tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63228101668574569182011-05-02T04:29:45.908ZTrying to avoid the greenwash and find out how best to live ethically and sustainably in NorfolkTractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-46768623536069220262011-04-07T16:03:00.001Z2011-04-07T16:03:30.330Z

One unexpected opportunity from the recession has been the reuse of unoccupied shops in Norwich to display art by local artists.Some isn't really my thing but there is some real thought, talent and humour in some of it like these images based on duracell batteries.Great idea and trying to lift the gloom.

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-710483481817162302011-04-04T21:55:00.001Z2011-04-04T21:57:06.786Z

Prices went up for stamps today. A whopping 5p jump for first class postage! A record. What do we get? Well, my wife got a birthday card over a week late, normal sized, but because it was a bit arty and had a bit of string on it, was deemed to cost 10p more to deliver, so we were charged £1.10 to get it delivered. Verging on criminal jobs-worth behaviour. Now they are putting postal workers in

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-10066041814142511532011-03-27T22:18:00.001Z2011-03-27T22:18:58.772Z

The 2011 Census may be last one undertaken in the UK. The coalition government with its short-term, penny picking policies reckons that much of the information is already available elsewhere. Being sceptical of politicians, I am following the advice in the latest newsletter on the excellent Lost Cousins web site and have scanned a copy of my family's census return. That way, future generations in

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-74305243286441064162011-03-17T17:20:00.001Z2011-03-17T17:20:42.334Z

Students at City College in Norwich have made a brilliant sculpture out of junk. It is at the Forum. Why not take a look? Certainly gets you thinking about what we throw away and the implications.

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-12817062304473871292011-01-27T22:56:00.006Z2011-01-27T23:11:09.070Z

Act now and help us save England's ancient forestsPlease stop the lunacy of this Lib-Con coven giving away our natural heritage forever, after seconds of planning how to find the next most ludicrous short-term austerity measure that costs us more in the long-term.Politicians think in 4 year timeframes. They work for us so tell them "No" this time!

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-70736481145968400172011-01-09T22:39:00.001Z2011-01-09T22:39:15.709Z

Saw the sun so we braved the cold wind and went to Winterton on Sea and had a pub lunch.It was one of those days to treasure as our 2 children didn't seem to notice the occasional cold and were so happy and joyous on the sand by the sea.Saw a seal that came right onto the beach until various dogs having their walks scared it off.Then our son collected a pebble and declared that he'd found a "sea

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-10371662199520220082010-12-02T12:27:00.001Z2010-12-02T12:27:51.912Z

Been keeping the bird feeders topped up and scattering seeds on top of the snow. Lots of birds coming into our garden to find food and because of the snow, fewer cats. Hooray!Just heard crows, magpies and a jay screeching. Looked out in time to see a small bird of prey carrying off a blackbird into our leylandii hedge. Bit of a reminder about the natural world that all animals are struggling for

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-13788001222204091242010-11-13T13:38:00.001Z2010-11-13T13:38:10.415Z

Arrived just too late to stop the killing of a grey squirrel by one of the many cats that roam our neighbourhood. Chased the black and white menace away but the squirrel was breathing its last. Owner had managed to put a collar on their beloved moggy but couldn't be bothered to add a bell to give wildlife a chance. Shame on you cat owners that let your beasts loose without a bell. Time to go and

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-9774643074212811612010-11-05T20:24:00.001Z2010-11-05T20:24:08.249Z

Finally got myself organised after nearly a year to donate blood again.Feel bad it took me so long but at least I did it. Blood stocks are low and with Bonfire Night tonight and Christmas celebrations on their way, please give it a go.It is easy, plus you get to eat chocolate biscuits and crisp afterwards! Nurses orders.;-)Donating blood is giving someone the gift of life. Go to the web site for

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-50395820861482567292010-09-06T22:13:00.001Z2010-09-06T22:13:16.915Z

Not a fan of graffiti usually but saw this re-working of a famous World War 2 poster and it made me smile. It is the 70th anniversary of the Blitz tomorrow and it is easy to forget the sacrifices made by so many people to give us the freedom we enjoy today. Much as I am fed up with politics, I think it is my responsibility to vote.  After all, if I vote I have kept my right to moan about the

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-15711567520941830212010-08-24T16:50:00.001Z2010-08-24T16:50:11.944Z

Despite all this rain and gales, our dwarf sunflower is still cheering us up and producing more flower heads.:-)

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-31047946258912596902010-08-14T09:58:00.001Z2010-08-14T09:58:11.797Z

Just picked some carrots with my children from our little veg patch. Bit rubbish and stubby but who cares? They loved pulling them up and got excited and they should taste nice at lunchtime.   :-)

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-47113528525569110882010-06-13T22:03:00.001Z2010-06-13T22:03:01.947Z

Got a bag of salad from Tesco. It was such a relief to see the 'V' symbol on the back of the packaging and to read that salad IS in fact suitable for vegetarians! Nice to know that Tesco rate the UK public as having decent IQs. Yet another reason to grow your own in the face of such an idiotic thing.

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-87950486206515006572010-06-06T19:26:00.001Z2010-06-06T19:26:10.918Z

Just came back from a weeks holiday in the beautiful Peak District and got used to some proper summer weather. Today in Norfolk we've had downpours and a thunderstorm. At least this little frog likes it and can help ne protect my seedlings from the slugs. Saves me reaching for the table salt. Only joking! ;-)

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-56141073026057852272010-05-16T14:49:00.003Z2010-05-25T09:41:58.505Z

There has been a lot of speculation on the direction of the policies towards the environment in the UK with the new coalition government. The Independent on Sunday highlights the areas where blue and yellow don't make green, one being an increase in energy generation from wind turbines.My view is that the situation we are in demands that all options need to be considered, including nuclear.We

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-76899703476194772252010-04-22T19:49:00.002Z2010-04-23T22:18:35.490Z

Was pegging out washing this morning and spotted a young grey squirrel in a shady part of our garden on the forage. He got really close and despite what they have done to the red squirrels in this country, it was very sweet.He disappeared in our shrubs and I didn't think any more about it as we get loads of squirrels in our garden, nicking the food I leave for the birds.Late afternoon, I saw a

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-46797009687701125462010-04-13T06:27:00.003Z2010-07-06T12:24:23.965Z

At last the good weather is here! Grass is cut and no mercy shown to the sycamore seedlings. We even managed to wash a plastic bag for reuse and peg it out with the washing. Spring is here at last.

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-6554949962931540612010-02-04T23:07:00.001Z2010-02-04T23:07:59.873Z

There is a brilliant art exhibition at The Forum in Norwich until 15th February. It is entitled 'Man and the Environment'. Paintings and sculptures made from natural materials. My daughter and I like the giraffe best but the crocodile is a close second, but don't tell it that as we don't want to be next on the menu! ;-)

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-69707998304570191702010-01-08T12:37:00.001Z2010-01-08T12:37:21.428Z

We've had more snow in Norfolk today, and have been aware how reliant the birds are on us as this harsh snowy weather persists. Just topped up our bird feeders and have been rewarded by seeing a beautifully coloured Jay swoop in to feed on the nuts I dropped on the ground. :-)

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-948207619161215172009-12-19T13:49:00.001Z2009-12-19T13:49:05.298Z

Made a snowman with my son this morning as we've had a lot of snow in Norwich. We had a lovely time and for a time I could forget about the news I heard at breakfast time of the complete failure to delivery anything meaningful at the Copenhagen Summit. The politicians and delegates should be ashamed. Ours and future generations were depending on them for binding and realistic action to halt the

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-42636296358805410392009-12-17T20:36:00.008Z2009-12-18T21:20:22.227Z

I was offered a review copy of the second edition of the "Green Living Guide", edited by Hugh Bowring.Now that we are gradually realising that the "make do and mend" culture of grandparents and parents was progressive in terms of saving money and not wasting the planet's resources, a book like this is welcome. It's an opportunity to relearn some useful skills, approaches and way of thinking.The

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-45605777474181370202009-11-27T10:38:00.001Z2009-11-27T10:38:38.043Z

It is nearly the end me November and I have left a tomato plant in a small raised bed as an experiment. The variety is Tibet Appel, which I got last year from Garden Organic's Heritage Seed Library. The plant was late and the claim is that the seed came from Tibet and thrives outside in cooler conditions. Well it has been very chilly in Norfolk and the fruits are still developing well. Only got 3

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-12361787251971011552009-11-21T10:00:00.003Z2009-11-21T23:19:42.610Z

Christmas is coming and I received an email from Alex at Biome Lifestyle telling me about her business and offering me a free Christmas stocking.I haven't heard of the company before so had a quick look at their web site and was quite impressed with the company's commitment to ethics and the environment in sourcing its products.Received the stocking and it is a bit too stylish for my young

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-27006038356869779762009-10-12T10:00:00.002Z2009-10-12T10:00:08.148Z

I got an email letting me know about this petition a while ago. We've all heard and read a lot about the car scrappage scheme, being a government led initiative to boost UK car sales and encourage the purchase of more environmentally friendly cars and scrap the inefficient gas guzzlers.Given that homes and transport are the biggies for consuming and wasting energy and heat, and emitting

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6322810166857456918.post-84771191510363607312009-10-10T14:22:00.002Z2009-10-10T14:56:18.030Z

I guess with the main political parties having their conferences, we should expect more knocks on the door and questions about our main issues locally, nationally, and oh yes, who do we intend to vote for?I get a bit weary of politics and politicians like most people. That said, I'm not sure what the alternative is? Given that there are some good people out there who do have a calling to serve

Tractorboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768529416266959715noreply@blogger.com0