tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post3976616513928289974..comments2024-03-29T21:11:37.724+10:00Comments on down to earth: Raising the barnUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29265914603492997622012-07-17T12:12:03.218+10:002012-07-17T12:12:03.218+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I am glad to hear you are not bored wi...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I am glad to hear you are not bored with writing the DTE blog, because I hope to be reading it for a long time to come! Although my lifestyle differs from yours in many ways, reading your posts has helped to clarify what it means to actually live sustainably (as opposed to just thinking sustainability was a good idea) and to start taking some steps in that direction. We are all at different points in the process, and it's a lifetime journey, so there iis an ongoing need for your blog and the community it has created. Thanks for the inspiration -<br /><br />Diane in NYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80387463872798726172012-07-15T09:49:16.568+10:002012-07-15T09:49:16.568+10:00Rhonda - wonderful post. I have been away for a fe...Rhonda - wonderful post. I have been away for a few days and it felt like coming home again to read this. I have been busy with life. Bored? That is not a word in my vocabulary. <br />It is finally summer here on the west coast of Canada and I have been very busy in my allotment garden as well as in my private oasis on my patio. The tomatoes are just now flowering and I am harvesting all kinds of veg. Today I had coffee with friends ( somehing we do most Saturdays), watered the garden, took care of a friend's cat while she is away on holidays and, with her blessing, picked beans, lettuce and chard/silverbeet in her garden. I sat in the shade there and enjoyed a cool homemade iced tea and watched my dog explore a new yard. Then home to relax. Later, I will fix dinner with my home-grown greens and stir fry a blend of chard, snow peas, onion and spinach. <br />Thank-you Rhonda for creating this community we share. SJ in Vancouver CanadaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65090494573413019282012-07-14T12:44:51.958+10:002012-07-14T12:44:51.958+10:00Rhonda, this post was beautiful beyond words. It s...Rhonda, this post was beautiful beyond words. It spoke directly to my heart and brightened my day. I love this blog and I hope you never run out of things to say. I am so glad you're not bored!<br /><br />Donna Dorsey<br /><br />P.S. Love the beautiful tea cozy!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15854412129144787872012-07-13T20:56:05.670+10:002012-07-13T20:56:05.670+10:00BORED! Not a word I recognise. There are far too m...BORED! Not a word I recognise. There are far too many things to do in this wonderful world we live in to be bored. My friends used to ask me "What do you do all day now that you are retired ", easier to tell them what I DON'T do.<br />Today I haven't done a lot , spent 5 hours at the shop where I volunteer,knitted a small rabbit , went to women's health clinic for routine checkup,made dinner,checked e-mails and saw who was on facebook or Skype.Love your blog so hope you never run out of words or ideas. Margaret in TasMargaret Blairnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-3229779516860486532012-07-13T13:08:39.306+10:002012-07-13T13:08:39.306+10:00Dear Rhonda, Thank you for blogging as it keeps me...Dear Rhonda, Thank you for blogging as it keeps me sane in my life as do all the comments that are so supportive. My two teens left home this year to live with their father as they "Couldn't be bothered with all the 'stuff' at my house"! The stuff they referred to was looking after the chickens, walking the dogs, picking the veges, making bread every day, and generally living a sustainable, thoughtful life.<br />They preferred hot and cold running internet, air con and tumble dryers, and 'simple' stir fries (with purchased bottled mix)eaten in their rooms with the computer or DVD playing, to the 'complex' home cooked meals I made (shock horror, they were expected to peel vegetables), eating at the table, and interaction with friends, animals, and participation in the housekeeping.<br /><br />There are times when I feel very low now, but yours and other blogs remind me that life is more than possessions and disposable life, and when one of the hens got broody in the mending basket it was comical and cared for rather than a drama.<br /><br />I hope the kids will realise what they are missing in the future, they drop in for a roast and on celebration days every so often but I feel that it will be some time before they think about how life should be sustainable rather than simply constantly consumed.<br />So please keep on keeping on. We all need that sanity.<br />Best wishes,<br />LizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33858093546777626932012-07-13T09:17:15.386+10:002012-07-13T09:17:15.386+10:00I love your blogg Rhonda. I was getting caugaht up...I love your blogg Rhonda. I was getting caugaht up in this modern world and was starting to loose reality with the normal things in life. Reading your blogg has made me realise that it is ok to be home and cook from a scratch, it is ok to have a veggie patch, it is ok not to be in the mall and spend like crazy. Also I have attracted frinds that like the same thing. Not as close with some prentious frinds (by choice).Work 3 days instead of 5 days (by choice)because I don't spend as much. Keep up the good work as it also keeps us conected with beutiful people that think alike, from other parts of the worl because of your blogg. Thank you so much for the awakening. LenkaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87818337277968094942012-07-13T07:53:35.107+10:002012-07-13T07:53:35.107+10:00Jackie, yes I did make the tea cosy. It's orga...Jackie, yes I did make the tea cosy. It's organic cotton with wool felt flowers. If you google "tea cosy patterns" you'll find a lot of them.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64987826954591066512012-07-13T07:41:31.535+10:002012-07-13T07:41:31.535+10:00I love your tea cozy...did you make it? Do you ha...I love your tea cozy...did you make it? Do you have a pattern for one? Here in the states you just can't find them...ya we are more coffee drinkers in a muj rather than sitting down with a pot of tea. But I am trying to stop in the afternoon for a "spot of tea" to relax and unstress. :> I would love to find a pattern to knit a tea cozy for my teapotjackie mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62086974530488450652012-07-13T07:24:49.939+10:002012-07-13T07:24:49.939+10:00I love your blog and am so grateful to have found ...I love your blog and am so grateful to have found it. I started reading it when mom started getting altzheimers and I needed to find a way to stay at home with her and save money. Your blog was a true gift, it felt like coming home. Please keep up the blog posts. My favorite part is the pictures...sometimes I wish they had captions so I could figure out what the food was .jackie mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17325603291672597542012-07-13T06:58:26.817+10:002012-07-13T06:58:26.817+10:00Hello,I'm Down under to you,cause I get your m...Hello,I'm Down under to you,cause I get your mail in my evenings.Thanks you for your post!Beatiful written..Greetings SylviaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38944448940140926022012-07-13T05:01:38.384+10:002012-07-13T05:01:38.384+10:00Oh, I do love this post! This is definitely one o...Oh, I do love this post! This is definitely one of those places I come for encouragement on those less than perfect days. Hard to imagine getting bored. I'm so glad you do what you do!Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01156180100389224114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-22687252336264424752012-07-13T04:51:04.751+10:002012-07-13T04:51:04.751+10:00I also enjoy hearing about people's everyday l...I also enjoy hearing about people's everyday lives. I never find it boring even if they are just saying what food they prepared or what was on their minds that day. The connection with each other over different continents is very important to me.Lilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06717834610233292334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88826187008431026122012-07-13T04:41:08.753+10:002012-07-13T04:41:08.753+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Thank you for this wonderful post! I ...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />Thank you for this wonderful post! I agree, the community of blogs is a great motivator for me when things aren't rosy in my life. It reminds me that other folks have made it through similar struggles, and are thriving. My husband and I just purchased a farm (which is a bit run down) and we will be working to make it our own and help it realize its' potential. I will soon be starting a blog to keep my friends and family up to date with our projects, and I will continue to participate in our virtual barn-raising to provide support and encouragement for others like me, and hopefully gain the insight and advice of those more knowledgeable.<br /><br />Thank you, Rhonda, for encouraging us to come together and provide our support to each and every member of our virtual (and real world!) community.<br /><br />Best,<br />MandiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13428206324127059152012-07-13T04:16:24.671+10:002012-07-13T04:16:24.671+10:00Lovely post Rhonda. I feel much the way you do abo...Lovely post Rhonda. I feel much the way you do about blogging and blogs. While I do understand how many times women can end up feeling inadequate when they compare themselves to others through the small lens of a blog,I personally enjoy honest blogs that inspire me.<br /><br />I also feel a connection with the many, many others that are trying to find a simpler way of living.I feel optimistic, inspired, and connected when I visit with others through their blogs.<br /><br />I try and keep my blog honest, sincere, and balanced. I want readers to know my struggles as well as my triumphs, as both are what connects us as human beings.<br /><br />Thank you for your earnest sincerity Rhonda, such a joy to read.<br />MAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54367678655641415382012-07-13T03:37:34.452+10:002012-07-13T03:37:34.452+10:00It is so nice to read your blog. It really stimula...It is so nice to read your blog. It really stimulates me to do things myself. Every time I am in doubt I read here and get fired up again. I get tips here that I can really use and it's a very nice idea that I'm a part of an international community, eventhough I don't see you all.<br />Thank you so much Rhonda !!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87285291949705992762012-07-13T03:33:39.133+10:002012-07-13T03:33:39.133+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Thank goodness for you and your blog! ...Hi Rhonda, <br />Thank goodness for you and your blog! There will always be small minded people, and it's only boring people who get bored. You are a sane voice in the wilderness and a comforting friend to many thru your blog. Thanks for blogging and enriching our lives.<br /><br />Cheers Fran.Franie-Jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01058876782624524872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23734995468394665942012-07-13T02:03:10.336+10:002012-07-13T02:03:10.336+10:00Hi Rhonda, I am having a bad day today and i'v...Hi Rhonda, I am having a bad day today and i've had some critism from people that have surprised me. They have made me feel like I have got my whole way of living wrong and my priorities are in the wrong place. It was so lovely to read your post and yes I agree, blogs like yours are so lovely as you can read about like minded people and realise that our way of life is so great and only people on these type of blogs really understand that.<br /><br />Thanks againAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73413755023773369202012-07-13T00:14:53.957+10:002012-07-13T00:14:53.957+10:00Absolutely!!
What a wonderful way of looking at it...Absolutely!!<br />What a wonderful way of looking at it.<br />I love that that blogging makes the world seem just that bit smaller. Like a community.<br />And recently we did have a bit of a (modern day) barn raising on our farm.<br />About 10 men spend a few days a week over the course of a few months and built our new machinery shed. It was wonderful. All these men of different ages and experiences sharing knowledge and tools and literally shouldering the load. It was just brilliant for all of them and I know that my husband misses the comaraderie now its over. If only they all wrote and read blogs hey.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04234467488696653117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50813534791486009172012-07-12T23:01:13.824+10:002012-07-12T23:01:13.824+10:00Wonderful post Rhonda. I agree so wholeheartedly,...Wonderful post Rhonda. I agree so wholeheartedly, because I often get asked the same thing. Your description is the very same reason that I continue to blog. It is like an old friend, the kind that tells interesting stories that a community of like minded people gather around similar to a camp fire.<br /><br />I do pop over to read your blog often, when I am not working on mine!<br /><br />Gav xAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08995214671079288985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16834443849172889202012-07-12T22:41:45.271+10:002012-07-12T22:41:45.271+10:00I have been reading your blog for years now and I ...I have been reading your blog for years now and I hope you never have said it all! I look to you for encouragement when I feel like " is this really worth it" or should I just go out and buy it, or use the dryer, etc. You are my rock and I wish you lived closer so we could have a cup together every once in a while. Please never stop writing!Eileenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17031688737964746427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69131794930145817072012-07-12T22:05:31.673+10:002012-07-12T22:05:31.673+10:00Thanks for reaching out, Diane.Thanks for reaching out, Diane.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75971633421694587342012-07-12T21:44:14.979+10:002012-07-12T21:44:14.979+10:00Hello Rhonda,
Although I have read your blog every...Hello Rhonda,<br />Although I have read your blog every day for a very long time now I have never been brave enough to leave a message before!<br />However, I felt I must leave a comment today as your words this morning have moved me to tears. It was such a beautiful message, knowing that we are all connected and living this life together, although we are all so very far apart. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your thoughts and advice with us on a daily basis, like many others I always share your blog with a cup of tea at the start of every day. <br />Best wishes<br />Diane from LondonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61683931527505963042012-07-12T21:28:11.298+10:002012-07-12T21:28:11.298+10:00I love reading your blog Rhonda and the encouragem...I love reading your blog Rhonda and the encouragement it gives me to carry on with how I've started. Some days after looking after 3 young kids, doing laundry, cooking meals, wiping bottoms, spills etc it can get tiresome, especially as I feel quite alone as I don't have any family here that can help me. Your blog is my bit of the day where I can sit down and read and as I said above, be encouraged :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90325466418956061672012-07-12T21:25:06.330+10:002012-07-12T21:25:06.330+10:00You have brightened my evening Rhonda with this in...You have brightened my evening Rhonda with this insightful post. You always have a way with words and really there can be no better description of why we all blog.<br />As for my daily life. Well, lately it has felt a little flat for various reasons. But by keeping on going and learning a few new things (how to cook goat and lace knitting) I am feeling enthusiasm returning.Taniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00123593037593548003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50947065133901747482012-07-12T21:04:30.375+10:002012-07-12T21:04:30.375+10:00Thank you Rhonda Jean for all you do.
"Raisi...Thank you Rhonda Jean for all you do. <br />"Raising the barn" sounds like an ideal title for your next book.<br />L from the UKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com