tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30788065888536162632024-03-18T20:01:00.580+00:00An English HomesteadKev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comBlogger1723125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-35517595133837156622024-03-16T06:00:00.001+00:002024-03-16T06:00:00.246+00:00Be A Real Man<p> This is a video that isn't mine, but I liked it and it made me smile. Hugh and Fiona are going through a tougher time due to Fiona breaking her leg quite badly. It talks about the discuss of roles in a relationship and how you need to be able to step into each others shoes should you need to. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MJStjPBJWgc" width="320" youtube-src-id="MJStjPBJWgc"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p>I think it embodies how I feel about some things. Sometimes when I give my talks I discuss the fact that I went from doing a the very "manly" (traditionally anyway - I know anyone can do it) job of being a carpenter, to becoming a stay at home dad. and how that made me feel and how I saw other people's attitudes to me change, especially with my wife being the bread winner. </p><p>Changing my days from working on roofs and hanging doors to looking after the children and making sure I had tea on the table when my wife got home from work. I left what is quite often a toxic industry when it comes to male chauvinistic attitudes. The guy who trained me to be a carpenter still won't cook tea, even if he gets back before his wife from work and never does any of the housework. </p><p>I like to think we share our workload well here and that my wife and I are a brilliant team (unless you judge us on how tidy our home is - lol). I don't like the unfair split that sometimes exists, although sometimes I'm sure we may feel a little that it is one sided here, especially when things are busy. I like that our children see us equally in any of the household tasks, and yes we have things we're better at, or recipes we won't do because our partner does it better, etc. </p><p>The children are involved in this as well. If I have to go off in an evening (a regular occurrence at the moment) I won't ask my wife to complete the chores I need done, instead I'll normally ask the Middlest to organise it, she'll drag her brother and sister along and get what needs doing done. They all understand helping each other in our family unit makes it easier and makes it so we can do more. </p><p>What really choked with the video above was the mention Hugh gives me at the end. I'm never quite sure how you're meant to feel as a parent, a lot of the time it feels like I'm winging it, and only sometimes does it feel like you're getting it right. So it was great to have a nice mention, hopefully it'll push me to be an even better husband and father in the future and keep on pushing. </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-14789576864909094312024-03-13T06:00:00.003+00:002024-03-13T06:00:00.132+00:00Hand Pollinating Our Peach Tree<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few years ago I put in a peach tree. The first year I thought it had died, but the next year it came back - it seems to still be living through the neglect I give it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the first year I've seen any blossom on it though. As my middle daughter and I were cleaning the plastic on the polytunnel we couldn't see any bees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsNUwK8QlvKR7DydwagCQ-WDC-aKXMuEFSD1zdk0kN-gO6vmoLxURsTNpn20fPD4IqWiE0PN6XdrPZOGH-kL47wIxlF7ktwGQ2XsrMQNf0431Ion9dCjSIjAyDwnt-GaUvZuANM7wcdeDid0973WdPV8uu_KF8Daa-fH97_l5VFZadjOinVRF-eyDABw/s4000/20240310_124744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsNUwK8QlvKR7DydwagCQ-WDC-aKXMuEFSD1zdk0kN-gO6vmoLxURsTNpn20fPD4IqWiE0PN6XdrPZOGH-kL47wIxlF7ktwGQ2XsrMQNf0431Ion9dCjSIjAyDwnt-GaUvZuANM7wcdeDid0973WdPV8uu_KF8Daa-fH97_l5VFZadjOinVRF-eyDABw/w640-h480/20240310_124744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's still early in the year and the polytunnel might not look very inviting to something buzzing around. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I said to go and fetch some paintbrushes and we would pollinate the flowers to see if we could get some fruit this year. </p><p>It's good to do things like this together, it brings up questions and other points to talk about. Like how we would have to do this for all our fruit if there were no bees in the future. Also how one tree didn't take long, but many would fast become a very boring job. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialiIehLyo6korl5lFz658NQaolYNCkFHxkjgnXqPHS1q2ZqYGqPOBrtyWCpfTDHoLdtPwn0pdmC5lmTpyHbJox2IrGn98aLF-M3ijUCx7hp9rSD8aDq2DK4RPjSztNGFN9qQ4Zw4SnM2v51oldjIr2ti6H4njMU5L2fksW9NBHmXqnc-ru47B8CiNLRU/s4000/20240310_125121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialiIehLyo6korl5lFz658NQaolYNCkFHxkjgnXqPHS1q2ZqYGqPOBrtyWCpfTDHoLdtPwn0pdmC5lmTpyHbJox2IrGn98aLF-M3ijUCx7hp9rSD8aDq2DK4RPjSztNGFN9qQ4Zw4SnM2v51oldjIr2ti6H4njMU5L2fksW9NBHmXqnc-ru47B8CiNLRU/w480-h640/20240310_125121.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> It was great to see the pollen on our brushes afterwards as well. I hope a few set so she can eat a fruit she pollinated. <p></p><p>The whole tree needs pruning and tying back, but being a stone fruit I have been holding off. No doubt the amount of fruit set will affect how I'll prune it as well. </p><p>How else has fruit trees under cover? </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-33912053117182769642024-03-11T06:00:00.001+00:002024-03-11T06:00:00.243+00:00ShireHike<p> On Saturday we had a great day completing the 12km "ShireHike" with the Scouts. </p><p>It was a big event with some 700 scouts of different ages attending. There were different length routes, we did the 12km (plus the 1.5km to get to the start), there was a 5km for the beavers (we couldn't get enough leaders to run the beaver walk as well), a 24km for the scouts (our scouts are all quite young so they stuck to the 12km cub walk) and a 37km walk for the explorers! The explorers group set off really early. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VaRTmHO__osTiqVXsbyNpOUnIejoDwT4hp2ISF7LXG4a7ozqh2haez97xl5QAO8tSqxlv00Eg1841sNrpLyDeBR4Q54xtGU-6lRI17oDYc8zVLcJKyjHT2LfuId2YVIw-N-E62yq9_slfoYAp52s1Md1OzPX2Ia-kuF0lISFrz_L9ZyH7UeivowiAj4/s4000/20240309_134747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VaRTmHO__osTiqVXsbyNpOUnIejoDwT4hp2ISF7LXG4a7ozqh2haez97xl5QAO8tSqxlv00Eg1841sNrpLyDeBR4Q54xtGU-6lRI17oDYc8zVLcJKyjHT2LfuId2YVIw-N-E62yq9_slfoYAp52s1Md1OzPX2Ia-kuF0lISFrz_L9ZyH7UeivowiAj4/w640-h480/20240309_134747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We walk on the hills plenty and it was all routes we knew, but it was still a fun thing to do on a Saturday. The weather was kind. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJDSUcXhnQ7qgA5Z1100rGX9FkFh9UUA0kMV8V4zX6Z-j5LJJGX9gXXAiT_GA_QZ4omucrQgW_1S9RzLuGjfQY-R9BOpys1Sd95y_i1xMvF-OB9aoHUEkm5AidWOXwfo1I-6XZE1oAaQf07UB9_W3Xw6BnwhNbKfBFO1NK9MZGA4zbs-5L7Lt3IFinjg/s4000/20240309_135335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJDSUcXhnQ7qgA5Z1100rGX9FkFh9UUA0kMV8V4zX6Z-j5LJJGX9gXXAiT_GA_QZ4omucrQgW_1S9RzLuGjfQY-R9BOpys1Sd95y_i1xMvF-OB9aoHUEkm5AidWOXwfo1I-6XZE1oAaQf07UB9_W3Xw6BnwhNbKfBFO1NK9MZGA4zbs-5L7Lt3IFinjg/w640-h480/20240309_135335.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And although there was lots of scouts on the hills, it didn't feel too busy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAkpN2BtHX0MTsRzJT9QuyR9gt9Gw9M0F6L9Oc1lt67wfUQyxAjSeg3wou0CJ0FkJGFidNU7U0m7MVwY9GtHaXZ5H8CGsw4hsrJv9ETMuQPVHqQ_0712YHV1udDBIE-IDIgwV6gp_XKIVGeHHH7TsYSwLbaFX60d_A8SmEu3Dt71IKGmQDIFnWVA4kgo/s4000/20240309_144949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAkpN2BtHX0MTsRzJT9QuyR9gt9Gw9M0F6L9Oc1lt67wfUQyxAjSeg3wou0CJ0FkJGFidNU7U0m7MVwY9GtHaXZ5H8CGsw4hsrJv9ETMuQPVHqQ_0712YHV1udDBIE-IDIgwV6gp_XKIVGeHHH7TsYSwLbaFX60d_A8SmEu3Dt71IKGmQDIFnWVA4kgo/w640-h480/20240309_144949.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We didn't manage to go as a whole family, although we all did the walk. My wife and Eldest went with the scouts, and I went with the younger two with the cubs. </p><p>They all seemed to really enjoy it, and there was a lot of laughter coming from the children, they seemed to have a great time, even if they did moan about their feet a few times! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjr2g1jxpBcoe7xjWaDsMzhZvP6QuCeOUC428iVHDvc9atqbYdRCMg0Rgs1tEqCcGq8vfO3Lpis55Ti3_zJVdNbUpLQEO74grhPVorvjQjHsJAdHIrYwG2zA-qYpmRiHlA9rnMHJxxSv5-Z-quJzMpQbd-ZYNcjXTDCOSp1V4ROHPGVBIEBh4UDznsEY/s4000/20240309_083910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjr2g1jxpBcoe7xjWaDsMzhZvP6QuCeOUC428iVHDvc9atqbYdRCMg0Rgs1tEqCcGq8vfO3Lpis55Ti3_zJVdNbUpLQEO74grhPVorvjQjHsJAdHIrYwG2zA-qYpmRiHlA9rnMHJxxSv5-Z-quJzMpQbd-ZYNcjXTDCOSp1V4ROHPGVBIEBh4UDznsEY/w640-h480/20240309_083910.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course to fuel us properly we had to have something good in our packed lunches. I baked my usual white rolls, but had done some Mexican chicken and rump steak to go in them. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpLAxuxJkkCxA_z8zVKOiq3gEbVEL504s3iFfWV491q1TXQv35j3g8DBkuDmeweyP_Q9jAL-EaismnoUZ1GNORbMmlMDZtu0QsTlYBJPaNje3eAjboHKrIMSdvep5bxdjkWRIhUrOCvO5HPIaLcnRWsivhtbvwDOfxwoBpLbP493jWMQgOP98hzCxtic/s4000/20240309_083922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpLAxuxJkkCxA_z8zVKOiq3gEbVEL504s3iFfWV491q1TXQv35j3g8DBkuDmeweyP_Q9jAL-EaismnoUZ1GNORbMmlMDZtu0QsTlYBJPaNje3eAjboHKrIMSdvep5bxdjkWRIhUrOCvO5HPIaLcnRWsivhtbvwDOfxwoBpLbP493jWMQgOP98hzCxtic/w640-h480/20240309_083922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Middlest made a chocolate brownie, she is constantly trying new recipes for it. This one was really good. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDHat4GH_M1QDy-OHdYpbktcdWDHZxlWjj8-YLzIm0tLl-ZZx5dTp1g9QOQWx4BfH4BDYhJyIkBo1cQ2tmraiyefuh8Srl1frr1fipPU929nKjk055voBFuVj7-ZMa7BiPnWWdz_pMNylaGPnasfCAcC19toGxE_wfGzrb8p3b3xEbKfPDMuhsz94l1U/s4000/20240309_083904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDHat4GH_M1QDy-OHdYpbktcdWDHZxlWjj8-YLzIm0tLl-ZZx5dTp1g9QOQWx4BfH4BDYhJyIkBo1cQ2tmraiyefuh8Srl1frr1fipPU929nKjk055voBFuVj7-ZMa7BiPnWWdz_pMNylaGPnasfCAcC19toGxE_wfGzrb8p3b3xEbKfPDMuhsz94l1U/w640-h480/20240309_083904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>and the eldest made a chocolate cake with real (goats) butter icing in the middle and black berry jam. It showed how hard she was walking as she had a big lunch and didn't need any insulin for it apparently! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34GdVZqhxpDsg5T-XM8RjXSTD2Hl4hU1kKlwtZKS5a3lPOagWpeEINR6mFeqYLwXaErLtzCVLALahmxlDXVYiWll3eCk4-CXrY8wGb7VKh74E3Hkjris35InLmku8B240zdRgc4_S0H3Hx8YNQG8340Va6lQ-HTQaubxSduep61n7ftirJEFp-73H-TY/s4000/20240309_100420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34GdVZqhxpDsg5T-XM8RjXSTD2Hl4hU1kKlwtZKS5a3lPOagWpeEINR6mFeqYLwXaErLtzCVLALahmxlDXVYiWll3eCk4-CXrY8wGb7VKh74E3Hkjris35InLmku8B240zdRgc4_S0H3Hx8YNQG8340Va6lQ-HTQaubxSduep61n7ftirJEFp-73H-TY/w640-h480/20240309_100420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A fun day with two of the children. Sometimes it's really good to do things separately but also together, if that makes any sense at all? </p><p>Scouts can feel like a massive pain at times, it's such a commitment, but we do get more out than we put in (most of the time anyway). </p><p>Anyone else been on a long walk lately?</p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-44309872964671813912024-03-08T23:00:00.001+00:002024-03-08T23:00:13.057+00:00Unusual Greenhouse Clips<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.englishhomestead.com/2014/08/inside-my-greenhouses.html" target="_blank">My greenhouse has been up about 10 years now</a>, second hand when I got it, older than me and still going strong. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been struggling with the clips though. When I glazed it I had to stretch the clips out a bit, using a few less than I should of. I've looked everywhere for some replacements but unsure what they were even called (I searched greenhouse band clips and got some similar) it was hard to search. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6svhSzqr-D-7wn0c9M-xZQpKkgfz3FUq6b6IGUdPuzfVZcJHq_4FW7Jh1dKcofYVG8IcnLJxVu-3zP-k3vXrIMjAgPv584sDrtC5Kjs_oe8wSL6YryXQBs8E1i3LABsVqwNnevzl-IT6gQMK_R7mKMybboGni3fPJBcdGl9WIneBo4Eibwz3Hq8jvJQ/s4000/20240303_124200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6svhSzqr-D-7wn0c9M-xZQpKkgfz3FUq6b6IGUdPuzfVZcJHq_4FW7Jh1dKcofYVG8IcnLJxVu-3zP-k3vXrIMjAgPv584sDrtC5Kjs_oe8wSL6YryXQBs8E1i3LABsVqwNnevzl-IT6gQMK_R7mKMybboGni3fPJBcdGl9WIneBo4Eibwz3Hq8jvJQ/w480-h640/20240303_124200.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"unusual" greenhouse clips</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In the end I joined a Facebook group called "Greenhouse Spares Group" and A guy on there told me what my greenhouse was (BACO) and that he had some clips for sale. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>The clips are handed, left and right, and plain, so I ordered 30 of each to make sure I would always have enough spares. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8U2wY37_3iwtn0vjLDKLchyfuAAAkuCDZ5rH5pbSEjjwF997dFVxEDZ2SO6snu3v70wSMMWsAm-No2K_2Xxw72R7KGxwAesoyRenJ73-yw-vhyphenhyphencjwM5Hu4uawb84c0X9FAhVVprOW53n1ZbyGfMONqQbnheySnp_tmNmA_B1Ji7kerqLNJl4EQIqX3g/s4000/20240303_124146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8U2wY37_3iwtn0vjLDKLchyfuAAAkuCDZ5rH5pbSEjjwF997dFVxEDZ2SO6snu3v70wSMMWsAm-No2K_2Xxw72R7KGxwAesoyRenJ73-yw-vhyphenhyphencjwM5Hu4uawb84c0X9FAhVVprOW53n1ZbyGfMONqQbnheySnp_tmNmA_B1Ji7kerqLNJl4EQIqX3g/w480-h640/20240303_124146.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Usual sprung greenhouse clips</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tPdOIVGBrx4" width="320" youtube-src-id="tPdOIVGBrx4"></iframe></div><br /><p>Keeping things going, like a greenhouse, with a little bit of maintenance each year is such a good thing. It saves money, as like in the video above if I hadn't refitted the slipped glass the next stage is it being broken on the floor. It is also so much better for the environment. The energy used to make the greenhouse in the first place is paid off over many years and the fact that by keeping it in good condition you're far less likely to need to replace glass is also great for the energy saved. </p><p>I tend to keep spares on hand. I even have a whole spare greenhouse here at the moment (well nearly two), which means I've got plenty of spare glass should I need it, I also keep spare bolts and clips as well. It's far better than trying to order it when I need it, especially in the spring when a cold night can really be your enemy. </p><p>Let me know what you think of the video! </p><p>Do you keep on top of your greenhouse maintenance (if you have one)? </p><p>Do you keep a selection of spares in stock?<br /></p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-4328913264087635842024-03-05T22:30:00.006+00:002024-03-05T22:30:45.796+00:00More Seeds In<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time of year is so full of promise, especially when my enthusiasm has been knocked back by the weeds yet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBrsZC6TvxYQpn4W51EcXAO8dh4zXAI1fDezn79HKngGB_2RH2cgAOxvc4MUUXguauYG3Y2RFGRFPO4LckTd78laQVMUhFn94MFmRco8BgWN_rFOrqVmDvFmmdz0scoqUNaOaLNRB7Z8QPFFK8Ed9Ui8tKQgScy2QawMt7VzrjjhkH4rynNw_39xAZ-I/s4000/20240303_160745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBrsZC6TvxYQpn4W51EcXAO8dh4zXAI1fDezn79HKngGB_2RH2cgAOxvc4MUUXguauYG3Y2RFGRFPO4LckTd78laQVMUhFn94MFmRco8BgWN_rFOrqVmDvFmmdz0scoqUNaOaLNRB7Z8QPFFK8Ed9Ui8tKQgScy2QawMt7VzrjjhkH4rynNw_39xAZ-I/w640-h480/20240303_160745.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I've been busy sown little and often. </p><p>In the greenhouse I've put the little 1930s (I think) cloche mum got me for Christmas with some radishes under (and some alongside as well).<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><p>I've put in some sugar snap peas, but in root trainers, too many furry creatures to try direct sowing here. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3_xiV1owZFvDPKSloWvbVgjmuKyDmwSCXE7MKOxowzSUShGYJde7kvMVfIgZZQMBG8M8SVZV9WQpFwOOeN0dA50x3toSDgEDbYkkeWPxxX_qbnKNaRcMNUXonPmPfzr5J7YlEoXy4fKY_Vqysel-KjQvEoQEN-sQFSiTGnITMwATEapBMoMKD9WCc7Y/s4000/20240303_161252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3_xiV1owZFvDPKSloWvbVgjmuKyDmwSCXE7MKOxowzSUShGYJde7kvMVfIgZZQMBG8M8SVZV9WQpFwOOeN0dA50x3toSDgEDbYkkeWPxxX_qbnKNaRcMNUXonPmPfzr5J7YlEoXy4fKY_Vqysel-KjQvEoQEN-sQFSiTGnITMwATEapBMoMKD9WCc7Y/w640-h480/20240303_161252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've also put in three types of leeks, normally I do just one but I thought this could be fun. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gdqCwObkSUH1unoJa8gWptNsK0AwmNw1XF-Yh35Dvg1sNe80NveAUP2JAkOILQiW2lrbFvJo8lLe-tI2HobPi_ofiHBfsA378k6lMJIr2uQTTYQ7tkP0FNMhP3WvhvvfO5i5VQXX_CNZ0EeNQfeiz0-qzbWpbpfxTJcGSEK_QxD_FtPuXzJM_wzkeM0/s4000/20240303_155123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gdqCwObkSUH1unoJa8gWptNsK0AwmNw1XF-Yh35Dvg1sNe80NveAUP2JAkOILQiW2lrbFvJo8lLe-tI2HobPi_ofiHBfsA378k6lMJIr2uQTTYQ7tkP0FNMhP3WvhvvfO5i5VQXX_CNZ0EeNQfeiz0-qzbWpbpfxTJcGSEK_QxD_FtPuXzJM_wzkeM0/w640-h480/20240303_155123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And I've made a big planter for our bedroom to continue to grow our very early baby cucumbers. I have high hopes for these. the planter is made from reclaimed wood and lined with a bit of old silage plastic. A big part of me would like to grow a chilli in the middle of these two plants, although I wonder if that would be too much. Everything looks very far apart when you first put it in, but within a few weeks I've no doubt things will look a bit closer together!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5747C1VW2-_-BoI5Yj-eWVU9719n12kwRRazdUFKYAdlaOEdig0lou4KbTG2WeYbLDcJ8jSQHBdFURfKU_p1jUfWLxYVE83JX9pneRZlycHNndl4Sq7HOVrxSsWkDy6feTqtPYMe9H-ZuASii3fckH0DcIm9Wv5ODB9oYIVWfBe86PJEQgB-zNAMdMI/s4000/20240303_145618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5747C1VW2-_-BoI5Yj-eWVU9719n12kwRRazdUFKYAdlaOEdig0lou4KbTG2WeYbLDcJ8jSQHBdFURfKU_p1jUfWLxYVE83JX9pneRZlycHNndl4Sq7HOVrxSsWkDy6feTqtPYMe9H-ZuASii3fckH0DcIm9Wv5ODB9oYIVWfBe86PJEQgB-zNAMdMI/w640-h480/20240303_145618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I keep seeing people direct sowing their carrots and the like at the moment. It makes me itch to do the same, but I know it's just too wet here still, the seed would either wash away or rot. So I'll hold on, later crops are better than no crops. </p><p>What have you sown this week?</p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-14396177595917465092024-03-03T21:47:00.001+00:002024-03-03T21:47:22.899+00:00Mothers Day Gift Ideas<p style="text-align: center;"> A very quick video today, where I'm a bit like a market stall holder on the hard sell! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/76R0b3Xpr3o" width="320" youtube-src-id="76R0b3Xpr3o"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://englishhomestead.etsy.com" target="_blank">I've got some perfect products for mothers day. Every product is made by me, here in Herefordshire. </a></span></div><p></p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-49453849483610217962024-03-03T06:00:00.001+00:002024-03-03T06:00:00.154+00:00Making a Bee Hive Stand - National Hive. <p>The bee keeping course I've signed myself up for starts in just a few weeks and I'm really looking forward to it. In the meantime my friend, who did the course last year, has bought herself a second hand hive and is getting ready for this years bee keeping. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS09EE8Lrks7E36WPSauf5MkXwJ5UD3fPxz4L8-97xZYt_Skne6PNJj-12PFdNSC-tOF8q1G8v14jHiEFy-8h9PELeIc_MdS8RIQGvJwzLVs0oBgvrEtvIwfXcZyjgbGAOht942LL3taEqWhA1KEklDW4M2Cp7HFe0DkWi52zeo9hN4tZUDnZHRGndQGY/s4000/20240227_113713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS09EE8Lrks7E36WPSauf5MkXwJ5UD3fPxz4L8-97xZYt_Skne6PNJj-12PFdNSC-tOF8q1G8v14jHiEFy-8h9PELeIc_MdS8RIQGvJwzLVs0oBgvrEtvIwfXcZyjgbGAOht942LL3taEqWhA1KEklDW4M2Cp7HFe0DkWi52zeo9hN4tZUDnZHRGndQGY/w640-h480/20240227_113713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The set she bought was lacking one thing though - a stand. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She mentioned it to me and asked if I'd be keen to make one for her. I decided I could fit it in and told her to drop the hive around mine so I could make it the right size. She wanted about 300mm (1ft) off the ground with a flight board. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw5pCV8-yynwrWIMW3PAdBYuKYwuqeM-xm5zQ_-bMvZv4-Dj-MOpITXRrYiyAB2GIl24HxVJG4K09UdCuNVvhF3Nwh2-71oU37u2XLWk7H8V5X_fgl-O7pYRAnH3UXP0IsiVB0VsmyKEufKV3bsRiodrYoQeaLwmAjltKMaupJ14PhfkdSeMsJdktRqs/s4000/20240227_114311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw5pCV8-yynwrWIMW3PAdBYuKYwuqeM-xm5zQ_-bMvZv4-Dj-MOpITXRrYiyAB2GIl24HxVJG4K09UdCuNVvhF3Nwh2-71oU37u2XLWk7H8V5X_fgl-O7pYRAnH3UXP0IsiVB0VsmyKEufKV3bsRiodrYoQeaLwmAjltKMaupJ14PhfkdSeMsJdktRqs/w640-h480/20240227_114311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I looked online and was pretty uninspired with what I saw so just made it up as I went along. I wanted the flight board to be attached to the main frame, which was fairly easy to do. I made it all with halving joints so there was lots of strength in the 2x2 (50x50) frame, then lapped the legs onto the frame as well. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DqycdeL7Xxg" width="320" youtube-src-id="DqycdeL7Xxg"></iframe></div><br /><div>A fairly simple build but I filmed it and knowing me I'll make a full national hive up in series at some point in the future. Or one sort of hive anyway. <a href="http://www.englishhomestead.com/2021/05/warre-bee-hive.html" target="_blank">I have made one in the past - a Warre hive</a> - which I really like the ethos of, and I'm keen to make some more when I get going with it all. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9tQFgxj3XBGIxOSrCnw3bzF_24vWXzCVieLbRbM5rhz_gUTQDBQLL8ULRNckpWLcPjATT7pPEUlOdGYuBJZP2JLSo04oOOadHmcJGI3NFFFwKIa25aOTky4B1KkpVDcdiNa_SmlYGBzvaD-OCFfN1z58WMUI0bF4HUzd7WQK24KPWg-k6CY67UF2Uwc/s4000/20240227_113704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9tQFgxj3XBGIxOSrCnw3bzF_24vWXzCVieLbRbM5rhz_gUTQDBQLL8ULRNckpWLcPjATT7pPEUlOdGYuBJZP2JLSo04oOOadHmcJGI3NFFFwKIa25aOTky4B1KkpVDcdiNa_SmlYGBzvaD-OCFfN1z58WMUI0bF4HUzd7WQK24KPWg-k6CY67UF2Uwc/w640-h480/20240227_113704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>For now though this was a nice way to dip my toe into beekeeping, to handle an empty hive and start to learn a bit more about them. </p><p>Let me know what you think of the video above. </p><p>Have you made a bee hive or any bee keeping equipment?</p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-3786968539591345662024-03-01T06:00:00.003+00:002024-03-01T06:00:00.242+00:00Wooden Potting Tray In Its Natural Habitat <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got sent these pictures by a happy customer the other day and they were just so lovely I had to share them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://englishhomestead.etsy.com/uk/listing/932007386/medium-wooden-potting-tray" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmJncIq4Irc-uLSVx3vfH16adBWMJzMBf0HVGQidO_kQIovV4COL2CIhENvBhNCEHSPdxGbBAUgSIemmvp5jqH-EqQ7xoEf5D2PavGsnjzYb4JKSd_Ta1PsJ9pKD_kiXVZpD4gHQImIAxJG5pNfiLUETyb_i6aopsBtICCkpED7k4VRrFKNTS7PKJPMM/w640-h480/image4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this potting area! It just looks like such a great space to work and a lovely space to spend a bit of time looking at the view! <span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://englishhomestead.etsy.com/uk/listing/932007386/medium-wooden-potting-tray" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT4-g7noKIgBzpvk8bNiaxhQe1CJitzlMYa1LxrmB-zcJwZNdv5rYJY-l31zbJEI1GMZ1oCaDyBE4gxIDLky2ESZlaAB_Q7sNHfeFzG8p8G0NnDhhn1woQ1GZ6KkNkE8lEp1UGEVk63FRK-lPU1qadMY5aCA7vNfDvVpVGghaSclOm2fcVV526lbH9aQ/w480-h640/image1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://englishhomestead.etsy.com/uk/listing/932007386/medium-wooden-potting-tray" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v6Xwer3U_dj_XmiUgkvR1fnX5dvDRt-1J1Al_ai3kjSxYj66iSVLOoexbEAsyESTme6HX9KcNNAbDIHfAPX19z1URChhkuxm-oyBLe8F_zP9DoTchUKUcyb41ruRvwF0cl6MURElKdHoJZa29uv527mFMBOE3GQ1qPNGHP88KHEKj62nWtKZ1hED7GQ/w640-h480/image2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://englishhomestead.etsy.com/uk/listing/932007386/medium-wooden-potting-tray" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8E0lEtKkZdpC0qAHTgLryRMmovuW4msJcj2o4XY1TGdYrua27JO8aCvd9_ku33ud4mb773sxwolTvMhadh8kINnGO86w21q1eu6aZOqy5ezpyMd5ULdyWl71Axj8yVvz0sbOjt1I-6XtgkMUH8F2d4iyJvRgTrkECZTsLeVbOQuvr2J43rK-ioRu0tM/w640-h480/image3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What would be your dream potting shed?</div><p></p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-69322963369553799212024-02-28T06:00:00.001+00:002024-02-28T06:00:00.212+00:00Mission Creep - Greenhouse Edition...<p> I kept standing in that 8ft by 6ft greenhouse and thinking it wasn't really big enough for me. My head touches the top (I know I can raise it up), and I love my bigger greenhouse, the air flow is better and it is the real hub of my veg garden. </p><p>I decided then to have a look at buying a new greenhouse, there's a good range of them out there, but for the size I wanted (12ft by 8ft) they start at about £1,000 for a budget model (with some pretty terrible reviews) and upwards from there. One I'd be happy with was about £2,700, which is so far out of my budget! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeXVv3oX15JaevyKLsixoBgwY9lQuBI-5yHpRb0qTbH8krAz7H1sIn0Pa19FuGjhek22D6IA3IxXJLV6eUsWGx2gDH8QZwbUMmr0Ltioux4DmNUJTx2jy8ebgOn6q5x4PQgTOL0GBQm6DqllymwA5tfmM_PVnYYG4hnPiibqgw0tGZvB54saODpGEHFQ/s4000/20240224_094539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeXVv3oX15JaevyKLsixoBgwY9lQuBI-5yHpRb0qTbH8krAz7H1sIn0Pa19FuGjhek22D6IA3IxXJLV6eUsWGx2gDH8QZwbUMmr0Ltioux4DmNUJTx2jy8ebgOn6q5x4PQgTOL0GBQm6DqllymwA5tfmM_PVnYYG4hnPiibqgw0tGZvB54saODpGEHFQ/w640-h480/20240224_094539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>My last one was second hand, so I decided I should look on eBay and other sites. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>eBay had quite a few for sale, but all wanting some strong money considering I'd have to dismantle them, which isn't always a small job. I then looked on Gumtree and found one that had been relisted due to time wasters. I sent a few questions and then secured the purchase. He wanted £150 and we had to take it down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZQ7mgCPRYh1BKJxMfwJIjhW6cB02ISZb5eSRK2HcTfpzIyLKau7191hREWoMzD_I1kvyjDcDCPKlMcpfWkRaZjY_elw7BbIs2ZLu08e8klw-r4Oank7Ckh5AqwmgS8lHyqeEk1nDVNa4C1vITyVNLehgmbloE8gPCQEEEJn-4WVMYbUp89F6pCbMF2c/s4000/20240224_094448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZQ7mgCPRYh1BKJxMfwJIjhW6cB02ISZb5eSRK2HcTfpzIyLKau7191hREWoMzD_I1kvyjDcDCPKlMcpfWkRaZjY_elw7BbIs2ZLu08e8klw-r4Oank7Ckh5AqwmgS8lHyqeEk1nDVNa4C1vITyVNLehgmbloE8gPCQEEEJn-4WVMYbUp89F6pCbMF2c/w640-h480/20240224_094448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I messaged a good mate of mine, Neil, to see if he fancied a road trip and to earn some Alviti Credits (he has a window he wants fixing). To my surprise he said yes! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLar_nkuny_wTH0-E3ZBbEJNRtb0yb7iKfGPYxPEGsgRJTprgprjVJ07zHB2m77wpyANVSp7igXTGtqkwSuyo_8_ZHxw0vYs34P7lbRa3ZvebyuGnyjxQSw3nXAaokbTNfUKuSzxw2uJgm2kZeZ3tzkZ78PLqfu-e5agZ2KU4Q36oOuZszjRtrFkgbtqU/s4000/20240224_094456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLar_nkuny_wTH0-E3ZBbEJNRtb0yb7iKfGPYxPEGsgRJTprgprjVJ07zHB2m77wpyANVSp7igXTGtqkwSuyo_8_ZHxw0vYs34P7lbRa3ZvebyuGnyjxQSw3nXAaokbTNfUKuSzxw2uJgm2kZeZ3tzkZ78PLqfu-e5agZ2KU4Q36oOuZszjRtrFkgbtqU/w640-h480/20240224_094456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So Saturday I picked him up, headed to Dads to borrow his van, then headed to Kingswinford to dismantle the greenhouse. When we got there I was pleased with the greenhouse. It looked like a good quality one when it was made, the depth of the aluminium on the ridge shows how much metal they used (some modern ones use as little as they can get away with), coupled with the double doors, I thought it would be a bargain. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJnRZwJvk32Jnlhd7y3ez3wHTs25BQWjW1MNzVBVKgIYE2JhvPx2b0N8PL_JczAy5Zrwxgix5k6-GUgFOa-x-3Npu-PQ90Z-m7K2yteb6C8g929adKFiFfXRB_cQLB4D4CMeW_zYH4iRgd9fmVTiTWY5oUO3J-J9p7DDbmH3UPAms_mGk92_rIIWcOrA/s4000/20240224_110931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJnRZwJvk32Jnlhd7y3ez3wHTs25BQWjW1MNzVBVKgIYE2JhvPx2b0N8PL_JczAy5Zrwxgix5k6-GUgFOa-x-3Npu-PQ90Z-m7K2yteb6C8g929adKFiFfXRB_cQLB4D4CMeW_zYH4iRgd9fmVTiTWY5oUO3J-J9p7DDbmH3UPAms_mGk92_rIIWcOrA/w640-h480/20240224_110931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some glass was, but that is to be expected. I have a third greenhouse I was given so I feel I plenty of spares I can use before I have to buy any. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSo-FqLD5qcKoCRu7czL4TWp3Q0H1G9qvEUYYel0RT0swyT6fFwiUHbyDQq9iFy_t6EBukIuyeiUoCRA8BXEBfP8Ay2NXcspkI-i9TPcpKdL8jwhX18d_sHn2P7SW__R8UHHXVVlQykpDRmKSBXd3OmOflb9CmbqgtL2VhiitN8auENCaY8-EYvGLP6k4/s4000/20240224_114343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSo-FqLD5qcKoCRu7czL4TWp3Q0H1G9qvEUYYel0RT0swyT6fFwiUHbyDQq9iFy_t6EBukIuyeiUoCRA8BXEBfP8Ay2NXcspkI-i9TPcpKdL8jwhX18d_sHn2P7SW__R8UHHXVVlQykpDRmKSBXd3OmOflb9CmbqgtL2VhiitN8auENCaY8-EYvGLP6k4/w640-h480/20240224_114343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We got the glass out first and then started to dismantle it. Quite a few of the bolts snapped off, but they shouldn't be too hard to replace. The gentleman we bough it from was quite impressed with out speed. We got there about 9.30 and had it down by 2, he said he had a second greenhouse and that took the other guy 2 days to dismantle! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwE1eqEPGOXeqOETl6osU-KTu0c-IFPiscPx1BDtazH-80oe8DC1ZQ72c0kkOI4lFQYve1kCHWvFBgkHemyb42Wd4z1JrY-l_T-MwwyLs9Yt3jAeON0Wra3dwZeAfgIE2hkLKmyeYAKP_YEWU4hUIO9Uri-l3Q5GsWDb_KxysfyexsXv2RTsuyFtErSk/s4000/20240224_125207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwE1eqEPGOXeqOETl6osU-KTu0c-IFPiscPx1BDtazH-80oe8DC1ZQ72c0kkOI4lFQYve1kCHWvFBgkHemyb42Wd4z1JrY-l_T-MwwyLs9Yt3jAeON0Wra3dwZeAfgIE2hkLKmyeYAKP_YEWU4hUIO9Uri-l3Q5GsWDb_KxysfyexsXv2RTsuyFtErSk/w640-h480/20240224_125207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Neil is great fun to work with and great with practical jobs (he's wasted at a desk), I found myself really enjoying the day, a road trip, a nice sunny morning in a garden and lots of laughing and joking. It wouldn't have been half so fun without him helping. Having dads big van was a great help as well as it meant I didn't have to strap anything to a trailer! </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4Z7btMr2TOJdhATYQLepsuLHeU7XhUpwoCclmdceMol2pssJzy3jPN8wOsAv7IQrhcMF4PAgUFY9HZ0WTyzMNYbnff8jL-iW8h4ORuSv7Oidu4qrpOs_lNyLahD9FYqD1A3dzVpxmYFID0kYpHcixskVRvTGDmlv3SA0OP5TTbu8NrJqoL_vSb4CGbc/s4000/20240224_134828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4Z7btMr2TOJdhATYQLepsuLHeU7XhUpwoCclmdceMol2pssJzy3jPN8wOsAv7IQrhcMF4PAgUFY9HZ0WTyzMNYbnff8jL-iW8h4ORuSv7Oidu4qrpOs_lNyLahD9FYqD1A3dzVpxmYFID0kYpHcixskVRvTGDmlv3SA0OP5TTbu8NrJqoL_vSb4CGbc/w640-h480/20240224_134828.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How we left the greenhouse base for the seller</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I'm honestly so excited to get this in at my place, but I need the ground to dry up first before I can even consider digging some mini footings for a base! At the moment I sink, let alone the digger. </p><p>This wasn't at all what I was planning when I started to try and sort out my greenhouse, but I think it will be better all round for what I want long term. It's currently in a big pile down by my fence, and I just hope I can remember how it went together when the time comes! </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-40366615039202862732024-02-26T06:00:00.003+00:002024-02-26T06:00:00.147+00:00Mini Pancakes On Tin Cans<p>I sometimes help with Scouts as well as Beavers (and Cubs), last week I did a double stint. Helped with Beavers first - we were doing languages and world learning, but all run by the other leaders so I didn't do huge amounts. Then I stayed on to help with the Scouts. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lL7SBBbz54S3o5xjfLXztQdvGtS23geBrufEw8LfPs0LAAPYK2vz4FiyJBgwGCBBcpUmqP-uO6QJpivfHN8OeKXNxHE62WJtJlLV4yttAx1LsoTcfXOcFAkNnJXn-DAZYXCqqQTiMaYIZT9JnuKEgeq3Kub0wWio2Lw2JyglczesxXd0S469RcVSWFM/s4000/20240219_194648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lL7SBBbz54S3o5xjfLXztQdvGtS23geBrufEw8LfPs0LAAPYK2vz4FiyJBgwGCBBcpUmqP-uO6QJpivfHN8OeKXNxHE62WJtJlLV4yttAx1LsoTcfXOcFAkNnJXn-DAZYXCqqQTiMaYIZT9JnuKEgeq3Kub0wWio2Lw2JyglczesxXd0S469RcVSWFM/w640-h480/20240219_194648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The Lesson sounded fun anyway - cooking mini pancakes on top of bean cans. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>We drilled all the holes and then started lighting candles. The little tea lights we had weren't really hot enough so we ended up having the can rest on three of them to get them to sizzle and cook. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI1j8qIt6B-6AUob_gbe4Oe34F42q-5E-wy4QIiulKJCJVaxMVBsvhy2tKIlKipokUen4fwIOHAU0gVnqJiGW1Ul0AR6jAwFPSNlAKWhBZgh0MomO48-WhIb8rXJjcjWwNgQXDtfKH5rZlbP7u48A-li4T0aZvKFdFBNwNmODw2vQVtOahHoir3eOGqo/s4000/20240219_195229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI1j8qIt6B-6AUob_gbe4Oe34F42q-5E-wy4QIiulKJCJVaxMVBsvhy2tKIlKipokUen4fwIOHAU0gVnqJiGW1Ul0AR6jAwFPSNlAKWhBZgh0MomO48-WhIb8rXJjcjWwNgQXDtfKH5rZlbP7u48A-li4T0aZvKFdFBNwNmODw2vQVtOahHoir3eOGqo/w640-h480/20240219_195229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While this was going on Angus and Heidi cooked a full sized pancake with each scout as well. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrelrsLD2vV_VNazKOaq14OF4T7U_KtNaNUKsp1rijqIOzFWhtcDakTeEzkUZ6O_fQegBuGCjKPivlz9REEZj95Qhu7O5T7l1CCSM2WZdn0SHxUm4UYB0ChUardCqdiwxmJPDZ_cceLmRkC3y16CEqHflM43Vfv8Snbtx-mD7EsukhdYysUO47LrUcYoU/s4000/20240219_201125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrelrsLD2vV_VNazKOaq14OF4T7U_KtNaNUKsp1rijqIOzFWhtcDakTeEzkUZ6O_fQegBuGCjKPivlz9REEZj95Qhu7O5T7l1CCSM2WZdn0SHxUm4UYB0ChUardCqdiwxmJPDZ_cceLmRkC3y16CEqHflM43Vfv8Snbtx-mD7EsukhdYysUO47LrUcYoU/w640-h480/20240219_201125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The mini pancakes took a long while to cook, but it was fun and I think each scout managed it, although some then stuck to the lid as well! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWMjrmv-RGG-JfM-JxNzWs0ccBPah0vJ5thDU1mu39XSqHKoBPsAdC2pHBoMwcAXUxr47bEmOwE50JQ9ku7RihrIzXTdratNCyZi1a0RMP4C5GN3Cjqp06VUDzZmFgwePguwfyaU3Au-pe7tPICIDXpbJEPqnlIRE6IvAv9vnV8NFxKdDiiEDY9JJXCs/s4000/20240219_201241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWMjrmv-RGG-JfM-JxNzWs0ccBPah0vJ5thDU1mu39XSqHKoBPsAdC2pHBoMwcAXUxr47bEmOwE50JQ9ku7RihrIzXTdratNCyZi1a0RMP4C5GN3Cjqp06VUDzZmFgwePguwfyaU3Au-pe7tPICIDXpbJEPqnlIRE6IvAv9vnV8NFxKdDiiEDY9JJXCs/w640-h480/20240219_201241.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A fun session and one that was enjoyed by everyone, well worth a try, but don't think it's going to be your next emergency stove! </p><p>We talked about maybe having a "different stove" night and making up some stoves to cook with. There's a stove you can make with a beer can and I think a <a href="http://www.englishhomestead.com/2016/08/building-rocket-stove.html" target="_blank">rocket stove </a>would be great fun to make with them. </p><p>What stove would you make with a scout troop?</p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-6982768022385899282024-02-24T06:00:00.001+00:002024-02-24T06:00:00.136+00:00Sow It Begins<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the bit of sunshine touching the bare earth here in Herefordshire I decided I should begin to put a few seeds in the dirt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now it takes a lot of control not to go crazy here, but a few things do well really early, and I like to make a couple of gambles with some seeds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X6vgKmWfpkduLfK85cPMSR6bb-IAgLB9t7jI0STvg4kC-IXmHWRE8hp0VBs___O6_JNbFrpRm-VACD3rUuMhoV7s33N0wq0gDhmr6W1ier5dSw-YXc-9nOO10p6Uoy7D7UmWjZAk0-6Y6xcN3tgdKM_WH4ehAJglZxV_UE93-C65IE3lvGJSiEd7Sa4/s4000/20240218_132012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X6vgKmWfpkduLfK85cPMSR6bb-IAgLB9t7jI0STvg4kC-IXmHWRE8hp0VBs___O6_JNbFrpRm-VACD3rUuMhoV7s33N0wq0gDhmr6W1ier5dSw-YXc-9nOO10p6Uoy7D7UmWjZAk0-6Y6xcN3tgdKM_WH4ehAJglZxV_UE93-C65IE3lvGJSiEd7Sa4/w640-h480/20240218_132012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The peppers, chilli and aubergines it's perfect to get them in now (I've been trying to hold off). The mini cucumber is an experiment to see if I can grow a couple of really early plants on the windowsill in our bedroom. The children love the mini snack cucumbers I sometimes get from the shops so they've convinced me to double down on those (I think I've bought 4 different varieties). <span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QfF-dUn8wrGufSQfvmzLDg1BV21kDbiEeVYlgO2Op8yQzTi6lGJPo_0nJM3cv10RIF0hO80dCp2FmS3M7KL9vRnu30yvCEPwnoWkSdBGqLIT7R8nTL4tKo21qbMR6mtQiPuED9oQgVqvvcKxTX3RMR-Z1DKiAtEufiVdlrKpxgkGjx_YCFthaaWV33k/s4000/20240218_131805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QfF-dUn8wrGufSQfvmzLDg1BV21kDbiEeVYlgO2Op8yQzTi6lGJPo_0nJM3cv10RIF0hO80dCp2FmS3M7KL9vRnu30yvCEPwnoWkSdBGqLIT7R8nTL4tKo21qbMR6mtQiPuED9oQgVqvvcKxTX3RMR-Z1DKiAtEufiVdlrKpxgkGjx_YCFthaaWV33k/w640-h480/20240218_131805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I also sowed some greens (spinach and lettuce) for undercover crops either in the greenhouse or polytunnel. </p><p>The herbs below are due to my obsession with a chimichurri beef recipe I keep cooking on a bed of winter squash and shallots. I want a good herb garden this year and I want it heavy with oregano and parsley for that very reason! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxWE0eVmlwtTAVOPLoL8HgpbgcPqxJIwisKYIdhw7MpMHJA5ZsnpJu7z1dmmAdco2o-jZLhTM0nFJaKiJdp3zMfD4htA32u-MkrXsAvrcaSuq45-wlvhe3EysQ6lCXNw1BoGq-lebJEPS_JXkBUnu6g6ufraizfmMEg1QCG_jHFgTmrKqRGZd00fp2pc/s4000/20240219_142229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxWE0eVmlwtTAVOPLoL8HgpbgcPqxJIwisKYIdhw7MpMHJA5ZsnpJu7z1dmmAdco2o-jZLhTM0nFJaKiJdp3zMfD4htA32u-MkrXsAvrcaSuq45-wlvhe3EysQ6lCXNw1BoGq-lebJEPS_JXkBUnu6g6ufraizfmMEg1QCG_jHFgTmrKqRGZd00fp2pc/w640-h480/20240219_142229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I also started to sort out the bed in the 12ft greenhouse. Last year, even though I added more compost and muck it seemed to dry out so quickly. I worry that the compost was poor quality and actually the real soil is quite far down from it (<a href="http://www.englishhomestead.com/2022/02/no-dig-greenhouse-bed.html" target="_blank">you can see how I put this bed in here</a>). I dug up some soil from a few veg beds outside that had gotten too high and brough it in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5eD4Aja4055JNill9TozbwFUy7XkkOFI3Bqe4uk_QTFVmsuJknsERyHJnjacjKyrjeCckIV8gwhijzPD7xefvnRKavGipaDKbXFElYJyGubBNVRY4CWZ6FUmKlFMvMC4Th5tdW_wpfmEd3PEgpD60FtvQKsPGMoSFt9iHjIatHEwS6Y4x27icDXQcXo/s4000/20240219_164712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5eD4Aja4055JNill9TozbwFUy7XkkOFI3Bqe4uk_QTFVmsuJknsERyHJnjacjKyrjeCckIV8gwhijzPD7xefvnRKavGipaDKbXFElYJyGubBNVRY4CWZ6FUmKlFMvMC4Th5tdW_wpfmEd3PEgpD60FtvQKsPGMoSFt9iHjIatHEwS6Y4x27icDXQcXo/w640-h480/20240219_164712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Hopefully this will help retain a bit of moisture, I still plan to add some compost on top, but should give somewhere for the roots to grab hold. I might soak it all heavily and then cover it over until I need the growing space. </p><p>Is your growing space ready for spring? </p><p>What seeds have you sown so far?</p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-82219750420958243422024-02-22T06:00:00.006+00:002024-02-29T22:20:06.258+00:00Greenhouse Clean up & Plans<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've had such a wet few months I've not done hug amounts outside. But with flashes of sunshine it makes me want to be out in it - I even dried a load of washing on the line today! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5l59-ocwL6kP0U57gnOAuBJCSlSPD6PauNl303rh_5mwnrK5t0o6AC-COI4xAI4W2w3Jx0qYjlMQLFV5yoOEbgykE1lgynrsCRfTO6QrOfKjgHGHHHOwsqKoNj7w6W0coxSjdCEBHeEsv4ZGxGdmKjdHBXjnAaZ5u4zok7EtiqMe7RRfQ9ajT3EAn5A/s4000/20240204_150931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5l59-ocwL6kP0U57gnOAuBJCSlSPD6PauNl303rh_5mwnrK5t0o6AC-COI4xAI4W2w3Jx0qYjlMQLFV5yoOEbgykE1lgynrsCRfTO6QrOfKjgHGHHHOwsqKoNj7w6W0coxSjdCEBHeEsv4ZGxGdmKjdHBXjnAaZ5u4zok7EtiqMe7RRfQ9ajT3EAn5A/w640-h480/20240204_150931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I need to get myself organised if I want a good growing year. The big greenhouse has been a dumping ground. Time to get it cleaned up as this is very much the heart of my annual growing here at the smallholding. Old plants out, all the rubbish gone. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6TiJ8MSgtntUK6kcn1A2MNwGkXTPyS5LdthitD3uhxh-ET_15VeRwUEkR_YsFam-C0JQtwBEuSxnW-XSrLUtX7ZtRJl9p6Uihf36tXUkyEQmL90D8_rXQJ6A75iNXry49OFHivXXECrXkpWAItHq7b_gpQeMGwGiM1wjRspTd_J5r4gReYalqMioVBM/s4000/20240204_162033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6TiJ8MSgtntUK6kcn1A2MNwGkXTPyS5LdthitD3uhxh-ET_15VeRwUEkR_YsFam-C0JQtwBEuSxnW-XSrLUtX7ZtRJl9p6Uihf36tXUkyEQmL90D8_rXQJ6A75iNXry49OFHivXXECrXkpWAItHq7b_gpQeMGwGiM1wjRspTd_J5r4gReYalqMioVBM/w640-h480/20240204_162033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Ready to top up the bed and start sowing seeds (I've started seed sowing this week as well)</p><p>But I filmed a short bit about seed swaps (which should be out this week) and couldn't believe how green it was - time for a good clean. My old site brush comes in handy still, rubbed all the windows down and gave them a hose off. Not saying it's spotless but it's certainly better and I've no doubt the plants will be thankful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nJWYMhleQCS-5sksAJ4oB1qMNXC2BbJ_e8YFsQmvw5mUAtRx7Y8P1gRm1YKeu52YtV4LM7DvgDiedGt8zE-iH526AhIrOwYTWYNl5ibKjpeEs-5DsDwnRXlA6Vl8i9MVLVZjJkAqgYSzuZnOOtqmUO3-gDDshdh_rbIxzpnDkHPLsmKa5uM7BeG-tzo/s4000/20240218_155346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nJWYMhleQCS-5sksAJ4oB1qMNXC2BbJ_e8YFsQmvw5mUAtRx7Y8P1gRm1YKeu52YtV4LM7DvgDiedGt8zE-iH526AhIrOwYTWYNl5ibKjpeEs-5DsDwnRXlA6Vl8i9MVLVZjJkAqgYSzuZnOOtqmUO3-gDDshdh_rbIxzpnDkHPLsmKa5uM7BeG-tzo/w640-h480/20240218_155346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>the other job is one that's been staring me in the face for a long time - fix the broken glass. the last few year's I've just taped it up on the door and the one at the back I've just left with a gap in it. But I hate seeing a job that should be done and not doing it. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx36nvBaSc6eSP4oZj2SQRXPQv5v0xNaLmLqcHsHa1Wj6eteKt4FudRSH3EbWkhoIjUPbgzztlg6aUlrBxUMdq5jWajD5i4jEQKG4JpZZi52Ec_ei136ZOjCigrg4ZFpJCS2gHykBMtKw-c6Nex0P9GqHBF13-YsRMfu7zPKuQ5sWRdBxS_1PDxnO5KLg/s4000/20240218_161710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx36nvBaSc6eSP4oZj2SQRXPQv5v0xNaLmLqcHsHa1Wj6eteKt4FudRSH3EbWkhoIjUPbgzztlg6aUlrBxUMdq5jWajD5i4jEQKG4JpZZi52Ec_ei136ZOjCigrg4ZFpJCS2gHykBMtKw-c6Nex0P9GqHBF13-YsRMfu7zPKuQ5sWRdBxS_1PDxnO5KLg/w640-h480/20240218_161710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was given an old greenhouse that was dismantled down to it's component parts, so I plan on using that for spares for a while, until I decide to put it up. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjEFmNi0KJ5aIBr6DWWapjfNyEmltqYn3dTfB9shRvKNbctV-Ks_uRaWGGMo-ceknRXoqakkwM7Thc9ex-cT1EV-TXwk1vi9mvLA8BeWpgBqYZ7M_XXjd8AFOPf5qewdNh0GWTZ4Stsyf8UceN357qfn5SA3ruH_6Ru4__NCqdbnyrmVn6kNwxU2w_vc/s4000/20240219_122413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjEFmNi0KJ5aIBr6DWWapjfNyEmltqYn3dTfB9shRvKNbctV-Ks_uRaWGGMo-ceknRXoqakkwM7Thc9ex-cT1EV-TXwk1vi9mvLA8BeWpgBqYZ7M_XXjd8AFOPf5qewdNh0GWTZ4Stsyf8UceN357qfn5SA3ruH_6Ru4__NCqdbnyrmVn6kNwxU2w_vc/w640-h480/20240219_122413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>So using the spare glass meant I had to cut a few pieces, always easier said than done. But two cuts ony took me three sheets... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMs9btGKM534WNpXNqeXyRBz_ztzAU8QZQ0cPoOvvEKvMJ6hvAKopmYrIn1cnwdtXF4hKy-9wnYZxZiWeYmGPYnTxpyZTYzpbXakZol9PNfTTO81WEwv1nyjQ83O84Lbhs3nr6ek_hl851nJhq-cKu6bbzxvUArNzkvgCIjO4FE5cpQ8Ynb2YTR-1RNI/s4000/20240218_170257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMs9btGKM534WNpXNqeXyRBz_ztzAU8QZQ0cPoOvvEKvMJ6hvAKopmYrIn1cnwdtXF4hKy-9wnYZxZiWeYmGPYnTxpyZTYzpbXakZol9PNfTTO81WEwv1nyjQ83O84Lbhs3nr6ek_hl851nJhq-cKu6bbzxvUArNzkvgCIjO4FE5cpQ8Ynb2YTR-1RNI/w640-h480/20240218_170257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>So the glass is in, the windows clean(er), I just need to add some muck to the bed in there and it'll be ready to go. </p><p>My next plan is to move the 8ftx6ft greenhouse over as the base has rotted out. I'd like to do a brick base and raise it up a bit so I don't have to be stooped all the time. If I do that it'll leave space in the middle for either a third greenhouse (which I have) or to knock up a lean-to in between to act as my garden bench with a workbench and staging under a bit of clear cover. </p><p>Which would you do - a third greenhouse (good for seed saving and more under cover plants) or a new undercover work area about 9ft by 8ft in size? Or not use the smaller 8x6 greenhouses at all and find a bigger wider one with better air flow?</p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-56916596142103781232024-02-20T06:00:00.001+00:002024-02-20T06:00:00.129+00:00Short Rotation Willow Coppice - Managing 1 & 2 Year Regrowth<p> Back in January I cut the <a href="http://www.englishhomestead.com/2024/02/willow-coppice-for-firewood-3rd-section.html" target="_blank">next section of willow coppice</a>. When I did this I also decided to tackle the job of managing the regrowth on the other sections I had previously cut. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s_rBhrPGFNePe8UI3jsrgK1us9hrhC_qTg97BiZKWVV4NW5GZXAlXQggdhlSREYHhhZrMK2W2taRE4pn9NWVFbv1Za1PxX6a13qt0JT9cRGni8kQb3SVrirHJwkIZ8rexcfkw7x8ozsmhoA0TLbnJXqYLs8HMZXls9AAV6fJxBZF4IYlJaZFcwQn538/s4000/20240125_163517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s_rBhrPGFNePe8UI3jsrgK1us9hrhC_qTg97BiZKWVV4NW5GZXAlXQggdhlSREYHhhZrMK2W2taRE4pn9NWVFbv1Za1PxX6a13qt0JT9cRGni8kQb3SVrirHJwkIZ8rexcfkw7x8ozsmhoA0TLbnJXqYLs8HMZXls9AAV6fJxBZF4IYlJaZFcwQn538/w640-h480/20240125_163517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The maintenance for the willow doesn't take long, but it is essential it's done every year to keep it growing just how I want it. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And because I'm after firewood I manage it differently to if I was growing it for biomass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm after each stool to grow three strong shoots. The first year they put up plenty of growth, so it's a job of selecting out the best ones and removing all the others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KzBc38HQrTU" width="320" youtube-src-id="KzBc38HQrTU"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>Year two it's just a job of removing any more shoots that have grown from down the bottom.<div><br /></div><div>All this whippy growth can be used, either in structures in the garden, or to plant more willow - last year we <a href="http://www.englishhomestead.com/2023/02/planting-300-willows-in-morning.html" target="_blank">planted a bank at my brothers with 300 of these shoots</a> cut up to make new trees, they take so easily! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxUtzyJ54Kl0hSZErYtpd9-1E0BgryXXf-bsZYJIJBBWCyTZEF3vEqUHmdk7UlB_rRnz2ybHVpL0QtNFfZMnJnw5YFMa35gj1hK4_lHwZaBD5Ex-sG4xfMOv_KDndLk9UlbDgKkfqEdxwE9XZcQro_HechPonNbpRnCexhtFcgr9B0WtWORmxgFhl1KA/s4000/20240125_163522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxUtzyJ54Kl0hSZErYtpd9-1E0BgryXXf-bsZYJIJBBWCyTZEF3vEqUHmdk7UlB_rRnz2ybHVpL0QtNFfZMnJnw5YFMa35gj1hK4_lHwZaBD5Ex-sG4xfMOv_KDndLk9UlbDgKkfqEdxwE9XZcQro_HechPonNbpRnCexhtFcgr9B0WtWORmxgFhl1KA/w640-h480/20240125_163522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm so tempted to clear another little section where it's been full of weeds and plant some basket willow there. I've tried before but could never quite get it to establish in the same way. </p><p>The whole job took about an hour and was quite a nice way to spend a bit of time outside on a winters day. </p></div>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-53395665303734058512024-02-18T06:00:00.000+00:002024-02-18T06:00:00.134+00:0012th Year Pruning My Orchard<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pruned the rest of my orchard a few weeks back. Hard to believe it's been in 12 years now. That decade and a bit has gone so fast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's never been the ideal place to have an orchard, it's overshadowed by some bigger trees and in a bit of a pocket at the bottom of the garden, but it's fruited well. It's interesting seeing the difference of growth with some that get a little more light though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_rIAeus5tfk" width="320" youtube-src-id="_rIAeus5tfk"></iframe></div><br /> I always enjoy pruning it, and it doesn't really take very long to do. I have one damaged tree I'm trying to bring back up to health with some heavy pruning, but the rest is fairly straight forward.<p></p><p>I filmed the process and have the video above, I know some find it helpful to see how others prune and to see that it's not rocket science, it's just a matter of getting in there and having a go. </p><p>Let me know what you think. </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-46356017443209757442024-02-16T06:00:00.007+00:002024-02-16T06:00:00.145+00:00Juxtaposition - Carved Workbench<p> I walked back into my workshop of Tuesday after lunch, it was wet and miserable outside, but the one shutter was open to throw some natural light into the room. </p><p>I liked the juxtaposition of the chainsaw next to my workbench as the low light fell over it. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIzcFgIFLsu3xzoSWK8es_RnmwLpgWI4CpUCzY515BlOl3ioWLegPqy2NNFFa3OLFO8fvnxPWNfbpXJnbdeXkxJIz-KxLCcnvJLWTSyUzEYb7-U2q1wlJ58zTZDcWca1DRy8a-t16SW69U1p9LRj5qvljXV8qqOdBvsO33h-yrUbfYG9gLesA0TGI7-k/s4000/20240213_152542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIzcFgIFLsu3xzoSWK8es_RnmwLpgWI4CpUCzY515BlOl3ioWLegPqy2NNFFa3OLFO8fvnxPWNfbpXJnbdeXkxJIz-KxLCcnvJLWTSyUzEYb7-U2q1wlJ58zTZDcWca1DRy8a-t16SW69U1p9LRj5qvljXV8qqOdBvsO33h-yrUbfYG9gLesA0TGI7-k/w640-h480/20240213_152542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I think it makes quite a striking photo. Although it does remind me I need to make some handles for that workbench at some point! </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-11394926604369242232024-02-13T22:26:00.001+00:002024-02-13T22:26:28.007+00:00Winter Scout Camp<p> Scout Camp At Cranham 2024</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9N0fnOn8gnYdu0DtSRjcbSLY1IEj8IU1QM-V-i0bh1EpffIhIm6-QTj0nIfrJAaIwy57gZaMXqiaRdjIV0ZYdN8YrEz-mqlghygTTswhEAAfNSZjSp1xa4rp2sP3i5HbQ1aUyEng44OBpk_J-8vB19C-bmjJTmpQed-37IDlm_Rem5I4WjaJ7Ll2W-Q/s4000/20240211_132347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9N0fnOn8gnYdu0DtSRjcbSLY1IEj8IU1QM-V-i0bh1EpffIhIm6-QTj0nIfrJAaIwy57gZaMXqiaRdjIV0ZYdN8YrEz-mqlghygTTswhEAAfNSZjSp1xa4rp2sP3i5HbQ1aUyEng44OBpk_J-8vB19C-bmjJTmpQed-37IDlm_Rem5I4WjaJ7Ll2W-Q/w640-h480/20240211_132347.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>For me this picture above sums up what children need more of. A camp fire, some hearty food, a bit of company and a few sticks to poke in the embers. </p><p>This weekend just gone was hard work. I went as an extra leader for the scouts as normally I'm in Beavers. But it shows how long I've been a leader now as many of these scouts were my beavers some seven years ago! <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>I went with three other leaders, Heidi, Angus and Pete, who had organised it all. I was lucky and just had to turn up and do my thing! We had hired the bunk house so didn't need to camp out in the rain (both nights it rained but we were lucky with the day weather). We took 19 scouts and 3 young leaders as well (from explorers). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHViADbhTTWuSGO2cHmFC3FOrCcvV5srWabbIBWRTiH08FNes1kZ2x_RIltz4_DMxP84jk0tXN9LQNyiJRPiHbpLyRt3JS4CCULOotjqvaGdMUabQI8A5yFGIg0NuJv9q9SaEjFQiAdwQb7dRV5J17zfVZ1OuaIxBe40D_nnFMSs1a5SEMmJywb53ano0/s4000/20240210_130935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHViADbhTTWuSGO2cHmFC3FOrCcvV5srWabbIBWRTiH08FNes1kZ2x_RIltz4_DMxP84jk0tXN9LQNyiJRPiHbpLyRt3JS4CCULOotjqvaGdMUabQI8A5yFGIg0NuJv9q9SaEjFQiAdwQb7dRV5J17zfVZ1OuaIxBe40D_nnFMSs1a5SEMmJywb53ano0/w480-h640/20240210_130935.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The first night was about settling in, and although they had planned to do some outdoor games it was raining so heavily we decided that everyone was having plenty of fun in the centre. I played card games with a small group and taught them my rules (the best rules) to sh!thead, the best card game going. I think I must have taught hundreds of people these rules now as I've travelled and met people. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJirUa5WLVWPnKFSSGuTdCXxyUYgQfwtWJ3azH_rFpmdAHyU0aAV5DZ1Mjsol6_yD7IKmAaeO37Z4_rcBjmF-ABOEG7ZsTvhce3aBwGV4X70cG7d5V30844iPse0l3Ee8d0rmMCJ-6cWjsIQZoTkYUL8LUL8l16qPC0wumcNkkc-e34Gx-OJaHlr62KLs/s4000/20240210_114132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJirUa5WLVWPnKFSSGuTdCXxyUYgQfwtWJ3azH_rFpmdAHyU0aAV5DZ1Mjsol6_yD7IKmAaeO37Z4_rcBjmF-ABOEG7ZsTvhce3aBwGV4X70cG7d5V30844iPse0l3Ee8d0rmMCJ-6cWjsIQZoTkYUL8LUL8l16qPC0wumcNkkc-e34Gx-OJaHlr62KLs/w640-h480/20240210_114132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day one group of scouts cooked a big fry up an then they went off to do a challenging quiz around the village where we were staying. </div><div><br /></div><div>Me and angus got the fire going to cook lunch and got set up. We even made a tripod with hanger for the pots. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2LHztAOw6isFo0TdKjKUgMW8dBjTGsD8L0AmI8P7NKb3CSwPkksni4zSTAvS-UTeH-u4Y3cmFQqGx602rWoGlJfzTNHfMdaf1SS8uYTvuiN2_1EIJOhNVF3dgL2SpkwY-CsyUlDslr6j4nGdqbZGwttbRCy8kiPJeDWJbb8Y9k-2Vi0iwsTZlyc_Gz4/s4000/20240210_125551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2LHztAOw6isFo0TdKjKUgMW8dBjTGsD8L0AmI8P7NKb3CSwPkksni4zSTAvS-UTeH-u4Y3cmFQqGx602rWoGlJfzTNHfMdaf1SS8uYTvuiN2_1EIJOhNVF3dgL2SpkwY-CsyUlDslr6j4nGdqbZGwttbRCy8kiPJeDWJbb8Y9k-2Vi0iwsTZlyc_Gz4/w640-h480/20240210_125551.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lunch was to be flat breads, cooked by the scouts and a hearty chicken and vegetable soup to go with it. The kids prepped all the veg whilst I tried to keep things cooking. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1vDwIlvX_t-Tc5jGUXVmnLiC7bqVBusjKUBBYHwo4XVlTbO7yh1i4838QyOY_5zsJAh6HOVmMegEtUpaSjEkNZWewuONohqgO2S7xH2OEsDKDtQsf97n_Te00de7ltTEeFhtez2x1JSVEZSrL3bif8FKsZioeu7L480eKuYKLaInXnFj-qA1MzZrX-Q/s1600/1000038686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1vDwIlvX_t-Tc5jGUXVmnLiC7bqVBusjKUBBYHwo4XVlTbO7yh1i4838QyOY_5zsJAh6HOVmMegEtUpaSjEkNZWewuONohqgO2S7xH2OEsDKDtQsf97n_Te00de7ltTEeFhtez2x1JSVEZSrL3bif8FKsZioeu7L480eKuYKLaInXnFj-qA1MzZrX-Q/w480-h640/1000038686.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Angus kneaded some dough to make another bread as he was keen to use the dutch ovens the scouts had invested in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I cooked it and was so careful not to burn it. It could have done with a second proving but we didn't really have the time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5MrxDtQ236aNXN8a-w8AUrnWJ5y_aVj-XZUHBhtKPG4lYP7_FNxJg9DLliVVn7by_sC93OuNrawdKa_1P-q1I6ACD1GljTcc8jXSW-yzMb0z1FQ5oYbwJRaLGn30Fgtmjjgu-seny05HKgYbU2Bjowi6mTPF_euNykgQc0SHbJcMaZGOI4gjAvv7guY/s1600/1000038683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5MrxDtQ236aNXN8a-w8AUrnWJ5y_aVj-XZUHBhtKPG4lYP7_FNxJg9DLliVVn7by_sC93OuNrawdKa_1P-q1I6ACD1GljTcc8jXSW-yzMb0z1FQ5oYbwJRaLGn30Fgtmjjgu-seny05HKgYbU2Bjowi6mTPF_euNykgQc0SHbJcMaZGOI4gjAvv7guY/w480-h640/1000038683.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIzAbHIo9MUiSBbbVt1s3JuyTfkllAkH4v7Je1z7_rlnkL7kYzI6E8uusHW24VxJmcrjTMYrZkJwJjWupnUlkslud4IAdvnNqnt2obLSwhCdrPhtUmg_yYF9k293FmIOZPHWwl94UgjBXgm7JqrMBoItnHN9myr1JV-2KQnPxVz8BvuQrc1eEBs-ljp0/s1600/1000038662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIzAbHIo9MUiSBbbVt1s3JuyTfkllAkH4v7Je1z7_rlnkL7kYzI6E8uusHW24VxJmcrjTMYrZkJwJjWupnUlkslud4IAdvnNqnt2obLSwhCdrPhtUmg_yYF9k293FmIOZPHWwl94UgjBXgm7JqrMBoItnHN9myr1JV-2KQnPxVz8BvuQrc1eEBs-ljp0/w480-h640/1000038662.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I had a couple of the scouts tell me it was the best soup they'd ever had, but I did tell them that hunger was the best sauce (one scout walked 30,000 steps that day according to her watch, to give an idea of how active they were). </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTYEN77tZYxvUbozPeaTRpFre0026j1XRWtiec2c0sOrax7qxWEYMHHLpBFkplJ9_9IBpgo_Nebn4DYshQQKHirC8gajebm3cZZq2H3nZLyeD8u-Ar7A4csBSaPvegBVAdy1kYFPhZbRhF1V_aXHg4kDB4Zx0G0VWJwgpZUW6uUfQnXm6PoeGFMmCPts/s4000/20240210_145802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTYEN77tZYxvUbozPeaTRpFre0026j1XRWtiec2c0sOrax7qxWEYMHHLpBFkplJ9_9IBpgo_Nebn4DYshQQKHirC8gajebm3cZZq2H3nZLyeD8u-Ar7A4csBSaPvegBVAdy1kYFPhZbRhF1V_aXHg4kDB4Zx0G0VWJwgpZUW6uUfQnXm6PoeGFMmCPts/w640-h480/20240210_145802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dbibZw2GVSBkbTYHo72Ldkw9tXF6DuSyhfPPyZEni4FsgbV1Rj0qLJ-0LpMLazWwdFT_AKdldRhzo85JIOhrnONpuzH_YhbwyM3v5oGrCDN5Eu-QcwN3EtNnK3APqh4y6iGiHk4xxcZ7D5holQAuWAmmfEQ78s9VNwALslUfJJW0dltrym0fv8R5vDY/s4000/20240210_135705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dbibZw2GVSBkbTYHo72Ldkw9tXF6DuSyhfPPyZEni4FsgbV1Rj0qLJ-0LpMLazWwdFT_AKdldRhzo85JIOhrnONpuzH_YhbwyM3v5oGrCDN5Eu-QcwN3EtNnK3APqh4y6iGiHk4xxcZ7D5holQAuWAmmfEQ78s9VNwALslUfJJW0dltrym0fv8R5vDY/w480-h640/20240210_135705.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>the bread turned out great and not burnt at all. I'd really like to cook some more bread in my dutch oven and get it perfected for the next camp! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfeaF5cjfKe0q01noXEylkuoCcpXJ1w9pUuWC1TbuowHh7oX01WJ669k3WR-WgbagKcUp0OUH6ihxgCOpawpNKifI1tAif5CRKrFzJ0c1y4PThhgQKU5wmNiuzzV3JYHwFtU_ID40dF6Hvs1z88beZr2S-Zbky65V536IDKSZM5zPI_viTZyXhB0xoZA/s4000/20240210_150250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfeaF5cjfKe0q01noXEylkuoCcpXJ1w9pUuWC1TbuowHh7oX01WJ669k3WR-WgbagKcUp0OUH6ihxgCOpawpNKifI1tAif5CRKrFzJ0c1y4PThhgQKU5wmNiuzzV3JYHwFtU_ID40dF6Hvs1z88beZr2S-Zbky65V536IDKSZM5zPI_viTZyXhB0xoZA/w640-h480/20240210_150250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHpIPJtHVIeCxIQ2cssvKm-9PRw5KeafFhXjl-jKTavEBXENes_5zoWSsPXs7ULfoUjBFgWVrqnk0BnIXLW1WPfZJ7qGo2KuAaYmGq_7o8AWSjU0rKymXTgUe-yoj9K7WsviUUrzOFveLcWwc0dUtIoA-S9O4v8ZVhdAT_x_Hlu_62VTbSNJf6jb8owY/s1600/1000038665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHpIPJtHVIeCxIQ2cssvKm-9PRw5KeafFhXjl-jKTavEBXENes_5zoWSsPXs7ULfoUjBFgWVrqnk0BnIXLW1WPfZJ7qGo2KuAaYmGq_7o8AWSjU0rKymXTgUe-yoj9K7WsviUUrzOFveLcWwc0dUtIoA-S9O4v8ZVhdAT_x_Hlu_62VTbSNJf6jb8owY/w480-h640/1000038665.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The site is quite big, with an area down by a stream which they all loved playing in. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObXkX7c5TYTQHgYXHhDcql9CMTzLRAk8eLA8xcN0nV6uD-MIGswliEWt0F-pnpO52UuZp9jtXKLEOI97lAKBbGxyKbvdXu8JX8B1nUBuTvTHCbRWK2pzkoDBTH83utncMFjnKHANin-ybV2LiakGcwzXjzI3qLX06RYx_ZF1aWi12RhXWCDxXVMknSMc/s4000/20240210_163220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObXkX7c5TYTQHgYXHhDcql9CMTzLRAk8eLA8xcN0nV6uD-MIGswliEWt0F-pnpO52UuZp9jtXKLEOI97lAKBbGxyKbvdXu8JX8B1nUBuTvTHCbRWK2pzkoDBTH83utncMFjnKHANin-ybV2LiakGcwzXjzI3qLX06RYx_ZF1aWi12RhXWCDxXVMknSMc/w640-h480/20240210_163220.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But as it got dark we played some "wide games" which was mainly capture the flag. Some of them put so much effort into this! Running their hearts out! Torches were banned while the game was played, so just the starlight to try and find each other. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg339nMfbVIq960MF8HFwekyxAIm1Vai3wrWE9rMw-PclBp1m72J7Shjj71Jecejex0Va2uBLkOnk6ltXtoxhUF5I1JDAErR_yjXTLQ_bs9fq5XE9IiOjxsoBMTwO6GSifZ14Qj0k3ukZvtGNJqER3e3F0ac_zF9wvhVUwB8CAaKp766NfB0FqK-L7tLPA/s4000/20240210_185349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg339nMfbVIq960MF8HFwekyxAIm1Vai3wrWE9rMw-PclBp1m72J7Shjj71Jecejex0Va2uBLkOnk6ltXtoxhUF5I1JDAErR_yjXTLQ_bs9fq5XE9IiOjxsoBMTwO6GSifZ14Qj0k3ukZvtGNJqER3e3F0ac_zF9wvhVUwB8CAaKp766NfB0FqK-L7tLPA/w640-h480/20240210_185349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That night they had burger and chips. With only 4 leaders it was tough as we all had to do everything with no downtime, when Angus and I came in from the wide games Pete and Heidi had been dealing with other scouting problems so it was all hands to the pump to get them fed again! The kids all pitch in when asked though. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwFW7XvMYKfXQdmD5-AFZ530e70kXURfe-FPzkE1mm-mhyphenhyphen474PEWUEV3c1zntqQAtxWJkvXXEJTMlr01IdyEmcHG_pua77kokOcZbouWQ2rxxaXSaLWUHn3e_uwebhcAMx1soIYNMTrnmzxwsG9PpICiKBri1J-cYE-JTuAOp7kBJ8rmYLZqBUd0aVEE/s4000/20240211_094502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwFW7XvMYKfXQdmD5-AFZ530e70kXURfe-FPzkE1mm-mhyphenhyphen474PEWUEV3c1zntqQAtxWJkvXXEJTMlr01IdyEmcHG_pua77kokOcZbouWQ2rxxaXSaLWUHn3e_uwebhcAMx1soIYNMTrnmzxwsG9PpICiKBri1J-cYE-JTuAOp7kBJ8rmYLZqBUd0aVEE/w640-h480/20240211_094502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">They do need nagging a bit to keep their rooms clean though!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Such a full on weekend. None of the children go to bed easily, the first night I dread to think how late they went to bed in their dorms (even after we told them off lots of times), the second night they did quiet down a lot faster! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lots of memories made I hope. I might have missed out on scouting when I was a child, but I'm glad I have done a bit in the last few years. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Angus said to me that a lot of scouting is "type 2 fun", like at the time you question why you're even doing it, but when you look back you somehow think it's was a really good time. </div></div></div>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-16317210527735493882024-02-07T06:00:00.006+00:002024-02-07T06:00:00.266+00:00Knots Into Practice<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other day I went and did a job on a block of apartments in Malvern where I end up doing quite a few maintenance jobs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time they were having some chimneys repaired and had a scaffold up the 5 stories, plus extra to get to the top of the very high chimneys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDU4DAmajZNKZgmVHNNA4oLswrKk8tvhyphenhyphenVabdxE6oMplToAtgB7DEGZL73kfue-VZhTartnzsgerLG4VqxTqbB3CiNvR3gA9HFLnIOl4oTwE7wFh8iR01JQXippTPKTEL2BkqvDFtLClXr2guVFSsfUjHaZqhc65BClfyNQ1S2edpL_EXOCxFJFW_F80/s4000/20240130_112856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDU4DAmajZNKZgmVHNNA4oLswrKk8tvhyphenhyphenVabdxE6oMplToAtgB7DEGZL73kfue-VZhTartnzsgerLG4VqxTqbB3CiNvR3gA9HFLnIOl4oTwE7wFh8iR01JQXippTPKTEL2BkqvDFtLClXr2guVFSsfUjHaZqhc65BClfyNQ1S2edpL_EXOCxFJFW_F80/w640-h480/20240130_112856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>On the roof were two very heavy cast iron vent pipes and one big vent pipe constructed with some cast and some asbestos. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>With three of us there I climbed up on the roof and cut the pipes away. Cutting them into sections that I could lift and pass behind me. </p><p>It was when we got them all on the scaffold and realised there was a fair bit of it. Carrying it down the ladder would take ages so we decided to use the winch. And use my new knot tying skills. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i2Uhxg_iADiRTghKEog739W1HAri2Wc-5VliTfqEQNElrmIpmA9XMEG2F3KAxQvYuGAgEyRCoae-xOtkeOedVLawJmpTy439qJzIm_rzZfk8A2oH-L20TfQhDsL1yObCLxlIGfVgivEH8iExbQqM12Cxfu4XRdBmC4Hn4QlsK_M3JhJlpK29_UMTVFw/s4000/20240130_112903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i2Uhxg_iADiRTghKEog739W1HAri2Wc-5VliTfqEQNElrmIpmA9XMEG2F3KAxQvYuGAgEyRCoae-xOtkeOedVLawJmpTy439qJzIm_rzZfk8A2oH-L20TfQhDsL1yObCLxlIGfVgivEH8iExbQqM12Cxfu4XRdBmC4Hn4QlsK_M3JhJlpK29_UMTVFw/w640-h480/20240130_112903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The clove hitch was the ideal knot to use. Easy and quick to put over the pipe and easy to take off at the bottom. Luckily a few months back my brother had shown me a really quick and easy way to do the knot, he used to use it all the time when he worked as a tree surgeon. </p><p>Good to put skills into practice and save us time. My brother did say we could have added a half hitch at the top to help keep it vertical if any weren't weighted right. </p><p>Who else uses a knot for work?</p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-60300976799163613762024-02-05T06:00:00.003+00:002024-02-05T06:00:00.138+00:00Willow Coppice For Firewood - 3rd Section Cut<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago I managed to carve out enough time to tackle my little section of willow coppice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the third cut now and I'm really enjoying seeing what we get from it and the regrowth in its different stages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKI12cpRrnDsiGWZoy6n68mPPY7UsMm9qQ8-Qwz1dfJVO6hCXSH0eI800FpCxyAHX2ewYQJO_z8QyhOmTusvGk3Zy2MxCo_faaFe3wauD5gwE3dpPS16wVastqjEIH2waoI6zsmU8chWCcjJteWswqf0pmbnAoNq6lrn5LFT0cERYEUZRdgVbzPBEztw/s4000/20240121_143541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKI12cpRrnDsiGWZoy6n68mPPY7UsMm9qQ8-Qwz1dfJVO6hCXSH0eI800FpCxyAHX2ewYQJO_z8QyhOmTusvGk3Zy2MxCo_faaFe3wauD5gwE3dpPS16wVastqjEIH2waoI6zsmU8chWCcjJteWswqf0pmbnAoNq6lrn5LFT0cERYEUZRdgVbzPBEztw/w640-h480/20240121_143541.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This is the wood from one average sized tree. Most only had one or two stems though as I've didn't do the cut it down at year one, it just hadn't put on enough growth by then. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I filmed the process and I'm really pleased with the video I've put together. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MwNrcm-niKQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="MwNrcm-niKQ"></iframe></div><p>The total amount of firewood is probably a builder's bulk bag, plus I cut about twenty 5' posts that I'll use with the hedging if I ever get around to laying any hedges this year - I will strip the bark first before I use them and knock them in upside down to try to prevent any regrowth from them. </p>The next two pictures show the firewood from an area about 6m by 10m. I had a few gaps where trees hadn't taken, so a little miss management from me has probably reduced my return a bit. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-3fpThcvLrms7pGq9kvBqHaUqUBKm34dp6J6LDZJEu0NTP3AfhrXb6SevNJmCI49tD2huW6NOX-bqbPgxqFLKaKHIiGQbcbzyhFXkn8JapSdJza3SHXr1vPVEp76a9oqu20YSaheC1jxcE2_EEES67LTYJxqCsF_LXhw2wPWi1gxioTSmpp1Ya2IAOk/s4000/20240125_163459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-3fpThcvLrms7pGq9kvBqHaUqUBKm34dp6J6LDZJEu0NTP3AfhrXb6SevNJmCI49tD2huW6NOX-bqbPgxqFLKaKHIiGQbcbzyhFXkn8JapSdJza3SHXr1vPVEp76a9oqu20YSaheC1jxcE2_EEES67LTYJxqCsF_LXhw2wPWi1gxioTSmpp1Ya2IAOk/w640-h480/20240125_163459.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglZUrNq4uWQ5t-0qhI4OhLmu0v-28MfRDMI6deD0C9BJLmK0p2vfF8l4iDNpf6RvrX2a4eCnDpcbGJlR1GsN5iGvevAsHEH33Ufw-zB-s95Hg4m5F__q4dYU3T137oz6YlddtWlkNw6oafZe-pi3mL12LDQMZ10ndBeKTfZWEDFvjnAFtJk_StPSbqfY/s4000/20240125_163449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglZUrNq4uWQ5t-0qhI4OhLmu0v-28MfRDMI6deD0C9BJLmK0p2vfF8l4iDNpf6RvrX2a4eCnDpcbGJlR1GsN5iGvevAsHEH33Ufw-zB-s95Hg4m5F__q4dYU3T137oz6YlddtWlkNw6oafZe-pi3mL12LDQMZ10ndBeKTfZWEDFvjnAFtJk_StPSbqfY/w640-h480/20240125_163449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The willow coppice is a really fun project and one I'm keen to keep going with. I can't wait to see what it looks like when we have five sections at different stages of growth. It's such a great resource, firewood, stakes, canes for roasting marshmallows on, canes for the garden (when stripped). </div><div><br /></div><div>My plan is to add another few rows, but have them as basket varieties and grow them as pollards. Always good to be planting more, I will need to tackle the blackthorn before I do that though. </div>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-75166322087122454332024-02-03T06:00:00.001+00:002024-02-03T06:00:00.246+00:00Pruning The Jostaberry<p> I've been properly attacking my soft fruit this year. Last year I missed out on pruning the bushes and the quality and quantity of fruit really suffered. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN551p3RXkoIjcZ_0ENT4Ml50aJfCDG8ExqJYqgYZr0ywh9ZU-JL1r2Tj1LaECrWwhXtaWrBXd9PoJr_hN9vxj7dOzGtq7WBRl4S6A-reCLQt0b238pK1aAhrHOJ2gsE9FcA4cn_kee4LiRQqwiyKbEgNg7psaNyrs5zFmOFnLMRmhVypwAxM0dXUgeg/s4000/20240131_143247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN551p3RXkoIjcZ_0ENT4Ml50aJfCDG8ExqJYqgYZr0ywh9ZU-JL1r2Tj1LaECrWwhXtaWrBXd9PoJr_hN9vxj7dOzGtq7WBRl4S6A-reCLQt0b238pK1aAhrHOJ2gsE9FcA4cn_kee4LiRQqwiyKbEgNg7psaNyrs5zFmOFnLMRmhVypwAxM0dXUgeg/w640-h480/20240131_143247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So I've got busy and really gone in heavy with my cutting on my dozen or so blackcurrants and dozen or so gooseberries. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>The main thing is to go in and remove the old wood, any that is lay on the ground or going that way, it wants lots of young wood to fruit on. I managed to dig up about 15 blackcurrant plants (which will get given away at the seed swap). </div><div><br /></div><div>One tree I haven't touched with a blade in years is the Jostaberry. Not quite a gooseberry and not quite a blackcurrant, the Jostaberry is a hybrid of the two. I think combined it not as good as either of it's parents, but it grows stupidly fast, crops heavy and I think they will dry really well for use with cakes and breakfast if we ever get a big enough crop. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx86KuYfZtH36df1cvaUJNFwOIN04XvLkPjPvaVDLlEqAeSNqIsMUNVk6ObkgpjmGk7Y2GVhPtBIVyR3K4JI-Yt7lZydiBF9SUDwzx2CLsV3bsKlck0k6Cs8QgVRkCw08JEdBL1FTmQu475eH2-7uSAzvERWjlEsRfvRSFYA6zQ7_rlt0i8U7L6T50SU/s4000/20240131_164105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx86KuYfZtH36df1cvaUJNFwOIN04XvLkPjPvaVDLlEqAeSNqIsMUNVk6ObkgpjmGk7Y2GVhPtBIVyR3K4JI-Yt7lZydiBF9SUDwzx2CLsV3bsKlck0k6Cs8QgVRkCw08JEdBL1FTmQu475eH2-7uSAzvERWjlEsRfvRSFYA6zQ7_rlt0i8U7L6T50SU/w640-h480/20240131_164105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You can see the sheer amount of wood I removed, some of the old branches nearly fell away as I was pruning them. There were plenty of young plants, rooted from branches touching the ground, so I dug these up...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRMHH2I3s3gXol8TJe6QAaEJEgg5QRCSAtB12agO71n3t1y5U_QLC5_I4Gy9FAqYVZBU9HVB34cIg3RFl2K-3nq9qrTtJtPyM5J8fhjebMov8QpDJQ5BwQf5lJjEeoJIrTYjr-dTY90gwiWNKChHp3i3DwNRuxJebZo2Ao2gvW_v3PvzJ2fyIGtok6P4/s4000/20240131_164112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRMHH2I3s3gXol8TJe6QAaEJEgg5QRCSAtB12agO71n3t1y5U_QLC5_I4Gy9FAqYVZBU9HVB34cIg3RFl2K-3nq9qrTtJtPyM5J8fhjebMov8QpDJQ5BwQf5lJjEeoJIrTYjr-dTY90gwiWNKChHp3i3DwNRuxJebZo2Ao2gvW_v3PvzJ2fyIGtok6P4/w640-h480/20240131_164112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately another old spade had to pay the price of me being stronger than I sometimes realise (or the wood being past it's best) and I had the handle snap on me. Always a horrible feeling and I won't repeat the words I said as it happened, but it might have involved someone's mother...</p><p>I still manged to dig up enough young plants to take to the seed swap and maybe plant a few more for ourselves. I always feel that the more soft fruit I have in production the better, I started on another plant to increase it even more, but more of that later! </p><p>This area is where I planted the plum trees in the last video, but it will also be where I'm going to squeeze in another 20 pear trees fairly soon. </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-13329548063778249182024-02-01T06:00:00.001+00:002024-02-01T06:00:00.131+00:00Seed Swap This Saturday<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's almost time for one of my favourite days of the year! The Seed Swap in Hereford! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been going to this for nearly a decade now and I've been helping for quite a while as well (I think I started helping in 2018). Although I don't do much in the way of organising or planning, but I turn up full of enthusiasm, with a hundred packets of seeds or so and talk all day about growing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo4ikAmMiO1LpLt-fMTpcAttoCHfLI3VHMhE1pbsBD0yotPMY9HVG757mBWVrmF7PL03rGy-kxE4TviftdkEEv8rLvujqSyHBn2zPZQvJv0Wc-Xmqwb1NCtEHlZQDGzo9Wy1agclDnAFLz6HwlVhUz7LnUhtKAmxTU2YIOteiunMtzppvUpC381sIH68/s690/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20221517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo4ikAmMiO1LpLt-fMTpcAttoCHfLI3VHMhE1pbsBD0yotPMY9HVG757mBWVrmF7PL03rGy-kxE4TviftdkEEv8rLvujqSyHBn2zPZQvJv0Wc-Xmqwb1NCtEHlZQDGzo9Wy1agclDnAFLz6HwlVhUz7LnUhtKAmxTU2YIOteiunMtzppvUpC381sIH68/w452-h640/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20221517.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /> So if you're in Hereford this weekend then please come down and say hello. If you don't have seeds to swap you can just leave a donation instead, you can honestly get all the seeds you need for the year if you time it right. <p></p><p>I'm bringing a few blackcurrant and Jostaberry with me as well. </p><p>Be great to see you there! </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-39999382448367925442024-01-30T06:00:00.001+00:002024-01-30T06:00:00.137+00:00Constant Orchard Maintenance<p> Having fruit trees, for me, is something that I work at every year. </p><p>Each year I try to make sure I plant a few new trees, that way I always have some young trees coming on, some medium age trees coming into bearing and some older trees that are cropping. In buying a few trees each year it also keeps me really interested, I can hunt for new varieties or types of fruit. </p><p>I planted three new plums on Saturday and filmed myself putting them in the ground. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SvebYV2ftpQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="SvebYV2ftpQ"></iframe></div><p></p><p>I don't do anything fancy when planting, just dig a hole and bung them in, I've planted thousands of trees in this way, treat them mean and keep them keen! </p><p>Give the video a watch and let me know what you think, this is nothing fancy, no great editing, just 7 minutes of me planting fruit trees while I talk about it. </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-13139488186622443852024-01-26T23:01:00.002+00:002024-01-26T23:01:07.774+00:0012 Year Old Apple Tree Pruned<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although winter will never be my favourite time of year, there are bits of it I love. I like the time to get things in order, to plant trees and maintain the ones we already have here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favourite jobs is to prune the apple trees. It feels such a privilege to have been able to plant all these trees here and prune them every year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fDMcvfLu-kA" width="320" youtube-src-id="fDMcvfLu-kA"></iframe></div><br /> This short video above is me pruning a Scotch Bridgett apple tree I planted here 12 years ago. I love how this tree has grown and how I've managed to shape it over the years to be the right sort of shape for hand picking the fruit. <p></p><p>Give it a watch and let me know what you think. </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-67955706956511248842024-01-24T06:00:00.001+00:002024-01-24T06:00:00.126+00:00Carving A Large Panel In Lime<p> With a deadline due for a magazine article I was desperate to carve something interesting. I found inspiration at Worcester Cathedral after a visit with my family and some friends. </p><p>So I dragged out a piece of lime from my store and set to carving it up. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iuRpznW_AOp4xQwEIeIMtVKruHwlFYHrhYeQQvoqOVVZD-8803C6mudJy4UMTKAG7_rQHlWTkD2ZgJJxoaWuxuwznDOq_D1emErj0Nj8X-eDoB2zUsjIXoLZqwA8BC2uA92DmaoIJJ7csgGOr6pQaMOK0r0SSrLP5c_d_yJ_WZK88vo3DlE4sN_3zYU/s3392/pic%20(25).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2544" data-original-width="3392" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iuRpznW_AOp4xQwEIeIMtVKruHwlFYHrhYeQQvoqOVVZD-8803C6mudJy4UMTKAG7_rQHlWTkD2ZgJJxoaWuxuwznDOq_D1emErj0Nj8X-eDoB2zUsjIXoLZqwA8BC2uA92DmaoIJJ7csgGOr6pQaMOK0r0SSrLP5c_d_yJ_WZK88vo3DlE4sN_3zYU/w640-h480/pic%20(25).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> As I tend to do these days, I made a video. <p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>No doubt it won't get many views, carving videos are a bit niche, but it was fun to make the video at the same time, gives me someone to talk to if nothing else! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5wzwKq3aI7U" width="320" youtube-src-id="5wzwKq3aI7U"></iframe></div><p>I was quite pleased with the piece when it was finished. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4Uvw0cPJTxL6zx0Zd53EYHxlStrEYh0ZNtm_2eEbEmsmx1osN5Pd8aluzDofk-H1LObZKdIE2nFTTrvz31lEvPLRHhZCw6yDDzpS7bcx1AN7vfzFoC66mU8ul87s8I87o8erbwIQBwTOEsSVt_Sm21CPcufWM3if_PPsCMznzOlcRmWsvFvykddqLxI/s4000/20240116_133456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4Uvw0cPJTxL6zx0Zd53EYHxlStrEYh0ZNtm_2eEbEmsmx1osN5Pd8aluzDofk-H1LObZKdIE2nFTTrvz31lEvPLRHhZCw6yDDzpS7bcx1AN7vfzFoC66mU8ul87s8I87o8erbwIQBwTOEsSVt_Sm21CPcufWM3if_PPsCMznzOlcRmWsvFvykddqLxI/w640-h480/20240116_133456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It took quite a few hours to make because of the size of it, but because of the size some of it was quite good fun. I could go with big sharp gouges and remove loads of wood with each sweep. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE45zmoIeVK_4GioliGJCi8WXrjmV1Z1o4WUEVcanoz7ng1_GMhdotbdKVfBf0CElg3P-mIhPAGXFKrjFqDb80E7L2RamP9MZgNqYT4jz_CjPOBRgXaThX6LUJxdijgGK91bsUPKuJqczsoucUMWwecy8REzJTjheDkB_1kwbRZWJ-SrGKcoStKZY37c/s4000/20240118_100535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE45zmoIeVK_4GioliGJCi8WXrjmV1Z1o4WUEVcanoz7ng1_GMhdotbdKVfBf0CElg3P-mIhPAGXFKrjFqDb80E7L2RamP9MZgNqYT4jz_CjPOBRgXaThX6LUJxdijgGK91bsUPKuJqczsoucUMWwecy8REzJTjheDkB_1kwbRZWJ-SrGKcoStKZY37c/w640-h480/20240118_100535.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Now I just need to decide if I'm going t use it as a draw front in the pantry or not! </p><p>What do you think? Do you like it? What would you use it for (it's about 1m by 285mm)?</p><p></p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-21724016962914325312024-01-22T06:00:00.001+00:002024-01-22T06:00:00.130+00:00First Garden Club Talk Of The Year<p>It makes me so happy when the garden club talks kick off again. </p><p>Last week I went to Stoke Lacy, not too far away from where we live thankfully. It was a cold night but they had a good turn out for the size of their club (about 25 turned up). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Sz_qODPC6LMpbhGBTFvmf1r2dU_qonjR8dlD6xfvLnKwcjbflvHnrwTnSB6BaAUxV86XS4CR_08WjnWohxCEKteRKMDBnmkWCZ1-PSpkwOXIf5k5nbiQcJqB4flqHv1ARjWAsY0o4Br6ar_rO53EH21zjJ6MS3buEu21MXnr4okIu79yUOKAw8Znaxo/s4000/1000036801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Sz_qODPC6LMpbhGBTFvmf1r2dU_qonjR8dlD6xfvLnKwcjbflvHnrwTnSB6BaAUxV86XS4CR_08WjnWohxCEKteRKMDBnmkWCZ1-PSpkwOXIf5k5nbiQcJqB4flqHv1ARjWAsY0o4Br6ar_rO53EH21zjJ6MS3buEu21MXnr4okIu79yUOKAw8Znaxo/w640-h480/1000036801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I gave it my all as always, glad to be back up in front giving a talk. I had loads of lovely feedback at the end and managed to sell a few triangle scoops and a bird feeder. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>I have a good number of talks booked in ahead of me. If you happen to be about then I'd love to see you at one of these garden clubs, most will allow non member to come and pay on the night, but worth sending them an email first.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>2024</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>16th January</b> - Stoke Lacy Garden club - Unusual Fruit and Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>13th March -</b> Tenbury Garden Club - A Talk About Our Homestead</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>17th April</b> - Gotherington Garden cub - Unusual Fruit and Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>30th April</b> - Lower Broadheath Garden society - Unusual Fruit and Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>28th May - </b>Hereford Fuchsia Society - Preserving The Harvest </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>8th & 9th June -</b> Hellen's Garden Festival - Waste To Wonder Panel With Liz Knight</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>19th June</b> - Hallow Horticultural Society - Unusual Fruit And Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>15th July -</b> Minchinhampton Gardening Club - Preserving the Harvest</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>10th September</b> - Puddleston Gardening & Nature Club - Unusual Fruit And Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>19th September -</b> Wigmore & District Garden Club - </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>25th September -</b> Fownhope Garden Club - Preserving The Harvest</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>5th October -</b> Brimpsfield and Mid Cotswold Garden Society - Perserving the Harvest</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>10th October</b> - Northwood Green - Preserving The Harvest</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>14th October -</b> Brimfield (Herefordshire) - Unusual Fruit And Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>19th October</b> - Powick Garden Club - Preserving The Harvest</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>9th November -</b> Corvdale Garden Club (Diddlebury village hall) - Unusual Fruit And Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>13th November -</b> Tenbury Garden club - Unusual Fruit and Veg I </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>26th November</b> - Orleton Garden Club - Self-Sufficient Fruit Grower</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>28th November</b> - Buckholt - Monmouth - Unusual Fruit and Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>2025</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>11th February - </b>May Hill Garden Club - Unusual Fruit And Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>20th February </b>- Leigh & District Gardeners' Club - A Talk About Our Homestead & How We Got Here</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>12th March</b> - Oddingley & District Gardening Club - Unusual Fruit and Veg I</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>1st April </b>- Grosmont & District (Abergavenny) - </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm fairly sure I'll pick up a few more for 2024 yet, but that seems like a good number for the year and a few even into 2025 already (which I know will come around quick). I've agreed to speak at Hellen's Garden Festival again and think they're talking about it being another panel - I really enjoy those - but not confirmed which day it will be yet. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hopefully see you at a talk one day soon! </p>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3078806588853616263.post-76221088973612759142024-01-20T21:19:00.001+00:002024-01-20T21:19:03.009+00:00Passing The Torch For Birthday Cakes! <p> January sees two of our children having birthdays. Now normally I always display my cake making abilities on here and show you what I made for the children. Some have been great (<a href="http://www.englishhomestead.com/2016/01/birthday-cake-for-our-eldest.html" target="_blank">My Olaf cake</a>) some not so great (<a href="http://www.englishhomestead.com/2014/12/nailed-it-on-pinterst.html" target="_blank">My Peppa Pig cake</a>). </p><p>This year is a little different. Our Middlest child decided she wanted to do them both her self with no help. She also wanted to make the cupcakes they were going to give out at the laser quest part they had as well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYMigoEupyHes0vkR8cA63zsatb9hSklAcJ15yqCbaOQbiMSXVIdKE46I80t_z2dVeQUE9IP95iu5vpt24j233VC8w6-1FU0I9P4Xqn0M0e3St-1QXyEqY09cAYc2rLgzvN1svOO5Cm5YQNf4oht_ow223lt6arBRglP2lRQUGCaQBkLePlzIekyJwTc/s4000/20240112_183911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYMigoEupyHes0vkR8cA63zsatb9hSklAcJ15yqCbaOQbiMSXVIdKE46I80t_z2dVeQUE9IP95iu5vpt24j233VC8w6-1FU0I9P4Xqn0M0e3St-1QXyEqY09cAYc2rLgzvN1svOO5Cm5YQNf4oht_ow223lt6arBRglP2lRQUGCaQBkLePlzIekyJwTc/w640-h480/20240112_183911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The youngest asked for a Lego brick, to match what he spends about 70% of his time doing! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ea3stLD2-YICJFdfWg1WYowbCnCY1WmD9E43MzpIYXWEExozH7_tPpGVidZSRIn-m3VmurOc3gtDACHlcrFNUszMh11jNdgoWXf0ErgKdcFNxkitmIR4xtkhOyk_ztYDUNL7eLtza-Mc6qEqNpZsWXj9lJwOF3csaQub3Hc2U2G2SA-JhdnmOSh19Po/s4000/20240112_175706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ea3stLD2-YICJFdfWg1WYowbCnCY1WmD9E43MzpIYXWEExozH7_tPpGVidZSRIn-m3VmurOc3gtDACHlcrFNUszMh11jNdgoWXf0ErgKdcFNxkitmIR4xtkhOyk_ztYDUNL7eLtza-Mc6qEqNpZsWXj9lJwOF3csaQub3Hc2U2G2SA-JhdnmOSh19Po/w640-h480/20240112_175706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>She had no help making these at all. <div><br /></div><div>The second cake the eldest asked for a hedgehog cake with loads of chocolate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh911qLhJhoq3RXaPy7k9F3ygxsB5azOaA6_p3WLJ50G0s4cpU1LDgw9ZFF7dLIS7mcelyx74-eaZvvw7PCPdC8adVong-gxeMJcxrmIFt1D20XVtu3i8CWRpmZi5cde826z35tFwK3qWVIvDXnMJQteWo-9fBrqUtqnABKpMgzd_zW30DqumzYci0hCag/s4000/20240115_190247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh911qLhJhoq3RXaPy7k9F3ygxsB5azOaA6_p3WLJ50G0s4cpU1LDgw9ZFF7dLIS7mcelyx74-eaZvvw7PCPdC8adVong-gxeMJcxrmIFt1D20XVtu3i8CWRpmZi5cde826z35tFwK3qWVIvDXnMJQteWo-9fBrqUtqnABKpMgzd_zW30DqumzYci0hCag/w640-h480/20240115_190247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Now I'll be the first to admit we should have moved him onto a clean plate as it does look like he's done a dirty protest! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WGuRe2bmRX9TXNwUNo4WIU05QcuKzwQChFngB06RGsz_-KcN_-iFKBclBWoIgNXq0O0FGNI273DLBY3VWpRZhRPRdFiY2UARTPhTTenCs2gUDhMtrYyLjYCG3fVu_tS4M_s8ga22oxo8NRqhZcOk0zLVeWSbDM51sys63bWSgMxp9tN-MC4H4HuNxsM/s4000/20240115_190923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WGuRe2bmRX9TXNwUNo4WIU05QcuKzwQChFngB06RGsz_-KcN_-iFKBclBWoIgNXq0O0FGNI273DLBY3VWpRZhRPRdFiY2UARTPhTTenCs2gUDhMtrYyLjYCG3fVu_tS4M_s8ga22oxo8NRqhZcOk0zLVeWSbDM51sys63bWSgMxp9tN-MC4H4HuNxsM/w640-h480/20240115_190923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>They had a joint party, even though they're 8 and 10, and it was just to take a few friends to Laser Quest. This was great fun. I went in thinking I wouldn't be too competitive, after all there is a lot of kids in there. I'd say I was about 30 seconds in before I started walking around like the terminator. Even managed to get two of my son's friends to team up with me, which meant I didn't get shot in the back! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKNHKmaWATThy_oyRosgUx_Ec3IihmzFQkVuseDom8dv9nJIX_8C7oKlu32NyUOGlMWpduTcCsNAvSWo229pAebe2vWNp955FL850W-Wzrv5JhSotW83JZhxHQjxF6ngeRlK5YoPGvqpxQDXWahwkw8DSoqX5PsqgE9dabXUrqMRwA-7BJ4NPV7Ocvyc/s4000/20240113_185251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKNHKmaWATThy_oyRosgUx_Ec3IihmzFQkVuseDom8dv9nJIX_8C7oKlu32NyUOGlMWpduTcCsNAvSWo229pAebe2vWNp955FL850W-Wzrv5JhSotW83JZhxHQjxF6ngeRlK5YoPGvqpxQDXWahwkw8DSoqX5PsqgE9dabXUrqMRwA-7BJ4NPV7Ocvyc/w640-h480/20240113_185251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Always makes January feel a bit mad with two birthdays to get through, but this year was fairly easy! Still can't believe or children are now 8, 10 & 12! Some of you have followed this blog their whole lives! </div><div><br /></div><div>Which cake was you're favourite?</div>Kev Alvitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.com6