tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22720146608490230222025-11-02T23:21:06.853+00:00The Compost BinMusings on living a different, more self sufficient life.Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.comBlogger1610125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-23524454904381587952025-08-18T22:48:00.003+01:002025-09-25T22:52:04.969+01:00Blog party at Zoë's house Went for a wonderful few days over in Norfolk to attend Zoë's blog party. Excellent train journey to Norwich, then Zoe picked me up. The party was fabulous, it was lovely weather and we were able to be outside. Great to catch up with other Blog friends as well.Many thanks to Zoe and Mel for their hospitality, I had a lovely time!Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-35113399794748981842024-07-31T20:37:00.000+01:002024-07-31T20:37:02.890+01:00Yet more produce from the gardenI went outside to check on Fleck the broody Serama hen and give her some fresh food and water.I then spent 5 mins in the veg garden and OrchardThis is what I picked.
And the peppers and tomatoes which are from an earlier 5 min trip into the polytunnel.
8 lb of Tom Putt apples, 6 lbs of Beth pears, 6 lbs of Victoria plums, 3lbs of Runner beans (Lady Di) 3 lbs of Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-58667405357972215902023-08-29T21:53:00.000+01:002023-08-29T21:55:27.821+01:00Fleck the broody hen escapes! After shutting Fleck safely away last night (cue much outraged squarking and pecking me and bok bok bokking when I removed her from the ivy covered nest on top of the wall where she'd hidden herself)
I put her in the top of the double decker hutch she and Chancellor live in at night.This morning I went to check on her and give her fresh food and water and she rushed at the door, Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-38434675392102737162023-08-28T19:56:00.001+01:002023-08-28T19:56:02.525+01:00A Broody hen, who I thought was past it! Fleck Serama hen has gone broody, and was hiding in the ivy on top of the wall.Fortunately she was only sitting on one, very old egg (we marked it and kept removing the new laid eggs)Now safely shut in the top section of the double decker hutch she and husband Chancellor the Serama share. He's now downstairs, and NOT happy!Fleck is at least 8 years old, if not older, and I thought was well Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-51918895645445467832023-08-23T20:08:00.001+01:002023-08-28T20:25:29.400+01:00Razor Blade of Life Blog partyHad a lovely long weekend away at Z's Blog party, over in Norfolk.I have really struggled to do very much for the last few years, since getting Covid in March 2020 (then Long Covid, then getting Covid again in 2021, and July 2022, despite being multiple jabbed as a "vulnerable" person)So it was fab to get away on the train, (can't drive that far any more)Left Ledbury at 10 am, arrived in Norwich Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-31460161019864190982022-08-20T22:29:00.000+01:002023-08-29T22:31:19.613+01:00Major ground works PT 1After a rough couple of years with fairly major ill health scares, we have finally come round to recognising that there are some jobs we can no longer do with ease, and are finally employing people to do the hard work we used to be able to do. And some jobs, that we paid for many years ago, need re doing. One of these was the gravel drive. We had this done by an excellent local Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-22439056725173088832021-04-15T20:18:00.001+01:002021-10-05T20:26:28.426+01:00Trip out to Daffodil woodsSome of you may have seen Countryfile on BBC1 which was based around the daffodil Woods near to me? We had been to visit them a few days before, and oh my they were spectacular this year! (And the lovely Ranger they interviewed, is a neighbour!) Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-30313257389852398152021-04-02T20:11:00.001+01:002021-10-05T20:18:47.480+01:00The start of growingHotBin chugging away nicely, up to 60C now.Wormeries all going wellCompost barrowed onto beds. Spectacular display of Celandines in the front garden! Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-33305033099741226982021-03-31T19:59:00.001+01:002021-10-05T20:10:49.055+01:00End of March. I mowed the grass today, followed around by the "veg patch" Robin. We have enough land to support a number of different Robin territories, so we have "front garden", "veg patch", "main garden", "polytunnel/barn" Robins, as well as who knows how many in the wood and meadow. I was charmed at this Robin following me, as I mowed. The Crocus have died down, now the Fritillaria emerge.&Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-20032581658804138182021-03-29T22:57:00.024+01:002021-04-04T00:19:46.420+01:00New patio area around barn and polytynnelThe wide slabbed area by the barn had a "flower bed" next to the barn wall, which the previous owners (gone 25 years ago!) grew a Loquat tree in, totally unsuited to our climate and a bit of a disaster, tbh. It died, and the bed became a bit of a weedy mess. So Compostman decided to sort it out, and we agreed it would be good to generally tidy up all the rather ad hoc "crazy paving" Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-8901954712099999852021-03-27T19:13:00.002+00:002021-04-03T21:45:18.997+01:00Getting the HotBin and Wormeries back in action This is what the repair to the HotBin looks like, once the glue had set. Once the Hotbin was back in place, I loaded it up, as per the instructions, and as I described back in my original post about setting up my new HotBin Wood chip, some compost from a bin, paper and then grass, paper, grass, leaves to the very top. While I was in gardening and composting mode&Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-16966595797802513452021-03-22T17:36:00.030+00:002021-04-03T19:13:28.723+01:00Busy day in the sunshineTwo years ago (I know, I know) rats ate into my HotBin. Tony the inventor very kindly sent me a sample of the material it is made from, and suggestions as to how to repair it. Last year, I got COVID-19, and that, and the effects of Long covid, means a lot of non essential stuff just didn't get done around Compost Mansions. But now the weather is nice, and my torn bicep is Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-39279330902034049222021-03-13T00:01:00.028+00:002021-04-01T00:15:30.074+01:00Doorstep vigil tonight, in memory of Sarah Everard. Doorstep vigil in memory of Sarah Everard (and all others)9.30 pm tonight. Shine a torch, a phone, light a candle, join in, in memorium and and in outrage.These are what me, Compostman and Compost girl held, on our patio, at 9.30 tonight. I made these candles. Then, we brought them inside, because we were alive, so we could. Sarah didn't get that chance. She was killedCompostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-84382883570923958572021-03-11T23:54:00.001+00:002021-04-01T00:00:48.949+01:00Finally! Finally! After four weeks of trying to arrange to get the Oxford AZ vaccine I *have* to have. Totally painless, took real care over questioning me before hand about my medical history, then offered me the option of having it done in hospital environment, but had all necessary equipment to hand if I *did* feel unwell.Dr sat and talked to me for 15 mins afterwards, then walked me out to Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-87906140486239741802021-02-27T23:21:00.001+00:002021-03-31T23:22:40.667+01:00Making a start Making a start on clearing out the polytunnel. But it was gloomy and cold and doing it one handed was difficult, so I gave up (for now) and went inside to get warmCompostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-10868689298099551892021-02-25T19:37:00.013+00:002021-03-18T20:24:31.205+00:00Signs of Spring. This has made me feel SO much more cheerful!Still struggling with the effects of Long Covid (aches, depression, brain fog, shortage of breath and tiredness.) Also, the bicep injury is still very painful and I can't do much.However, look at these! So beautiful!Things must improve soon, yes? Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-39242354536766271922021-02-11T19:58:00.001+00:002021-03-18T20:09:14.270+00:00Arm injuryBlast. On top of everything else, I've somehow injured my bicep quite badly.It started really hurting a few days ago, to the point where I was crying with pain, even if I didn't move it.A telephone consultation with a locum GP, and I was asked to come in for a face to face examination. Was actually a bit freaked out about this because, well Covid and Lockdown and the whole Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-67855422320353933562021-01-01T19:09:00.006+00:002021-03-18T19:33:27.857+00:00 Happy 2021Happy New Year everyone!So, another lockdown. We have Compostgirl back here from Uni, she was sent home at the start of December, and it looks like she will be here again for some time.It's good to have her safe at home, away from the risk of catching Covid, but it's so very sad for all young people, who should be going through the excitement of being independent adults, away from home, Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-47177849374283631402020-05-17T16:25:00.001+01:002020-05-17T16:25:45.067+01:00Feeling very unwell.
This article, from The Guardian newspaper, describes exactly how I've been, since mid April, after having had what I was told was COVID-19.
I was really poorly( but not hospialised) and was assured after "a couple of weeks" I'd start to feel better.
Its now nearly seven weeks since I first felt ill, I'm getting slightly less unwell now, but I still feel very poorly.
As regular Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-13629791816147826262020-04-09T17:55:00.000+01:002020-04-09T17:55:10.391+01:00100 days sober
Really pleased that I have done this, I feel so much better now I am not drinking (even with the current, highly stressful situation we all find ourselves in!)
Having had what I think was coronavirus over the last 10 days, I dread to think how much worse I might have been with an even more depressed immune system due to alcohol consumption, on top of the autoimmune issues I have.
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-35559363190748441242020-04-06T16:58:00.002+01:002020-04-09T18:26:03.898+01:00Sitting on the patio, just breathing in the air.
It is truly lovely here. I have been quite unwell this last week, been in bed and have struggled to breathe sometimes, so to sit outside in the sunshine, breath the sweet air and listen to birdsong is a joy and a gift.
Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-25235923978741271812020-04-05T00:27:00.000+01:002020-04-12T00:27:53.890+01:00Birdsong
One of the benefits of the lockdown situation is that the lack of traffic means we can hear even more birdsong than usual.
I was awake early today, (I haven't been sleeping very well due to feeling unwell)
So I had a cup of tea in bed and wrote in my journal
Then I opened the window and just listened
listen to the birds singing. Glorious.Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-348608817491587912020-04-04T16:57:00.000+01:002020-04-12T00:03:27.184+01:00A walk in the wood, 4 April
Cowslip area
I love cowslips they are so beautiful and smell divine.
Wild Garlic, tasty but smelly!)
Wood Anemone
First hint of Bluebell
Compostman, sawing wood.Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-89713948947678071942020-04-03T21:30:00.000+01:002020-04-11T18:48:39.707+01:00Some advice, to grow food
So, we are now told to stay at home, to protect the NHS and to stay safe. Wise words.
It occurred to me that lots of people may now decide to grow some of their own food for the first time, or maybe to expand on what they grow, already.
I have a host of "how to" posts on growing, composting and assorted other things which I have written over the years.
If you look at the "How to" tab at the Compostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2272014660849023022.post-1032508829078637912020-04-02T19:00:00.000+01:002020-04-09T20:00:49.764+01:00Rats ( again!)
I keep getting asked questions about Rats , on Facebook,on the various fora I frequent, when I was on Compost stands and when I am out and about ( before the start of the social isolating against Covid -19) so I thought I would repeat my advice in one place on here.
So here are some tricks you can try if your compost bin is infested with rats.
1. Get some metal mesh..chickenCompostwomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028585447065282738noreply@blogger.com0