Doing what you can where you can

My man of much wisdom told me recently that I just need to realise that I can do most of the things I want to do right now. I don't need a farm to do them. You know what? He's right. Maybe before in my tiny little flat I would have had a bit of trouble plucking pheasants in the bathtub (well I didn't have a bathtub fo a start) and making soap and cheese, and cripes, who knows were I would have put the chickens!? But now that I'm out in the 'burbs in this great big house, I have plenty of room.

We spent a weekend in Pihia recently where I met my Great Aunt and Uncle. To be fair I had met my aunt once before when I was about 9 but I don't really remember. They were fantastic, with such a 'can-do' attitude. They were out there, up to mischief, moving into a woolshed after selling their house. They were quite an inspiration. I hope I can get the same reaction when I tell people what I am up to at that age :)

We stopped in at the Kerikeri markets, to get some ideas. Again I was inspired by all the things that people produce from their land. Then on the way home we stopped in at a cheese making place that as it turns out, the people had been at the market. I was told we were going to find out about cheesemaking.

We were a bit shy at first, and the lady behind the counter a bit reseved, but as she warmed to our questioning we ended up having quite a good discussion. She explained to us the best way to start was to make Quark, and got us a spoonful each to try. With mounting enthusiasm, we wrote down instructions and went away with some rennet, some culture, and some Cumin Cheddar - mmmmmm. So now I just need to trawl trademe for a pot, a thermometer and some disinfectant, and its Quark making time!

But really, that is all that is holding me back frm most things. I just need a couple of cheap ingreedients or tools and I'm away. My wise advisor suggested I put aside $100 a week to get things to further my little experiments. That is not a silly idea. A lot of the things are one-off costs (like pots). I think in the past I have always thought its more important to pay off that card, but I've done that now so its time to start living. Every step is one closer to the farm anyway. Its all baby steps anyway round here!