August is the month for dusting off the jam pan. So far the apples have started landing regularly on the lawn. Rather than waste these early fruits they have been transformed into ‘Spiced Apple Jelly’ with just a hint of the old favourite – Chilli! Without a greenhouse at the moment the chillies are slow and few, but the next project, since there are apples a plenty on the tree, is an apple press, it seems the best way to construct one is with a bottle jack and some stout timber, both of which are lying around in the shed! Whether cider is attempted or not rather depends on the juice – it might get drunk too quickly!
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Amelia Farm Day 3

Kayaking today! Me, an instructor and three kids. It was different seeing them away from the farm setting, they were out and about, enjoying themselves, but learning on the sly!

There is a good rapport between the kids we had today, not fighting or winding each other up which is a blessing! It is transformational watching these people learn new skills and help each other out, laughing and playing, like they have not really had the option to before. It also gives them the chance to enjoy themselves and get their kicks in a way which is legal!

Taking kids out for activities also gives them back their confidence and self esteem!

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Nurture and Nature

Spending a day with a compulsive liar, thief and violent young man is not everyone’s idea of a good day. Nor was it mine! Yet I find it hard to condemn the man when he has increasingly shown in short moments that nature which, properly nurtured, would be welcomed in the best of humans. He is at times polite, gentile and charming. Yet it is ironic that the majority of society would find him a thug. Perhaps I am of such a disposition to approve of this young man, or perhaps he is no worse than the rest of society, just, that the vast majority of people understand appropriate behaviour given the circumstances they are in.

August

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People and Places

Amelia Farm Day 3

Random College Entry

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