New beekeeping course at Hackney City Farm starting 6th March 2013

> Introduction to Beekeeping 2013
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> Hackney City Farm
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> Wednesdays 7pm
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> Starting 6th March to 24th April
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> £110 per person, concessions available for residents of Hackney on benefits / full time study
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> Session 1.          The Honey Bee
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> Session 2           The Hive
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> Session 3           The Bee session
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> Session 4           Bee Health
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> Session 5           Reproduction
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> Session 6           The Harvest
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> ·    
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> Session 7           Inspection of the hive
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> Session 8           Inspection of the hive
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> Please book or circulate to your friends!
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> Alessia
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>

Cloth nappies fo'real

When some folks at work discovered I am to become a father. They asked me what I would do about nappies.

'cloth nappies of course'

They all laugh. But one lovely lady told me she'll supply me with the lot, including a bucket and specific detergent. Turns out her daughter intended to go this route but then, well didn't.

She even blessed us with an awesome Moses basket.

Thank you Suraya from clan Badshah.

I shall remember you every time I change or wash these.

Garbage Warrior and Earthships

During the cold holiday period I watched a number of documentaries  One of which is about the struggles Mike Reynolds overcame to bring Earthships to the world, titled Garbage Warrior

Earthships are homes which enable a family to live comfortably off grid. No need to buy electricity, heating or water. Along with processing sewage onsite and producing food. With building materials using waste products such as used tires as the main building blocks.

For me the battles Mike fought gave me insight on how the red tape is truly getting in the way of positive change for sustainable living. The documentary shows part of this mans journey in which he is striving to become part of a holistic solution to many of our worlds problems.

Mike Reynolds you are an inspiration to me and I salute you.

Links

• Documentary: Garbage Warrior (90 min)
• Part 1 of Earthship Seminar 2009 (150 min)
• Part 2 of Earthship Seminar 2009 (150 min)

Rocket Stoves and Cob

On my PDC (Permaculture Design Course) we made our own rocket stove and I fell in love with this simple and effective bit of technology.

Cob in the Community are running a Cob and Rocket Stove Course and I just booked me a place.

Date: Sat 3 Nov 2012

Location: Canal-side Woodland, Old Oak Common, Acton, London, W3
Nearest Tube/Overground: Willesden Junction, North Acton

Cost: £80

Course info click here

The Man Who Planted Trees

I've heard about this book for ages now, then I hear about the animation. Finally I sat down and watched this.

AWESOME STUFF



The Man Who Planted Trees from MrGreatShortFilms on Vimeo.

Honey, a sweet gift

A friend who kicks my ass regularly on the mat at my Brazilian JuJitsu classes blessed me with an amazing gift. A whole jar of mountain honey from Albania.

While the taste is slightly bitter it has a depth and amazing burnt toffee flavour to it. I could just eat the lot in one sitting, but I'll resist.

Time for another spoon full I think.

Coffee on the bus and Walking barefoot to work

Having spent two months in India (more about that in another post) I missed the odd cup of coffee I have. So after breakfast I made me a very big cup, into a thermos, and enjoyed it on the bus. I do enjoy travelling on the bus after the rush hour has passed. On the upper deck in the back. Gaze wondering across the urban landscape and in this case sipping on some coffee. It's the closest thing to being chauffeur driven. The drivers these days do suddenly break hard, which hampers an almost luxurious journey in my opinion. Also travelling at peak is also a chore. Not due to seat availability, or having to seat next another person. But more so due to noise pollution from phone conversations, people talking/ shouting or some adolescent blaring some muzik

Part of my route to work has me walk through a pathway, free of cars and motor bikes etc. I cycle through this bit on most days and always enjoy this section of the journey as both sides of the path have trees and under growth.

Today I walked and enjoyed this short respite from the hustle and bustle of East London traffic. Today the weather was just what I enjoy. Not cold, but having a light jacket on felt comfortable. I had sandals on due to a cut on my heal and my feet weren't cold.

When I came to the grass area I decided to take my slippers off and walk the 100 metres or so barefoot.

I've never done this before, but the grass was dry and I just felt the need to have some contact with the earth.

Now I won't bang on about all the physical benefits of walking barefoot, maybe another time. For now I'll simply say it felt right. I'm glad I did this before I started my work day as once I got into the office it was non stop hustle and bustle till I clocked out, offered my Asr salaat (prayer) and had a cup of tea with Steve.