The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: Sandy on August 17, 2011, 11:12:55 pm

Title: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 17, 2011, 11:12:55 pm: Not sure what to post any more, I love this site but only have chickens and no problems so ?????? Should I just leave the forum?
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 17, 2011, 11:24:58 pm: Please don't! Your post made me laugh so please just keep on posting! :-*
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Roxy on August 17, 2011, 11:27:53 pm: Nooo.....you must stay, Sandy!! Good that you have no problems - but what if you leave, and then have a problem with your hens, and have to come back? :)

I have lots of animals, and seem to always have lots of problems!!!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 17, 2011, 11:30:44 pm: You only have chickens?? No, you have dogs, there is a dog section, you have a garden, there is a garden section, you have life experience, there are always people looking for help and advice on here. And I don't believe that anyone has no problems. We are always here to listen and help if we can
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 17, 2011, 11:41:16 pm: My problems are not for this forum!!! I love you all. I mean that sooo much but not too sure what the future holds!!! I am a simple person that loves a laugh but feel I have no imput on stuff
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 17, 2011, 11:49:44 pm: No-one knows what the future holds. Just look at the number of your posts - pretty high, so you DO have input.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 17, 2011, 11:57:02 pm: Thanks!!!!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 18, 2011, 12:00:32 am: Are you in tomorrow morning?
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: HappyHippy on August 18, 2011, 07:18:48 am: I agree Sandy, you've got to stick around :-*
Karen :wave:
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: tizaala on August 18, 2011, 07:32:41 am: The answer is simple.... get more animals.... Go on, ....dont just sit there,...... do it NOW.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sylvia on August 18, 2011, 08:11:51 am: I would miss your posts if you left us :'( I don't think I provide much to the forum but it would be a bit lonely without it!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 18, 2011, 08:37:41 am: Well now. There are some people who never shut up. ( ::)) And hopefully say the odd useful thing, entertaining thing, and don't annoy too much. :wave:
Some who post rarely and are always worth reading.
Some who SHOUT a lot - but are still worth reading (usually) ;)
And a lot who post only occasionally but nearly always say something touching, helpful, funny, interesting, thought-provoking... plus it's just nice to hear from them!

I actually can't think of anyone whose posts I can't be bothered to read and no-one I wouldn't miss if they left.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 18, 2011, 12:50:06 pm: Just keep us company, Sandy, we'd miss you! Surely you will have some replies to our posts that will make us smile or even laugh - priceless ;D :wave: :&>
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 18, 2011, 12:53:48 pm: :wave: Still here but I am still loosing interest in stuff,

I would love some more animals but not the bother or the expense.

The B&B is running well and I keep getting asked to cover shifts in all sorts of places but, since going to work however, I have caught a cold or something and get behind with the cleaning here, to have a cleaner would be too expensive as we need loads of money for the upkeep of such a large house .....I am doing some other little bits of jobs that I enjoy but would love to get "interested" in something!!!! I also am peeeeed off that I will be waiting for guests on the day of the CSSA Bar B and Steve is also going miles away to work for a 3 hour shift just to keep in with the agency!!

Rant over........I am off to make cakes and then eat them ALLLLLLL!!!! I am now on Twitter to add to my tinternet habbit!!! Just made friends on my facebook with an actor I worked with who is always on TV,

Marc Warren and Max Beesley Bafta Television Awards 2011 Red Carpet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD74uMHDImQ#ws)

I thought he would not remember me but he does.....thats cheered me up as well as all the comments on here!!!! (think its my age ;) )
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 18, 2011, 05:08:45 pm: Took it out on a cake!! See how *rap I am at cake decorating!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 18, 2011, 06:46:49 pm: what's the gingerbreadman so cross about, Sandy? Bet he was tasty :yum: :&>
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 18, 2011, 07:24:55 pm: Thats me being grumpy so my emotions went into the iceing!!! It was nice and it was meant to be my husband, he went off for a long bike ride leaving me with all the cleaning etc to do...this is a busy B&B and its nice to have him help when he has no work..I am here 24/7 + work at least 2 days a week else where!!!! Mind you,hemade it up later...bless him
mind you,he IS often a grump
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 18, 2011, 07:27:02 pm: I LOVE the gingerbread angryman!

Listen, you think you're *rap at decorating cakes, I just sent this note to my best friend re: her daughter's forthcoming nuptials:

"If you need an obedient (though not very skilled) pair of hands available on the day, or the day before, shout. Or anything else I can do to help. I am bad at anything involving memory, I am clumsy, I have no finesse when it comes to presenting food and I cannot arrange flowers to save my life, so I sincerely hope this isn’t the best offer you get... ;D"
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 18, 2011, 07:58:57 pm: I am fine at flower arrangements but my art etc seems to end up like a not so skilled 7 year old, even my sense of humor!! I think I am under developed ;D
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 18, 2011, 11:25:31 pm: Now if you had just made that gingerbread man BEFORE I came I could have helped you demolish him! I think he looks really cute!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: waterhouse on August 19, 2011, 01:16:05 am: You form part of a rich vein of experience. It doesnt have to be your problems that are addressed. People with common sense help others, and just maybe we help you too.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: faith0504 on August 19, 2011, 08:27:55 am: hey Sandy please dont go, i appreciate your posts and your sense of humor is wicked you are always making me smile, :bouquet: :wave:
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: feldar on August 19, 2011, 08:47:10 am: Hey Sandy you don't need animals you have knowledge and experience on lots of things! these are things we might need help with in the future some of us are not all that experienced and although you may have answered that question before, it is new to that person at that time.
You are very valuable please don't go
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: sabrina on August 19, 2011, 11:27:59 am: going by everyone and there comments you would be missed Sandy so hang in there. We all have off days when we feel that there is nothing worth talking about but life has a habit of throwing things at us and giving us a laugh is often the tonic needed. :bouquet:
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 19, 2011, 03:08:43 pm: I think I have lost interest in everything, even myself, I just function at the mo.....being with our dogs or children helps as they bring out the funny side of my charactor.....not even a keen TV fan but I am going to watch BB just for something to follow and analyse!! Thanks all.........maybe I shall get re generated soon!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 19, 2011, 04:05:32 pm: sounds a bit like mid-life crisis, sandy - it will pass! ;) :&>
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: OhLaLa on August 19, 2011, 05:14:12 pm: Oh boy, I know that feeling (and I'm sure it must show in some of my grumpy posts). Think of something that really appeals to you - then go for it! It could be something you'd like to buy, or something that you would like to do that you never get around to. Just do it, don't give yourself excuses not to. It can be anything - obscure or not!!!!!!!!!

Well what are you waiting for? There's no time like right now!

:wave:

PS: What did I say about no excuses? There's a big interesting world out there.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 19, 2011, 07:50:33 pm: Right, we would love a camper, a BIG un for all our dogs and us, we could then nip off at the drop of a hat!!! All we need is to save....... :o
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 19, 2011, 08:47:42 pm: Quote from: Sandy on August 19, 2011, 07:50:33 pm
Right, we would love a camper, a BIG un for all our dogs and us, we could then nip off at the drop of a hat!!! All we need is to save....... :o
There are so many things you would like, Sandy, me too! ::) A camper seems a big want - how about a smaller one - a trip to the charity shops next week maybe? I'll stand us the coffee! And we'll see you at the Barby tomorrow anyway!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 19, 2011, 09:22:04 pm: I think we can manage a camper thats not to expensive, it should pay for itself. I am working sooooo much next week and busy in the B&B....I refuse a lot of work, I could do 24/7 shifts, they are not bad but hard to do this and work!!!!!!! We can save a few quid for a camper I am sure!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Snapper on August 19, 2011, 11:24:00 pm: Hi Sandy,
Do you think perhaps you're working too much, perhaps you do need some 'downtime' as they call it.

I guess from your other Posts that money is a bit 'tight ' at present but you seem to be taking a lot on at the moment, especially if the B& B is busy too.

How about giving yourself a bit of 'me' or 'us' time. Nice meal, DVD or even just a lazy afternoon window shopping in Stirling with Coffee and Cakes to finish.

You usually come over a such a happy person I'm sad to hear that you're feeling in the 'dumps'.
Chin up, tomorrows another day and enjoy the BBQ tomorrow.
Anne
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 20, 2011, 12:02:52 am: Quote from: Sandy on August 19, 2011, 09:22:04 pm
I think we can manage a camper thats not to expensive, it should pay for itself. I am working sooooo much next week and busy in the B&B....I refuse a lot of work, I could do 24/7 shifts, they are not bad but hard to do this and work!!!!!!! We can save a few quid for a camper I am sure!

I'm puzzled. How could the camper pay for itself? Mine never did.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 20, 2011, 09:12:06 am: Holiday!!! Break!!!! See Scotland!!!!

In our VW we were off most weekends, went all over Devon and Cornwall, it was brill, we used to take our dog but now with 4 we need a coach built one. People spend a lot more then we do on normal cars just for running around and we have seen loads for sale under £4000 that should suit. I could also pop off to my daughters with the dogs etc and have some where to stay or take up one of the job offers on the boarders for 2 weeks or highlands!!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: OhLaLa on August 20, 2011, 10:59:27 am: A campervan it is then, go for it Sandy. It sounds just the thing you need, then you can nip off for the odd week away or even for an overnighter on the spur of the moment.

:wave:
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 20, 2011, 12:25:29 pm: What are those things 'they' always say?

"Life isn't a dress rehearsal"

"It's the things you don't do you regret the most"

and my favourite,

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, totally worn out and screaming 'WOOO HOOOOO what a ride!' "
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 20, 2011, 11:15:34 pm: Thanks Sally, I sooo agree.... we are doing what we wanted but did not realise we would be short of cash but that is easily sorted now as I have joined an agency who send me offers of work 24/7
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 21, 2011, 08:59:23 am: Good to hear you sounding more positive Sandy. :-*
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: MelRice on August 21, 2011, 10:02:23 am: Hi Sandy sorry to hear your struggling with B&B upkeep have you tried "helpx"? Ive got some young people helping me in exchange for food and accom. I know it would use some of your sleeping space but perhaps another body is what you need (then you could get some more animals too!)
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 21, 2011, 01:06:08 pm: That's not a bad idea, but it wouldn't help with animals as Sandy and I both live in built up areas. Even with my acre I wouldn't have anything other than my dogs,cat, chooks and dooks in case they got pinched - mine is in grass but Sandy and Steve's garden is hard landscaped.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 21, 2011, 01:17:57 pm: I thought about a local cleaner but not with local politics, I am not keen on being that close to locals as it could cause BIG fall outs if things went wrong, eg, something went missing of one of our guests or broken!!!! Also, I can never pin down times when I am in or out, I am nearly always in but lately have to pop out a lot and the front door can pose a problem. IF, we get too busy and my hubby gets full time work again, I may look at Help X, they could give us a hand with decorating etc, the only problem is we need to fill our rooms ready for the winter lull.....The best senario for me would be family near by.....don't get me wrong, I love cleaning etc and can manage but when its forced on a daily basis, the novilty wears thin.....back to my mate the hooover ;)
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: calamityjane on August 21, 2011, 04:45:11 pm: sandy you sound really fun but us newbies to hens need your experience lol like why arn't my hens laying is it my stupid ponies lol prob chasing them lol nice to know someone local is here to help us newbies hopewfully my hubby doesn't buy hens and then find out they are crowing if anyone fancy a cockeral got one or two extra whats thew best mix to give them noticed they arn't eating the layers pellets got wheat n bruised barley and maizie? yellow stuff she said they would love it hmm heard a local farmer outside coalsnaughton sales feed for hens been told tinned sweet corn is good for them too they get veg and love bread anything else i could be doing
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 21, 2011, 08:09:25 pm: My hens have slowed right down re laying, I think its the start of the malt, be prepared for some funny looking oven ready hens as some realy go to town on thier malt!!! My first lot did not like layers pellets but that was because there was other stuff for them to eat, they soon eat it if there is no corn etc around....(I also give mine a few scraps and I know thats not allowed but I do not sell the eggs) I did have too many eggs but I have frozen some by breaking them into a box and mixing them up and as there are 6 in each box, ideal for cakes or other egg products. I also know that they can be funny about laying when you keep removing the eggs, although DUcks are more sensitive than hens and they will lay else where if thier eggs are taken, again, chickens get used to them going!!!! Do have a search around you never know, they could be hidden.

I am no expert at anything, I have lots of people skill knowledge and its funny how similar people and animals are....animals are a little less complex!!!!!

Work tomorrow to bring some pennies in so we CAN have some fun!!!! THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!! :wave:
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 21, 2011, 10:59:02 pm: I am getting 6 eggs every day from 8 hens, a few weeks ago it was 7. They tend to slow down a little as winter approaches. I've never had any bother at all about taking the eggs away - they are far more interested in trying to get food out of my pockets. My ducks aren't bothered either. Both my hens and my ducks lay in the same place every day. Even when I let them out to roam the front paddock, although the ducks do tend to just drop them where they are if they are out too early. I keep them in till 10 am normally but sometimes if I'm going away for the day they are out sooner. Mine eat layers pellets, or lump it! ;D They DO get treats too - fruit, veg, bread - that is all allowed so long as it hasn't been in your kitchen! I 'sell' to neighbours and friends - but very cheaply - just as a donation towards their food.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: morri2 on August 22, 2011, 12:19:44 pm: Hi all! Chickens, hmmmm, mine have almost stopped laying too. Was wondering whether there were clutches in the wood somewhere, but nothing could be found. We have 15 layers and some days only 4 eggs, that's down from 10 or 11 (some chickies are a bit old, so not all of them lay every day). Having read the above posts it seems its not just mine then.

Secondly, Sandy, if you've not done so already, the end of the summer season is a good time to buy camper vans. We bought one on eBay for under a grand a couple of years ago. Sold it for a profit last year - its was the old 'J' reg. But very tidy. Great for weekends away and the like.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: feldar on August 22, 2011, 02:44:24 pm: Quote from: OhLaLa on August 20, 2011, 10:59:27 am
A campervan it is then, go for it Sandy. It sounds just the thing you need, then you can nip off for the odd week away or even for an overnighter on the spur of the moment.

:wave:

If you make it all the way down to The New Forest come and see us and i willl show you our flock, and chickens and pigs and dogs and guinea-pigs.........etc etc
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 23, 2011, 10:17:11 am: Thanks for that offer feldar, you never know if/when we get a camper, we could go any where??? I used to often visit the New Forest, love trees, forests and woodland.

Morri2, we were worried some one was getting into our garden and taking them, the eggs that is, last year some one took o ur apples from our new tree and I was gutted, theres loads on there now but of course not ready yet, I may have to sit in the garden with the dogs to ward them off ;)

We are going to, hopefuly buy one at the end of the season, a lot of elderly/retired people buy them as give them little useage so, we should get one that will suit our budget and needs. THe old 1972 VW that we sold, took us all over the place but we need something bigger with 4 dogs and more comfort for me, there is only so much walking around bending over all the time, I can do!!!! We are watching E Bay and local adds and theres some lovely ones out there...so, watch this space!!!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: shearling on August 23, 2011, 10:25:39 am: we are gettin one egg every two days from two chickens, but around an egg a day from each of the three quail. As with others in the posts ours all have their own special place to lay.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: faith0504 on August 23, 2011, 10:40:00 am: my hens laying abilities are terrible at the moment, so i haev got some more coming today, that might perk everyone up, it might remind my girls what they are supposed to be doing ;) :wave:
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Rosemary on August 23, 2011, 02:37:00 pm: What about a smaller camper van (more affordable) and a trailer for the dogs like our esteemed CSSA chairman's? They could choose their own curtains and stuff - I'm sure they would love it, especially if it meant Mummy was happy and there were lots of new smells to investigate (and horrid dead things to retreive) ;D
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 23, 2011, 05:11:51 pm: We currently have a Renult Kangoo....I have seen them converted, but we thought way back before we actualy moved here, we would trade our hippy VW for an oldy retired persons (sorry nearly one myself) coach built one, I think 4 dogs would keep us warm and cosy at night in a large one and if needed I could attatch an awning!!! I suppose running costs are much more all round but fingers crossed, we should get one and feel a bit free er, for some very strange reason, every thing is changing in Sept, my daughters off to be together in AUss for the eldests book launch, my cousin visiting me, Steve working away, my brother having his heart re started and loads of other stuff I am not going into...we are also over full of visitors etc so we would LOVE to go off for Christmas or winter, a few miles away 50 say and just camp!!!!!! Whats the chairman got then?
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 23, 2011, 07:20:01 pm: Sandy, Stuart runs a 4 x 4 and has a trailer for the dogs - it is very common with working people. You probably saw Charlie's one up at Mordar, it was there when Steve and I went to mate Islay the first time she had pups, and he had it next to the ring at the Game Fair last year during his demo. But that doesn't solve the sleeping arrangements for you and Steve! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 23, 2011, 07:35:53 pm: ;D I'm a common working person but I think an old hippy rusty van more me and steve ;D ;D If we go away in the cold weather we need them to keep us warm!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 23, 2011, 09:37:38 pm: Quote from: Sandy on August 23, 2011, 07:35:53 pm
;D I'm a common working person but I think an old hippy rusty van more me and steve ;D ;D If we go away in the cold weather we need them to keep us warm!!

Yup, I think you're right. To be honest I've never been keen on these trailer things. A lot of the sheepdog triallers use them too.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 23, 2011, 10:16:02 pm: One of the things about the sheepdog trailers is that they are air-conditioned, so the dogs are cool and comfortable whatever the weather outside and however long they have to be in the trailer. It makes a lot of sense when they are going to events where not all dogs can be out of their cars all of the time!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: doganjo on August 23, 2011, 11:30:16 pm: Quote from: SallyintNorth on August 23, 2011, 10:16:02 pm
One of the things about the sheepdog trailers is that they are air-conditioned, so the dogs are cool and comfortable whatever the weather outside and however long they have to be in the trailer. It makes a lot of sense when they are going to events where not all dogs can be out of their cars all of the time!
I didn't realise that Sally, but I'm a big softy and I'd want my dogs in with me.
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: feldar on August 24, 2011, 01:49:54 pm: Quote from: Sandy on August 23, 2011, 07:35:53 pm
;D I'm a common working person but I think an old hippy rusty van more me and steve ;D ;D If we go away in the cold weather we need them to keep us warm!!

OMG four amounts of dog flatulance in one van that would kill me, my collie dog has appalling wind him and hubby can stink me out in no time!!!!
Title: Re: Doh?????
Post by: Sandy on August 24, 2011, 02:12:36 pm: Quote
OMG four amounts of dog flatulance in one van that would kill me, my collie dog has appalling wind him and hubby can stink me out in no time!!!!

:-[ The dogs might be thinking that!