Some have noticed that the avatar for old Crofter is the same as florinhill, which was a correct observation,it is. The name Florin Hill came about when I purchased the farm across the road from our small holding, it was owned by a 86 year old who had cleared it of native forest by hand and draught horse, his name was Bob, when I bought it we collectively named it Florin  (two bob) Hill. I have recently sold the farm and the new owners have retained the name.

Given that the farm just sold was small and sustained us in beef and veggies, and my ancestral roots of the Outer Hebrides, and my ancestors occupying a Croft from 1770 - 1897 we thought it fitting that we assume  the  name of "Old Crofter"

The photo in our avatar is that of  our trusted and loyal  companion of 18 years who  passed on 4 years and 1 month ago tomorrow. 

Our motor home is getting some new livery, should be ready in the next week or two so will,post pic in the appropriate thread then, us being old crofters it is also fitting that we live in "The Cottage"

When Rhonda and I are on the road and you see us parked up

or you are in our area pls let us know. We do not bite.

thanks for the pms

and thank you Cindy

GaryKelly wrote:

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I bought a genuine two bob watch about 30 years ago - made with a 1946 florin. I've still got it. Needs a clean and a new battery. I prefer to wear my Citizen day/date though, auto 21 jewel, no battery, no winding, just goes and goes.

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 I made a ring from a Florin years ago, holding it on it's edge on a shoe last,  and tapping it gently with a hammer which folds the metal out flat on both sides (no join seen) until the right ring size is reached, then drilled out the middle and filed it smooth, also filed a small heart design on the ring for a girlfriend (yep, last of the big spenders me, lol) she loved it.   The coins had some silver content in them then. 

Not sure if the current twenty cent piece could be used for the same thing, never tried it.  Sheesh, I hope treasury or the feds aren't reading this, defacing our currency, LOL !

I have the same watch as you Gary, winds by momentum of hand movements.   Don't have to worry about batteries as long as you don't leave it off your wrist too long, otherwise have to reset the time and give it a few shakes and fitting to wrist again....

Lovely story and a great way to remember your faithful old friend too

Nice interesting story Bob, I must admit I didn't know what a Crofter was so had to google it, for others who may not know either;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croft_(land)

Not sure how many of the younger generation would know what a Florin (two bob) is, as we know a "bob" is slang for a shilling so two bob (slang) was a Florin or two shilling piece.   A bob the equivalent of our 10 cents and two bob 20cents.

Gerty, we will have a home base to come back to, will lease the 14 acres we have and hopefully have someone in the house. Will be seeing more of Tasie during this summer and hope to head north in April for the winter.

Gail, "But an Ben" more than appropriate although Rhonda developed a rye smile when I mentioned romantic cottage for two!

Bob

Old Crofter hi having the other week drove around Scotland saw a lot of use of the word Crofter. The earlier Crofters did it fairly rough and there holding were quite small the need to build the fences using the rocks they cleared from the area they were to rent before they farmed looked pretty hard work and I guess they would not of been highly regarded a bit like our ****ies in our earlier generations scratching out a living. The Landlords were not in the habit of giving away the best land. 

Enjoy yourretirement and We will keep an eye out for your Cottage. Ralph. 

The Webb Master will not allow me to use the earlier term of C**flies. 

Any one travelling the area of the Western Ayre Peninsular SA keep a look out for all the stone fences and cottage ruins, would suggest much the same as the Western Hebridies, (North Uist) from my line of ancestors.

thank you for the kind comments.

Bob

Radar wrote:

 

The Webb Master will not allow me to use the earlier term of C**flies. 

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 Not the webmaster Radar, it is the board the forum uses, they control the censoring.   However if you put a full stop after each letter it will get by, eg;  C.o.c.k

A few cosmetic changes and additions to "The Cottage" 

If you see this parked up in this great country of ours pop in for a coffee or a wee one.

Bob &  Rhonda (Old Crofters on Tour)

Bob and Rhonda hi

Looking forward to meeting you somewhere in this big paddock called Australia. Ralph 

Hi Ralph & Jules, 

It will be great to get away north again and yes will be great to catch up with you alL

We are booked on the boat for the 28th March with no return booked. 

Will go north via Mildura then along the Murray then up to Coober Pedy and beyond. No time frame. Will be in touch

Bob & Rhonda