Where did 2009 go to. It was an extremely busy year with completion of several major projects. Thanks to the arrival of the enigmatic "Scotty" from you guessed it-Scotland in the middle of the year we managed to complete the rebuilding of the barn. This project had been put "on hold" due to a shortage of funds however the universe shined upon us with the arrival of our building friend.
3 months latter after a lot of blood sweat and tears we are now blessed with a very eclectic rebuild boasting a library, bathroom, bar, bedroom and art room.The majority of the materials used were recycled from the old house that used to be on the edge of the property.
The balance of the year was involved with a fearsome battle with a foreign invader- the dreaded Scottish import known as gorse.Many an evening around the dinner table were heard those famous words-"Bloody Gorse" from the many Helpers who had been brave enough to take on the challenge. We managed to clear about 3 acres of Gorse Trees ( 4+ meters high) from the back and side of the property. This was achieved the "Mangana Way" - not with high tech earth moving equipment or the brute force of explosives but rather by hand. Many hours of chainsawing, mattock work," the enforcer"- block splitter and much pulling by the Delica 4 x4 with a tow strap. The sceptics said that it could never be done however we proved them all wrong! Thanks to Joanie, Jodie, Jean,Ian & Virna,Marieka,Barbara,Maria,Adrian,Ricky and Gonzague. We could never have achieved the impossible without you!
We are now in the process of converting the lower end of the Gorse Paddock into a large organic orchard. All going well this should be completed by March 2010.
Thanks to Tomas from Spain who stayed at "The Mission" over the Christmas period and helped keep Andre on the straight and narrow. His efforts in the Thistle wars and weeding of the vegetable gardens are truelly appreciated.Sadly he had to leave after only one week due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
2010 Globally: I have a fear that the current global recovery that is being hailed by the economists and politicians may not be all that they expect. We sit on the edge of a large precipse with growing International debt levels, a fragile banking system and a heavy relaince on the performance of China. This has to be also be looked at in the light of the Middle East tensions, global terroism, and the resurgance of the Talliban.
When will the world learn? The might of the Russian Army was sent home with their tails between their legs after a bloody and lengthy conflict in Afganistan- why will the current situation end any differently? It is very hard to kill an enemy that one cannot see.
Global Warming : A world of politics,politicians and beaurocrats. , They live the hight life and "fiddle as Rome burns". Unless something can be done to reign in the thirst of "developing countries such as China and India for fossil fuels the battle is lost. Maybe the Mayans, Nostradamus and Revelations are not too far off the mark.
On that bright and positive note may we wish you all a happy, safe and enlightened 2010.
Love and Light,
Andre' & Kate
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