This thread has been allowed to grow and prosper. On other forums we might get a smack on the fingers for not staying on topic. I'm pleased our admin team is not so strict, I must say.
I have to agree with you Droopy I think I already mentioned that I love being part of the Stew. I just want to reiterate that fact. And I am indeed grateful for the wonderful moderators that we have on the Stew.
I was reading this thread, an i do have to say it has sure expanded,, isn't that great, thank you admin an moderators. The pics are so beautiful, an it was a very welcome to an otherwise dark an cheerless day,, thank you for that also. I seen reindeer mentioned, altho it was in the cartoon sense, but i would like to post my door knocker,, its a traditional Sa'ami (sami, same, i am half Sa'ami an Swedish) door hanging of welcome. The reindeer means survival to the Artic Sa'ami, an to hang the leg an hoof, means to walk in an be welcome to all. Altho its kind of weather worn, everyone is welcome to our farm!! kind of like the farm,,lol.
I like your knocker, Biita! I have never seen one quite like it. I have an interest in the Sami folk, but know virtually nothing about them. One of these days, I need to start reading-up on them. ..until then there's Discovery Channel and,,,you. heh heh heh. Barb: Chuckle...it's a case of understanding what the hiring party wants and how much they would like to employ-- you then, the negociations begin and you explore the possibilities. Forks: Well, actrually I am new to fora and I didn't know that forking was not usual, as a rule. Anyway, I'm glad it does in this case...and appreciative. It is nice to see how the metamorphosis continues. I suppose that it's all down to like-minded folks having an enjoyable time conversing and learning. I'm just glad that I have the time to participate here. Palm Tree: That sounds like a project that could be fun. Let us know how that develops...if you do take the opportunity.
Oh Sjoerd You are so right. I actually loved that type of work. But I had to quit for family sake - I was away from them for long periods. Basically what the work entails is doing a preliminary study (the usual engineering type of prelims with weather patterns, materials that shoudl be used, traffic counts, - in this case 'pedestrians' and vehicles) the difference that I make (and I am quite proud of it :-D ) is that I also include a skills audit of the local residents and what ever can be done locally be the people themselves, even by hand (jobs like handpacking of gabions, collecting rocks in the vicinity, etc.) I include all these on the tender documents. I look at all the projects as a project whereby the local community is to gain the most. Not only by getting a finished product in the end, but also being part and parcel of the of decisions and even getting employment on the project. I usually conduct a public meeting in the community to facilitate all these and I invite the client (the person that pays) as well. That is just a glimpse of my working world. I also gained in the process, obviously I got paid, but I build up ties with some of the community members. However unlike you I only worked in one province of South Africa - the Western Cape. Some contractors actually do not like the way that I work since it does take longer than working with heavy plant (tractors, digger loaders, etc.) But they are only interested in their profit margin. As you can see it is quite labour intensive, and time consuming and does require me to be on site most of the time. Hardly time to go home, as I also tend to sleep over in the community where I work so I can be there to facilitate the whole process and keep an eye on the contractor. Oh Bitta I love the meaning of that door knocker. Let alone a strange door knocker, the meaning is great, very welcoming indeed.
I just wanted to add a quick note to Droopy's post. Normally it's best for the community (especially first time visitors who just want info and nothing else) if the discussion stays on topic. As the initial goal of this topic was pretty much achieved on the first page of posts then it's not so much a problem. If a discussion was to go off-topic on the 3rd or 4th post however it would be different. Knowing when and where to moderate is always a balancing act between allowing freedom for existing members and not alienating or turning away potential members. It's not always easy but we try to do our very best for all. P.S I've just realised this topic should be in Recipes and Cooking so I'll move it now.
Flowers for the Pretty ladies and gents on GardenStew To brighten Our days...... :-D :-D :-D While the Snow Lays............ Barb Sunflower My favorite Bronze mums My Brown Eyed Daisy Vines...... :-D Smile the World Loves you. B
ooooohhhhhhhhhhh,,,, can someone pass a kleenex, i've drooled all over the keyboard.....(sigh),, its going to be a long winter....lol,, not really,, keep the beautiful pics comming please.
ROARRR!!! Biita, you are too funny...here y'go. Barb, those are gorgeous chrysanthamums. What a nice colour. The waskilly wabbuts ate all mine this year. WAAAAAAAAH ! Those oter flowers are also such a pleasure to see. How tall did that brown-eyed daisy get this year? That is a popular flower here. I have to tell you, you've got a nice selection. Thanks for showing them. It sure did brighten-up my day. :-D
Palm: Thanks for that interesting explanation. It sounds like interesting and gratifying work. I like your approach and initiative. Those qualities will most certainally make a difference.
