garden preparation

We have just finished a job today..clearing a fortyfive degree slope of small leaved privet plants.
The Pirate was wielding a mattock and spade, my job was pulling up the remains as well as taking a turn with the mattock.
This is so that the gardener can then plant her chosen shrubs.
We must have done a good job as she insisted on paying more than asked, and discussed our next job there!!

We had lunch in our village cafe on the strength of it.

Then on to another garden to clear an old heap behind a greenhouse prior to re-glazing...and then came the rain!! Such a disappointment after the afternoon,s sun and double rainbow.

technology 1 gz 0

More techno problems..the software driver for the printer has bugs...so is refusing to recognise printing commands AND it is clogging up the screen and brain of the computer.

Luckily I've been given a tablet so I'm learning to use it. 

Meanwhile no printer or laptop....

RIP Blacksmith

I heard today that a good friend died yesterday.

We had never met in real life, but he introduced me to the downsizer forum for sustainable living ....not a dry as dust place, more an online village with all the events, squabbles, friends, births, marriages...and deaths.

He chatted with me on facebook as The Pirate went through his course of radiotherapy and was a great help.  Within a month his chemotherapy started, so he must have known when we were talking.

Despite knowing that his condition was terminal lung cancer he was positive and encouraging.

A good craftsman, marvellous photographer and all round decent bloke.

You'll be missed, Dave Goddard.

You loved barbecues and fireworks, so what better day to go!!

village event

 We walked down the hill to the village as the fireworks started...I'm glad we were late as I'm sure we had the best view!

 There was soup and hot dogs,fizzy drinks and glowsticks

It looked like most of the village came out to see and share,plus many from the surrounding area.

Then a walk home in the light of the nearly full moon, to a warm house, thanks to the woodburning stove.

seasons

 One day it is all Autumnal and conkers, the next the weather shows its true colours as the tail end of the US Hurricanes turns into a storm.....

Today it is Samhain/Calan Gaeaf  So Winter is here and I'm sitting here in front of the woodburning stove all cosy as the wind roars in the chimney and the rain lashes down....

and who forgot to lock the car, and whose bike is sitting in the car after today's ride.....erm.....me!

I took advantage of the good weather we had at lunchtime to go for a bike ride with my daughter on her last day here.
I managed the first flatter part of the ride with her-then told her to go on!

Total ride was sixteen miles, but the last eight were uphill to the summit, where The Pirate rescued me!!   Then we drove to Newton Stewart and had coffeeand scones together, before going tohunt for her husbandand The Boys.
He had forgotten that he had saaid"if you feel ok at the arranged meeting point, carry on the next 16k to Newton Stewart".....)

We found him back here!!   All came out in the wash and nobody died!!

Sad to see them leave after only three nights up here, but The Boys are now in school and one gets fined if one takes time out in term time.

seasonal cards and visits

Printing is under way of the Seasonal Greetings cards...seems far too early, but one is driven by the market.   Also by the early posting dates for overseas mail !

Daughter is on her way today, she came from Wales by train...a great adventure...as far as Cheshire where her in-laws live. Thence by car to here.

 The Boys are having a Big Adventure Holiday!! Their first visit to Scotland too.

The house here has been under the process of being made four year old boy (x2) proof for a few days, not that that is entirely possible!!
 This has been a trifle stressful for The Pirate, adding to the stress of restoring a classic bike for his granddaughter....He cannot find all the bits that were taken off and put in one box, when the frame was stripped to go and be resprayed.
It isn't a case of just go and buy new, as sizes of tubing change as well as style of components. 
However it is nearly ready,thankfully....a stressed out Pirate is doing no good to either of us!!

We do have something else to look forward to soon which will relieve much stress...a trip to the Western Isles....now that IS to be eagerly anticipated- apart from the ferry crossing over The Minches!!

a find?

Or perhaps not....found an Epson  stylus sx 100 printer in a charity shop  for £3

It wont turn on....we'll get our Electrical Wizard to look at it....but £3 isn't too much to lose!!

Possibly back to the drawing board.....perhaps that IS the answer....

get drawing!!