In preparation for 2011...

The last few days I spent in training for the coming year. I will try not to be too enthusiastic about my work. Going at it too fast from a cold start pole axed my lower back a number of times this past season. Didn't post much on the blog in 2010. Complaining about my knackered body didn't strike as being the best of subject matter. The good news is it's still working, when it isn't hurting.
Shifted a couple of tonnes of stone about the yard. Tidying up in readiness for the next years uphill struggle. As the bulk of the rocks move to the top of the field some stay behind to improve the amenity. The foundation of a fire place is gradually evolving.
The crescent in the small circle will be home to two cubic metres of sand in the not too distant future. We will see some of the rocks being bedded into their intended permanent place this coming season.
The roundhouse at the top of the field awaits more materials. I can't believe there are folk out there desperate to hear about my stony progress. They could always drop by if they are in need of an immediate up date. There's a challenge.

I think I will light a fire outside just for the comfort of seeing it in what's to be the yard fire place. Damn the expense. The sacrifice of a bundle of fagots and some knobbly knotty bits of oak, set aside because they are too difficult to split will be amply rewarded by the joy the blaze will bring. SHIT!!! now it's raining.
I think I'll put a log on the stove instead. just enough time to get my wellies in from the wet. Looks like I am in for the day.
"Fancy a drop of rum?" "Thanks,I don't mind if I do." So we did.

Big lump stew later. A warming thought is that. It has given us the strength and energy to overcome all obstacles sent to impede our progress so far. Happen I'll start posting recipes. There are as many of them as there are days in a man's lifetime,It alway's tastes great "The best ever".
Today's I am told has potatoes, carrots , celeriac, leeks, onions, beans, mushrooms. All but the latter came from the home garden.
All we have left over wintering in the garden is Kale sprouts celeriac schozonère.
This is the lean time of the year but we have plenty in store.
We still have hardy salad, pain de sucre, it seems to laugh at the frost.

I have started placing stones along the perimeter gully of the field I will be happy when the garden is completely walled off. There will be less wind damage for one, it should help conserve humidity in the soil.

I am disappointed that the round house is not near completion yet. On the bright side, it is more credible that it will be completed than when I was struck by the inspiration. Massive piles of work to come. Perhaps a posting here on "Coping with piles" is in order. I'll see what I can do.

If my blog fades away after a while, it won't be because of an early demise. My eyes are sensitive to electric light. Getting worse annually. I will revert back to writing the old fashioned way. Google eyed voyeurs can buy the book.

This bit of keyboard stabbing will at least displace the most recent postings.
Joyously forward into 2011 sez I . I hope I see you there.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.