Chris and Bev – Heads in the Clouds

The most pressing tree surgery is now complete with those trees that were threatening to undermine or fall on the wall removed. It’s been costly – and we haven’t bothered asking to share costs with our neighbours – and it’s sad to lose any trees, but that should be it for a few years unless we find in the Spring that the row of self-seeded ashes along the north wall have die-back.

The chaps, who must be keen climbers at weekends, did well to work around the power cables. This involved abseiling some of the branches to the ground which worked well until one got stuck. We want the cables to come down but not like this ….

Some days are productive and fulfilling but others can be frustrating, even miserable, when things just don’t seem to go to plan. Chris has spent a couple of days struggling to install a duct under the wall which will carry our neighbours’ power cables when we get round to burying them. It’s been muddy and difficult work, hired breakers have packed up, persistent rain getting into the extension leads has caused the circuits to trip, emotions and energy levels have been stretched.

Then this morning, the new breaker really bites, the sun comes out, this morning’s porridge puts oomph into tired muscles and what seemed impossible yesterday is suddenly done.

With renewed energy and enthusiasm, and wanting to make the most of the hired breaker over the weekend, Chris carried on to break up the one remaining structure in the garden – a block-built stable for donkeys apparently – which will leave a hard standing that we’ll keep for a new garden shed. All before the rugby starts!

The completion of the well-house renovation is in sight with new rafters, felt and batons, and the surviving clay tiles going back on.

We’re very pleased with what the guys have done but they’re not the neatest of workers and Bev has started the job of tidying up. We’re now letting ourselves think about some ‘G&T’ seating for the well-house …