just want to say

[Thomzo]

And thanks to you for doing the Happy Birthdays - that is really appreciated!

Thanks MMM. Although on reflection, it was probably a bit of a silly idea giving the job of birthday monitor to the person with the worst memory in the world. So I apologise now to all the people that I have missed or only got to very late.

[Wombat]

If it didn't have the "ish" i'm sure the site would attract a lot more hard core extreamist, who would be a lot more opinionated.

I'm hardcore extemist who else do you know that shaves with a straight razor because they refuse to buy disposables?

Nev

[Stonehead]

The "ish" stands for a type of person who is just trying to do their bit, in however small or large away. To improve their life/environment and have fun while at it. However it also encourages the dedicated selfsuffient "nutter" (and I'm thinking of Stoney here ), who I totally respect (and am in ore of), and only now realise ,for me to do what he does can only be a dream, as I have learnt through his postings the reality of the hard work and dedication involved.
Another site would probably insist his way of doing things is the only way. This site is a broader "church". We can all do our bit.

Funnily enough, two men walking past the croft yesterday were having a conversation about us, during which I overheard one saying we were self-sufficient survivalist nutters!

As for our way being the only way, far from it. I avoid other forums like the plague as I've learned from experience that many of the green or smallholding fraternities believe their way is "the way". And they are only too willing to get stuck into people who don't do it that way - especially when you happily admit that you don't believe your way is "the way" for everyone.

Then there are the forums that are "owned" by a small group of narrow-minded old-timers - and woe betide the newbie who dares say anything.

Even worse are the forums that are dominated by the right-on, politically correct, vegan, animal liberationist, green feminist brigade. It's funny, because I don't have problems with most of those philosophies in themselves, but put them all together in one person and then bring those people together in one place, and you end up with a bunch of narrow-minded fascists. Ah well.

I've also discovered smallholding forums that turned out to be populated by right-wing, racist middle-Englanders who were more than happy to tell their "foreign brothers" that they don't get the joke. Sigh.

Anyway, I have had a few issues here, so I don't post often any more and am very, very careful in what I do say. But it's still my favourite forum with Andy, Dave and the mods being examples that all other forums should follow.

[Stonehead]

I'm hardcore extemist who else do you know that shaves with a straight razor because they refuse to buy disposables?

Nev

You're shaving now? Leaving the ranks of the bearded ones? I hope that's not correct.

[ina]

Mmhh, I think I know just what (and who) Stoney is talking about...

I find it amazing, too, that everything seems to go so smoothly here. Well done, everybody.

[Stonehead]

Mmhh, I think I know just what (and who) Stoney is talking about...

I find it amazing, too, that everything seems to go so smoothly here. Well done, everybody.

So how many of the eight forums I was referring to do you recognise?

And I forgot one, too. I don't return there not because the regulars are difficult, far from it. No, they just make me cringe. It's difficult to describe without giving too much away but suffice to say that it's a mainly male forum frequented by the sort of man who feels guilty about being male, wonders how he can be more in tune with his feminine side, enjoys drumming sessions in the woods etc etc. All too well intentioned and fuzzy wuzzy for me!

The only other forum I've come across with a fairly easy going and helpful body of regulars is the Land Rover Defender forum on LR4x4.com. (A few Ishers pop up there from time to time.) But I would caution people to beware of asking whether polybushes or OEM bushes are better!

Velovision's forum also appears fairly good, but I don't go there often enough to say if that impression holds up to frequent use.

[Cheezy]

Anyway, I have had a few issues here, so I don't post often any more and am very, very careful in what I do say. But it's still my favourite forum with Andy, Dave and the mods being examples that all other forums should follow.

What I find amazing Stoney is that you find any time at all to post, or keep a blog. All your musings are interesting and looked foreward to.

I still think back to one of your items I think in your blog when I'm in the shed looking at this lump hammer I have down the lottie, it's got a dodgy handle and the head has several screws holding it on, now I say to my self I should really follow Stoney's example and do a proper repair job on that as it's dangerous...however never seem to find the time. And before your article ,never knew how to put on a proper handle. Now I do, but havent got round to it yet.
I was down the lottie a couple of weeks ago double digging what will be a raised bed. My OH was saying how well we were doing nearly completed half the lottie, and I mentioned your turning over of a field by hand for potatoes. Hardcore!

P.s are you doing cider this year. I shall be having another attempt this year, as I've now securred some apples. And I have found a wild apple tree which has the most amazing tannin content, I could still taste it on my teeth half an hour later. I think I may have found a true bittersweet.

[ina]

So how many of the eight forums I was referring to do you recognise?

Two, I think!

But I would caution people to beware of asking whether polybushes or OEM bushes are better!

??????? I think I'd be perfectly safe on that one - have no idea what you are talking about!

[Stonehead]

What I find amazing Stoney is that you find any time at all to post, or keep a blog.

That's because time is an artificial construct and I've reconstructed it to suit me! I don't have a watch, clock or mobile phone - keeping track of time only when I have to coincide with the rest of the world (school run, doctor/dentist appointments and the like).

Instead, I get up early and do the things I must do. Then I do the things I enjoy doing until some more things that I must do come along. And so it goes until going to bed becomes a "must do".

Then repeat. If it wasn't for having school-age children, I wouldn't even know what day of the week it was. (Well, I sometimes forget it's a school day!! )

I also "multi-task" - dreadful word. Take now, for example. I'm allegedly doing croft paperwork (the livestock feed book) but I'm also posting here, entertaining a small boy (building stuff with Lego), having a cup of coffee, enjoying a rare moment of sunshine and flicking through a Land Rover spare parts catalogue. It's not really mutli-tasking, just a salsa of activities that's much more than the sum of its parts.

[Wombat]

I'm hardcore extemist who else do you know that shaves with a straight razor because they refuse to buy disposables?

Nev

You're shaving now? Leaving the ranks of the bearded ones? I hope that's not correct.

Nah mate!

But because my job requires me to look at least semi-respectable I have to keep my neck shaved..........

Nev

[Stonehead]

I'm hardcore extemist who else do you know that shaves with a straight razor because they refuse to buy disposables?

Nev

You're shaving now? Leaving the ranks of the bearded ones? I hope that's not correct.

Nah mate!

But because my job requires me to look at least semi-respectable I have to keep my neck shaved..........

Nev

Phew! Had me worried there for a moment. So you're semi-respectable, guess I'll have to mind my manners if you come to visit!!

[Cassiepod]

I too have been amazed by how friendly this place is and the complete lack of nasitness. It's true pleasure. My only other experince which is a couple of local biking foums has been very negative.

Long may it last

[Thomzo]

I'm sure that nastiness is the preserve of the unhappy. The very subject of this forum can't help but inspire happiness: being a bit more aware of nature, spending a bit more time with the elements and finding fun things to do with recycling. At the same time the Ish element prevents us putting too much pressure on ourselves.

I've certainly been very inspired by this site and by lots of the ideas. This site helped me stay sane when I had nothing to do at work and I've had loads of good advice from the members.

Long live SSish

Zoe

[Stonehead]

Mmhh, I think I know just what (and who) Stoney is talking about...

Some of them have been popping up to comment on the blog. Talk about authoritarian vitriol from the "you must be vegan" to be green lobby.

Reminds me again how tolerant this forum is!

[Wombat]

You're shaving now? Leaving the ranks of the bearded ones? I hope that's not correct.

Nah mate!

But because my job requires me to look at least semi-respectable I have to keep my neck shaved..........

Nev

Phew! Had me worried there for a moment. So you're semi-respectable, guess I'll have to mind my manners if you come to visit!!

I only have to LOOK semi-respectable

Nev