We have sheep

Our journey to self sufficiency continues we have sheep. I am so crazy excited. This may sound cruel and heartless but I cannot wait to eat our first lamb. We have 4 ewes, 1 ram and 1 lamb.

We decided on getting dorpers so we will not have to shear them. Well that is the plan as two of the four ewes are only 1st cross and are likely to need some shearing. They are all pregnant which is very exciting. They run with the ram and come into heat regularly. It is anyones guess as to when we will get our first lamb.

They are already playing reasonably friendly and will come relatively close to us to get some special feed treats.

So far the names we have are Dee and Jean for the ewes, Becca lamb and Bone the ram.

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Big Data Initiative in the University of Nottingham video

Video of the Big Data Initiative in the University of Nottingham. Big Data is one of my passions, but unfortunately the work load did not allow me to participate as I so wished for. Nevertheless, the University of Nottingham, usually ahead of its counterparts, shares the video with the community, thus we can all learn and thrive from those who command this subject on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy!

 

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Bibliophilia is my BIG ISSUE

Whats the name given to a complete addiction to books, not for the sake of buying per se, but books that you see from afar, at distance, and ones already checking the pounds and pennies with the tip of ones fingers poking through ones pocket? I am pretty sure Bibliophilia is my issue. A BIG ISSUE so to speak!

I go somewhere and if there are books available at an acceptable price, of subjects that really pick me up to a good read, I get them. My wife says shes driven crazy by my addiction and often argues that I really need to stop buying them. "Do you ever read them?" - she asks me livid with two or three guilty pleasures of mine in her hand. In fact, I do. I honestly do. Not as many as I would love to because time is scarce; kiddo, PhD, start-up, blog, wife, preparing for a future career... my reading times are confined to these 1.7 miles in between home and workplace. 

34 minutes with eyes planted on bright pages of whatever gets to my scope after breakfast, at hands reach, from a dusty pile of reasons Im driving my wife manic with. There I go, successfully avoiding bikes on fast acceleration and anxious passers rapidly pass by for their own professional duties. Never killed a snail, never had a crash, always mind the traffic lights. Thank whoever God you Love. I probably own a sixth sense developed in a Darwinian way from early days of Petzi (my first drug ever)! Who knows? A sat-nav based on the pure pleasure of a good read.

I know now that I suffer from Bibliophilia because whilst looking for the technical/clinical term to niche me "disease" cosy cosy, I found a website with considerations on addiction to books. Signs youre addicted to books, Ive got 5 of them severely entrenched in me blood:

Number 8:

"This is all you think about when you picture your dream home"

Number 9:

"Walking by a closed bookstore is torture"

Number 14:

"TV is OK... sometimes"

Number 19:

"The book is always, always, always better"

Number 24:

"Finishing a book you love is like losing a best friend"

Today, as I walked myself to the nearest ATM in the Queens Medical Centre, I got four new ones. All by James Herriot, all with lovely covers, all 50 pence and all with that lovely old scent that only books spread and that inevitably deepens my Bibliophilia even strongly. And I say to myself...

BIG ISSUEEEEE, BIG ISSUUEEEEE ANYONE?

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Reusable snack wraps

Just wanted to share my funky new creations. Igloo will be starting preschool and to save on wastage I have made him some awesome little snack wraps and pockets. One set of just cotton, one lined with PUL.

He is going to have the best dressed food at preschool.

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Big boy bike

Isnt he just the most clever little being ever? Yes I am biased but what mother wouldnt be watching her 3.5yr old riding a big boy bike WITHOUT training wheels. He was so brave I am so proud of him.

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