DID YOU KNOW?

Here is the beginning of a list that covers all sorts of useless information. It is destined to get longer as I delve into 6 years worth of articles!

Glass is a liquid. After approximately 10 years a window will be thicker at the bottom than at the top.

'Coca-Cola' translates to Chinese as 'Bite the wax tadpole'

Cut an onion in half and rub it on the sole of your feet. An hour later you will taste onion in your mouth.

Why do we clink glasses when we 'cheers' someone before drinking? Because in mediaeval times they would clash glasses so that liquid from each glass would spill into one another's glass & prove that both were drinking with good will and not to poison each other!

Remove a dint from a carpet by placing an ice cube in a spoon and resting it in the dint. It'll spring back up.

If you mouth the word 'colourful' to someone, it looks like you are saying 'I love you'!

A 'chicken tarka' curry is similar to a 'chicken tikka' only 'otter.

Spiral staircases are anti clockwise to make defending from above easier with a sword and attacking from below extremely difficult if right handed. Thus left-handed swordsmen were paid a premium.

There is more salt in a bowl of corn flakes than there is in a packet of ready salted crisps

The expression 'eaves dropping' comes from when houses had a gap between the eaves and the wall. From outside internal sounds appeared to 'drop' from the eaves.

Squeezing hard on the fleshy joint between your thumb and hand for a few minutes will relieve a headache. This area is a pressure point that releases endorphins (happy signals) in the brain and knocks out the painful effects of the headache!

AND FINALLY
A man went into a fancy dress party with his girlfriend on his shoulders. His friend said, “What have you come as?” He replied, “A snail and this is Michelle”

Household-environmental

PHOTO ALBUM (press here to get photobucket link)

Here are a few photos that were taken recently. Most of them are from a recent trip to Australia, where I spent time in Byron Bay and the surrounding areas.

Photo left: Brisbane.

Photo centre: Buncrana bridge.

Photo right: Byron Bay flags.

Environmental

MAKING RAISED BEDS

We transformed our waterlogged back garden into a productive plot in just two days. With the use of paths and raised beds the work needed to keep it tidy won't take up the summer.



PIC. 1 The waterlogged garden before work commenced.

PIC. 2 With the help of the neighbour, the site was cleared.

PIC.3 The whole area weas covered with 6 inches of coarse sand.

PIC. 4 Detail of raised bed edges.

PIC.5 The new raised beds were laid out in the sand.

PIC.6 Weed block material was put down.

PIC.7 Lots of muck is needed to fill the beds.

PIC.8 Next, the wood chip went on to the paths.

PIC 9 Young plants flourish with in the heat of the raised beds.

PIC 10 An arial view shows the growth in just one month.

PIC.11 Time to concentrate on the details.

PIC 12 Even in winter the beds look attractive.

CREATING YOUR OWN RAISED BEDS IN EIGHT EASY STEPS

If you have a wet site or would like to grow plants and vegetables but dislike weeding, then raised beds are for you. They can be built quickly and cheaply without being too sore on your back. The back garden I am using as an example was a marsh when we started and because of the fact that the area was built on rock. This meant that there was no soak away for the water. Initially I dug a 1metre soak away and the water just sat in it and didn’t drain away. So we had no choice but to build up the garden. Here is a step-by-step account of the work that was needed to create a small productive plot.


STEP 1
Firstly we measured out the size of the site then came up with a workable plan on paper. We were very adventurous at the beginning, but it doesn’t matter if anything is left out as they can be added at a later date. We then decided what features were going to stay in the garden. This didn’t talk long as there were only two clothes line poles in the garden and nothing else apart from mud!

STEP 2
The existing garden was waterlogged for six months of the year (Pic. 1) The first thing to do when work started, was to clear the site of all of the rubbish and unwanted features. (pic.2)

STEP 3
The next step was to build the level of the garden up to allow water to drain away and also to get a level surface for the beds to sit on For this we used about five tonnes of coarse sand (pic.3)

STEP 4
We chose six foot by three foot (2mxIm) fencing panels for the bed structures; these are a manageable size for the beds as we can reach the middle of them with no effort when it comes to weeding. The planks were nailed together with the help of wooden blocks in the corners. (Pic.4) The wood has been pressure treated and should last at least five years hopefully more.

STEP 5.

After the beds were constructed they were laid out on the sand. I painted them with a wood stain to match the fence and blend everything together. We chose to have a path running along the centre of the garden and we left at least two to three feet (0.75-1m) between the beds for access with the wheelbarrow and for weeding. We then put the weed block fabric down on the paths. The fabric pushes underneath the wood. This eliminates gaps where weeds can get a hold (pic. 6)

STEP 6
Now it was time to fill up the beds. I collected a few large trailer loads of good topsoil form a local builder. He was kind enough to give me this free of charge. Before this was used I put very generous amounts of well-rotted horse muck into the empty beds. The manure came from the stables at Inch Island and it is fabulous stuff (Pic.7). I also added all of the contents of the compost bins that were in the garden. I heaped the soil as it settles after a week or so. We also decided where the small patio areas were going to go. I didn’t cement them in, as they are not going to get heavy use and we planned to get the shed put near the fence, which we have done, and the slabs were easily lifted. Wood chip was then put on the paths, we decided on wood chip in preference to gravel, as it was softer on the feet. (pic. 8)

STEP 7
Now we were ready for planting. Although the area was predominantly for vegetables, we though that room should still be made for flowers. Especially ones that attracted ladybirds and other beneficial insects into the garden. Seeds that were planted soon shot up in the sunshine and heat stored in the soil of the raised beds (pic 9)

STEP 8
Now it was time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labour as the garden is very low maintenance. We added a few inexpensive features such as chairs and a small container with water plants. We also filled up some containers with specimen plants for a bit of height in the garden. After two months the garden was really starting to takes shape (pic 10). After a while we were able to concentrate on the finer details of the garden. (pic 11) Because we have grown over wintering vegetables such as broccoli and kale we will get winter interest. The birds will enjoy the feeder that we put out on the cold mornings (pic 12)

WORK IN PROGRESS
The garden is a work in progress and we try to improve it all of the time. Although it is only a small area, the costs can still rise. That is why the plan is a great idea. We can dig it out once a year and see what needs adding next.

You might be surprised to learn that all of the materials came to well under €300, with enough money to spare to buy some seeds and a bird feeder. We did all of the labour with the help of a neighbour, and all of the goods were sourced locally in Inishowen.

Horticultural

SEA LEVELS

DRINKS ALL AROUND

Photo: Sunset on Lisfannon beach, buncrana.

We hear a lot in the news about rising sea levels and global warming. Well, you can guarantee that someone will benefit from it other then sun cream manufacturers.

Brewers in Greenland appear to be going with the flow of the melting icecaps by harnessing one of their homeland's fastest growing—but least celebrated—natural resources: melted Arctic ice. On July 31 a team of canny entrepreneurs unveiled Greenland Beer, ale brewed with water melted from Greenland's ice cap, at a public tasting in Copenhagen, Denmark. Staffed by indigenous Greenlanders and located some 390 miles (625 kilometres) south of the Arctic Circle. Greenland Brewhouse is the world's first Inuit microbrewery. And if reaction from tipplers at the tasting was any indication, the brewers may be on to something. One taster seemed to think that the beer tasted soft and smooth, and attributed this to the fresh melted ice. The water, the brewers say, is the beer's key ingredient, having been locked away for more than 2,000 years in Greenland's vast ice sheet.

“Today, with all the pollution … you cannot get cleaner water than melted ice-cap water,” Greenland Brewhouse co-founder Salik Hard. That’s very reassuring! Greenlands glaciers are melting twice as fast as they were five years ago and the melt could be irreversible by 2100. If scientists are right, the brewery will probably never have to worry about a shortage (and we’ll all be too drunk to care).

BUNCRANA DEVELOPMENT

There has been a lot of interest in the proposed development at the shorefront in Buncrana. Councillors are divided and accusations are being thrown around. I have a couple of letters here and I would be more than happy to hear your views on the matter.

SHIPS AHOY!

Ian
I am told that the Swilly is one of the deepest estuaries in the world. Deep enough to accommodate even the largest of ocean liners. I find it interesting then that with all the talk of developing the shorefront that no one has mentioned the possibility of accommodating these floating hotels. These visiting mobile worlds can potentially house up to 3000 people at a time, all I might add with money in their pockets. If the plan for the shorefront included facilities for the sea farers it is only a short walk to the shops. This way the coastline would remain the domain of us all and still be a welcoming attraction on the seaward approach to the town. The regular stream of visitors will bring far more jobs to the area and boost the economy for the long term. Like Derry, Buncrana is facing a turning point in its development. Surely the councillors and planners would prefer to be remembered for creating something beautiful and long term instead of perpetuating the ridiculous notion that towns have to accept any planning ideas from developers who want to make a quick buck and leave the residents to stare at an empty block of holiday flats and, as far as I am aware, a non existent anchor superstore. F.R. Buncrana


Dear Ian

There are coastal towns that are really suffering visually and economically because of the trend for inappropriate building schemes. I personally find it a bit sad to see thriving communities having to endure the narrow field of vision that some developers and planners have. I also find it upsetting to hear that anyone opposed to a particular development are accused of not having the towns interest at heart. My family has been in Inishowen for four hundred years and hopefully will continue for a long time to come. There are alternatives to the standard norm of sprawling developments; some might say more appropriate ones that benefit the whole community, the sea world idea wasn’t bad. Leisure facilities would be the most appropriate for our seaside town. Let’s hope that a compromise is found for the development at the shorefront, which ensures that our quality of life in the town remains intact. Thanks D.N. Buncrana

Dear Ian

I read the comments made by the Chamber of Commerce chairman last week. I particularly feel that saying, “Leave the planning to the planners” is a reflection on how some people do not take local responsibility on important issues such as this. Surely it is the people who live here who best see what solutions are needed to keep the economy of Buncrana flowing. The decision makers are presently Jansu Ltd, based in Dublin, Bannon Commercial Properties, based in Dublin and the planners also based in Dublin. Gone are the days when a town such as Buncrana has to settle for the first offer on the table with no consideration for the well being of the place. We are in a strong position where we can choose to make our own decisions locally and attract the investment that will be good for the town. F.N. Buncrana

Environmental

PESKY CATS

Some people love cats. Others, like an old friend of mine, would rather put them on a one way, 200-mile train journey and never see them again! But whatever your feelings about felines, chances are you probably don't want them digging up your garden. So, what do you do?

With the exception of a few plants, catnip being the main one, cats really aren't out to destroy your beloved perennials or garden vegetables. What they really like is the soil. Most cats think the outdoors is their litter box, and a patch of dirt is an invitation to come do their business. It also makes a great place to play or roll.

If you have cats yourself and find that they are bothering the neighbours, you could try to keep them in your own boundaries to keep neighbourly relations on a friendly footing. One way to keep your own cats from roaming into the neighbour's garden is to make your space attractive to them. In an out of the way corner of the garden, plant a patch of catnip, the aphrodisiac of cats. Spread some sand for sleeping nearby. Or, if your feline companions prefer to keep you company in the garden, leave a cat-sized play area in one part of the garden. Make sure you plant or mulch the rest of the garden so your cats have no other place to roll and will stay in their designated area.

If you don't want your neighbour's cats in your garden, you will need to take more drastic measures. Try spraying the intruder with a blast from the hose or a washing up liquid bottle. Most cats will turn and run although some actually enjoy water, especially on a hot day. For these, you must try other tactics, like planting rue. The blue foliage makes this an attractive garden accent, but cats can't stand the odour and will make a wide berth around the planting. Thorny roses also deter cats. There are many other herbs that cats don’t like to be around, including lavender, geranium, absinthe, and lemon-thyme


HOMEMADE REMEDIES

Some gardeners use homemade remedies. Although I can't personally confirm the success of these methods, it won't hurt to try them.

Sprinkle your plants with crushed pepper. Cayenne is also said to work though you will need to reapply it after every rain. Or try ground-up grapefruit and lemon rinds. Or make a tea of rue, hot pepper liquid, or lemon juice to spray on plants.

Commercial products like predator urine and cat (and dog) repellents also are available at many garden centres, I have mixed reports of these and some people claim that they actually attract the cats. Try to get rid of unwanted cat visitors with devices that use sound and light to scare them away. These can be expensive though.

Another possibility is to lay down mats, which have soft upward facing points. It won't hurt you--or the cats--to walk on these, but most cats don't like to step on them.

If you have bird feeders near your garden, move them to a new location or hang them higher than a cat can jump. Otherwise, cats may continue to visit your garden in hopes of catching birds.



JUST SAY NO

Finally, remember that cats are not daft. They can be taught. Sometimes a stern "no" is all it takes to teach a cat to stay out of the garden.

Here are some other ideas that will keep you (or the cat) out of therapy for a while. Try putting a length of hose pipe and in the flower bed. The cat stays away because it thinks the pipe is a snake. There is a plant on the market called Coleus canin, which is said to repulse cats from your patch. Cats don’t like tea leaves either; so empty your used ones onto the garden soil. Cat owners are similar to dog owners in the respect that they have to consider others when they let their animals out of the house. If you are responsible about your pet, it will not only live longer, but you will also be on better terms with your neighbours!

TIDY ALPINE PLANTS

Alpines are great for giving us a burst of early spring colour. They sometimes go unnoticed because unless they are large clumps you need to be up close to get their full beauty. Some of the earlier varieties will have finished flowering and will be in need of a bit of a haircut. Lightly trim off dead flowers of moss phlox, saxifrage and aubrietia once they have faded. Excessive growth should also be trimmed to keep plants tidy. Rooted portions can be potted up separately and if you would like to increase your stock levels, most alpines take brilliantly from small cuttings

Environmental-household-horticultural

UNITED FRONT

Here is a letter I received a while ago concerning the development of the shore front in Buncrana Co. Donegal.

Re: Developer blasts residents. Headline in last weeks Inish Times

I am one of the people on the street, an ordinary person that Paul Doyle from Jansu was talking about last week in his attack on the residents of Buncrana. I also live in a very small terraced house as well so I don’t seem to fit into Paul Doyle’s stereotype when it comes to the Buncrana Shore road development at the old Fruit of the Loom site. I personally do not feel that “people in big houses”, as Paul claims, are dictating what to think, as I am quite capable of making my own mind up about inappropriate developments in residential areas and places of natural importance. Paul Doyle appears to be using the very old sneaky trick of Divide and Rule. If he can get the residents of the town to argue for long enough then Jansu can come along and have a free run constructing their money making venture before heading off into the sunset, leaving the townspeople to deal with the aftermath.

This reminds me of a Doctor Seuss story -The Zaks, featured in a book called The Sneeches and other stories. In this tale of exploitation the North facing Zak came face to face with the South facing Zak in the desert. Neither of them would move aside and whilst they were arguing the developers came in and built a city around them. It appears Mr Doyle sees the residents of Buncrana as Zaks.

Compromises can be made in finding a far more suitable location for a revised development in the town. Let us not fall into the trap of being divided. I feel accused of being anti development and holding back the progress of the town just because I question this development. Buncrana should be able grow without alienating the residents. Tourism will play an important part in the attraction of the town in the future. Poor planning on areas of natural beauty for short-term profit isn’t going to help.

Environmental