Facelift

When we arrived, we saw what six months of neglect could do.

 Definitely a feeling of nature reclaiming our patio.

Will it ever be nice again?

Well, today was the day to tackle it thanks to the Gentry's jet-washer...and my new boss for the day.

Hey presto!

That's better. I washed the side of the wall for good measure.  It dried out in no time.

Just need to cut the grass again...

All done, and back to normal again...just before it rained.

Another creative week.

And then the moles surfaced...

and even more unsightly and unwelcome mounds appeared.  I've since flattened them, but they will certainly have the last word.

The hanging baskets are coming on a treat.

Bev created a little strawberry patch in between the showers, while I totally organised my studio and painted.

The rain eventually forced me indoors to create a better space for some of our books. I quite enjoyed building it but would much rather be outdoors.

We bought this old sewing machine base with oak plank top at Comptoire des Rue which is now my computer table and home to a couple of quirky clocks. I love working the treadle as I blog. Which reminds me...I lost two pounds this week. The mirror was bought in 1977 when we lived in West Bridgford before any of our children were born.

On our way back, we dropped in to see Barry and Lorraine.  They are here for the rest of the year from Australia.  Now, do you remember the old chest that we nearly bought last week? Well, Barry proudly showed me his latest bargain buy from Comptoire des Rue...yes, it was the very same chest.  It looks absolutely beautiful in the setting of their ancient home.  I'm so glad we'll still get to see it regularly.

When we got back, I created this area to put our logs on (they are still too damp at the moment). We really needed an area that housed at least a weeks worth of logs. The baskets hold paper, card, kindling and all things to do with wood burning. I can't wait to see the logs up there.  The mirror was bought in 1977 along with The Illustrated London News. Baskets, Ikea (we need some more).

That's better!  I just need to fix some skirting.  I'm glad it rained.

The next thing I made was this unit to house some of our DVD's.  Well, I was on a roll and Bev wanted the place more organised! Bev actually helped me to make sure the job was done.

The baskets will hold games and grandkids stuff.

Perhaps next week the weather will be kinder and I could get out for a rest:)

Saturday Seeded

First, seive the soil...30 bowls per barrow.

 Five barrow loads.

Spread, roll, seed, and cover the seed with layer of soil.

Ike the dog had a tantrum in the middle of it all.

Fence off to protect from Ike.

Water.

Watch Cup Final.

Another beautiful and full day.

Everything on hold until I get those roots out.

 I'm up for it!

 It's a great day and it feels good to be alive.

Gotcha!

 Long way to go, but so far, so good.

A view from the bottom of the garden that we've never seen before.

And another one bites the dust...

Bev doing what she loves to do.

Keep 'em coming, Bev.

They just keep coming...thank goodness.

 Fire Salamander exposed.

It isn't the first one we've encounter here.  I'm glad I didn't touch it because it excretes toxins that would paralyse me.

Bev, filling the posts with colour.

Wire, plastic, stone, gravel...and a bed frame all hidden in the hedge.

View from the front door...and another trip to the tip.

Nearly done. I'm glad I cut the grass yesterday.

 Well done, Bev.

Still more work to do, but pleased up to now.

 What would be the icing on the cake would be for Sophie to sell us the outbuilding.

David's box hedge starting to fill out.

More baskets filled.

Bev watering...the usual evening ritual.

I managed to strim the ditches and all around the garden perimeter for good measure.

Tomorrow is FA Cup Final day and I doubt I'd get much work done.

Sophie's horses have just galloped past our door. I think they've escaped. they are heading for Yvon's woods. Sophie's on her way after them.

Quite a good day.  We're both really pleased.

Just watched Master Chef. Ping was a worthy winner.

Another day (Wednesday)

Last night I sat watching Crimson Field from Dropbox while unblocking the nozzles of my shower head with a pin.

It works perfectly now.

 Now you see it...

 now you don't. Those stumps are proving difficult to extract. Slowly but surely they'll come out.

 It makes such a difference to have the front garden no longer isolated.  It really feels part of the house now. 

 One load to the tip.

And another.

Managed to rake the joints of the right-hand wall

 Bulbs planted.

More grass cutting.

The best part of the day was sitting in our loungers in the evening sun when all our chores were done.