Ah Jo! May you find the tongue of flames that ignite a roaring fire. Bless you the intimacy of finding all the secrets to keeping the heat on. Relationships always ebb and flow into a deeper knowing. Enjoy that touch of gold. Thinking of you in Autumn. Bless you 🙏❤️
Hi Jo, I hope Meg is roaring her radiant glow to warm your heart and home. My chimney 'man' is coming out today to make sure everything is in order for another Winter. Got a bit of a giggle imaging a lawn mowing lover — lover, in front of the fire. I think I know what you mean, I mean. 🤣. Clearly, I need my morning coffee. Love the photos 💛. Have a great day. 🙏 🔥
I enjoy reading your musings Jo. 😊🙏🏼 The chimney man is a good bloke, very kind 🤣🙏🏼. I have had a good day, got back out in the surf. Fingers crossed for a good result in our election here tonight. My fire 🔥 is blaring, doesn’t have a name, you have inspired me. 🤣
I had help with our little blaze from a young expert firelighter last Sunday , conversant as he is with stoves and recently tent and stovepipe in the damp Scottish Highlands, with dry birch bark and twigs and the single match … voyageur Canadian style. He nipped out to the garden for our dry hogweed hollow stalk that allows the subtle application of breath to the critical small flames.
Great to see the generations👍… Wonderful pictures👍... we have seen some of those trees before from a different year and season. I remember remarking my imagination shall canoe the distance to greet them!
PS BBC in a pre-war outside radio live broadcast experiment, set up a retired senior naval officer as commentator for the Royal Review of the Fleet, a very grand occasion in the Solent I guess. He fell of course among friends and colleagues, and was unable to get much further than repeating a number of times, 'The Fleet is all Lit Up!' to the listening nation, before they closed him down and put on gramophone records.
Oh how fascinating Philip - thank you for sharing that bit of British history.
I love that you take the lighting of a fire seriously, as seriously as Pumpkin and her fellow feline friends. I am in awe of those who really know their stuff with the type of wood, the layering, the "subtle application of breath".
Thanks so much for your generous comment Philip. 💛
Ah... cats and children worth taking seriously...😊👍
PS BBC even had a wax recording somebody deftly fielded for later. They were developing kit for recording outside. Kit turned up later during the war; a famous nightingale with bombers droning over was one I remember.
Roaring Meg, I love that name. Mine is just called ‘stove’ I feel like I’ve let her down in the name department now - not that she doesn’t let me down often, or maybe it’s just that she’s not lit..? Or even that I’m not… more likely the case!!
Loved this Jo, stay warm and cost - your photos are glorious! 💛xx
I checked out the website for "Roaring Meg" wood-burners - looks like a nice bit of kit. And yes, a new piece of kit means a new learning curve.
Meanwhile here in Portugal we had the whole of Spain & Portugal with no electricity last Friday; total chaos - and today, with newly arrived paying guests, our very own water system decided to pack up. I think the pump's blown; not sure. But of course being 1st May it's a national holiday. Hope to get it fixed tomorrow. Might have no water 'till next week so our guests have bottled water from the local well-spring and will have to wash old-style, pouring water into a bowl - and use the compost loo too. Air-con went on the car as well; they don't make the needed spare part any more. I blame it on the Russians .. err no, make that the Americans.
I love that you checked out the Roaring Meg website Josh. 😃 You are an engineer through and through and have such a creative and curious mind. No doubt with these qualities you will be able to manage the upcoming challenges. I so relate to things like blown pumps and composting loos. I think every tiny house owner needs a replica of you on stand by to deal with all these things!
Your last sentence made me smile.
I can't believe the whole of Spain and Portugal had no power! All the best for it all! 💛
Have got someone to come on Monday to try and locate what's up with our water system - it's beyond me. Meanwhile I go to the village well each day and bring back loads of water in 5 litre containers. I actually quite like the simpler ways.
The national black-out last week was one of those moments when I finally decided to invest in a solar-electric system as a back-up when the grid fails - as well as reducing the monthly electricity bill.
Meanwhile the rains have returned - unprecedented. It seems the trade-winds across the Atlantic have shifted, bringing us 'English' weather. Jeez, we moved 1,000 miles south to Portugal to get away from all that. The bonus though is everything is still so green and Nature is buzzing with extra life - manna to the soul.
Went an hour's drive last Saturday to meet an expert honey guy (Austrian married to a Portuguese) - and learned a lot about plants that attract bees. Veronika & I are on the case - and this weather is perfect for planting.
A stray cat gave birth to three kittens on our back doorstep on 25th April (The Carnation Revolution Day here, a National holiday) and so I a made a quick box to house them. We call them the Revolution Kittens. Looking for a good home for them in about 2 months. Interested? I think that brings me up-to-date on our quinta-life. Cheers, Josh.
What a wonderful window into your life there Josh - thank you.
Yes I would like a kitten thank you but ..... need to wait until I'm settled in a more permanent home.
Solar is great as long as you have a back up. And of course you do because you are using the solar as a back up. I was going to go solar but due to the investment and possible short term time here in this set up it wasn't worth it. Many people in Wanaka have solar now. Look forward to hearing how it all goes.
And the honey! Wonderful! I am thinking poems and honey and gifts and community and so much more.....
A few frosty nights and winter days encourage us to deepen our relationships with the things that create our environments and turn houses in to homes .
Your writings are a reminder to value the little things and that we do have relationships with all the that come in to our lives .
Hi Jo, this is my first time reading your Substack, and I love what I'm reading. I love the photos; the area where you live is so beautiful. I love your discussion of the word "lit." Such a great poem. Thank you for writing this.
Ah Jo, your words never fail to make me smile. I love reading these gorgeous, funny, beautifully poetic snippets of your life. Know that in your tiny home with Roaring Meg and the spirit of Pumpy, there’s room for all of us too, because you make it so cosy and welcoming with your words and your photos. Sending love x
Delightful! It turns out lighting a fire isn't just a practical necessity, but an adventure of sorts! I love how Roaring Meg has so quickly become part of your rhythm, teaching you her ways just as much as you’re learning hers. And yes, here's to getting lit ... the kind that warms up the soul without the headache the next morning!
Ah Jo! May you find the tongue of flames that ignite a roaring fire. Bless you the intimacy of finding all the secrets to keeping the heat on. Relationships always ebb and flow into a deeper knowing. Enjoy that touch of gold. Thinking of you in Autumn. Bless you 🙏❤️
💛😀 So good Jamie, thank you.
The essence of life encapsulated: "the tongue of flames that ignite", "the finding all the secrets to keeping the heat on."
So appreciate you being here. 🙏xx
Hi Jo, I hope Meg is roaring her radiant glow to warm your heart and home. My chimney 'man' is coming out today to make sure everything is in order for another Winter. Got a bit of a giggle imaging a lawn mowing lover — lover, in front of the fire. I think I know what you mean, I mean. 🤣. Clearly, I need my morning coffee. Love the photos 💛. Have a great day. 🙏 🔥
Love it Simone. Hope you enjoyed your morning coffee and that your chimney "man" got everything in order for you... 😃💛
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. xx
I enjoy reading your musings Jo. 😊🙏🏼 The chimney man is a good bloke, very kind 🤣🙏🏼. I have had a good day, got back out in the surf. Fingers crossed for a good result in our election here tonight. My fire 🔥 is blaring, doesn’t have a name, you have inspired me. 🤣
Love this Simone. So great you immerse yourself in the surf. Look forward to hearing if you name "Fire". xx
It's a big box Canadian heater (that John chose 🤣), I think Jack might suit (as in lumberjack) 🤣. Must be coffee time.
Lawn mowers and love some distant suburban summer afternoon!😊
It does sound like a summer afternoon doesn't it! xx
Cats take this very seriously and so do I. 👍
I had help with our little blaze from a young expert firelighter last Sunday , conversant as he is with stoves and recently tent and stovepipe in the damp Scottish Highlands, with dry birch bark and twigs and the single match … voyageur Canadian style. He nipped out to the garden for our dry hogweed hollow stalk that allows the subtle application of breath to the critical small flames.
Great to see the generations👍… Wonderful pictures👍... we have seen some of those trees before from a different year and season. I remember remarking my imagination shall canoe the distance to greet them!
PS BBC in a pre-war outside radio live broadcast experiment, set up a retired senior naval officer as commentator for the Royal Review of the Fleet, a very grand occasion in the Solent I guess. He fell of course among friends and colleagues, and was unable to get much further than repeating a number of times, 'The Fleet is all Lit Up!' to the listening nation, before they closed him down and put on gramophone records.
Oh how fascinating Philip - thank you for sharing that bit of British history.
I love that you take the lighting of a fire seriously, as seriously as Pumpkin and her fellow feline friends. I am in awe of those who really know their stuff with the type of wood, the layering, the "subtle application of breath".
Thanks so much for your generous comment Philip. 💛
Ah... cats and children worth taking seriously...😊👍
PS BBC even had a wax recording somebody deftly fielded for later. They were developing kit for recording outside. Kit turned up later during the war; a famous nightingale with bombers droning over was one I remember.
Roaring Meg, I love that name. Mine is just called ‘stove’ I feel like I’ve let her down in the name department now - not that she doesn’t let me down often, or maybe it’s just that she’s not lit..? Or even that I’m not… more likely the case!!
Loved this Jo, stay warm and cost - your photos are glorious! 💛xx
Thanks for having a play with me with words and woodburners Susie.
"Stove," it is certainly a rather perfunctory name although I quite like it. I can just imagine you talking to her sternly.
Hopefully you are not needing to use Stove much in these warmer days for you.
Thank you for being here as always. xx💛
Stay warm Jo! Your post made me laugh... Let's get Lit!
Soon it will be air conditioner time here.
Thanks Pamela! I am so pleased it brought a laugh and some light.
It sounds like your temps are warming and bringing many more walks and outdoor connections. 🌸💛xx
The temps were warming Jo and now it’s been colder and wet! Soon better weather here. It looks like you’ve got fall weather now?
Yes beautiful Autumn here in the South Island of NZ. May the rain stop soon for you. xx
I love the juxtaposition of the seasons with the hemispheres. That has always fascinated me! Sun on the weekend I think!
xx
I checked out the website for "Roaring Meg" wood-burners - looks like a nice bit of kit. And yes, a new piece of kit means a new learning curve.
Meanwhile here in Portugal we had the whole of Spain & Portugal with no electricity last Friday; total chaos - and today, with newly arrived paying guests, our very own water system decided to pack up. I think the pump's blown; not sure. But of course being 1st May it's a national holiday. Hope to get it fixed tomorrow. Might have no water 'till next week so our guests have bottled water from the local well-spring and will have to wash old-style, pouring water into a bowl - and use the compost loo too. Air-con went on the car as well; they don't make the needed spare part any more. I blame it on the Russians .. err no, make that the Americans.
I love that you checked out the Roaring Meg website Josh. 😃 You are an engineer through and through and have such a creative and curious mind. No doubt with these qualities you will be able to manage the upcoming challenges. I so relate to things like blown pumps and composting loos. I think every tiny house owner needs a replica of you on stand by to deal with all these things!
Your last sentence made me smile.
I can't believe the whole of Spain and Portugal had no power! All the best for it all! 💛
Have got someone to come on Monday to try and locate what's up with our water system - it's beyond me. Meanwhile I go to the village well each day and bring back loads of water in 5 litre containers. I actually quite like the simpler ways.
The national black-out last week was one of those moments when I finally decided to invest in a solar-electric system as a back-up when the grid fails - as well as reducing the monthly electricity bill.
Meanwhile the rains have returned - unprecedented. It seems the trade-winds across the Atlantic have shifted, bringing us 'English' weather. Jeez, we moved 1,000 miles south to Portugal to get away from all that. The bonus though is everything is still so green and Nature is buzzing with extra life - manna to the soul.
Went an hour's drive last Saturday to meet an expert honey guy (Austrian married to a Portuguese) - and learned a lot about plants that attract bees. Veronika & I are on the case - and this weather is perfect for planting.
A stray cat gave birth to three kittens on our back doorstep on 25th April (The Carnation Revolution Day here, a National holiday) and so I a made a quick box to house them. We call them the Revolution Kittens. Looking for a good home for them in about 2 months. Interested? I think that brings me up-to-date on our quinta-life. Cheers, Josh.
What a wonderful window into your life there Josh - thank you.
Yes I would like a kitten thank you but ..... need to wait until I'm settled in a more permanent home.
Solar is great as long as you have a back up. And of course you do because you are using the solar as a back up. I was going to go solar but due to the investment and possible short term time here in this set up it wasn't worth it. Many people in Wanaka have solar now. Look forward to hearing how it all goes.
And the honey! Wonderful! I am thinking poems and honey and gifts and community and so much more.....
xx💛
A few frosty nights and winter days encourage us to deepen our relationships with the things that create our environments and turn houses in to homes .
Your writings are a reminder to value the little things and that we do have relationships with all the that come in to our lives .
So true James. "The things that turn houses to homes." Thanks for being here! 💛😊
Hi Jo, this is my first time reading your Substack, and I love what I'm reading. I love the photos; the area where you live is so beautiful. I love your discussion of the word "lit." Such a great poem. Thank you for writing this.
Hi Beth, thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. 💛
It really is a beautiful inspiring place here in New Zealand. We can all find beauty wherever we live though! Have a wonder full rest of your week. xx
Ah Jo, your words never fail to make me smile. I love reading these gorgeous, funny, beautifully poetic snippets of your life. Know that in your tiny home with Roaring Meg and the spirit of Pumpy, there’s room for all of us too, because you make it so cosy and welcoming with your words and your photos. Sending love x
💛 Oh Emily thank you so much. You are here, just over there, with colouring pens and paper making your magic. xxx
Wondrous the essence: Light lit love. Thanks for the illumination, Jo!
Thanks for being here Galen! 💛
Delightful! It turns out lighting a fire isn't just a practical necessity, but an adventure of sorts! I love how Roaring Meg has so quickly become part of your rhythm, teaching you her ways just as much as you’re learning hers. And yes, here's to getting lit ... the kind that warms up the soul without the headache the next morning!
Thanks Deborah! Yes it sure is an adventure! Much more Life in this adventure than switching on a heat pump that's for sure.
Have a soul full day. 🙏💛