Busy Bees

We've been as busy as bees this weekend putting up the plasterboards in the new kitchen but as plasterboards don't make for a very exciting photo I thought I would show you the busy bees in our garden at the moment as an alternative.

When I first looked across at these large thistles I saw only a few bees but on closer inspection I noticed that each flower head was covered in them.  I tried to count how many but they were flitting around so much -  I think about 25 on average at any one time between the 6 thistle heads - 4 different types of bee as well.  It was really pleasing to see so many.

Striped Canvas Wallet

I had another request for a custom order this week from my lovely friendly lady in Ohio.  She had seen a previous post for a little striped canvas wallet which I had made for myself and wondered if I could make her a similar one.  I didn't have any of the grey canvas left as I had used it for a Cat Mat for another custom order.  However, I did have some of the red version so this is the finished result with a lovely checked cotton from Laura Ashley for the inside.

Kitchen Improvisation Part 2

So, having sorted out the sink and draining board situation yesterday I'm now ready for my temporary kitchen storage.  This unit has been in the sitting room holding LPs and large books until the other day.  However, having boxed up those contents (as we won't have a sitting room for a while) I decided to sand it down and give it a fresh coat of paint.

It's difficult to tell from the photo but it's a sort of very, very soft pale green.  Then, on the lookout for more kitchen storage I continued with re-vamping this cupboard that was in the spare bedroom just storing a few bits and pieces.

Again, not a very good photo for showing the colour but you get the idea.  I might try and arrange some sort of shelving above it to give the impression of a dresser.  Now all I need to do is get rid of unnecessary kitchen stuff so that what I have left fits in!  It's always good to rationalise one's belongings don't you think? 

Kitchen Improvisation Part 1

 

"What on earth is she going to do with that old thing?" you may ask.  Well, it was just lying around and happens to be the perfect size for the next old thing that was lying around in the photo below.

This old sink came with us from our last but one house 5 years ago.  If we had found the time to tidy up and throw some things away I'm sure this would have gone to the tip, but fortunately we kept it, and so along with the orange bucket (that has lost it's handle) I have created an al fresco washing up area - Ta Dah!

There's no running water connected but I have plenty of containers - it will be just like camping without kneeling down on the grass - luxury!!  I'm hoping to have the kitchen fitted out properly within a month but I'm quite happy with this arrangement for now, there will be electricity indoors so I'll be able to boil the water in the kettle and fill up my little old sink - I do like finding solutions to problems - but, I wish we were just starting the summer instead of it coming to an end.  Never mind, a few leaves in the dish water won't do any harm!

The Countdown Begins

The pressure is now on as we need to move into our new house in two weeks time.  Arrgghhhh!
As you can see from the picture above we're not quite ready.  This is the kitchen with me cutting lengths of wood to go into the ceiling to support the plaster boards.  Millimetre accuracy required!

Here is James fastening them in.  So, all we have to do now is finish off the electrics, the plumbing, insulation in the ceiling, plasterboard the ceiling and walls and put an extractor fan through the outside wall.  Phew!  All in 2 weeks.  There won't be time to fit the kitchen units and sink but I'm not worried about that - I have a plan - I'll show you tomorrow.

I also moved the laundry maid (clothes drier) out of the old house and gave it a new home under the wood shed - I rather like it here because there is a good through draught but it's also under cover.  I was thinking that this would be a temporary spot but I think it might stay there.

From Pallet to Gate

We needed a gate to go at the side of the new house to stop the dog from wandering off down the lane.  So, when I was tidying up outside and came across this pallet I just knew that it would become the perfect gate!

I had to cut off one of the vertical posts to make it the correct width.  Then I measured the required height and marked out the pointy bits (there may be a more technical term for these).  Using a jig saw I cut each of the points and hey presto! A very quick and easy, sturdy gate!

Edible Garden - well nearly!

I've got 7 tomato plants that my daughter grew from seed for me but I think I must have neglected them because I'm sure they should have at least some flowers on by now - if not tomatoes!  They're outdoors and have had plenty of sun, oh well,  I'll keep on waiting.

My next offering is also quite pathetic - small straggly lettuce.  To be honest this photo was taken after we had eaten the bigger leaves.  It's supposed to be the cut-and-come-again variety but it seems to be taking a while to grow back.  I'll keep on waiting.



Now, this is more like it - I didn't think that the size of this apple tree would produce this many apples let alone support them.  Last year we only got 3 apples from it, yes, the grand total of 3.

Whilst on the subject of edibles from the garden I came across this website on how to use nasturtiums

I knew that the petals could be eaten but I've never dared to try them- maybe I should, I've got plenty!