeCJakPXWuQq6Qo-YUQ4/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The rest of the vehicle had no issues so we just need to worry about cleaning it before we move so this investment of <strike>our</strike> Hubby's time and effort is worth it . Because the ute will be packed inside the same shipping container as all of our other belongings it only works out at about $3000 dollars to ship it which is much less than it's value.<br />
<br />Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-27169892451654037152016-10-03T21:19:00.000+10:002016-10-03T21:19:29.694+10:00From The Web This Week<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a few things I saw this week that I enjoyed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some <a href="http://www.seeds.ca/d/?t=09c1012100003118-a282256">great tips here</a> about making sure your seeds are really dry</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out this short documentary <a href="http://permaculturenews.org/2016/10/03/the-future-of-food-production/">"The Future Of Food Production"</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://modernfarmer.com/2014/07/raising-backyard-chickens-dummies/">Raising Chickens For Dummies</a> is an article that raises some good points for first time chicken owners.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a kiwi I grew up with<a href="https://kiwidutch.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/new-zealand-lolly-cake/"> this </a>appearing at birthday parties and in bakeries. It is very very sweet and very very bad for you. But as a once a year treat once slice shared with Hubby no worries.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/047842_inflammation_natural_medicine_antioxidants.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Herbs to treat inflamation</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a soon to be mum I was sent <a href="http://mumcentral.com.au/11-dos-and-donts-when-visiting-a-newborn/">this article about visiting a newborn</a> and I think some of these things people would not think of.</span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-21531751417401455202016-09-30T12:05:00.000+10:002016-09-30T12:05:14.417+10:00Have You Heard Of Prebiotics?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You might know about Pro-Biotics but have you heard of Pre-Biotics?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a while now I have been reading up on Pre-biotics and how there are some African cultures that have very low incidence of disease that scientists are now attributing to the volume of fiber in their diets and how this fiber feeds their gut bacteria.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you did not see <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/621209667936/the-diet-myth">this documentary "The Diet Myth"</a> last night it is really worth watching. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some other links about Pre-biotics</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.med.monash.edu.au/cecs/gastro/prebiotic/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monash University website about Pre-Biotics</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ABC's Catalyst Show - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154450118560543&set=vb.38437995542&type=2&theater">"Gut Reaction"</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Websites highlighting foods that are good for your gut microbes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/19-best-prebiotic-foods/">Authority Nutrition</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/best-prebiotic-foods-for-optimal-digestive-health/">One Green Planet</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some scientifically published papers on the subject:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><a href="http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/5/4/1417/html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://search.proquest.com/openview/167e807be5fa34c0998ec434abbe70dd/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=34400">Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: Introducing the concept of prebiotics</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958694698000715">An Overview of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics in the Functional Food Concept: Perspectives and Future Strategies</a></span></h1>
Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-78214071769931745202016-09-29T05:00:00.000+10:002016-09-29T05:00:24.600+10:00From The Web This Week<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Found a few interesting things on the web this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://farmersalmanac.com/food/2015/08/17/what-the-heck-is-switchel/">Switchel</a> looks like it might be an alternative to Kombucha if you use vinegar that still contains the mother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I enjoyed <a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/soon-as-you-can/">this post</a> from Becoming Minimalist</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sugarloafpermaculture.net/blog/successional-planting-spreadsheet-tool">Here</a> is a tool for successional planting</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I often feel we are starting our farm late but I liked <a href="http://www.hobbyfarms.com/its-now-or-never-starting-a-farm-after-50/">this article</a> and I think it never really is too late to do anything you want.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theecologist.org/green_green_living/gardening/451581/a_beginners_guide_to_permaculture_gardening.html">A good introduction to Permaculture</a></span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7957074720324686869.post-6557411428295232702016-09-28T05:00:00.000+10:002016-09-28T05:00:40.662+10:00School Desk Revamp<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year Hubby spent the first 6 months off work following surgery and towards the end of his recovery he was getting very bored and I was running out of jobs for him to do. If we had been in our own home this would not have been an issue but in a rental there is not much you can do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So he decided to tackle a job we had been talking about for years, revamping an old silky oak school desk that we have owned for over 7 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of the desk was coated with shellack, some with polyurethane and some had no finish left on it at all. There was a round water stain on the lid of one side, someones initials written in liquid paper near one of the pen grove and a sticker on the inside of one half. Thankfully there were no carvings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It took days to strip off all the layers and get back to the timber beneath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can see the round water stain in the below photo.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5Q9iiwrDKzcf36Ks4sIx45roOIUBmyJ4JqJrh46v2ZfIDo_F4k8NXPqVzF0ElnuzUspTzqSxpUAzKtSzlyn2nxaT7sgrXF3xCUJm75ruDzGnqiRBlH3p53UXW2MlNSneLB1IIV5i4s4/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5Q9iiwrDKzcf36Ks4sIx45roOIUBmyJ4JqJrh46v2ZfIDo_F4k8NXPqVzF0ElnuzUspTzqSxpUAzKtSzlyn2nxaT7sgrXF3xCUJm75ruDzGnqiRBlH3p53UXW2MlNSneLB1IIV5i4s4/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then it was the start of the sanding process which was a very messy process.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs1khzuIouF6pbUFuD2Aaw-_owNo_RuxhyphenhyphenmwxTfiiaQpOjPMJtlyG0cjZcqW5BgfNCXsKfxgRvnGHGnjF3XNubX6mwmuF0Yb9Ly8wB2VRmMsBIgpNH4OrvclQZQkTOrLKBgs9QuzLX1w/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs1khzuIouF6pbUFuD2Aaw-_owNo_RuxhyphenhyphenmwxTfiiaQpOjPMJtlyG0cjZcqW5BgfNCXsKfxgRvnGHGnjF3XNubX6mwmuF0Yb9Ly8wB2VRmMsBIgpNH4OrvclQZQkTOrLKBgs9QuzLX1w/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jessie the number 1 helper was on hand to over see everything.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcI9Hz2yQSZ58gHR7U2ZhKWAMBHbK8LVSP1VkP1XcERX1kPLvk7gR8surKuX63WDNZqI8asCb7OP60fyP6pqMDcimNTtn1Zut_6kQjyxPsu-0CTBKhPm_Js1M2w9nPny0jXCf4g_QOZ0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcI9Hz2yQSZ58gHR7U2ZhKWAMBHbK8LVSP1VkP1XcERX1kPLvk7gR8surKuX63WDNZqI8asCb7OP60fyP6pqMDcimNTtn1Zut_6kQjyxPsu-0CTBKhPm_Js1M2w9nPny0jXCf4g_QOZ0/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hubby can be quite particular and he spent weeks on the process. After it was sanded it was oiled and buffed then oiled again. The old timber (about 70 years we think) soaked up a lot of oil but is now looking fantastic with the water stain gone and the wood grain on show in all it's glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the finished product.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now we just need to track down some ceramic ink wells to fit and it will be complete.</span>Fiona from Arbordale Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196630415124998431noreply@blogger.com5