Another week, another 4 loads of wood for chopping. I can honestly say, I’m still delighted with the new axe. One thing I like about it is that it seems to prefer to bounce out than to get stuck. I’ve had a fair proportion of really knotty oak in this load which can be a beast! Rather than set in the wood like it has been welded in, this axe will do its best, then jump back out ready for the next swing. Bit like a young springer spaniel in that regard.Continue reading
Category Archives: Daily Life
In At The Deep End
We’re only 2½ years late, that’s not bad is it? I mean it’s nothing in defence contract or major public infrastructure circles. Nor, come to think of it, is it much longer than you wait for the average GP appointment…
But, today was the day for Marcail’s FIRST SWIM. The three of us went up to the Mariner Centre in Camelon and got in the pool. She did really, really well. There must be such a lot to take in, what with all the people, the big deep pool and the totally new environment. In no time at all she was lifting her feet up and relying on her float to keep her up. A little reserved and nervous, but I’m sure the next time will see her get off to a flying start.
Anyway, here she is from just a few days ago. She’s such a girl now, the toddler has almost completely gone. Getting to be quite the independent mind too, though going through a phase of almost instant self-contradiction. “I want a yoghurt.” “Here you go then.” “NO!!! I don’t waaaant a yoghurt.”
Munchkin just a few days ago
Chopper Begbie
So, we had a whole load of wood sitting in front of the garage. It all stemmed from a board meeting where the board member from our nearest university said they have over 100 trees come down in the storms we had in December and January. So, it was worth a punt and I sent an email along the lines of
A cheeky request from the owner of a wood burning stove to the manager of an estate with over a hundred trees down…
It worked. They have no problem with members and associates collecting fallen wood from the estate, so long as it is done safely. I was even shown the ‘log store’ by the grounds manager, who told me how to get in touch and arrange to collect wood. Sooperrb.
Heavy Metal!
So the guy from the stove place said his best guess for the cost of scaffolding, since the chimney pot is insufficiently secure, would be an additional £600!!!
I could buy enough for less than that and do that bit of the job myself. Not only that but I’d also need scaff for repointing the gable ends. AND, I bet I can sell it for almost what I pay for it.
I take it all back
The weather has turned brilliant today. The wind’s dropped, the sun’s out and it’s a couple of degrees warmer. As the saying goes, it’s the difference between ‘Oh’ and ‘Ahhhhh’.
Yesterday, Munchkin was on the beach in a shortie and borderline hypothermic. Today her and doglet ran around the beach at Dunrobin Castle in a vest and a nappy (daiper) and didn’t even have goosebumps!
Scottish summer
That’s us for our summer holiday up in Dornoch, on the North East coast of Scotland. There’s a large and gorgeous beach between the campsite and the Arctic Ocean. The latter is providing the icy cold wind driving across the site. It’s dry and sunny though, so not really complaining. Besides, both the children just love to be beside the seaside.
OK, that’s enough now.
Friday it didn’t rain. It’s not pleasant refreshing outbursts either. Not 10 minutes and it’s done. No.
How much more do we have to endure? Summer? Please?
Where does it all come from?
It’s supposed to be summer. In fact it has been raining constantly for weeks. Really, apart from a couple of days in the last month it has been significantly wet every day.
Right now I’m lying in bed and there are great big heavy gobs of rain banging on the window. For heavens sake, it’s JUNE. Unreal.
Getting in to pot
Every parent has to deal with life’s issues at some point or another. Whether it’s the first dodgy boyfriend, crashing the car or coming home drunk and throwing up all over the newly laid pale cream carpet; well OK, that was our dog and it wasn’t drunk. So it was for us this weekend. We were on a trip to the highlands, Kingussie to be exact, with a load of friends from university and after.Continue reading
LOOK – Would you Adam and Eve it? Photos!!!
That’s right people. Finally, beyond all expectation I haveContinue reading