• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

A Great Weekend

May 26, 2009 @ 08:25 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

Well what a great time had by all. Over the weekend, I was a very busy lad.

Friday night, I made a version of Monterey Jack cheese called Pepper Jack. I got the recipe from one of my new cheese books, which I will post a review of during the week. Here is the pre-waxed finished product. It weighs about a kilogram.

Pepper Jack

Note the red flakes throughout the cheese. They are my organically grown Birdseye chilli flakes that are added to the cheese when adding the salt to the curds. It took me about 4 hours to get to this stage. It has to dry for another day before I wax it as a little whey is still draining from it. The cheese will be ready to eat between 1 and 4 months. I can’t wait.

On Saturday, after I cooked my own full English birthday breakfast (bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms), I ventured down to the hardware store (Bunnings) and picked up a few birthday gifts for myself. I purchased a gardening sieve to make seed raising mix with, some organic potting mix, and various punnets of bok choy and winter lettuce. I have a few pots that I wanted to plant out as the veggie patch is full.

My friend and fellow sustainable living group member David came over to help me set up for the MSLG’s fortnightly meeting. We set up under my Solar PV power station (the carport). How cool is having a sustainable living meeting underneath solar panels!

We were expecting about 10 people to attend, and I was glad when 11 turned up. We had about 10 minutes of official business, and then I gave an organic gardening presentation/demonstration which lasted for the rest of the meeting. I felt like a cross between Don Burke, Peter Cundell and Jackie French. It was quite humorous to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it and there were lots of questions. I even finished it off with a “that’s your blooming lot”. The entire group joined in and there was lots of tips flying back and fourth. I then gave a tour of the veggie patch to those who had not see it, and explained what I had planted and why. Thanks to all those who attended, you made my day.

Later that evening, after all of the group members had left, I started to prepare dinner. Kim and I had invited our friends Jane and Sim over for a curry night for my birthday. Jane writes at “Changing Direction…”. They brought along the most delicious lamb curry in a huge pot and a jar of lemon pickles (must look that one up now I have lots of lemons), and I made a chicken korma and provided the usual condiments of Hot chilli chutney, brinjal pickle and green tomato pickles. It was all so good, and we all went back for seconds! The ladies also bought me a present of a fig and walnut loaf. Doesn’t it look wonderful?

Birthday weekend 001

It looks even better sliced.

Birthday weekend 004

It was so delicious. I was a bit of a pig and ate three slices for breakfast with butter on Sunday morning. Everyone loved it except Ben who is a bit fussy about his bread. Kim wants the recipe!

After dinner, it was time to sample the cheese. So out with a little bit more Wensleydale and some Gouda that I also made. The Wensleydale was fantastic, as already reported, and the Gouda had holes just like the picture in the cheese book! It was a bit immature, but I thought it tasted wonderful. Kim thought it was a bit bland, so I re-waxed it and will sample it again in two months time. I better make some more Wensleydale as we only have quarter of a wheel remaining.

After a few crackers and some more cider it was time to say goodbye. Thanks for a great night ladies.

Sunday morning, fig and walnut toast and organic coffee. Yum. Then it was to work in the garden trimming back overhanging trees and jasmine and removing bamboo screens from the fence. We are getting our back fences replaced in two weeks time, so I had to make sure that Mr fence man could get free access to both of them. This is the mess we made of the raised bed in the chook garden area.

Birthday weekend 006

And another view.

Birthday weekend 008

All that mess in the foreground is bound for the skip. The council doesn’t take jasmine or creepers in the green waste collection which is fair enough given the nature of it to reshoot as soon as it is left on a bare patch of earth. Where the trellis is now bare, I will be planting 3 dwarf fruit trees and will be espaliering them. I have to prep the beds over the next few weeks as it is lacking in organic matter. Watch this space for a how to espalier a fruit tree!

Then we attempted to train Holly to not chase the chickens when they are free ranging. Here are the girls venturing out of their cage after we finished destroying the garden. I used a trigger bottle full of water to deter Holly when she made her move, and she learned very fast not to chase them. A few more times and we will have her co-existing peacefully just like Butch does with the girls.

Birthday weekend 005

It took three of us (Adam and Amy helped their old Dad) about 3 hours to finish off all the work. I was knackered, but my back felt really good. I did feel quite tired, but managed the strength to whip up a Chickpea and Potato curry for dinner. It was great with rice and naan bread.

I was then finished for the weekend and retired to bed early. What a great way to spend ones 45th birthday!

Oh, BTW. It rained today. The first time since February I think. The veggie have gone crazy with all of those special nutrients!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Cheese, Chickens, community, Friends, Gardening, Sustainable Living

← Pickled Eggs Work In Progress →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. Kel says

    May 26, 2009 at 10:10

    nice post gav. happy birthday..im all reinspired on the cheese front too!!! watch out!

    Reply
  2. Veggie Gnome says

    May 26, 2009 at 10:20

    Happy Birthday, Gav! Sounds like you had a smashing time. Love your cheese posts and piccies! (And all the others, of course.)

    Reply
  3. Danni- Neighbour says

    May 26, 2009 at 11:47

    Our patch has heaps of room if you need it? I really don’t mind babysitting your seedlings! Can’t wait for the new fences!

    Reply
  4. greenfumb says

    May 26, 2009 at 17:35

    Happy Birthday Gav, sounds like you group is starting to take off x Deb

    Reply
  5. wombat064 says

    May 26, 2009 at 18:29

    My apologies, Happy birthday Mate

    Reply
  6. Gavin says

    May 26, 2009 at 22:49

    Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone! They are appreciated. 45 years young and still learning new tricks.

    Reply
  7. Silver Rookie says

    May 27, 2009 at 09:26

    Hey Gav,
    Sim and I had a great night too…glad you liked the bread. Thanks for the blog mention…best I get off my proverbial and start writing again!
    Jane
    PS our Diggers fruit trees arrived yesterday too…very exciting…

    Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

Black Aphids On Garlic
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Curing Black Olives
Hot Chilli Chutney
Quince Paste
African Horned Melon
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Broad Bean Rust
Strawbridge Family Inspiration

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2025