Monday 11 January 2016

My Blog .... and Rat's Arses


I've purposefully taken a few days off from posting on this blog, although I have been updating the new blog to keep things up to date and accountable .... to me.  The reason for this was to have a good long think about things.

Over the last few weeks there have been an increasing number of  comments that seem to be slanted towards asking me to justify what we do, why we do it and implying that they do it better, more cost effectively and more entertainingly.

Image result for a rats arse

Quite frankly .... I don't give a rats arse!!

I started this blog back in January 2009 when we made our switch to this lifestyle.  It was never going to be a blog meant to be read by hundreds or thousands of people, it was to be my diary, my online diary.  I am quicker at typing than I am at writing, and it's much more legible for future reading!!  It could contain photos taken as we went about our journey towards self sufficiency to remind us of what we were achieving along the way, and it has worked out fine for this.

But what seems to be cropping up more and more at the moment are comments questioning the way we do things, telling me there are other better ways of doing them, letting me know in no uncertain terms that I am not doing this 'self sufficiency' thing properly.   Comments and emails have trickled in implying that I should be knitting myself a hair shirt, making myself sackcloth pants, living off homemade bread and water.  

Well that's not what we are about in any way shape or form.

We are now in our eighth year of this lifestyle, our first three years were spent trialing it out and having a go at things.  Learning to grow food, keep chickens and breed pigs, checking out the things we needed to do these things properly and cost effectively.  The next two were spent following on but in a greatly reduced way, as having decided that, yes this was the life for us, we needed to live as cheaply as possible so we could save like mad to fund buying our own house and land.

The first two years here have been about putting into action all that we had learnt, adapting it to this wet Welsh hillside and setting up a sustainable and workable system that will enable us to live as self sufficiently as possible using all that we have learnt and acquired along the way.  

So now for instance, we have a water harvesting system so we use less mains water, we have solar power for the house and workshop, it powers the Aga that warms the house and it also earns us money as we sell surplus electricity back to the National Grid.  We have a permanent Chicken World with fox proof fencing.  We have a log burner that burns the wood from our own woodland.  We have chickens that lay the eggs we eat and that will provide the meat for Lovely Hubby's carnivorous tendencies as we expand the flock with dual purpose birds instead of just laying hens.  

All this and more we have picked up along the way, as we educated ourselves through courses, books, programmes, speaking to well known and little known experts, through trial and error and through sheer hard work and determination.

There have been things that we have discounted along the way, I don't knit myself dishcloths (unless a ball of 10p cotton falls into my lap)  I use the stash of bargain cloths that I bought ages ago and that reside under the kitchen sink, I don't knit or crochet us jumpers or socks  ... knitting and crochet don't relax me they stress me out.   I hate sewing so I sold the second hand sewing machine that I tried making our own things with and instead we buy what we need and make things last.

What I am trying to say is that we know what we want to do and we know how we want to go about doing it.  Having a constant stream of comments slyly telling me that 'this is so much better' or that ' that is the way it should be done' or 'don't you do this' is draining, very draining.  I was so tempted to switch both blogs to private the other day ... the only thing that stopped me are the readers who are at the moment reading from the very beginning.  To cut off their reading would have been like snatching away a book, and if you did that to me I would murder you ;-) 

So this has been my little rant, I hope you understand where this has come from and I hope you understand that I can only be polite to inane comments and snide remarks for so long,  I will not justify what I do or what I say to anyone, it's my diary you are reading ...... expect some swearing if it continues.

Image result for a rats arse
 .... I still don't give one!!

Sue xx

186 comments:

  1. I really enjoy watching your progress and seeing how you have chosen to live - It's truly pitiful that some commenters seem to have a bad case of the "one-upmanships" - I sit back and enjoy every post and picture and am thankful that you share your life in such an unassuming way - Thanks for your lovely blog! <3

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  2. Oh no Sue, don't stop blogging, I love reading your blog every day. Hopefully the nay sayers will have got the message with the strength of feeling in this post. It is very easy to criticise, but as they saying goes ' walk a mile in my shoes!'

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  3. I have noticed that from reading the comments on your blog, at the end of the day people need to understand we are not all perfect, not everyone wants to bake bread by hand, or knit there own jumpers etc, No matter what you do there is always someone trying to put you down. I'm not perfect, your not perfect, but who gives a shit, Bollocks to people who wine, moan and criticise. I love your blog Sue, xxx

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  4. Sue, I read both of your blogs daily, please do not let a few know it all's spoil what it a lovely daily break from those of us who have ambitions to do exactly as you and LH have done. It's pure escaping to me! I personally feel your's is the best blog of its kind out there, you are so open and honest with us, share lovely pics of everything you are doing, including your lovely girls, ginger and not to forget the chicks. Tell them where to go girl! Lesley

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    1. Exactly how I feel, please don't go! You're the second blog I read where the comments are snidey and uncalled for. You're my daily break too xx

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  5. Giggle giggle. Arse, arse arse. Feels good to say it. Rat's arse !
    You've got to wonder if people mean to be so patronising in their comments or if it is just plain ignorance.
    I for one love reading your blog. There are things that I do or would do differently than you, but I like to read about your way of life. And, and...I've picked up some really good ideas from you.
    Keep writing (or typing) ! xxx...x

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  6. I don't normally comment on anything online BUT I just wanted to say how much I love your blog and would truly miss it if it was to go. It must get tiring listening to negative criticism but there are plenty of people who love reading what you do. I for one love seeing piccies of your animals, especially your dogs and it makes my day reading about what you are up to :o) You don't realize just how much you can make someone smile by reading your blog xx

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    1. I AGREE! Don't listen to these wet blankets. You know who you are. You know what you've acocmplished. Many of the naysayers haven't done half the things you and Lovely Hubby have worked out through experience, I'd guess.
      Please keep talking to us. Not only do we learn from you -- I enjoy hearing what my friend is up to. Even if she doesn't live in Colorado...

      P.S. We have chickens, too. And a garden.

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  7. I've been reading your blog for I don't know how long - a long time! I feel bad that you are attacked by people who want to lecture or criticize you for your choices. Please ignore them, on behalf of all your loyal and admiring followers. I would be so sad if we lost touch with you and your family. All the best to you.

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  8. Extremely good and amazingly well put Sue!!!!! I sure don't get where this need to find fault and make nasty remarks comes from but it seems to have "put down roots" all around us. I read your blog daily and have for several years. You sharing with us means a great deal to me, and I thank you for that. I mostly lurk and don't comment but had to give you my HIGH 5 from a little town in WI, USA. So happy to see you today, and find out your absence wasn't illness or injury. Sending hugs!!!

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  9. I hadn't noticed you were getting odd snide comments, who's doing that and why? Shall I go back and look at all your old posts to see? No - people who are nasty shouldn't have any attention drawn to them at all.
    Just keep doing your thing and ignore them. ( Easier said than done I know)

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  10. I wouldn't worry about those know it alls. What I found out about them is they tell everyone else how or what they should be doing while they themselves don't. They just try to live through others. I have been homesteading for 15 years and I get so many ideas from your blog. Keep posting! They can kiss that rats butt!

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  11. Always look forward to reading your blog and have used some of your ideas. Brilliant blog.

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  12. I read your blogs everyday and enjoy them and I don't often comment, but, WELL DONE KEEP DOING THE. SAME, sorry to shout but don't listen to them

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  13. People who criticize are usually themselves insecure. They are just trying to make themselves feel big.
    Please continue with the blog if you possibly can. I would miss the information and the inspiration.

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  14. I too love your blog and I was worried you were ill when all went silent. Keep up your good work. It's your diary, your life and I for one, feel privileged to share it. Eileen

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  15. I enjoy your blog. Please don't stop or go private.

    Mary Eman

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  16. Don't panic you lovely folks I am not going anywhere for the foreseeable future :-)

    I'm just putting a warning out there and setting the record straight so if you see a few stroppy answers to comments or a string of expletives you won't be too shocked!!

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    Replies
    1. Good for you Sue, and those buggers can keep plaiting their armpit hair. Cheers. Anna

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    2. Definitely, I enjoy your blog and it's your story, your blog, your way. SIMPLES
      I wouldn't DREAM of telling you how to do things and you don't need to justify yourself to them either! Keep up the good work. Laura x

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  17. O please keep going ..we love your blog..it has inspired me in so many ways..
    The people who make snide remarks are jealous..bitter ,moany whiners..i could go on..take no notice as i bet they just love to point out everyone else's imperfections whilst ignoring their own..
    love
    sara,fern,iris

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  18. I love your blog and envy your balanced lifestyle. Sod the trolls, they are just jealous and ignorant in my opinion!

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  19. Please don't stop or go private. I so enjoy your blog. I love reading about all the cool things you do. I enjoy seeing the doggies and the cat. I'm not sure what to do about the critical responses , ? ignore or delete button is good. I think there are too many of us who adore your blog and hopefully that outweighs the nasty ones:)

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  20. It never ceases to amaze me how there are so many nasty people out there in blog land
    who try and put other bloggers down. If they do not like what they read DON'T!!!!!!
    Your blog is fab. Mags

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  21. I don't usually comment but I really enjoy your blog. Please keep writing and don't let the jerks of the world get you down.

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  22. Good grief. Not everyone is the same. DH and I are both 60+ with a handicapped adult child (in the suburbs near New Orleans.) Raising chickens or sheep is not in the cards. I grocery shop daily because I have 6 grocery stores within 5 miles of us (so I can get some "me" time as well as bargains.) Everyone should just take what they need and leave the rest. QueenVictoria

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  23. Sue
    As someone who has been with you since your days at the farm (and who has rarely commented except for when you did that journey to save poor Mavis) take no notice of these commenters, they've probably not been here with you since the early days and although they think that they know everything, quite simply - they know bugger all - just tell them to bog off Sue and don't let them get to you - hugs xxx

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  24. We are all lndividual and all do things our own way, no one has the right to tell you how things should and shouldn't be done, you do things the way that suits you. Please don't stop blogging, don't let them win. I enjoy your blog very much and would miss you. Best wishes.

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  25. It's because you share your real life with us and don't pontificate or instruct that I so enjoy your blog(s).

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  26. Love your blog Sue and all that you do in such an honest way. Ignore the snide comments, don't let them get to you.

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  27. Dear Sue
    Just wanted to weigh in with this - it's your life and your blog, so you live it and write about it as you want to. I really enjoy reading about it all.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  28. I haven't named names in my latest post, but your blog is one that I have learned so much from. Keep up the good work xx

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  29. I look forward to every post. I wrote once before that you are living the type of life my late husband and I envisioned for ourselves before his terminal illness made it impossible. I have always marched to the different Drummer and try not to let nastiness hurt. Sneaks through, doesn't it? I am sorry, the world is full of those who think they should run the world.
    Your life is unique and the only one. You don't need anyone's permission to live it. You are doing a wonderful job. Keep going.

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  30. I love your blog, it's down to earth, funny and informative. I think it takes real balls to try a new way of living and I bet a lot of the comments are pure jealousy from people who don't have that courage. Do your own thing and enjoy it. Best wishes Lisa

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  31. Take no notice of the naysayers - we all march to our own drums and that is as it should be. I think what you are doing is great and only wish we had been able to do it when we were younger! Keep it up and blow raspberries at the critics I'd say!

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  32. Keep right on Sue I love reading your blog. Its jealousy where these nasties come from.

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  33. I thoroughly enjoy your posts.In the last few years you have inspired me to keep hens make my own soap,laundry detergent and cleaning products.I have doubled the number of fruit trees in my average size urban garden.My solar panels were fitted last year for my 40th birthday present.Just because you don't wear hand knitted knickers people seem to think they can knock you for the green,self sustaining steps you do make.Your blog is informative,fun and realistic.Please keep up the good work

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  34. dear sue ..your post is the first I read in the morning..it starts my dear with my tea.I live in alberta in western Canada and read a lot of blogs from everywhere... but would surely miss yours..nidia

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  35. Oh Sue. I didn't read the whole of your posting (will go back once finished replying), but got a bit panicky thinking that you might close your blog altogether. PLEASE DON'T!!! I love reading all the goings on, especially about the dogs/cat(s), decluttering & recipes you post. As someone who doesn't have a blog, you are one of a few people who allow Anonymous postings. I may not leave a comment every time, but if I feel I have something worthwhile to add, I do so (politely, I hope). I can imagine how you must feel, but don't give up your blogs, as not only is it a record for you (& LH) to look back on, but could provide inspiration for others looking to move away from the rat-race. As for the not-so-nice comments, is there the facility to block them or delete them before appearing on your blog? Such a shame that folk either don't have the ability to comment 'nicely' or keep their comments to themselves. Treat people how you wish to be treated yourself. (Old fashioned, I know, but one can live in hope). Keep on blogging! hugs CMW xx

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  36. I love to read your posts, I often stop by but rarely comment. So sorry that you have had so many snide and difficult comments, I hope you can just carry on & ignore them. If they don't like what they read they should read something else! Your blog is interesting, informative and inspirational. Please don't let the negative comments get you down, please carry on with the blog for yourself & for your loyal readers. All good wishes Vee x

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  37. Sorry about the nasty comments. I do look forward to reading about your daily life, how you live etc. So glad that you will carry on.

    Take care.

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  38. I left a compliment on your newest blog and will say as others have that we are all living in different circumstances and I appreciate your sharing and hope you'll keep doing so! I've learnt a lot reading here over the years. Thanks!




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  39. I enjoy both of your blogs very much and look forward to reading them, expletives included.

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    1. Permission to swear granted .... I thank you ;-)

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  40. Well, from a small town in Texas, USA, I LOVE YOUR BLOG! I love your pups, the goings on in ya'lls daily activities, etc... Keep it up.
    Thanks so sharing
    Jenn

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  41. I have followed your journey for years and really love reading your blog. It's your life live it your way.

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  42. I only found your blog recently and I absolutely love it. Please don't stop now

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  43. Isn't it sad that people can't just let others be?! I am always amazed by all the fantastic things that you are doing, and your commitment to "walking gently" on this earth. You are very impressive. We shall allow you as many expletives as you need!

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  44. Enjoy reading your blog, and just love that photo and caption of a "rats arse" Please don't stop blogging
    Maura Xxx

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  45. Oh Sue I do feel for you. I can't abide people who have the attitude of my way or no way. You live your life the way you want to and they live theirs how they want to. They may do things differently but it doesn't mean it's right or better....except in their heads.....and that's where it should stay....in their heads. It's just plain bad manners to question how someone else does things.
    Now are you sure you don't fancy baking your own knickers and knitting yoghurt.....lol-x-

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    1. Well said.

      Haha .... I would quite possibly have more fun baking my own knickers and knitting yoghurt ;-)

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  46. I had no idea you had experienced this negative feedback. As you say keep doing what you do and don't give a Rats Arse!

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  47. Please don't take note of those people. I love reading your blog and I am in the process of reading from the very beginning to understand YOUR motivations. I am starting to think about our future and doing what you guys are doing / have done is motivating for me and gives me ideas. So please continue what you are doing.
    KJ

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  48. As my other half says "f them, f them all". It's your life and your blog and if some folk don't like it they don't have to read it. Last rime I looked it wasn't compulsory lol! I for one love reading about your exploits and might comment with my own similar experiences occasionally but some folk just like to stick their oar in to everyone else's business.

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  49. Hear! Hear! A bunch of ignoramuses the whole lot of the whinging idiots!

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  50. Do as you like because people will judge you anyway

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  51. There will always be someone who criticises,tells you how you could do something better, wonders why you did something, or said something, or posted about something. It becomes wearing( it's worn me down numerous times over the last 5 years) and it makes me wonder about the perfect lives that they must lead. I've found that it's rare to be able to read about them though as most of the time they don't blog themselves.

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  52. I love reading your blog. To me you're an inspiration. I couldn't do 1/4 of the things you do. But ... your polytunnel garden inspired my 4'X 4' container garden which provided a lot of veggies for the kids and me this summer. So thank you. Patti in NJ

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  53. I love reading your blog here in Portugal. Keep on blogging please!!xx

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  54. I love reading about your activities and can't imagine how you manage all that you do each day. Please continue to ignore those people who feel the need to make their negative comments. The work is full of naysayers. Love the picture of the rat's arse.

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  55. Don't let a few spoil it for you and the rest of us. I like the turn of phrase.

    Sounds good.

    Take care

    Pattypan

    x

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  56. I know what you mean, the perfect and the judgemental have had a lot to say recently it seems.

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  57. I have been reading your blog for a while and not sure if I have commented before. Unlike you I find knitting and sewing relaxing but would find self sufficiency, gardening etc. a nightmare. But there is something about your style of blogging that I really enjoy, sometimes serious, sometimes not. I think you are getting the balance of life right for you, being thrifty, but still have a coffee and cake etc.. Live your life as it pleases you and carry on letting us know about it.

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  58. I love reading your blog, the right blend of realism and 'I wish I could do that.' How dare someone criticise your lifestyle!! Looking forward to you telling them to go fuck themselves ;-)

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    1. You've just done it for me Ali ... thank you ;-)

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  59. Heck - I hope it wasn't anything I've said in my comments. I love reading your blog each day and seeing how your plot is progressing. Please don't go private you would be sorely missed.
    xx

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    1. Haha .... I bet I've got a few folk wondering now .....

      Don't worry, it's not you ...and just for the record folks this is not MY Mum .... a few people have asked!!

      I don't mind questions in a polite way, they fill the gaps that sometimes I can leave when I post about something, it's the outright ... 'WHY don't you do this it's the way I do it and it's better, you're daft/extravagant/stupid/useless for not doing it MY way' ... or words to that effect that when said often enough start that drip, drip, drip effect that really gets me down.

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  60. Yours is one of the few blogs I follow religiously - please don't stop. Haters Gonna hate as my teen DD once told me. Balls to the lot of 'em.

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  61. Brilliant post Sue. Well said. Ive been following your journey for the last few years and its exactly that YOURS. If they dont like how you do things thats their problem. It would be a boring old worl if we all did things the same way. Youve come up with your ways of doing things that suit you by trial and error and I for one salute you for that. Long may it continue. :o)

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  62. A colleague of mine taught me to swear in French, Greek, Italian, German and Russian, let me know if you want a few choice words!
    Keep on not giving a 'Zadnitsu Krysy'!

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    1. Now that sounds better than plain old rats arse .... maybe this swearing in alternative languages is the way forward. I thought it was about time I learnt some Welsh ;-)

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    2. Where I live I sometimes hear " I couldn't give a tinker's fuck!"

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    3. It's a 'flying fuck' here in Manchester!

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    4. Ah, yes. It's an amalgamation of 'flying fuck' and 'tinker's curse'

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    5. Well I'm from Manchester and a 'flying fuck' is my usual expression ... but I was being polite ;-)

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    6. Indeed, we Mancs are always polite Sue, brutally polite quite often lol!

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  63. I seems to happen with a "lifestyle" blog. I have considered changing my title as so many think frugal means mean and tight-fisted and when I read some frugal blogs they are a bit hair shirt and ashes for me. I'm careful so that I can go on holiday, have a drink, buy a steak if I fancy or whatever.
    I realise that I asked you a question last week and hope you didn't think I was "having a go". It was a genuine heartfelt question as I was in a similar situation as yourself a while back and wished that I could have resolved it like you.
    I see that you have commented that you are going to keep blogging... and so you should, it's good stuff!
    Gill

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  64. I LOVE reading your blog. It is on my must read every day, and we love all of your posts. Please ignore the idiots - who do they think they are trying to tell you off? Smug arrogant twits with nothing better to do. If they don't like what they are reading they should just move on and find some hippies living in a yurt to read about.

    Julie Q

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  65. Sue, I love reading your blog everyday please carry on. I love hearing about all the work you and your hubby are having done to make your home yours, if fact i'm quite jealous I would love to live the life you have, maybe one day.
    Jayne

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  66. Don't you dare switch to private blogging or we shall cry! It's a wonderfully informative and well written blog and its annoying to feel that you have to justify your way of life. I too am sick of passive aggressive comments and it put me off blogging for a while but feck em now! I shall look forward to reading your blog as always

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  67. Good for you! I don't often comment but I do always read AND ENJOY. I have nothing but admiration for you both :o)
    Best wishes
    Rose H
    x

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  68. Don't listen to them I love you blog and it's actually helped me a lot, particularly the way you preserve your food both freezing and making jam and things and I am always in awe of your very impressing veg growing. Please don't stop blogging X

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  69. I love reading your blog and I enjoyed reading the archives in the summer. Maybe some people don't appreciate your history. If you have read the blog for a while you would know that you have tried loads of different things and have settled for those that suit you not your readers. Keep up the good work as I would miss my daily fix :)

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  70. I agree with all the above. I used to get the odd critical, usually when I made some light hearted post that happened to coincide with some totally unconnected tragedy somewhere in the world. But I learned to shrug them off because what I write, I write primarily for myself and not to please others. If they get some pleasure from it, all well and good - if not they should go away and write their own. So stick with it and hit the delete button on any snide remarks.

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  71. Sue, I love reading your blog and live vicariously through you since I couldn't begin to do what you are doing. I think I found you through John Grey's blog, and I am so glad I did.

    I took early retirement in 2008 because I could no longer work under a "new" principal whose main mantra was, "my way or the highway." She made my life hell, and since stress is not good for people with multiple sclerosis, I just got out. I certainly know what it is like to "live" with someone always telling me a better way to do something.

    Since I have so much trouble with mobility now, I haven't been able to travel much in recent years. I haven't been back to the UK since the spring of 2001, and I've never been to Wales, to my regret. I love reading about the polytunnel, the animals, the solar panels, and everything else to do with your New Life in the Country and and your Year WIthout. I feel like you are a friend, and we will probably never meet except in cyberspace.

    Please continue to tell your story in your on terms, and tell everyone else to go to hell. You and your husband are brave souls, we should all be championing you and what you are trying to do.

    Reading your blog makes absolutely makes my day in suburban Indianapolis, USA.

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  72. You go girl!!! I'm sorry your followers are such arses and hope this post will do the trick. My blog is much the same as yours-a diary!! I don't mind questions about how we do things but they are the way WE do things. Hang in there and thank you so much for blogging because I've learned a lot from you and cried a lot for you but most importantly, laughed my arse off at some of the things you've gone through. You ALWAYS make my day!!!
    Rita

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  73. what you have said reminds me of the mse threads where someone asks for help with a food budget and you see the race to the bottom such as you really spend 25p to feed 3 my goodness i can feed the 5000 for 2p...next poster i can feed 10000 for 1p and so it goes on

    i really enjoy your blog and i dont even own a green finger..please dont stop and perhaps just ignore the hair shirt brigade

    all the best tess

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  74. Your blog is one of the first I read every morning. I look forward to the latest adventures and am fascinated by a life so different from mine. Please don't stop.

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  75. I have been reading your blog for the last couple of years - and have dipped in and out of your early days when you started your journey. There will always be people who feel they know better than you, and delight in trying to show their superior knowledge. More often than not, they just "talk the talk" rather than "walk the walk". You, and Lovely Hubby are living your lives as you want - and can afford - and good luck to you. I really wish you well and I hope to continue to read your adventures for a long time.

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  76. Well that's me in a bad mood - I know it must be hard but take no notice. As you can see its not the general opinion!

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  77. I have been reading along for a long time and went back to the beginning too, love learning about your lives and your animals photos etc. I have smiled at animal antics, shed a few tears when you have lost much loved two and four legged family, and grinned from ear to ear when you bought your forever home. All heightened in 2014 when travelling from Betwys Coed to Llandudno I spotted your house, travelled the same road a few times during our visit last autumn and marvelled at all the work you and LH had done. Don't let the buggers grind you down Sue. Alison, OH and the furry collie. x

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  78. Love your blog-so inspiring !

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  79. I stop for a visit every day and marvel at how well you are becoming self sufficient.

    Keep up the good work.

    God bless.

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  80. Sue, I've noticed this happening to other bloggers too, it's not just you. What I can't understand is that if someone isn't happy reading a blog, why don't they go and read a blog they prefer. I don't have a blog but on a couple of occasions, my 'frugal' comments have been shot down as not being frugal or environmentally friendly enough and it's quite annoying. We all live our frugal and simple lives in our own way; it's interesting to read others' ideas and suggestions and ways of life.

    You just carry on blogging as you are - I love it. I've missed you the last few days xx

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  81. By the way, I think that you should save all the dog hair you hoover up each day and knit your own underwear (only kidding!!!) x

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    1. On second thoughts, ditch the hoover and use a hand brush to gather the dog hair off the carpet (more environmentally friendly!).

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    2. It's a good job I know you .... slap, slap ;-)

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  82. I know exactly who you are talking about and every time she comments I always think 'that's a bit harsh'!!

    I all for live and let live.

    No doubt some people do it differently to others but that is what life is about - surely we can learn from each other without demanding that people do it our way which may or may not be a better way!!

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  83. I like that you don`t give a rat`s arse. You are doing alright, love. Don`t let anyone tell you otherwise. As you`ve said: this is your story and your blog. You are entitled to live your life the way you both see fit. And, it also makes for good reading. I`ve learnt an awful lot from your blog that I wouldn`t otherwise, so please carry on as you sit fit.

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  84. Good to see you back & don't change a thing!

    If I was so inclined I would say give them the finger, but I am not that type of person!! Hey ho!

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  85. Please pay no attention to the unhelpful people who think they know better than you, we like reading YOUR blog !

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  86. I'm sorry that people see fit to leave horrible comments, I enjoy reading your blog and feel very honoured to have a glimpse into your life and your journey of discoveries and adventures along the way. You keep going and doing what you do and I look forward to continuing to read about it. xx

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  87. I don´t think I have commented here before, but I just wanted to say that I love reading your blog! I love the pictures and the insight in life in the country. I am dreaming so badly for it to be reality for me, but I am battling MS, Chiari and chronic pain so chances are it will stay a dream, and you give me a small piece of that life. I am very thankfull , and I would miss your posts terribly if you stop :)

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  88. Hi Sue,
    I really enjoy your blog and want to thank you for sharing lives in and outs.

    To all the nay sayers 'REMEMBER LIFE IS NOT A COMPETITION'

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  89. Good on you sue. I love reading about what you are doing and especially the dogs :) remember you have control of the delete button! I don't publush stupid comments...

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  90. Good on you sue. I love reading about what you are doing and especially the dogs :) remember you have control of the delete button! I don't publush stupid comments...

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  91. Judging by the sheer volume of comments, there are a lot of us who appreciate your blog. I'm glad you are not making it private - we'd miss you terribly!

    : )

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  92. Who the hell are these pointless, interfering losers? You don't owe anyone anything, especially when you're so fabulous. If they think they're so good then off they should go and do it, leave you alone.

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  93. I thoroughly enjoy your blog so many thanks for taking the trouble to write it.
    Please keep it up for those of us who appreciate it!
    As for the know it all fatheads..... they can just.....insert evil swear words here!!!

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  94. Ignore 'em! As I say, if you come across something that you don't like, just walk on by - or click on by in this case - although why people don't do it, I really don't understand! Surely it takes longer to leave a disagreable comment!! Anyway, just as I say walk on by if you don't like it, I walk on by any such comments of which I have had some and get some now, but I simply ignore them. As for e-mails, I also press delete! They seem to get bored and go away quite quickly if you ignore them!! xx

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  95. Wow! That's a lot of positive comments. We all love your blog but there's always someone out there who actually CAN polish a turd! Ha ha, keep blogging, rats arses all the way. Xxxx

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  96. I haven't read the other comments but I'm sure they'll be the same as mine - Just say sod to the ones who think they can do things better. In my experience there is always someone that knows more, but usually they're doing bugger all! I love your blog but haven't read much latley as I've been so busy, I would certainly miss it if it went all of a sudden so please don't!

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  97. You go for it! Stuff the negative comments, delete them and don't publish them. It's your online diary that others are lucky to read. Plenty of keyboard assassins everywhere and they just need ignoring.

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  98. WTF with people? I love reading your daily diary and following along. I even went back ages ago and read from the beginning. You are doing what you want the way that works for you. Hope you keep ignoring them and keep writing.

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  99. Those prats need to just f**k off and read something else! My mummy says ''know it all's'' are the worst kind of advisors as they generally can't say anything nice and have very big heads. Delete, delete, delete xxx

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  100. I read your blog - we don't live as you do, but for over 45 years we've done the best we could in suburbia. I think we can all take helpful hints from each other, but I'm neither a smallholder or a frugal blogger. Most of us write about what we wish to record about our lives. Once you write trying to please everyone it just becomes a chore. So just carry on as usual...

    I don't have nasty comments - in fact I don't get a lot, but the ones I do get are from very nice people and that's just fine. Discounting bots and web crawlers I still get loads of views despite little feedback. I've changed my blog address several times as I'm tired of those who read and move on - very quickly if I mention anything medical! But that is a big part of our life. Trouble is I often feel people read my posts and feel a bit smug that they don't have to deal with such problems. A bit like enjoying reading those cheap magazines which are filled with people's trials and tribulations.

    Write what you want - as I know you will. Life is too short to let such people get under your skin - they will soon tire of it.

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  101. I know what you mean. Sometimes I wonder if people realize they are doing it. I don't ask for advice, but quite often I get it. Sometimes I know what kind of comment will come in as I hit the publish button. I don't mind if people tell me how they do something, but I get a bit miffed when they tell me how I should be doing it.

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  102. Right you are! And I looooooove the photo of the little 'mousy bottom'!

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    1. So do I, I should have credited it really, it's from Google Images, a little felted rats arse ... not as my Mum thought ... the remains of something Rosy had brought in ... now that made me laugh :-)

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  103. We live in the same country, but our lives are so different. You and LH had great vision to see the potential with the house and land and I admire what you are doing to make it possible. There are always nasty, unkind people around who like to be negative and critical. You just have to feel sorry for people like that knowing what kind of person they are and what kind of lives they must lead. You are so highly thought of by all your readers that you do right by not giving a rat's arse what any stupid imbecile might say.

    Joan (Wales)

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  104. Hah you shouldnt give a rats arse :-) you do it your way as everyone should and accept (as everyone should but doesnt!) that other people do it their way! I love reading about your journey to the place you want to be and hope you keep on not giving a rats arse :-)
    Xx

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  105. Oh bother them, Sue - we love the blog and you just the way you are - I love what you are doing, and reading about it! If everybody did everything the same, life would be totally boring and I enjoy pottering about blogland and gathering inspiration and then I generally go and do what I thought, or a version of what someone else is doing. There are lots of things you are doing that I can't do right now, but it is brilliant to read about it all - good luck and carry on the fab stuff xxx

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  106. Take no notice of them, Sue (says she who handles adverse criticism really badly :S ). Look how many of us love your blog, we're worth far more than a few negative comments.

    Please keep on blogging. I envy much about your life, and as I shall never be able to live the way you do, love reading about it and day-dreaming...

    Kitty in the Forest

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  107. You don't have to justify anything to anyone. You live life the way it works for you and what makes you happy and don't waste one precious moment worrying about what others think!!

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  108. Good on you Sue. I read your blog with pleasure and I don't think I have ever sent you a comment before but felt I just had to. Blow the lot of them. Its your life, your blog and your way, and you don't have to justify yourself to anyone. Regards Sue H.

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  109. People are just rude! They should just enjoy reading your blog and watching your progress….ugh! What is this new blog you speak of?
    Keep on posting, I really enjoy your blog!!!

    Coleen

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    1. The link is right at the top of the sidebar. xx

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  110. Please keep going, I enjoy reading about how you are working so hard to make your lifestyle suit you both.
    Red Biddy.

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  111. I truly hope that more of the comments you receive are positive, rather than the negative know it all types. I enjoy your blog so much - the courage that you have and all the hard work and the joy that you share despite all not always going perfectly. I do not have a blog but read and follow several but do not often comment. Please keep blogging - I can live your lifestyle through you, as I do not see me able to do the same. Thank you. Ranee (MN)

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  112. Good for you! But please don't close your blog, I would miss it so much.

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  113. Good on ya Sue:) Love everything about your blog, especially your gorgeous fur babies♥ It's been lovely reading all the amazing comments you've received. You and LH are simply the best:) Linda xx

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  114. Good for you. I've been reading your lovely blog for a long time now and admire the commitment you and your hubby are putting in to your dream of self sufficiency. I also love to read and see pictures of your furry family too. Don't justify yourself to anyone and give those busybody know it all's a two finger salute!!!

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  115. Hi Sue,
    Been reading your blog for a few years. Love to hear about all you and lovely hubby do, your family and the furry babies. Keep blogging and don't let the turkeys get you down. Thanks for the rat's arse pic. Never hope to see one in person.

    Barb in PA USA

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  116. Just tell the nasties to take a long walk off a short pier, preferably as the tide is going out, so they can get washed away. Jealousy is a rotten thing. I think those sort of people are insecure, jealous & pathetic. You are living the life many of us would love but don't or can't for whatever reasons. Loved the visit last year. You are genuine and sincere. Keep on blogging your way, rat's arses and all.

    Kim & David

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  117. I just found your blog last year and I love it. I am enjoying the new blog, too. I like that you are working toward self sufficiency but that doesn't mean you live a deprived life. I think you enjoy nice things and good food and you have a lovely home but you do it all by budgeting for what is important to you. Keep doing what you are doing.

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  118. From Margie in Toronto - Good for you Sue! One of the reasons that I love your blogs so much is that you aren't extreme - you are very down to earth and provide wonderful, helpful information without being preachy. Reading about the trials and errors and all the hard work you and your husband have done should be mandatory for all those contemplating a more "back to the land" lifestyle - you are very honest but always maintain your sense of humour and I have learned so much. Thank you for taking the time to share your life with us.

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  119. I love your blog. Good on you for speaking up and saying something. Not everyone has to do things exactly the same way.. :)

    I have chooks here and just this past week I saw some blogs suggesting other ways to hard boil eggs which I already do perfectly well, except the super fresh ones are more difficult to peel even with a long ice bath.

    I thought their way might be better because they claimed the eggs were easier to peel and I gave it a try, turned out not good at all. :) The eggs are still eatable, for the most part, but with a lot of that green grey sulphur thing around the edges. I'll stick to my egg cooker and do it my way.. perhaps that song should be your theme song here! ;)

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  120. Tell the nay sayers to go root their boots. I enjoy your blog. I have chooks, and harvest rainwater and have back to the grid solar and I although I do spin, weave, knit and sew, I DON'T CARE that you don't do any of the latter list. I like to see your tidy house and veg plot and I love to read about your doings and your dog's, especially Mavis. I am a sucker for a JR and when she went missing, I cried. When she was found, I cried even more. Keep it up and keep on not givning a rat's arswe.

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  121. OHHH NOOOOOOO...tell them to buggar off. I am in hot Western Australia and I love reading how YOU do things. It may be the same as me, it may be different but I love it. I am getting solar panels tomorrow and love that you have them....I don't like knitted dishcloths and love that you don't too. We are all different and it is the differences I love...please stay or can I be your friend :) so I can still live and love the Welsh lifestyle....Julie in Geraldton...

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  122. Sue I love your blog and I am sorry if there are some readers who are a pain. The amount of comments show how many of us love your blog and don't like you copping shit .

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  123. Virginia from urban New Zealand! Good on you - rant needed!! If people can't be positive they really should be told to @#$% off! I love reading of your successes - and occasional failures - I'd miss it if you went private ... unless you allow us to be part of it please :-)) . It's a life style I can never be a part of, and I appreciate your sharing it with us. Thank you.

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  124. Your blog is one of few lifestyle blogs I still bother to read. So many of them seem to think that there is only one way to do things - their way. We are all different people with different backgrounds and abilities. The important thing is that we try to live intentionally - each in the way that works for us. I wish people were more taken up with liftng eachother up instead of criticizing. Keep up the good work, your way! All the best, from Pam in Norway

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  125. Well said, it's your blog and no one should tell you what to do. :)

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  126. I only found your blog a few months ago but have enjoyed your posts and photographs of one of my favourite areas of the country (childhood holidays in LLanwrst, Trefiw and Crafnant). I am at a loss as to why people need to criticise, why don't they just stop reading and go away to read something they do like, or do they just complain about everything? Enjoying the new blog and am interested to follow your progress through the year.

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  127. Well, if that doesn't beat all !!
    Your blog-
    Your life-
    Your kindness letting me/us glimpse all that you and Lovely Hubby are doing-
    Let the nay-sayers and critics and know-it-alls go bugger themselves !!
    I so admire all that you HAVE done and ARE doing, makes me a bit envious, but I look forward to seeing all you and yours are getting up to.
    To those Passive-Aggressive jerks-
    PHhbbitttt !!!
    xoxo

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  128. You make me giggle, it's your life & you do what suits you - no one else. Did you knit your very own rats arse Sue?

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    1. Nooooo ... but I promise I will have a go for next time, if I can't be self sufficient in rats arses I'm in trouble ;-)

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  129. I don't think you should justify to any one what you do. It is your life your family do things the way you want the way you see fit to work things. it works for you, no one else. Its not anyone else's business. I find your blog very interesting. I may not always comment but I always read it, and have gone back because I only recently found you middle of last year.
    Julie

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  130. Hahaaa... I just have to giggle. I always thought the term "Couldn't give a rat's" was typically very Australian. I'm also glad to know that you are strong enough to tell the naysayers that you don't give a rats. Crikey, if they don't like what you're doing just don't read it people! I love your blog and clearly, so do hundreds of other people. There is too much negativity in this world, if we could all be a little kinder to each other and give credit where it is due we wouldn't be in this mess. I have had "friends" say negative things about my blog that shows evidently that they are just jealous. If I was as negative thinking as them I would want to crawl into a hole. Keep on blogging my friend, as we discover other "funny and unusual" folks out here in Blogland who we can identify with.

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  131. Sue you shouldn't have to justify to us or anyone how you run your life and your blog its your life and we only get one so live it and an embrace it and do it your way. There will always sadly in this life be people who think they are better but just try and take no notice. Blogging land sadly does leave you open to nasty people I know that myself from experience. I used to write a lovely blog for 5 years it was my diary I made so many friends from it and it also had a great following then I got a local stalker and I had to delete it over night I was gutted but I had time away from blogland for a year then decided to change my name etc and start another I have to say I am bit reluctant to share personal family details now but that's just me. I think there is a little green eyed monster here for you with regards to your negative comments just ignore them if you can, don't waste your energy on them just continue to enjoy writing your lovely blog and living the way you love to, dee.

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    1. I've found you ... and Followed. Brilliant blog, good luck in all that you are doing over the next few years, you have lots more exciting times ahead :-)

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  132. I love your blog Sue, I don't comment but look forward to reading your updates, As a fellow Mancunian still in the rat race. Sod the lot of them!! just keep on doing it your way.xx

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  133. Love reading the comments, and if the nasty ones have managed to get us and pour out our love and admiration and respect for what you are doing and how you do it then their game really didn't work:) Maria

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  134. Please don't let these ignorant people spoil for you what you have achieved so far. I for one read your blog every day and am always amazed at how much you both have done, and of course the animals, I just love them all. Keep on trekking girl!!

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  135. My sentiments exactly!
    It's your blog,your opinions and ways of doing things, if someone doesn't like it....as you say Rats' arse! I'm glad you will not change your ways to satisfy others!
    Hugs xxx

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  136. I just love reading your stories, following your life during the year.
    I agree with some comments, you make me smile, you're the first thing I read in the morning, drinking my coffee.
    Please, don't let anyone shut you up!

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  137. I have always found what you write to be tremendously helpful, informative and honest. It grieves me to hear some people are having a dig at you. Sign of the times I'm afraid. Just keep on doing your OWN thing Sue. We love you.

    Jean
    xx

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  138. I read a few blogs because I enjoy seeing how other people live. I fail to understand why anyone would leave critical comments. If they don't like what you write they don't need to read it! I don't think I could contemplate your lifestyle for many reasons but I admire it enormously. I have never seen so many comments on a post so I think most of your readers share your annoyance. By the way someone once told me that there are no swear words in Welsh but my grandmother had a few words she used! Jackie

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  139. Sorry to hear you have such negative comments, I love reading how you and yours have grown in this way of life. I say ignore, mostly likely just very jealous people who hate to see how you and Hubby are succeeding.
    Karen x

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  140. as I said to Sue in Suffolk, The internet is full of opinions and "helpful" people. Take comfort in the fact that everyone on your blog is here because they find you have interesting and helpful things to say, and you are an inspiration to others like ourselves who are only just starting on their adventure. All the best for 2016 - Fast-SoS

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  141. as I said to Sue in Suffolk, The internet is full of opinions and "helpful" people. Take comfort in the fact that everyone on your blog is here because they find you have interesting and helpful things to say, and you are an inspiration to others like ourselves who are only just starting on their adventure. All the best for 2016 - Fast-SoS

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  142. Hi Sue, I must of missed this post yesterday - I do check daily - for one reason - I absolutely LOVE your blog. I have not followed your blog from the beginning but I have back-tracked to find out how you started out in your ventures. I have loved every minute of it and I think for people like yourself to share your lives and give other people an insight into your way of life is a marvellous thing to do. I find it very inspiring - and it's people like you that provide this inspiration (and I would imagine many other people would feel the same way too). So THANK YOU so much for your inspiration and your generosity in sharing with other people. I suppose in all walks of life you get some negative, annoying people. Stuff them and carry on with your lovely blog so people like me can enjoy - Kind regards, Louise, Cheshire.

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  143. Awesome reply Sue! Your life..... live it as you please. :)

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  144. I really like reading other diary style blogs precisely because they're a little window into how other people are doing things either the same OR differently to me.

    Sometimes the sense check that you're moving along with everyone else is good, at other times it's great to be out there doing things differently or tweaking things to fit with your life and priorities and goals.

    I also think people can sound a little harsh in the rush to either relate, empathise or share experiences which can occasionally sound more like "you're doin' it wrong" that oh interesting but I do things differently for different reasons!

    Keep on blogging your way :)

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  145. Don't know whether I have already left a comment or not but if I have then this makes two - if I haven't then I am having my say. Take absolutely not one single bit of notice about anything anyone tells you you have got to do! You know your way of life, you know your own mind, your life is to be lived the way you want it - and that's that! Glad in the post above that you got it out of your system by cleaning out the cupboards. I know this is the wrong way round but wanted to add my support.

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  146. I love your blog - love the photos - a lot of "lifestyle" blogs are too earnest and actually unreadable. You obviously work hard, and deserve the treats you occasionally give yourself! Please keep going, I look forward to each day with you!

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  147. I've read your blog from the very beginning and love it. My life is far removed from yours (as I look out the window at snow that will be there until May) but that is probably one of the reasons I love reading it. Fruits and veg. growing in Feb. and March!! OMG! I read all the above comments and agree with them all, I notice one blogger is very conspicuous by their absence. Hmm, interesting. I especially like reading your blog because I am originally from Manchester and you often mention places that I remember. Don't change the way you blog, if you did lots of us would be disappointed!

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  148. I read your amazing, inspiring blog in Baton Rouge, LA (Louisiana!) and have found it to be one of the pleasantest things I do all week! You write a lovely blog, with photos! that are beautiful, and a charming crew of 4footed helpers! That makes perfect in my book! Many thanks for making it public, and best regards, Laura

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  149. Keep going Sue, B****cks to the idiots. Love your blog. X

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  150. I am a regular reader of yours, I had to come back and catch up on the post, because I'm not here a lot right now. We are often out trying to get our son's home squared off as yours is and hopefully someday ours will be. I admire you greatly on working for what you want, and living the way you choose.

    Sour grapes from some people who want to pick, and grind, don't worry a bit about what they say. Jealousy and envy can veil itself in "helping" when it comes from the wrong heart set.

    It's your life, we can all learn from others, but we don't need to when it is being force fed as the only way to go.

    Hugs!

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  151. I absolultly love your blog, your lifestyle, animals, and what you do day to day, and even though i have only recently became a blogger myself i have been reading for years, this blog is one that i always check to see if there is a new post, chin up and hugs to you sammie x

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  152. I love your blog Sue. Someone always think they know better when in actual fact they know nothing !! Debs xx

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  153. So sorry you've had unhelpful comments on your blog. I really enjoyed reading it and have learnt a lot in my own attempts to live on less. Good luck doing things however you want to do!

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  154. Good on you!! I've been reding your blog for a while now and really enjoy it. We have recently gone the other way, moving from our lifestyle block back into town. You are doing what I aspired to, but never achieved. Working full time doesn't help, but I didn't have your drive. I admire what you are doing, as it takes effort. Nay Sayers should just be ignored. I reckon if you can't say something nice, don't say anything, especially on someone else's blog. I hope you keep on as always, as I enjoy my daily read. By the way, you did well to find a pic of a ray's arse.

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  155. Fabulous Sue, you couldn't be more right. We are all individuals, we are all living our own lives. If they don't like what you say or do, frankly they should spend their time doing something constructive for themselves and naff off and leave you alone. Keep on my lovely x

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  156. I started reading your blog when you were at the farm. Your blog has provided the basis of many conversations with my husband as you make YOUR choices in the life YOU want to lead. Your challenges are inspirational and we are in awe of your veg growing. The icing on the cake has been your move to near my home town of Llanrwst - now when my Mum says it has been raining I reply "yes, I saw the flooding on Sue's blog"!

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  157. I know I have only commented a few times, but I love reading your blog. I read your blog because it is so interesting. I live in Texas and I find you do many things like we do and some completely different. With every project you start I can't wait to the progress you have made. You would be missed if you went private. You are one of my favorite blogs I read.

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  158. Hello Sue, I've never commented before. I've been a lurker on your blog for the last four years, but now it's time to make my very first post.
    I love, love, love to read about your adventures of finding a perfect place to live, your gardening, your animals, and so on. I like your style of writing, your humor, the way you look at your life and the beautiful photos of the landscape, the farm and your four-footed family. Sure I do some things in another way as you do them, but you are you and I'm me, and that's ok. It is impertinent to arrogate to tell you how you have to live your life. (Phew, what a sentence. I hope I have done it right :-)) You are so generous to let us take part in your life. Please ignore these know-it-alls.
    Don't go private, please! I will miss you very, very much!
    I hope I haven't expressed myself wrong (with the help of the Google Translator).
    Best regards from Germany (The home of the Landlust is just around the corner ;-) )
    Petra

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  159. You tell em, wow that had a huge response didn't it.. and what a cheek, someone reading your blog telling you what to do... I think you have dealt with the comments right on, so more power to your elbow and I shall be back to read more... but the comments above, well just had to read and enjoy,..

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  160. Keep doing what you are doing, the way you want to do it, I love your blog Sue. When I first found it, before you moved, I went back to the very first one and read from there. I didn't sleep that night ;)

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  161. Hi Sue,
    I've never been moved to comment before although I've been a long term blog reader...
    Basically, you go girl! Its your life, live it as you see fit x

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  162. Couldn't agree more with everything you have said and everyone above, unfortunately the internet leaves us open to negativity and peoples less than helpful opinions, you are doing what I set out to do and then life went a different road, I admire what you are achieving and love reading your blog and seeing your achievements and progress, keep it up :)

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