For Ralph
I've been enjoying a couple weeks off, in fine weather, during which a box-type structure has slowly gone up in the wasteland that was the bottom corner of our garden.
We've been here for nearly two years now and when we arrived one of the first things we did was to fell a large conifer that obliterated the view. Once gone we discovered three smaller oaks, half a mini and about five tons of oily soil.
When I’d eventually cleared it I was left with a stump about 18” in diameter and without enough room to get a stump grinder in and around the old conservatory, it was a case of gradually hacking and sawing bits off until at last, it stood only 6" above ground level.

A deck was the only solution to finally getting it covered, the design and build of which almost felt like proper work and the whole experience really was most satisfying. All that remains is some planting in the raised beds and then, weather permitting, an alfresco summer awaits, hic.

A busy four week stint kicked off this week, starting at the local Gala where, for like the first time ever, they’ve got themselves a festival together. It’s been fun so far, but four days by the seaside in Brighton next week is what I'm really looking forward too.
Oh, and if anyone knows why the lawn feed I administered last week appears to have killed off most of our lawn I'd be most grateful...