Nick, our neighbour couldn't get over the fact that he could wear a tee shirt this far into November. Unbelievable to think it's so close to Christmas. Last year (if you check December 2010's posts) we were snowed in at Christmas with 20cms of snow. This year, so far, we have enjoyed Autumn temperatures and as a result are still picking the raspberries that are too high for the chickens to steal (and chickens will jump for those hanging rubies). Whilst the ground is almost boggy (I think I'll be adding sharp sand for the next ten years) the grass has shot up so I risked getting the mower out and happily did both back and front in record time. Luke commented how much better it looked cut and I sadly agreed. It's my least favourite job, especially as I have to move the hammock frame every time. Oh, but it does look better. I always say that though!
We drove 200 yards down the road to our neighbour's as he had cut a large cherry tree down and wanted to get rid of the wood. We heaved great logs of it into the car and then had to buy a decent axe for Luke to do his man thing and hack it to manageable sized logs.
The chickens came out and jumped up on the step by the greenhouse to be let in for their dust bath. They have dug deep into the row of carrots but at least a fine row of peas has sprouted (I didn't even know they were there - Luke planted them a little while ago when he put in the broccoli).
The pak choi is fat and lush in the veg patch, the salad leaves have bolted and have leggy yellow flowers swinging atop reed-thin stems and the outdoor broccoli is thickening up although the caterpillars have attacked a few. Our broad beans are strong and erect although once the snow comes we'll see what happens. But today, with low, weak sun still giving us it's warmth we've had a joyous day. I love each chance we have to remember how beautiful this country is before the grey, dark, wet days we'll have in the new year. The wood is stacked up in the wood store, we have two loads by the wood burner just ready to be tossed onto the flames and we know that in the morning we'll be able to watch the returning woodpecker have his breakfast of peanuts from the feeder. It helps slightly with that Monday morning feeling. But, oh, for another day in the garden.
We drove 200 yards down the road to our neighbour's as he had cut a large cherry tree down and wanted to get rid of the wood. We heaved great logs of it into the car and then had to buy a decent axe for Luke to do his man thing and hack it to manageable sized logs.
The chickens came out and jumped up on the step by the greenhouse to be let in for their dust bath. They have dug deep into the row of carrots but at least a fine row of peas has sprouted (I didn't even know they were there - Luke planted them a little while ago when he put in the broccoli).
The pak choi is fat and lush in the veg patch, the salad leaves have bolted and have leggy yellow flowers swinging atop reed-thin stems and the outdoor broccoli is thickening up although the caterpillars have attacked a few. Our broad beans are strong and erect although once the snow comes we'll see what happens. But today, with low, weak sun still giving us it's warmth we've had a joyous day. I love each chance we have to remember how beautiful this country is before the grey, dark, wet days we'll have in the new year. The wood is stacked up in the wood store, we have two loads by the wood burner just ready to be tossed onto the flames and we know that in the morning we'll be able to watch the returning woodpecker have his breakfast of peanuts from the feeder. It helps slightly with that Monday morning feeling. But, oh, for another day in the garden.
