VictorBroom

Thanks PositiveDeviant, I enjoyed that.

Just happened across this little beauty:

(Sorry, couldn't figure out how to embed on a mobile)

Trying to encourage the plant to grow me a few more. The leaves have a grey-powdered sheen to them.

My old man's courgettes have done really well this year. He waters them every evening - do you do the same? The leaves on his are similar and have been previous years. I don't think it's anything to worry about (perhaps DYOR though ).

See if you can get some small leek plants to stick in. They will be fine going in now and you'll be able to have leek and potato soup all winter.

Have you got a supply of manure?

Silver Demand Declines

Presently, industrial demand for silver is 50% but is expected to increase to 70%

It's good to get a balanced view.

It's the money printers who are the bubble really, isn't it?!

Ha ha, that's a point. Why is there no-one shouting "fiat is in a bubble! get out now!"

My runner beans have been brilliant, but anyone know if it is a sign they have gone over, if the inside is large and they taste a bit stringy?

We always keep picking them until they 'feel' a bit hard when you put a knife to them. Always try and pick all of them so that new ones grow throughout the growing season. When they start to get a bit hard, we will leave them on the plant and save them for planting next year. As soon as they have dried out, pick them and dry them further by lobbing them in a box indoors. When they are proper dry, take them out of the pods and put them in a jar.

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Our courgettes have been amazing this year Mabon. Again, keep picking them so that they keep coming. Peas should climb about three foot (ish). We use old broken canes that aren't big enough for the runner beans any more. Like you say, they go a bit straggly though.

Anyone grown any Parsnips this year? Ours haven't done as well as usual.

Leeks plants (from neighbour) are going in. One of the few veg to keep you going through the winter months.

Broccoli just didn't happen.

Thank you for letting me join. I'm merely learning at the moment therefore very little to contribute. With talk of low growth and another bout of QE, I hope to gain incite into investing my savings away from sterling denominated savings accounts.

Welcome RichyB.

You have come to a good place for learning. Likewise, I arrived here without a massive amount of understanding. I can honestly say, that reading and soaking in information, listening to different peoples views etc. has given me a much better insight into how best to position myself financially.

A big thanks goes out to all who post here.

Good luck with your journey.

Do you know anything about the chinese using copper as collateral for construction loans? I dont follow the logic but i saw it mentioned in the comments on a reasonably sound NZ finance board called interest.co.nz

There have been a number of articles in Alphaville about this. I'll try and find them if I have time at work tomorrow.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/

deleted - double post.

Buying a farm that the previous owners found hard to make profitable seems unwise.

You would need to know the reason why the previous owners found it hard to make it profitable. For example, maybe they were stuck in their ways and didn't adapt to new markets and/or didn't utilise new technologies.

Many farmers are retiring, I think the average age of a farmer now is about 63. Many dairy farmers are quitting due to poor returns and the need for major capital investment. Minimum slurry storage rules will be enforced in Jan 2012. This covers most of the country which has now been classified as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Those without approximately six months storage will have have to invest (non-existent) capital in order to continue.

I dont know what you would do with it until a change in the cycle comes and makes farming more profitable and the business of higher value.

I don't think you would really need to do anything with it. It won't go anywhere. Renting the land out to neighbouring farmers would be an option.

I remain optimistic about farming. Maybe I'm just an optimistic person.

(I posted this on the 'Have you bought the farm yet? thread as it was digressing slightly.)

Anyone know how to get tickets?

http://www.gata.org/goldrush2011-london

For more information, please contact us: LondonConference@GATA.org

PS When is Easter?

Easter Sunday is April 24th this year.

Mortgage rates have risen in the last week.

Exactly. The general public would do well to monitor rates as you are doing. Somehow, everyone is transfixed on what the BoE rate is and then applies it to their own situation. I guess there are trackers x% above (or below) the BoE rate but it would still make sense to follow actual mortgage rates in the marketplace.

I see GBP was up 1-2% against quite a few other currencies today.

http://www.oanda.com/currency/strength-heat-map

3.6% drop in GBP today.

 

Gold GBP and USD

 

Other than just sheer manipulation (or paranoia), surely someone can give a good reason?

I see GBP was up 1-2% against quite a few other currencies today. Strong Manufacturing PMI perhaps?

Maybe the rest was just Gold having a bad day - perhaps it had to go back to work today as well...

A company makes motifs to put on your garage door (link).

I like this one:

Do you think think this was 1st class service or a bit creepy?

A bit creepy? I'd say very creepy.

Next time you see him, tell him, in no uncertain terms, to do one. Oh and always lock the door when you go out. In fact, lock the door when you are in.

Posted on the Gold thread but seeing as they do Silver as well...

---------------

I see Baird & Co. have just introduced a 'GoldSavers account'.

http://www.goldline.co.uk/goldsavers.page

GoldSavers from Baird & Co. is the ideal way for investors to affordably accumulate gold and silver.

 

An internet hosted gold and silver savings platform with online access to your account, backed by Baird & Co Bullion Merchants and Refiners. Save what you like, when you like, and when you're ready sell some or all of it back to us.

 

With the option to convert your GoldSavers online holdings into Baird & Co gold and silver .9999 bars, starting with our smallest 2.5g gold bar, delivered securely to you.

I see Baird & Co. have just introduced a 'GoldSavers account'.

http://www.goldline.co.uk/goldsavers.page

GoldSavers from Baird & Co. is the ideal way for investors to affordably accumulate gold and silver.

 

An internet hosted gold and silver savings platform with online access to your account, backed by Baird & Co Bullion Merchants and Refiners. Save what you like, when you like, and when you're ready sell some or all of it back to us.

 

With the option to convert your GoldSavers online holdings into Baird & Co gold and silver .9999 bars, starting with our smallest 2.5g gold bar, delivered securely to you.

coins are more recognisable if tshtf.

That was my reason for getting a few more.

I thought the last lot I bought were expensive at £18/each. All relative I guess.

Yes but it's still £23.80 an ounce, when spot is £15.50. That's a huge difference.

 

I bought a first majestic round off Sarnia on Friday for £17.99, arrived today. Keep looking they are there sometimes.

Britannia's always seem expensive... Good to have some more though.

I'll probably switch to buying rounds from now on.

2011 1oz Silver Britannia in stock at Weighton Coin.

Link for 10pcs @ £23.80/each:

http://www.weightoncoin.co.uk/coins/index....roducts_id=2046

20pc and 50pc bundles also in stock. Only 500pcs available from November 15th.

Going fast...!

From e-mail earlier

The offer applies to quantities of 10, 20 & 50 coin parcels, and will only be available while the batch of 500 coins last.

 

This special offer is set for 1 WEEK ONLY, and after this the listings will revert back to our usual list prices. All orders will be processed and payment taken but will only be dispatched as soon as possible after they arrive during the week commencing 15th November 2011.

Can I get paid with £20 worth of silver please

I realise it's just for fun but is that £20 worth of silver in Dec 2012?

Ive lost my runner beans, potatoes and beetroot to deer and wild boaar. Any suggestions?

Ask for them back?

Only joking. Can you surround the area with a stock proof hedge? Hawthorn or even Holly maybe?