Harvest

My train is hurtling through the country between Harrow and Westacre. Out of the window I can see fields of old stubble and brown earth ready ploughed for winter wheat. This year’s harvest has been brought in and is making its way to our kitchens. Six months ago, as the year turned to spring, Alex and [...]

Into the dark

It is the time of Equinox, equal day and equal night. Now, the balance tips towards darkness, and winter will follow. Even now, the leaves are beginning to colour scarlet and gold, and there is a definite nip in the air. I’m warming my hands on my cup of tea. For me, time is going way [...]

Spread a bit thin

Yesterday, I was at our friends’ handfasting party and got talking to an acquaintance. We were comparing notes about living the life of our dreams. We agreed that it could be hard, but we need to remind ourselves that, actually, this is it. This is what we had said we would do. This is the [...]

A look in the mirror

The most powerful thing I have done for myself in the last year or so is to see myself through other people’s eyes. The woman who is looking back at me from the mirror of other people is completely different from the woman who looks out. Yet they are both me, and both very real. Whenever [...]

Video Blog Episode 3 – Ground work

Some of the floor laying and demolition work we’ve been doing in Roger’s bungalow. The ground work before you see real progress.

Laying an insulated floor on top of concrete:
– Put down a damp proof membrane (DPM)
– Screw and nail down laths
– Cut Celotex to size and lay between laths
– Glue tongue and grooved chipboard to laths
– Hammer into place
– Screw down
Going around corners is the tricky bit.

Anticipated goodbyes

We’ve spent lots of time at Westacre these last few weeks. And that is a good thing. I am getting to know the garden much better, meditating on the lawn nearly every day. The earth there is beginning to recognise me, and welcoming me as I put down roots for stability and strength. It will [...]

Video blog Episode 2: Stripping the bungalow

Here is the second video in the series. Do let us know if you enjoy watching these.

Lessons learned so far:

1) If a tool is on offer from B&Q, and the box is unsealed, check the contents before you take it home.
2) Get everything you need on site before you start a job.
3) Be smart about clearing out rubble from demolitions straight away.