Blueberry Plant Arrives

Over the last few years we have grown (or tried to grow) a number of Blueberry plants. The first few attempts for complete failures. For a start we had them with the wrong aspect i.e. too much Sun. Just to make it impossible for them to thrive we also planted them in the wrong soil i.e. they like a bit of acidity.

After a few failures I was listening to a local radio station 1233 and the announcer Carol Duncan mentioned she had Blueberries in pots in her back yard. That sounded like a good idea. We loaded the pots with a Rose/Gardenia/ Azalea mix and planted again but put the pots around on the eastern side of the house and had great success.

The next problem was Jean investigating Blueberries in various books and journals only to discover the varieties we had planted were really ornamental and the fruit we harvested was mediocre in flavour compared to the real thing. But they survived in our climate.


Sunshine Blue, Edible but really ornamental

Jean assembled a list of desired low chill varieties and approached Country Elegance Gardens and Gifts in Dungog. They have done a superb job and the first plant arrived this week via a circuitous route. The grower took it to Sydney and nursery owner's husband collected it in person. Now that is service. The next variety will arrive in July.

Misty, the real deal. 250-450 chill hours with large full flavoured fruit

Just so we didn't waste the trip to Dungog we performed a few additional tasks to make an afternoon's fun. Dropped off some books and DVDs at the library and filled the company ute with fuel.

The vehicle in use this week is a V8 Landcruiser with two 100 litre tanks which we are temporarily driving while the boss uses the much smaller Colarado duel cab, our normal company vehicle. The Landcruiser should warm the globe on its own. Apparently it is the choice of middle east armed insurgents for mounted cannon. I don't know how they can afford the fuel. And it barely fits two in the front which is probably why you see so many masked men hanging off the tray in those news reels. The masks must be to keep the sand out of the mouth.

The highlight of the trip was the visit to the dump where we collected a whole host of useful objects such as a couple more heavy gauge galvanised pipes for fencing, a three metres of thick conveyor belting for the future cattle yards and a few kilograms of unused Tek screws of which my workshop consumes in vast amounts. Additionally there were various hand tools, bits, bobs nuts and bolts. The screws alone would be worth over $100 but our entire haul cost $30.

Belting and pipes

Small Hand Drill and hinges

Axe, chisels, Crown Seal Capper, Scissor Jack, Carpenters Pincers

Miscellaneous  Tek Screws

More Tek Screws

Yet more Tek Screws

Building Another NZ Compost Bin(s) Part One Materials Sourcing

We have two wooden NZ Compost bins which have easily demountable front walls. Having two side by side allows us to make one compost and then 5 weeks later turn it easily and quickly into the second bin for the second heating process.

Because we make a lot of compost a third bin was made using concrete blocks. As it aged over the five weeks the compost material reduced in volume and the surplus blocks are used to assemble the second bin in advance of turning. There are some other projects in the pipeline where the concrete blocks are needed and in any spare time I've begun building a pair of bins out of hardwood.

The wood comes from two small chicken runs that we originally built nearly 20 years ago and have been gradually dismantling and wood stored. Over the last couple of days the dismantling has been finished and there is enough wood to complete the compost bins.

This is the third re-birthing for this hardwood as it all came from a Tennis Shed in Newcastle that was built back in the 1920s. In those days it wasn't unusual for large companies to build a Tennis Court and Shed for its management to use in the evenings and at weekends as a form of relaxation.

In the early 1990s the shed was dismantled to make way for a further car park expansion. The Tennis Court had disappeared a couple of years before to cater for the ever expanding car park. The Tennis shed had a few years reprieve as a document storage facility. I was working at the firm at that time and was lucky enough to have a chance to retrieve some of the timber before it was dumped. I remember bringing home several groaning trailer loads of this seasoned hardwood.

Our property has a number of completed projects which utilised the hardwood.

I'm always amazed when I see old buildings being demolished and the material being loaded into trucks by huge excavators to be taken to the dump and used as landfill. When I was growing up in Newcastle there were a number of recycling or demolition yards where all types of material was on offer. All these have closed. Just so disappointing.

Next: Building Another NZ Compost Bin(s) Part Two Material Preparation

Bio Dynamic 500 Mixer

Our mixing machine for BD 500 burnt out its motor last year.

BD 500 Mixer

We had a spare few motors just lying around. Some were well used items retrieved from a defunct dairy and one was the motor on our 1920's reconstituted milking machine. The milking machine has remained idle for nearly 20 years since we stopped breeding. It has a very good motor bought especially for the job and expensive.

Well it was time to bite the bullet and get the mixer functioning for next week.

At first I examined the old dairy motors to see if any were strong enough for this job. There was one that looked reasonable but the support brackets were badly rusted. An hour or two later the casing brackets were replaced with those from another motor. But the testing showed the motor was still not as good as preferred.

The non functioning motor

Some cut and shunt spares

And so it was a trip down to our hayshed where we had set up the milking machine and the newer motor was removed.

The biggest problem is the wiring. Not as simple as two wires. There are 5 wires to connect. One of which is Earth. That leaves 4. The complication is because the mixer turns one way creating a vortex and then stops and turns the other creating chaos.

Examining the connections

I was thinking that it would be as simple as lining up the wires on the old motor with the wires on the new. But not so. The new motor has a completely different setup. Well at least it looks completely different. I know from vague memories a theory that the basic operation is the same and that it just looks different.

The replacement motor

There was a small hope that the internet may supply some answers. Lots of forums on motors and reversing etc. but nothing that gave me any viable solution.

I set up a test bed near the mixer with electrical power and ran a series of tests. It was easy to make the motor go one way or the other but how to make it change direction using the mixer?

After lots of playing and thinking I eventually tried a test that worked. Who needs Sudoku or Crossword Puzzles. After installing the motor and testing the forward and backward operation I called it quits. Will test the mixer under full load next week. Oh and I also gave all the bearings a grease.

Finished Projects

Just so everyone knows that life isn't just hanging about water pump retailers awaiting repairs.

Jean filled in for me at our work property moving cows, providing guidance to the contract fencer who turned up, transporting the man who delivered a large tractor for use unloading silage next week and even doing the practical work of harrowing a few paddocks. The 80 HP tractor has a set of bale handlers. The property tractor is too small and doesn't have the suitable handlers that won't damage bales. Mind you this is the third time the tractor has been delivered in three weeks. The Delivery truck has failed to arrive on each occasion. The current promise is Monday.

Yesterday the cement mixer was finally assembled and dry tested. Shame to have to dirty it and mix concrete.

The black bowl will show up cement for cleaning off easier

The generator had a few additions. Two waterproof capsules for joining extension cords. A second Residual Current Device to prevent accidental electrocution and the Surge Protection Power Board. This kit of extras will be kept with the generator for quick access and so we don't forget to use them.

Finally the outdoor umbrella has been sitting in the workshop waiting to have its cord replaced. Just one of those jobs that didn't get done for 9 months. But now it is finished and erected in a sunny warm spot for Autumn afternoon teas.

Never Ending Projects

Just when I thought it was safe to go back into the workshop another project rears its head. When we had that big thunder storm a few weeks ago I wrote about a frightened dog who turned up. She found her way into the house via the cat/dog door OK but made a new exit via the fly screen in another door.

Oh well it needed to be replace being a bit tatty. The trouble is that when one fly screen is replaced all the others look like crap. That means four doors will need upgrading. 7 metres of aluminium flyscreen comes to $68 after the Powerpass discount at Bunning's. Yep being a handyman provided the opportunity to apply for a plastic trade discount card. It's not much but it all adds up over the years.

Most of the day was spent in the workshop welding patches onto the barrel of the cement mixer. It took a mix of electric stick welding and Oxy Acetaline welding but in the end it didn't look too bad. It is now in the painting stage. A pleasurable couple of hours was then passed assembling all the other parts and testing the end result. Another couple of days for painting the barrel and the job will be done and then onto something else i.e. screen doors.

A note about gathering washing. Must remember to put it away. In cooler weather it becomes a handy nest.

 

Belle

Cement Mixer and other Projects

The main project is progressing well. After giving the mixing bowl a thorough descaling some corrosion was found in the base of the bowl. The underside of the bowl is a moulded into a gear to engage with another angled gear. The corrosion would be a point of weakness and rather than take the risk of a failure it has been repaired with the old Oxy gear. The metal is too thin for my indelicate stick welder but the oxy set is perfect.

The only concern is that my oxy gear which was handed down from my father doesn't have much gas remaining and to refill the cylinders would mean paying a monthly rental on the bottles. I use the oxy set so rarely these bottles have lasted more than 20 years.

The backup plan is to pay for the use of an oxy set that a nearby friend has in his workshop.

Freshly Painted components



Oxy Welding outfit

A line of corrosion in the mixing bowl

Repairs to the pressed metal gear at the base of the mixing bowl.

While having afternoon tea with some friends on Sunday I was given some Acme threads in various forms. I need to replace the threaded screw on the baby wine press. The standard threads I've used have all stripped because of the immense pressure being applied.

Acme threads are designed for this huge pressure but buying some is an issue. It only comes in 12 foot lengths at great cost. All that this project needs is one foot. If these examples are not suitable my fall back position is finding a second hand scissor jack which also uses Acme thread and although it will come in the correct length it may be undersized and bow. I'm sure it can all be sorted out.

Three examples of Acme thread

Cement Mixer Progress Report

In between making a Blue Cheese and planting out some Onion seedlings most of the day was spent on the Cement Mixer refurbishment project.

There is only one spare part that needs replacing but if it is not available it can be fudged. At least the identity of the cement mixer has been established. It is a Lightburn and Co. 1 3/4 cubic foot mixer first manufactured about 1963 - thank you Google.

The main frame has been cleaned, rust treated and two coast of metal paint added. The electric motor is clean, the cowling painted and a new on/off switch installed. This is not a vintage rebuilt project just a refurbishment to get a working machine for home use.

The mixing bowl and supporting hardware has been dismantled and last night all bar the bowl was de-scaled and rust inhibitor added.

A very satisfying project so far.

Just thought this workshop item was worth mentioning.  A bright flexible light and a large magnifying glass. Just perfect for getting a closer look at small components of faded writing. Not saying there is anything wrong with eyesight.

Concrete Mixer Update, Sunday Lunch, Ciabatta

Our lunch with friends was scheduled for a 12.30 start encouraging us to both rise early and finish off any last minute tasks.

I was supposed to collect milk yesterday evening but shortly before heading off the neighbours called in to let us know that our three cattle were in their leased paddock. They (the neighbours) are animal lovers and have a huge collection of stray and previously mistreated animals. Our three cattle were eating their purchased hay but they weren't concerned, just wanted to let us know. I was concerned. They had only just been moved to a fresh paddock groaning with green feed. What was going on? While Jean chatted to them I went down to our back paddock to find a wooden fence post snapped off and laying down with our three strays waiting on the other side begging to come back. Standing on the wires to keep them down was enough to encourage their return. An hour later having brought down some steel posts, hammer and wire the repairs were complete and some other weak spots toughened. But too late to get milk. So that was my priority this morning.

Jean continued on in the kitchen with all the last minute preparations. All those little tasks that can't be done too far in advance. We set the table between us. The Biga for the Ciabatta was souring in the Bread Maker and just needed the final ingredients added and set to mix. This time rather than make a full load, everything was halved to make a much smaller batch which worked well. The risings were all planned ahead so that the baking would finish just as the guests arrived.

Fresh Ciabatta

Being well organised for a change we both had plenty of time spare and it meant a trip to the workshop for an hour to spend some quality time with the concrete mixer being refurbished.

Descaler

Air Compressor

The job has been split into two for ease. The base which includes the electric motor is in progress now. Previously the wheels had been cleaned with a descaler  attachment on the air compressor. Then a wire brush attachment on the drill worked over the surface of the wheels and one of the metal panels. These were then painted with Rust Converter and left overnight.

We purchased the Air Compressor a couple of years ago. Rather than get an inexpensive small handyman unit we waited until we could afford a more versatile large model that would handle all sorts of air tools including a spray painter. It really has been worth the larger investment.

The metal wheels and some of the protective cladding.

Today with the spare hour these three items were cleaned down with a damp cloth to remove the excess Rust Converter and an additional wire brushing. They will be painted eventually but I'll wait until a few more components are ready for painting.

The next item for attention is the electric motor. It works but is in a poor state of maintenance. With the time allowed it was dismantled except for the pulley side which is a bit stubborn and will need more love.

Just needs some love

Lubricant and pressure

Back to the party. A shower and coffee before the guests arrive and we have an enjoyable afternoon eating, drinking and chatting. The visitors leave by 4 pm and after a clean up there is time for me to return to the workshop and work on the project until after dark. Great day.

Concrete Mixer, Chocolate, Stray Dog, Torch Repair

We have visitors coming next Sunday for lunch. Some friends that we haven't seen for a few months. Jean has been inspired to try a few different recipes for the event.  Smoked Salmon Pinwheels, Anchovy Straws, Baked Camembert, Fetta Tart Vanilla Bean Pastry with Chocolate Ganache, mixed berries and Cream.

The lead up work has been trialling some of the not previously attempted dishes which is just as well as there have been some serious disasters. Not that I'm complaining as I've been the recipient of some meals that didn't work out (they may not look right but they taste fine). On one particular day for some inexplicable reason everything Jean trialled failed to come together as it should. Fortunately, perseverance paid off.

My small contribution was the chocolate for the Ganache. The standard recipe of three parts Coconut Oil, one part Honey and seven parts Cocoa Powder always works out to provide a rich extremely tasty chocolate. After making a large block of plain for Jean to melt into the Ganache it was decided to restock our chocolate supplies; Plain thin chocolate shards which just melt in the mouth - Jean's favourite, Chocolate block with roasted peanuts and coconut chips - my favourite, Ported Prunes dipped in chocolate, roasted Almonds in chocolate and with the leftover material Chocolate and Almond Meal shards. That should keep us going for the next few days.

Plain shards

Chocolate Roasted Almond

Anzac Day started with a lengthy thunderstorm with which the rain was welcome. It also brought with it a stray dog who was wandering up and down our house yard fence line in distress. Jean let her in and although she didn't want to be touched she settled down on the door mat and wandered in and out of the house from time to time. Tentatively wearing welder' gloves I eventually grabbed her to inspect the collar but it had no ID. Jean, who has a memory for these things had a vague recollection that she had seen the dog before. We were going to wait until the morning to take her to the vet to scan for a microchip but eventually Jean went into the township to find the suspected owner. She returned with no good news. The woman who she thought might own it said it didn't sound like her dog which supposedly was with her kids at the local bowling club. Jean left our address just in case.

An hour later the woman turned up and claimed the poor dog!

One of our really old rechargeable torches was waning. Rechargeable batteries eventually reach end of life after a certain number of charges. Being a frugal and enjoying a challenge I dismantled the torch and removed the batteries. They are not designed to be replaced but being standard AA batteries a little soldering and an hour's effort provided a fully functioning torch which will ,be handy in the workshop as often I'm caught there after dark groping my way back to the house.

Last month the bulky items clean up yielded a functioning but old concrete mixer. It has been sitting in the workshop for a month teasing me with the excitement of a dismantle, clean and rebuild. Today the process was started. What an amazing piece of equipment. Despite having been out in the weather for a long time, under previous ownership, is still in good shape. The high quality metal construction has some surface rust only. The screws and bolts are of such quality that they unscrew with ease despite the rust. Each bolt and screw is of the ideal length for the job. This thing must be 50 years old, manufactured in those days when high quality built to last materials were used. I'm going to enjoy this.

Dijon Mustard, Dungog Excursion, Mushrooms

Using a recipe from The Compleat Mustard I compounded a Dijon Mustard minus a few things that weren't in the pantry like Tarragon and Chervil. Its been soaking in Verjuice for about 48 hours. Yesterday it had absorbed all the juice and a little more was stirred into the mix.

Today it went into the Kenwood Chef blender. It's pretty thick and a little more verjuice was added to get the mix rolling nicely. It was left in the blender to soak for another 4 hours absorbing more liquid. A little more was added until the rolling pattern returned. After some minutes the texture became smooth although the mustard seed shells make it look like there are tiny seeds. A taste test proved it to be very smooth except for one small problem. It doesn't taste like Dijon. It does taste like a really good English mustard. The recipe now calls for it to be sieved through progressively fine cloths but I'm not going to bother. It's great the way it is.

Dijon

We went to Dungog this morning to see if the Dump Shop had any scissor jacks. Scissor jacks use a screw thread called Acme (Imperial) or Trapezoidal (metric). Our very small wine press is broken because the threaded screw is damaged again after only a few uses since the previous thread was replaced. The beauty of the Acme thread is it is low torque and should take the higher pressure turning. 

The Dump Shop did not yield a scissor jack but it did supply a large Furi knife and an armful of other treasures which put us out of pocket by $10.

The local church hall was having its weekly op shop and again provided some $3 unused cotton t-shirts and heavy duty $9 work pants for me as I've converted a few to workshop rags of recent.

Jean managed a couple of very nice tops and wait for it ... hipster pants. It took some convincing on my part to get her to buy them. Her two reasons for objecting were firstly hipsters are uncomfortable and feel like they are going to fall down. And secondly there was the mutton done up as lamb comment. My arguments were it was a lovely colour, they fitted perfectly and made her look sexy. And she only had to wear them around the house for me if she was that worried.

Not many 58 year old women have the figure to fit a pair of stove pipe legged hipsters - a by-product of our swimming and eating regime.

A day or so ago I was listening to a podcast on mushrooms.  We've bought mushroom kits in the past which produced very few mushroom compared to the cost. This podcast got me inspired. One of the ingredients needed to start is coffee grounds. Picking the largest and busiest coffee shop in Dungog Chillbillies Jean purchased a coffee and made the request for some used grounds. Eureka! Returning a few minutes later with a 20 litre bucket she collected a goodly amount to start our venture. Next step is to purchase some Oyster mushrooms to start the process.

Coffee Grounds

Recycling,

This topic comes about because today is the day the recycling bin is taken down to the road for collection in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Our bin is pretty full as it was emptied four weeks ago. It is fuller than normal. A quick look inside confirmed that there were some extras in there. Some metal waste form the workshop after a number of projects were completed in the last month. The main culprit was the rusty mesh from the broody hen pen. Normally after a month the bin would only be about half to two thirds full so its seems sometimes we produce a little extra waste.

Driving to and from the property we work on over the river it's noticeable how full other yellow lidded recycling bins are each fortnightly pickup. The reason it sticks out is the lids can't be closed completely because there is so much material stuffed in them.

Do people think that recycling is just about putting it in the recycling bin? Or do they save their cardboard packaging and paper based products to use as mulch?

Each year we have a couple of shoe boxes of financial papers to put into storage for the required number of years and consequently two shoe boxes of papers to dispose of somehow. Timing is everything. Rather than burn the sensitive documentation it is held over until a hot compost is being made and used as the first layer. When Jean stopped teaching she had boxes and boxes of teaching notes. These were used as a thick mulch under hay to restrict the spread of the Plumbago bush.

Most glass containers are kept for reuse at least once if not many, many times. Once they reach an end of life they are then placed in the recycling bin.

Wherever possible everything is reused as often as possible to justify environmental costs of manufacture.

We try so hard to be responsible with our consumption. There are so many people out there trying to do the same and yet we are outnumbered.