Little action here

[Millymollymandy]

Ok I have an advantage, I could see his IP was in Sri Lanka. But I'm so used to spam postings that that one immediately waved red flags, and had links to some bizarre health and safety site.

[mrsflibble]

so.... right.
I don't need to explain myself for my recent not-coming-on-here-ness?

I've been busy with other stuff, but my garden is getting lovely again, thanks to gentle exercise daily I'm able to be more flexible in the garden and my hip hasn't troubled me in a while. gods, to read that you'd think i was in my 80s. I'm not. I'm 27.

[theabsinthefairy]

I am at a bit of a loss as to what you want from us paul.

Some of us are busy and pop in here from time to time to say hello, others have more time available and so spend time chatting as well as being generally helpful and informative.

Have you not found the site helpful and informative?

I have responded to a couple of questions that you have raised and so can only apologise if I have not been useful or have not answered your questions fully.

Most people here have embraced the '-ish' ethos of this site, we are all different but we are all trying to do something in the spirit of self sufficiency.

I would not enjoy this site so much if it were more militant, it currently has a good wide range of people and a good wide range of topics for people to indulge in, and everyone is free to join in all topics or start their own.

I'll stop here before I start rambling.

[citizentwiglet]

Exactly! What I love about this site is the diversity of the people - some people have been able to make sweeping changes to their lifestyles; others - by necessity - have to start small. But nobody judges anyone else on their ability / inability to do stuff. Growing herbs on the windowsill of your high-rise council flat is just as good a start as getting a smallholding - the fact is, we are ALL trying to do SOMETHING. Everyone doing one small thing is better than a few doing a lot, but making everyone else so despondent they give up?

I remember the first time I came here, and was delighted to see a thread in the parenting section about mums that were - shock horror! - using disposal nappies. NOBODY critized them, nobody wagged a finger. What a delight in comparison to some of the other forums I'd been on where you dare not admit to using Pampers, formula feeding or giving your baby a dummy. How can you be yourself on a site like that? For the record, I use reusable nappies - on my second child. I used disposables on my first, as I didn't have the initial outlay for reusables, and Freecycle wasn't like it is now. I only breastfed my first for 6 weeks, I didn't breastfeed my second at all. Both of them had dummies. I know I can say this here because I won't get judged, because people understand that I am doing what I can, however small and insignificant that may seem; but because of the help, the understanding, and the expertise of the members of this site, I have found that there are more small things I can do, and they all add up.

I'm afraid I can't get a turbine, or build a green extension, or a composting toilet, or grow my own veg in a few acres of smallholding, or have chickens. I wish I could. I privately rent a tiny council house with a very small garden - I get what I'm given by my landlord. Many of us are in similar situations - I get the impression, Paul, that you think we are all financially secure enough to follow the ultimate dream of self-sufficiency. Many of us have no choice but to muddle through a low-paid life as best we can, and dream of our small-holding, and get on with the real life that keeps the (probably environmentally hazardous) roof over our children's heads and food on the table which, in reality, probably comes from the cheapest supermarket going so we have a little extra to spend on our ethics - free-range / organic / MSC certified, whatever.

The clue to this site is in the name - 'ISH'. Self-sufficientish. Not 'totally self-sufficient'. Am I more self-sufficent than I was two years ago? Hell yes. But I feel that you patronise those of us who can't do more than we are doing, or hoping to achieve.

From small acorns, great oak trees grow.

[KathyLauren]

I totally agree. This site has the best community atmosphere of any I visit. Everyone gets along well, and even disagreements are civil and amicable. When I come here, I can relax and be myself.

[bonniethomas06]

Aww, since we are all feeling the love...

This forum has had a massive impact on my life. Sure, I probably would have had a vegetable patch or allotment anyway, but would definately not have had the courage to have chickens without the encouragement of others and hearing others' experiences really took the fear out of it all.

And without the contributions from 'serious' ishers like Stonehead, I would never have considered having livestock (did I mention, my landlady agreed to a pig!?)

Granted, my elderberry winemaking was a disaster (I will try again this year) but the elderflower cordial was the best thing I made, and I would never have even thought about doing this without the Hamilton's articles and tips from people on here like Rosendula.

And many other things - recipies I wouldn't have tried, products I wouldn't have bought (like the polytunnel posted by MKG) etc.

So this site has been a massive influence on me and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Gosh, I feel all warm and fuzzy...

[Martina]

I have to second most on here. This was the site that got me ON the internet. I was an "always lurking, never joining" type. But because everyone seemed so helpful and non-judgemental, I made the leap . Now I am even on Facebook (which I never thought I would be) I have not been on this site because of being EXTREMELY ( I mean 80-100 hour weeks) busy. But that is all wrapping up very soon and I am ording seeds and stuff within the week. Also I am going to be taking out the herb gardens that some thoughtful souls got me for Christmas and take a bash at growing and using fresh herbs this year. So expect a herb thread from me soon, guys!

As always, my posting is long, so lets just say:

to everyone!

Martina

[theabsinthefairy]

feel the love