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stumbling self sufficiency in a small space
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6:17 am
1st Grader
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Tue 20-Aug-13
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Sorry but i posted elsewhere first!
I am Trevor, 76, heavily retired after a lifetime of working allover the world it seems
Where did all those years disappear to!
I live in a small flat in South Yorkshire having returned here to care for an ageing Dad ( now departed just short of 104 yrs old)
I have spent a couple of months every year in late spring cycle camping round Europe which I suspect had helped me survive as long as this. Actually this year is the first time in very naby years that I haven't toured. Had an op last week ( after waiting for a year – the NHS is failung to cope) which had upped from 1 hernua a year ago to 5 that were found under keyholing me!
But I am well again bow and look forward to being allowed to climb aboard my velo again in 7 weeks time.Then next year bak to Europe if I can find some flatter bits!
I have a very small patch and a back yard where I manage to grow all sorts of things – 2 apple trees, rhubarb ( 3 different varieties) Red currants ( 1 very prolific bush) 3 gooseberry which will be reduced to 2 this coming autumn they seem to propagate almost a sfast as brambles, 3 blackcurrant bushes, 2 loganberry brambles. Rosemary, thyme, parsley, chives, broad beans. Runner beans, perpetual spinach and this year I have just harvested my first batch of elephant garlic which are excellent. theother garlics I planted last autumn are disappointing and I shalln't do them again
So my little plot , supplemented by tubs as well does me very well.
I also shop wisely when in season and tend to buy in quantity , prepare as needed and package appropriately and freeze. I suspect tat I could live out of my freezer for months without buying a thing
I make wines, I also,at this time of year use the glut of fruits to prepare my "liqueurs" for next year and I have just put down to macerate
Red currant gin ( 2 litres including fruit)
Gooseberry gin ( " " " )
Creme de Cassis ( " " ")
Just waiting for the blackberry harvest to kick off to start my Blackberry whisky which needs a good year on the fruit but is delicious
Love cooking and I have cooked professionally late on in life which was fun
I have a fault or two – one demonstrated here
I do tend to rabbit on and on!!!!!!!!!
I have stopped now.
8:04 am
Supreme Being
New members
Sun 2-Oct-11
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You will fit in well here. Many retirees and we are an international group. I am fortunate to live in rural Normandy where it is mostly dairy farmers and self sufficient living. I live in an old Granite farmhouse we are renovating that was built in 1832.
I am interested in your alcohol a I have never tried that. Will look at the blackberry whisky as there is a very good supply of those this year. I also have the original calvados apple trees but have not tried that yet either. My local farmers keep us supplied!
It is wonderful trying to be self sufficient and there is lots of support on here.
Trying to enjoy life as it is
8:45 am
Supreme Being
New members
Mon 21-Sep-09
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Welcome Trevor,
It certainly looks as if you will feel at home here as well as teaching us a few tricks. I make fruit liqueurs too, very comforting in winter!!
Nadine aka Hattie
"The beautiful is as useful as the useful...perhaps more so."
from Les Miserables
9:42 am
Supreme Being
New members
Wed 22-Dec-10
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It is amazing what you can grow in a small space. I have a pensioner,s Cottage, the Gardens are usually a standard size, not tiny, but not that spacious. When I moved in, the whole Garden was covered by very old Roses. My friend Nicky, set to work to dig them out, have explained why I cannot. Then portioned it off, a small Orchard, miniscule, even, I bought two Apple Trees and a Plum, one Gooseberry bush, and Three Rhubarb crowns. I had to have a Ramp built for my Wheelchair, so instead of waste space, I put Tubs all along it, in which I grow Flowers, Strawberries, and Herbs. I have a largish Greenhouse, in which I grow Tomatoes, Cucumber and Peppers. I took out one flower bed and planted Raspberries, and my son-in-law built me a large raised Bed, out of Pallets, in which I have grown Peas and Beans, this year had a great crop of Elephant Garlic and Onions. Have now got in it, Xmas Potatoes.My helpers get to share the produce,and benefit Jam, Chutney, and Pickles. I used to make Wine, but can no longer lift the Demi-John,s not even the plastic ones.
10:09 am
Moderators
Tue 22-Sep-09
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Welcome Trevor! Good to hear from you.
I'll try that again!
10:17 am
Supreme Being
Wed 30-Dec-09
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A big welcome from me, too, Trevor.
Sounds like you have lots to keep you interested - and us, too !! 
2:17 pm
Supreme Being
New members
Tue 1-Jan-13
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welcome Trevor, I grow in a small and a large space, I have a large garden in Somerset which is full of fruit trees and bushes, but most of my growing is done in my small apartment in Surrey, which is all in pots indoors and on a foot wide balcony
Never give up Tomorrow is another day.
2:42 pm
Supreme Being
New members
Sun 30-Jan-11
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Welcome Trevor, you're having a busy retirement!
learning to love veg…..except celery :-O
9:35 am
Supreme Being
New members
Wed 22-Dec-10
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Dear Trevor, forgot to really welcome you, so do it now. I have been a member since 2010, but did not contribute to the Forums till recently, it is so enjoyable, wish I had done it from the start.
1:24 pm
Supreme Being
New members
Mon 7-Jun-10
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tapan said:
.....having returned here to care for an ageing Dad ( now departed just short of 104 yrs old)
I make wines, I also,at this time of year use the glut of fruits to prepare my "liqueurs" for next year and I have just put down to macerate
Just two points from your post...did your father pass on his secret of surviving to a ripe old age? If it's down to sampling your 'liqueurs' I would like to know which ones....
And by the way....welcome....
Who lives long sees much : The diary of my life in Bulgaria
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