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.

Spring brings changes to house and garden

April 2009: after a stunning blue sky day of 20C the setting sun brings the newly plastered back wall to life, there's blossom all around the garden and we are transplanting seedlings in anticipation of a hot summer with flowers, fruit and vegtables aplenty. The new birds have settled in with Gloria, only survivor of autumn's deadly visitor; one egg a day so far this year but the little bare necked hens are growing fast!

enMatte's "face" moves closer to completion

On a wonderful late August Sunday - the façade of the building nears completion. 5 of 6 openings replaced, rendering complete, repointing 50% there. The boards of the balcony need nailing down and a hand rail putting in place and from this angle the work will be complete! Even with the incredible progress, it would be hiding the amount of work that still needs to be completed before building behind it will match the completeness.

... the work continues to keep the elephants in the wall and finally spring has arrived. Other additions include a new roof for the little barn and a blossoming garden under the oak tree.