Just thought I'd pop in and say hi. I found "ish" just before Christmas, and have spend a thoroughly enjoyable few weeks reading all of the WONDERFUL information on here.
Myself and a close friend moved from a fairly large town (where we had separate houses) into a dinky little rented bungalow in an even dinkier little village about 10 months ago in an effort to improve our standard of living, by a combination of improved finances and self sufficiency.
The bungalow is rented, however we rent from a friend and agreed a low rent on the basis that we tidy the place up a bit, as it had sadly been abused by the previous tenants. Now, 10 months later we've just about made the inside presentable and are now planning on making a start outdoors. We're blessed with a fair sized garden, and the landladies blessing to do whatever we like with it!
Current plans are to put in a number of raised beds for growing our own fruit and vegetables and possibly a greenhouse or potting shed with large windows. Ultimately I'd like a couple of chickens, however that may be a while off yet. The garden also plays host to my brewpub, which is basically a large old shed which has been converted into an all grain brewhouse and bar area (also used for wines, not just beer!)
I'm quite a keen cook, so already make most of what we eat from scratch, and use whatever I can forage wherever possible - it will be great to have my own supply of fresh produce though and will obviously also help out with our somewhat stretched budget.
Other "ish" activities we're already trying our hands at are jam/preserve making, cheese making and clothing customisation (although that's more Jo's territory than mine to be honest
)Anyway, I've rambled enough now. Oh, forgive me, I haven't even told you who we are - I'm Marc, my friend is called Joanne (Jo) and we share our home with Milly who is an adorable Jack Russell/Yorkshire Terrier cross.
Cheers,
Marc
(thanks)