Update of other jobs

Well, months after we started DIY jobs we are still not finished but here are some photos of how the wall and fire place is coming along. We are waiting for the rendered wall out front to dry before I can paint it. Inside we have stripped back the wall and laid a cement and then slate base. We've still got to dig out all the mortar before repointing and scrubbing the bricks. We've also got a lovely piece of white American oak to cover the lintel. Trouble is we have got so used to snuggling up to enjoy the heat from it. Ah well, all work and no play.....!

Winter rolls in.

Last week I spent the day digging over the vegetable patch and I'm pleased to say that I'm still getting pleasure out of the garden. We have had an unexpected frost this week which covers the garden with what looks like finely sifted icing sugar. However from the warmth of the dining room I can watch the wild birds perching on the sunflowers to peck away the seeds. Although the flowers now look almost dead and depleted I am leaving them in situ till the birds have got all the seeds out of them. Not only is it wonderful to watch them hanging upside down to extract the inky seeds but it means that the birds get some much needed food inside them. A double whammy.