So much done ~ what happened...?

And this is where TeddyCat decided comfortable was...

wait until you see how he got here! :D

Today the plan was to wake 930ish, breakfast and being in the pretence of doing while getting it together and really be up by 1130.  This 'man-flu' thing has a terrible headache that goes with it, the feeling your face is fatter than it is, eyes that say oh yup, back to bed, you're sick.  Strangely, at 930 I was up, had breakfast, beat the SmallBoy even! "~Mands, Its not a race.." And we've have been doing all sorts of online, off-line, reading, cleaning, tidying - removing those which alas must go, fixing crap said, planning a day...

Mudguts is here, we've all had lunch, weeding has been under way in the front gardens and some of these daffodils, jonquils and bulbs are in.  Between the purples of the lavender and green of the stems, the yellows and creams will go nicely. Husband and MudGuts have moved the wardrobes dumped into the garage.  Such an awkward and inconvenient place to have had them plonked and a day of shame for me, although that end catapulted the new beginnings. Must be grateful for that which I have (you know you all amazed me).  Both robes look well cared for, and we've not been in the shed much. Moving uncovered not just the Tupperware I've been talking about - oh those 2-3 monster boxes are there - it was all the kits, limited edition sets and cool stuff won over time. *shines Tupperware Lady star* Still boxed up and wrapped.  Silicone, Modular Mates, too sweet!!

I've pulled every piece of everything out from kitchen cupboards because it is plastic out of control. Washing that which had drifted to the rear of the cupboards has been a long, slow job today. *groans*  With heating water to rid the dust and grime on some seals and bases, bits and bobs, I've had time to do other tidying, organising and popping here to natter, look about the Simple Savings forum, potter for items for the Treasure Chest.  All coming along nicely ~ and no fighting, arguing, problems, not even when we all went to vote.  Such an exciting, chatty experience when undertaken with MudGuts, or Mr Have-A-Chat as he becomes on these public occasions 'spruikers' want to get your attention and talk up their preferences... *sighs and chuckles*

Looking a lot nicer in the kitchen.  I am pleased with the job done.  There is room to put some regular crockery down lower and some regular food items lower and closer.  I like the idea of both - however I really don't want to know just how much more is in these boxes!!

So that was the election . . . 
I think everything is set for next week's date with escape.  We will be away a little less than originally planned, but we arrive early in the morning and come home late at night so maximum sunshine is allowed.  And wasn't today a glorious display of maximum sunshine!  Give me that with a 22-25c instead of 7-10c, a mild evening breeze and a bit of rain even - I'd be happy as the proverbial. *grins with anticipation*  If we were to move to a more northern part of the country, my only issue with NSW residency is there seems to be so many extra taxes paid in the state - Games Tax, Bridge Tax, Road Tax, $50, $100, $45, $80 - just a bit much on top of that horrid green slip for the car.   

Having the ambulance cover as part of your ?electricity service is a great idea run in QLD, but does it work if you are on alternative electricity, or if in fact totally self-sufficient?  Bar telecommunications, we'd like to be able to have our own every things and get into once/bi-monthly shopping for staples and treats that we're not producing.  This isn't a tomorrow dream.  Even with a healthy savings account and some good emergency money up our sleeves, it's a good 5-10 and then possibly still some years away outcome.  I've been thinking about ways to reach that goal sensibly, and sooner than when I am 50. *whistles a quiet little tune* One thing I'd like to do is have a sort of collective, a committed neighbourhood, working on a large property for a common goal.

I'll put it out here, would love some insight if you 'see' where we are coming from, thoughts of your own, feedback or suggestions to help make this achievable. *gulps - and keeps going*  While it does look after ones 'self', some might say it has elements of selfishness, there is an ability to share, barter tools, resources, produce and skills with others locally.  The numbers aren't set; the sizes and shares aren't defined; it's not about being greedy - its about a future, a retirement and life, quality for the kids without being in the middle of Upper Come-Buktor West, slightly left to the back of Burke.  It will, however, be warm.

Using 4-5 families (baby, primary, teen, grandparent, aunt eg), couple and retiree(ing) couple involved, all 'members' must have available as actual savings or cash 20% of their share of a land parcel of not less than 28ha or larger than 80ha valued at no more than $1million.  There must be beach/ocean within 20-30mins, mountains within similar and ability to gain income by 'traditional' means - be it admin, legal, teaching, plumbing, retail, market produce.

The land has water, the ability to be divided reasonably equal and include a central, group area - ultimately to be used to start from and get each and everyone set up; where the communal veggies start up and develop into a market garden producer, the orchard of fruit, nut and berry trees, bushes; we all prepare, establish and maintain hot house and cool area crops, aquaponic and other horti-organi-ponic-tal, self-sufficient stuff.  With the chance to move onto, planning and development, work loads, get together, share meals, catch up then as the 'first round' of neighbours get longer in the tooth, have a group entertaining area, trade hall, chat area that's not online!  

Ideally this is a group of people around 35yo-50yo, without or with children to come through to 24.  It's not about sitting around growing long hair, smoking dope, having sex-fests and forming a cult.  There would be an expectation all adult members have an income other that insurance payouts, lotto wins, full benefits, but could be studying something relevant to the neighbourhood.  Having an existing home/mortgage with 50% equity will be treated favourably *grins* Your 'parcel' is for your house, your home, the personal veggie bed, flower garden, a good 5-20ha (20-80ac) of your own to include your aging parents, adult children - and everyone has a share in the communal area with the expectation they are involved in some way, be it in the market garden, environmental waste management systems, waterways' care, baby-sitting littlies while parents garden, maintain, build homes and have the occasional alone time to enjoy what is developing... *sighs*

Can you see it?  It's green, lush and happy hey!?  I figure, not being the '20-30yo lithe limber energetic little dynamos' we once were *chuckles - at the memory of course ;D * we would use small scale digger things for garden set up, starting by living in a container house and building a mud/straw bale house around it works just as well as a DIY Colonial style barn set up, or a couple of caravans while you build your own 7-9star rated home, or not and stick with the vans...  ALL homes would have to supply environmentally friendly power, water, heating, cooling, sewerage, waste removal, rah rah, you get where I am coming from. Not doing it all on a dollar, muscle and unlimited time.  We'd have some form of own residence, an established communal garden and developing market garden, dairy, eggs, meats, bottling, storing of produce for all at the end of twelve months, if not before.  Each neighbour would have an external income being generated from employment or all that which was said before until all paid and cleared, with something set for 99yrs before all divide as separate per the original break up, and some clause on the communal area for another xyz time to the community, or something. 

Just a little greenie at heart, but not with the vaa-voom coinciding with the learned lessons of life lived.  

Until tomorrow... xxx

 ♒   No More No More   ♒ 

Will the one in the corner with the daggers in her eye

Move over to the left, I got past your little lies

And the chap in the back with the gun aimed at my shoulder

Give it up you little creep, I'm not that kid, I'm so much older

Hey you right there bitter sister in the wings

I'm supposed to say I'm sorry because I didn't let you win

Well it aint gonna happen not now or any day

Just because you didn't like it doesn't mean I have to play

By your rules, Poor Fools

Kick em in the crown jewels

Listen and you'll hear me scream

I don't want you on my team

I've set new rules, too cool

Go take it back to Play School

I don't seek your love no more

Moved up and dusted off the floor

-ஜ۩۞۩ஜ-♥ 

lΦϑє, ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ 

yup