A study in mushrooms and taking inspiration from the Good Life

We have had so much rain here lately that mushrooms have sprouted up all over the place. I've discovered a little love of these fungi and whip out my phone to take a photo whenever I see one. Here are a few: (I have no idea what kind they are)

I've lived in this region long enough to know not to pick the mushrooms for food, though I'm sure some may be edible. However, the mushies aren't the only thing taking off at the moment. 

After a long, hot, burnt summer we have had so much rain in the last few months. This means we have had far fewer frosts than is normal at this time of year. So we are still cultivating lettuce, oregano, parsley and rosemary from the garden (under shade cloth in the garden we have chinese cabbage and spinach growing but they're not ready yet).

 In our little green house we have beetroot and cauliflower growing happily in containers, waiting for their permanent homes in our new wicking beds to be ready. 

                                                

                                                

Yesterday we planted seed potatoes for spring. It's early but they will sit and wait patiently (more patiently than us, I'm sure!)

The chooks have started laying again after a winter / feather loss hiatus. Nothing beats fresh eggs. Thanks Brownie!

                                                  

With panic buying and an uncertain global future I think it's best to grow some fruit or vegetables if you can. I also think it's best to grow what you eat. We are only planting food now that we know we will eat. No need to add to the waste. 

My biggest inspiration is still Tom and Barbra Good, from the 1970s show, "The Good Life." I love this show and their dedication to suburban self-sufficiency. We often dream about "escaping the rat race" and moving to the country, but recent events have shown that isn't necessarily the safest or wisest idea, especially if funds are low and job security an issue already. Tom and Barbra didn't have a mortgage - that was established in the first episode - nor did they have any children. But they made it work for them, with many challenges along the way.

                                       

                                                                               Via

What Tom and Barbra offer is extreme, I'll grant that, but there's something for everyone - take what you want from their very forward-thinking (or is it a throw-back to the old ways?) philosophy on self-sufficiency.

If you're interested you can check them out on Youtube:
The Good Life