What a week!
It’s been a week of first world disasters here at the farm. First, the solar controller died. It was getting on in years as we had moved it from the caravan to the yurt, although it’s an easy problem to solve by ordering a new one online. It's inconvenient, to say the least. Then our back up generator died out of the blue, leaving us with no power, and no satellite internet this week. The generator is under warranty, but still a major pain while it gets sorted none the less. It means we need to use a laundromat for the washing which is an expensive hassle. If I'm a little quiet here over the next week or two that is why, though I will pop on when I can.
I have mentioned this year about how challenging things have been financially since we moved here. Part of that was because Grant was working casually. Though his hourly rate was fine, it meant he didn't get paid public holidays, had no holidays, or sick pay and when it was quiet he got sent home or was given a day off. Each week we would work hard to get ahead, and then a quiet week would put us two steps backwards. It was frustrating and stressful.
Organic Gardener: Planting guides
Coming into spring-summer it's time to prepare the garden.
Diggers
If your looking for seeds and more information Diggers is a wonderful resource.
Grass Roots magazine
The newest edition of Grass Roots magazine is out, you might see a familiar face in there as we continue to share our story through them. Grass Roots is a wonderful Australian magazine jam-packed with information about sustainability and self-reliance.
Zen Habits: Finding groundedness in the age of anxiety
The Slow Home Podcast
Brooke and Ben are back to podcasting after a break.
It’s been a week of first world disasters here at the farm. First, the solar controller died. It was getting on in years as we had moved it from the caravan to the yurt, although it’s an easy problem to solve by ordering a new one online. It's inconvenient, to say the least. Then our back up generator died out of the blue, leaving us with no power, and no satellite internet this week. The generator is under warranty, but still a major pain while it gets sorted none the less. It means we need to use a laundromat for the washing which is an expensive hassle. If I'm a little quiet here over the next week or two that is why, though I will pop on when I can.
I have mentioned this year about how challenging things have been financially since we moved here. Part of that was because Grant was working casually. Though his hourly rate was fine, it meant he didn't get paid public holidays, had no holidays, or sick pay and when it was quiet he got sent home or was given a day off. Each week we would work hard to get ahead, and then a quiet week would put us two steps backwards. It was frustrating and stressful.
This sweet girl has been tucked into my sewing box, forgotten about. This weekend I'll be spending a little time working on her clothes.
The good news is that he has been promoted to a small management position and has become permanent. The pay is ok for a starting point and hopefully, there will be opportunities to improve that over time. On top of that, he negotiated to borrow the work excavator once a month and the boss happily agreed and said he was welcome to borrow other machinery if he needed which is a big help to us. Grant is happy to be working for good, honest hardworking people he likes and respects. On top of that, they value family and allow flexibility for their employees to meet family commitments. Mostly I can manage the boys just fine, but it's good to know Grant can be there with a supportive workplace if we need him. Especially since our extended family are 2000kms away.
To know Grant has job security now is a huge relief. We can rely on a set pay-check and slowly but surely we can begin to get ahead. It's not a lot of money, but if we are frugal we should be able to make do. Grant will have paid holidays too which will mean getting back to South Australia to visit friends and family will become significantly easier. Though Grant has to be near dead to take sick days, it's a relief to know they are there. Just in case.
Our weekend here will be about odd jobs around the property, cooking good food heading into Port to use the laundromat, do the grocery shopping and finishing the boys' book week costumes. What does your weekend look like?
Much love,
Emma
xx
Much love,
Emma
xx
Organic Gardener: Planting guides
Coming into spring-summer it's time to prepare the garden.
Diggers
If your looking for seeds and more information Diggers is a wonderful resource.
Grass Roots magazine
The newest edition of Grass Roots magazine is out, you might see a familiar face in there as we continue to share our story through them. Grass Roots is a wonderful Australian magazine jam-packed with information about sustainability and self-reliance.
Zen Habits: Finding groundedness in the age of anxiety
The Slow Home Podcast
Brooke and Ben are back to podcasting after a break.
