Terrible Wind, And Limericks - Wednesday 17/11/10

Levelling Kits foundations 14/11/10

Slaked lime to be used in the mortar 14/11/10

Kits Lime Pit 14/11/10

Slightly squeeze a ketchup bottle then open it. I dare ya.

Am so tired, I nearly put off writing this entry. Am only doing so due to my horrendous short term memory.
Earlier this week I found two adverts for static caravans. One was a really cheap and shabby one on eBay. The auction was at £75 so I over generously put what I thought was a losing bid of £400. Problem was I won the damn thing. This of course happened before I was told it would cost £750 to transport! Being the auction had a couple of days to run, I continued looking and found one in Pencader, outside Carmarthen for £600. The photos were fantastic... The caravan wasn't. Neglected for five years, the gas safety certificate said it all. Next inspection due '07. Great.
Still, I rang down the list of transport companies the man had given me. £350, £300 plus vat etc etc. Being 12ft wide meant it required an escort, thereby bumping up the price considerably.
Thoroughly dejected we returned home. It was then that I received a belated reply from one of the companies. After a bit of chit chat, it transpired they were based a couple of miles away and had a static available. They wanted £1100 but with a bit of bargaining and mostly kindheartedness on his part, he agreed to not only sell but deliver it for £900! I said we'd take a look...
That night we went to bed very much encouraged. Unfortunately, it wasn't just our spirits that were high that night. After buffeting us steadily, at 05:00 the wind finally ripped up the awning and flung it over the caravan in an almighty cacophony of bending steel, tearing fabric, catapulted belongings, falling tables and finally a thump of sodden canvas slapped over the roof of the caravan.
Shit.
My first thought was... f**k it. I'll deal with it in the morning.
Until I realised canvas was smothering the chimney of our freshly stoked fire. Bollocks.
So out in to the roaring abyss I went to sort out one god awful mess and salvage whatever could be saved. Just doing the minimum took an hour with Ayres' help.

The Morning After.

The Battered Cowling.

Like the Titanic, I too could've avoided disaster...

Neither Al Qeada nor Hitler was responsible. Hard to believe I know.

Not the view I paid for...

Still, it sparked a limerick.

There once was a caravan in Wales,

That was subject to terrible gales,

They woke up one morning, minus an Awning,

With only an outline of Bales...

The most part of today was spent mopping up, and eventually re-erecting a rather poorly awning.

You've heard of that caravan in Wales,

That was subject to terrible gales,

Well the awnings back on,

The wind and rain have now gone,

And silenced the groans and the wails.

Job done I went to start the car ready for viewing the static. But there was more... prompting this message to Emma.

We own a small caravan in Wales,

About which people have heard many tales,

Please don't think me mean, or cause a scene,

But i've just found a crack in our windscreen.

I suspect a leak around the glass allowed water to freeze resulting in a vehicular form of frost heave.

Finally, we viewed this static.

Was in a small mess inside having just been transported. The big plus with this is it was in service on a holiday park until this summer. The only downside was a missing vent cap lost in transit had allowed water in the kitchen. Tomorrow the vendor is coming to approve our proposed transport route with the driver, before we commit to anything. If it gets the go ahead i'll be bloody relieved.

Relayed our woes to friends and family and received this reply from our old neighbour.

There once was a couple from Stroud,

Who decided to break from the crowd.

Although their new life,

was full of trouble and strife,

Of themselves they were very proud.

Although it contains an 'inside' joke, I couldn't resist a retort.

There once was an actor next door,

Whose performances left us in awe.

We do miss him so,

but we just had to go.

And hope he wears clothes a bit more.

So life is currently a rollercoaster of highs and lows right now. My day turned to night as I screwed the awning skirting into some logs reinforced with batons to prevent it shredding itself. knowing our luck right now, it will only serve to form a deadly volley of missiles smashing through our roof the next time God farts.

Aww well, one more limerick then bed.

For Nigel, my number one fan, who believes I should be crowned Lammas poet laureate.

We live just outside the Presellis,

To Narbeth we take all our smellies.

The wind is a pain, so is the rain,

If you come, you'd better bring wellies.

M Jones

The Death Of A Friend - Saturday 13/11/10

All around are the visible signs autumn is here and winter is approaching.
The recent high winds have dislodged the leaves that have died, and the trees now look skeletal and bare.
All this death will pave the way for rebirth. But death has come calling too close for comfort this year, seeing fit to end the life of a good friend of mine. At present, I know scant few details, but a man not living past his 24th winter is a sobering thought indeed. His loss has weighed heavy on my mind, occupying thoughts and clouding others.
If nothing else, I am reminded that whatever my reservations about having another baby are, he never got the chance to father one.
To my friend Keith Jefferies, who died 11/11/10

The message I wrote on his Facebook wall when I found out:

"I find this page extremely hard reading. It goes from friendly banter and chat concerning day to day life. Then posts of "get well soon". To Comiserations and Eulogies.

There's an anger inside me I can't direct.
There's a feeling of betrayal by the forces upon which I trusted and depend.
An anguish that an individual such as he, has gone where I cannot yet go.
Above all, there is a gut wrenching guilt. The guilt we all dread which cannot be assuaged by apology. But its an apology I will make anyway.

Keith. I am sorry I didn't give you more of my time. You gave me yours, and for that I will thank you eternally. Please forgive me.

My time will come, as yours has done. You have led and I shall follow. Knowing this I shall not fear death. Because I know you're waiting for me.

Til then Keith, I will miss you, and mourn your passing. We all will."

To his brother Mark, this message;

"My good friend Keith...

I went to school with Keith, a valued and trusted friend. I'm deeply shocked and saddened.

As a brothers love is so great as to be valued and cherished, his loss is all the more terrible and the grief that much more severe.

I am so sorry. Alot of people are thinking of you, in that take some comfort.

Whoever God is, may He bless you, and all your family."

M Jones

A Most Excellent Laxative - Friday 12/11/10

Yesterday was windy to say the least. The prevailing wind in these conditions is troublesome, but would not appear to be as damaging nor as mischievous as turbulent gusts. Their ferocity prompted me to baton down the hatches and place straw bales at the base of the awning. This action was reinforced by the placement of chunks of concrete salvaged from a shattered slab, placed along the awning skirt.
Nature called around 17:00 and it was then I noticed the compost toilet had been damaged. The tent material used to cover the windward side had been shredded rendering the inside completely exposed. But when ya gotta go, ya gotta go. Even if the door decides to twat you across the shins, then disappear, providing all with a view of your activity. A most excellent form of laxative.
After a very cold and hurried dump, I repaired it by screwing a cladding of slabwood in place.

Am finding myself increasingly enjoying the time spent cutting kindling for the fire. What with the realisation I have another child in the making, its good to find somewhere to be alone. Its hardly a huge surprise, nor accident, but remains a shock to the system. A shift in how I perceive the future. A change in needs and priorities.
Now the two man tent containing logs and brewing kit is my sanctuary. Would prefer the barrels to be full of beer. Well one has hawthorn brew in. Not enough for my liking however.

Found out yesterday that two weeks ago, my best friends long term girlfriend dumped him seemingly for no reason. He'd been in a mess and rang to ask if he could stay for a week, see me, volunteer and generally get a change of scenery.
Emma agreed to this, and he booked a week off work. Then she changed her mind.
If Moses can't come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Moses. Figure that this will be mutually beneficial. I need space, and he needs me. My face can be his change of scenery. Emma might kick off but she has no right to decide who can or can't visit Lammas.

M Jones

The Glorious Complexities - Tuesday 09/11/10

10:00 I saw various faces walking past the caravan to Ayres'. It wasn't until the third person that i remembered today was a committee meeting that i had resolved to attend. Those that also attended included Jane (Plot 1), Katy (Plot 2), Ayres and Marianne (Plot 3), Jude (Plot 4), Myself, Kit, Paul W, Simon D, Justin (Volunteer) and Nigel.
The matter consumed 4 hours related to one incident. This incident however had many far reaching ramifications. These areas encompassed - law, policy and procedure, professional and personal conduct/misconduct, Lammas as an organisation, Lammas as Tir Y Gafel village and many other issues. I say it consumed 4 hours, in reality it will probably be more after reviews have taken place and been discussed at the next meeting.
By 15:00 i was feeling both mentally and physically drained. But what a valuable experience.
The question that could be asked by residents is "Why did Mike attend?" The answer to that is this.
Many people that visit Tir Y Gafel see a very idyllic life, lifestyle and setting. For the most part, this is true. What fascinates me and what i witnessed first hand today, is the glorious complexity of humans co-existing. In mainstream battery hen living, i for one, had a minuscule input into the running of the community and settlement i was residing in. Here, people are having to organise and discuss all the same issues councils do. And a whole lot more.
Of course, here you also have those that attend most if not all meetings, as well as others who only do so when issues directly affect or pertain to them.
I feel in this environment and structure, it is far easier to have your say and make a difference. That said, the daunting myriad of rules, issues and protocol could seriously make one NOT wish to reside in a community if ANY description. In my opinion the benefits far outweigh this and i empathise with those in this community who wish to place trust in others to wade through the quagmire on their behalf.
An important proposal was raised and agreed to, which was the fostering by Lammas of another low impact settlement using the template of Tir Y Gafel.
There is a feeling inside me akin to being present at the birth of Christ and bearing witness to the beginning of an extremely important movement. I am also the bearer of a terrible sadness when i realise money currently prevents my entry into this incredible life. As our stay continues, I foresee expansion and the opportunities that brings, melting away as those with the cash leap frog their way in front of us. The pain of this would be crushing and the fear of this alone could be enough to make me want to leave, just to avoid that possiblity.
I will not be ruled by fear. With that in mind i feel if we can spend two more years here, providence will provide a doorway.

M Jones

Woe betide the man who disturbs the pregnant beast.

Changing the Game - Monday 08/11/10

A game changing day. Emma had been feeling 'off' for the past few days. Being past her sell by date and having inclinations towards incubation, we took a trip to Crymych at 09:00 to get a pregnancy test.

The result was "Pregnant 3+"

A flurry of text messaging to random folk and an emergency meeting with Ayres and Marianne. Frances took it upon herself to spill the beans before we had a chance, and subsequently faced Emma's wrath.
A serious talk about the whole thing brought forth many ideas and potential possibilities, the main one being to consult Paul and Hoppi. Paul knows the ins and outs of both the planning and the leasehold agreements. therefore is it even feasible for Lammas to absorb another family? It was only designed and got permission for nine. We are looking for long term stability along the lines of 2-5 years. This being the case, i simply don't feel Lammas is the place. We do have an offer from another plotholder that would grants us that, but to accept this would fly in the face of rules and policies. As always one can manipulate such things but its definitely not a practice i wish to engage in.
Here's the truth. We have no right to be here. To remain beyond Spring would tread on toes and upset people we've come to hold dear, and whose generosity has known no bounds thus far. Once more i am writing lists of options and at this moment in time, here they are;

1) Remain in or near Lammas. kits plot verbally guaranteed for two years. Possibility of more living space in the form of a static caravan. Other options and possibilities could evolve from this, but mindful of aforementioned factors.

2) Tipi Valley. Plenty of experience in residents r.e. Homebirths. Poor access to lower valley - emergencies. Ideally a yurt to live in. Would entail logistics moving our life and home. Would be guaranteed for as many years as we'd require. We have visited and know people there.

3) Join a different community. Tinkers Bubble? Would be an unknown unless we used the time we have to make prior visits.

4) Go back home. Ideally rent/buy/get permission to reside on land in a caravan or yurt. Alot of unknowns.

5) Sell out and return to the system be it in Wales or back in Stroud. For me, the least desirable of all. Benefits could be seen as wide and numerous, but at a vast cost spiritually, morally and financially.

6) Squat on land. Extremely unstable. Many variables and unknowns. One important disadvantage, we'd be on our own...

7) Buy our own land. a big ask financially. would require major help from family. Unlikely in probability and unlikely to be finalised in time frame.

8) Wait and see...

Listing is useful. But inconclusive. Will follow option 8 for now. I feel immense pressure to properly lead this family, and lead it well. Its bewildering and overwhelming now. One realisation is that, at this point, nothing has changed. The considerations, yes. But as those who've read previously will know, the options haven't really changed. I've created a mental pressure that has left my stomach knotted and mind exhausted.
If anything, this news has become a catalyst.
Will have to ransom this grandchild if money is the answer.
Hopefully a good hour of football tonight will help clear this over active brain.


M Jones

Barley shoots growing from a bale weighting our awning down.

Mushrooms... Unmagical ones...

Guy Fawkes, The Inner Pyromaniac - Friday 05/11/10

"Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason, why gunpowder treason, should ever be forgot..."
I'm sure there is some deep meaning and parallel between the events of 1605 and what we are doing here today.
If one looks past the 36 barrels of gunpowder and what would be termed today simply as terrorism, one could possibly recognise both of us are hoping our actions will result in a radical change in society and current accepted methods and beliefs.
But for tonight, Guy Fawkes will return and the inner pyromaniac in all of us that he represents, will rejoice in burning and blowing shit up.

M Jones

Premium Silver Costs Premium Gold - Thursday 04/11/10

Home sweet home

Since Saturday, i've been engaged in quite an assortment of tasks and activities. Helped cut and raise another cross beam on the henge. Its becoming clear that by the way we're doing it we'll be averaging one a day.
Tuesday saw us take a trip to Llanmadoc on the Gower peninsula outside Swansea. Whilst Kit and i packed his things into our truck and his trailer, Em and Fran picked apples and went for a walk. Despite the poor weather and overcast sky some of the scenes around there are most impressive.
We didn't arrive back until late so it wasn't until Wednesday morning that i noticed another cross member had been cut and raised in my absence.
Booked the car in to have a sidelight replaced, as well as have the electrics looked at after the batteries died last Monday night at football. So at 15:00 Wednesday afternoon, kit and i trundled off to Bwlchygroes. We didn't leave there until 16:55 and i'd been told i needed two new batteries. By 17:30 my meagre savings had been wiped out and i was £125.04 poorer. But the proud owner of two Numax Premium Silver 68ah batteries. Forgetting the £80 to fill the tank each time, this car has now cost me in excess of £750 in maintenance this year. A stark reminder of how big a liability these machines are. I could comfort myself in the thought that at least the batteries should be good for the next 5 years, but i liked having savings.

M Jones