22 May 2015

Weekend reading


It's been a busy week again with more work than I thought I would have. The weather is a little warmer but there's no humidity so I don't mind at all.  I haven't blogged as much as I wanted to but there are few comments so I wonder who is reading. To all those who did comment, thank you, I appreciate you taking the time.

I hope everyone has time to relax and enjoy life over the weekend. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself. ♥︎

A fabulous bias binding/tape tutorial
How to clean the BBQ
How to live a middle-class life in New York City on less than $5,000 a year
Fossil fuels subsidised by $10m a minute
Pocket money, what you need to know
How to make a tutu
Backpack tutorial - advanced beginner's project
What If Everybody Didn't Have to Work to Get Paid?
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43 comments

  1. I'm a new reader from Boston, USA, and I'm thoroughly enjoying your posts. Know that you are appreciated from the other side of the world!

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  2. I just wanted to say how much I look forward to your Weekend Reading list every week. Here in Canada I get it on my Thursday and this is one of the real pleasures I look forward to. I don't know how you find all these interesting subjects as I can never seem to find my way around the internet- but am very happy that you do. Thanks!

    Loved the 700,000 year old tool discovery - but they could have saved time and found them in my husbands toolbox.

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  3. The story about the French woman - fascinating! I wouldn't have the nerve to live like that and be so relaxed about it.

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  4. Well I am reading Rhonda. Apologies for not commenting more, I have been so busy and I mostly like to take my time when writing a comment. I am also usually three or four days later than everyone else reading, I only just read last week's weekend reading on Tuesday or Wednesday. But I am definitely still here and appreciating your posts.

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  5. Thanks again for the weekend reading Rhonda, I always enjoy checking out your selections. I've been reading this week, but on the run between jobs while I grab a quick cuppa. I've been busy doing some painting in my house, cleaning up outside and sorting and clearing out. You may remember I commented a while back about my non-stop smoking neighbour....I decided I had to move as my health is being badly affected and have had a wonderful new (old) house literally fall into my lap. It's in my same neighbourhood, just across the way, and a bonus...no close neighbours, although there are other houses around. So I'm busy getting this little house spruced up ready for selling. It's hard and I'm exhausted and still have moments of sadness that I'm leaving the home I thought I'd be in for a long time to come, but excited too about a new beginning. Enjoy your weekend and we'll both take some time to relax :)












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    1. How exciting Nanette. I do remember your problems with the smoke drifting into your house. I'm sure your health will improve in the new house. Good luck with the move and the sale.

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  6. You ARE all here. Thanks for commenting. When there are few I wonder what's happening and think that everyone is over me. I love hearing what's happening in your lives. I might not respond much to comments but it does help me build up an idea of everyone in my mind.

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  7. Rhonda, a lot of people probably read but don't comment. It is nice to know who is reading your blog though, isn't it? Otherwise you feel like you are talking to yourself. Hope you can slow down soon. Thanks for the weekend reading.

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  8. We are all here Rhonda- sometimes we just need a shake-up to remind us to comment!

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  9. Thx for the continuing great posts Rhonda! I read every single day but as a mum of two littles not yet at school I find it tricky to comment! I SO appreciate your fly musings - they are always informative, thought provoking and interesting. Wishing you a nourishing weekend x

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  10. I'm reading but haven't commented until now. I live in the Pacific NW near Seattle, WA USA. I will be 80 next month (God willing) and am learning lots from you. Also have been reading your posts from years back and many topics on your reading lists. I admire you greatly! Shirley

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    1. It's good having you here with us, Shirley. Welcome!

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  11. Rhonda - have been so very busy moving my quilt shop to a new location - I hardly find time to breathe let alone read blogs! But I do like your weekend reading very much! You come up with some very interesting topics, some funny, some thought provoking. Hopefully in a couple of weeks all will be normal again - Have a lovely week!

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  12. Please don't go away! :) I'm here frequently, but just not a commenter. Seems like others can express themselves better than I can. ~Elaine

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  13. I check if there's a new entry every day, Rhonda and am so disapointed when there isn't one, however this is the first time I've commented. Keep up the great work.

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  14. Hi Rhonda! I don't comment very often, and I know I should! I always read your posts, I have been an avid reader and follower for years, I love your blog. I especially love your "Week-end Reading", I love to see what others are interested in and what makes the world go round. Have a great week-end!

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  15. I can't always think of a useful comment to add, but I often check in on your posts, I think there are plenty of us still reading and looking forward to your posts :) I feel the same on my blog sometimes, but then the occasional comment really picks you up to keep going with more.

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  16. Rhonda, I am still around reading every day I never miss your posts even if we are away from home I will read it on my phone! I don't comment much - natural shyness I guess, but want you to know that for over 7 years now you and I connect most days xx Much love Julia in Bowen

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  17. Thanks for saying hello, ladies. :- )

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  18. I read every single post you write, though I don't often comment. Much of the time, as I'm reading comments I discover that what I thought I might say has already been said, so no need to be redundant as I know you are busy! But know that I appreciate your blog so much--your writing is an inspiration, a respite, and a reminder to keep taking things a step at a time. Thank you!

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  19. Still here and reading your postings every day Rhonda. Oh boy, my eyes really flew to the heading "What if everybody didn´t have to work to get paid"...That thought has been in my mind for years. With current developments on an international level, I think the question is more relevant than ever. I think of people drifting from one insecure job to another, people working for a salary that is an insult, people with recurring or permanent health problems finding it hard to find/keep work. Living hand to mouth - where´s the human dignity in that? Is this the best we can do in this day and age??

    Now all the warnings are coming, the labour market as we know it will change and many more will see their jobs disappear. Should we not now embrace this situation and see the possibilities? I believe that giving everyone a basic income would open up a new era of human creativity - able to deal with the new challenges facing us on many fronts.

    So on Monday morning at 7am I will be standing at the local railway station handing out leaflets promoting a lecture given by Prof. Guy Standing, a well-known"guru" promoting the concept of a basic income for everyone.

    Stepping down from my soapbox now: I have placed an order for three copies of Down to Earth with Amazon. Can´t wait till they restock it. My daughter and two daughters-in-law will each get a copy. It is my sincere wish they get as much pleasure from your life philosophy and ideas as I have through the years.
    Warmest greetings from Sweden
    Ramona

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    1. Hi Ramona, good to 'see' you again. Maybe it's my Swedish genes that makes me think that's a good idea too. I hope the lecture goes well. Thanks for your Amazon purchase. xx

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  20. I'm here too at every posting, but don't always comment; C- will try to do better, lol!

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  21. Truly enjoy the weekend reading selections, always something that appeals and so many things I would never have found on my own! We are still out here, sometimes I don't get to reading my favorite blogs and then I sit down and 'binge read' so I don't comment as it's so long past! Never fear you are not 'old hat' yet!

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  22. I've enjoyed reading your posts this week as well as some from the past. I have been reading about your past experience making cheese which is something I hope to venture into soon. I am very fond of the you might also like" feature at the end of your posts.

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  23. The article on a basic income was interesting, but it does leave one asking a lot of questions. We can't control what someone does with their salary or lack there of, so it would be interesting to see how those who are truly lazy or incompetent financially and/or spend beyond their means survive even with a leg up. Those who are resourceful to being with could benefit and contribute immensely though. Lots to think about with that one.
    The NY Times article about living on $5K a year sort of irked me the first time I had read it. The woman was here illegally and while she was getting by on the kindness of others and her resourcefulness, she was not putting back into a system that was there for her to use. She also has a home in France she rents out so it is not like she lacks income. I find it to be a "thing" for our media of late to discuss those well off playing poor. I doubt the poor and lower middle class enjoy their hard reality being viewed as a trend or fad or cause of the moment.
    In regards to that article, food waste is absolutely an issue and has been, but no one talks about how many supermarkets and places like Panera donate what they cannot use to the food banks. The downside of that? The food banks cannot take all of it and cannot even find others to share it.
    There is a terrific book about the topic called American Wasteland: How America Throws Away Nearly Half of Its Food (and What We Can Do About It)
    Someone once told a story how they got all these fresh strawberries at the food bank were they volunteered. No one would take them. She suggested things they could do with them, but no one wanted them so she took them and froze them and made jam. Even with food banks offering recipes and cooking classes, you can't force people to be better to themselves or learn a new skill such as canning. Some people really don't care and just want the hand out. Others want to be productive and do the best they can. Guess that is what makes the world an interesting place. :)
    Thanks for letting me give my opinion on these two matters. Have a beautiful weekend.

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    1. Right. I am thrifty, but law abiding. Also, I will not be dumpster diving anytime soon.

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  24. My lack of comments does not reflect on my interest. Love reading your blog which inspires and gives much good for thought. Keep up the good work. Not to check up the weekly reading list.

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  25. Still here, reading and enjoying every post when it pops up in my reader. :)

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  26. I am a faithful reader from Ohio but don't often comment. I just purchased your book for my kindle. I enjoyed the article on making bias tape today because one of my upcoming projects is to rebind an old quilt that my husband's grandmother made. I dropped out of the workforce when I was finished helping my youngest through college and now embrace a simple, organic life style. Couldn't be happier.

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  27. I'm reading. In fact you're a daily stop off point for me and your writing is hugely interesting and inspirational - I'm forever telling people how useful your blog is and that it's the perfect place to start if they want to to find out about taking the first steps to be more sustainable or independent. I do try not to comment unless I have something to say but rest assured you really are appreciated by all of us out here. Have a wonderful weekend. :-)

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  28. Always look forward to your weekend reading list, Rhonda~! Seems to give much needed thoughts to think other than I think myself~!
    Thank you for being a faithful blogger......even if we're not so faithful commenters. You *know* we're Faithful Readers, busy with gently leading the next generations on into their own purposeful lives.
    ~C.

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  29. Hi Rhonda,
    I ALWAYS read your posts but don't always comment - when I see that you have lots of comments I think that you don't want one from little old me!! But from now on I will add my two-penneth!!
    Next week I am having a raised bed made for my garden so that is very exciting, hopefully I will be able to grow lots of veggies.
    I am also thinking about adding a couple of chickens to my two but the thing that is putting me off is the pecking order ( I have introduced chickens before and hate the fighting but I know that unless blood is drawn I must leave them to it ) The trouble is that I haven't got enough room to separate them to begin with so its a case of in at the deep end!
    A couple of days ago I made your Banana cake with chunks of banana in it - YUM YUM!! I even had a 'gorgeous' from my hubby!!
    I hope that you have a lovely weekend Rhonda and please don't leave us - we love you!!
    xx

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  30. I don´t usually comment but I always read your blog,
    It´s my daily stop.
    Have a nice weekend!

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  31. I always tease my husband that he would not find salt water in the ocean. Guess I will have to stop doing that since I have been reading your blog for a long, long time and I only discovered the INTERESTING, COOL, WILL DO and MY TO DO LIST buttons five minutes ago. I had trouble signing up to post on this site for a long time so could not comment and express my appreciation and yet DAH! all along there was a way for me to let you know by simply clicking on a box! How did I miss that???

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  32. Hi Rhonda, I've read your blog every day for several months now, although have only just joined up now so I can say I love your blog and your down to earth simple life. I am sure there are many people who, like me, read every day but just don't comment, for one reason or another. I should have commented last week to say thank you for your banana cake recipe.....I often make banana cake as it's one of husband's favourites, but had never before thought of putting whole banana into it as well as mashed. We both loved it and I will always make it your way from now on, so thank you for that.

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  33. Oh I read every couple of days but am very shy about commenting! I am from IL in the US and love reading English blogs. I have visited once when my daughter was married to a man in the military and it was a dream come true. Would love to come back sometime! Enjoy your blog very much!

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    1. I'm pleased you said hello, Sue. And just between you and me, I'm in Australia. :- )

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  34. I love your blog. I'm not as good at commenting as I should be (especially since I'm a blogger too and I really enjoy getting comments), but your blog is one of the treasures of the internet. Thanks for the effort to put out lists like this and for sharing all your homesteading wisdom.

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    1. I love your blog too, Bill and I think I've sorted out the commenting problem I had on your blog.

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  35. Reading from Delaware in the U.S.

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  36. Please don't stop blogging! I never comment and don't read other comments. Maybe I'm missing the boat, but I love your blog and read it faithfully.

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