The stable floor had a layer of self levelling cement today, and the plum ice cream finally got made! Paul is planting leeks and winter cabbages ... and Marilyn has sorted out the herb vinaigres & oils. The burners have now been ordered for the barn space and main house. There's lots of work before they can be installed ... walls to knock down, a floor to build -worth it for a new family room/kitchen at the front of the house, first floor bedrooms for James and Marilyn and a living room with a great view.

New hens in the pen

Just back from Fleurance market with 4 speckly hens -additions to the flock of bare-necked hens and guinea fowl that live in some comfort at the bottom of the garden. We're looking forward to more fresh eggs -plum ripple ice cream is on the menu.

Catching up with previous work ...

Now for the catch-up, The middle barn floor is ready for tiling, the original manger has been converted to a rail around the edge of the mezzanine, and roof beams are being sanded ...

and Nanny Hammick's furniture is being put to very good use in a new home.

July 2009's work on the house

It's hot and sunny, work continues, this time on the front wall of the first floor space -the penultimate coat of lime plaster. My Dad's pulley system (what did he use it for?) put to good use getting the buckets up for Tracey's expert hands & Paul already has the mixer going for the second batch. As for me -well the freezers are now defrosted and I am searching for ways to use the many baskets of plums we picked at a neighbours yesterday. Jam, jelly, chutney, plum brandy, into the freezer for winter crumbles ... and the flowers by the deck keep blooming.