Week 17

When we first moved in here, I was very worried about living off tank water and the possbility of running out of water. After a wet summer with rain every third or fourth day, I stopped worrying. I eased up on the self-imposed water restrictions - started leaving the tap running while washing hands, filled the bath slightly fuller than before, even let the girls turn the tap on for themselves when teeth brushing (with water gushing out FAST).

Then a week or two ago we heard the announcer on the radio saying that Levin township was facing water restrictions due to not having had any rain for a long time. That's when I realised that it hadn't rained for ages. I can't remember the last time it rained. The big storm of three weeks ago was all wind and no rain.

Now Levin township is indeed on water restrictions - no watering of gardens, no washing of cars or buildings until further notice. This doesn't apply to us as we are on tank water not town water. However it does mean we have to start conserving water. K and V are happily doing their part - no baths for four nights in a row.

It was supposed to rain today. I was going to mow the lawn but instead stayed inside cleaning and sorting out stuff. The rain didn't arrive till 6pm. It won't be enough to fill the tank back up.

Last year when P and I attended the Lifestyle Farmers Fieldday we joined an organisation called Farmers Unlimited. Last weekend we attended our first event, a visit to a nearby member's property to see what they had done with it and what they were growing (over 100 different types of apple!). We all went along as a family, however K and V quickly got bored. I ended up taking them away while P stayed on. He said it was very useful.

I don't know if it is representative of the group, but most people there were of an older age group (50's & 60's?) and I get the impression they'd were all experienced lifestylers/farmers. Apparently the group is having trouble recruiting new members. This is a shame as the group is exactly what P and I need - a chance to mingle with experienced people who are happy to share their knowledge and to answer our stupid questions.

Some time in the near future the group may come and visit our property to give us some hints and tips, advice and ideas.

The organisation will be having another table at the Lifestyle Farmers Fieldday this year and P will be manning the desk for part of the time, hopefully drumming up some new business to keep it going.

-M