13-Oct to 19-Oct 2013

Sun 13-Oct

Just got to get the study tidier! After a day surfing for better storage solutions, the only outcome being to move the printer on to the top of the grey drawer cabinet, ended up realising I needed something like a TV stand with drawers, low so the printer doesn't dominate the room. The aim is also to get a new desk that allows me to stretch my feet, rather than be constrained because of various unused shelves. Not much nearer a solution at the end of it. Will have to throw some things away. At least the day wasn't wasted... it rained virtually throughout.


Mon 14-Oct

Here's the annual gathering of the McKinnie/Shores/Seymour clan this evening for the Michaelmas Fair in St Ives. The grandchildren weren't all that interested in the rides... slides were wet from rain and others were either too babyish or adult. Paige went one ride with Beth that threw them about a bit and came off crying. Was a draw during the inevitable battle of the dodgems. Otherwise seemed a constant Seymour family feeding session, with burgers, hotdogs, donuts, baby milk, ...


Tue 15-Oct

These represent the sum total of my efforts during four hours on the allotment today. In between making a new beehive bin to bung all the weeds for composting, I fed the incinerator with material from the huge pile of useless wood and plant materials we'd accumulated. The fire material was slightly damp so had to work hard at the fire, regularly blowing through the holes to reignite before standing up to wobble around like a drunk. Then back to sawing and drilling the compost bin segments. Not the best combination I suppose, but for once I got through it without a scrape.


Wed 16-Oct

Having searched online for sweet chestnut trees in Cambridgeshire and got a zero result, surprised on our walk to Houghton and Hemingford Abbots today to find two, both heavy with chestnuts. Must go back and gather some to roast for Christmas.


Thu 17-Oct

Real wildlife bonuses today during a couple of hours on the allotment laying bricks. First a huge hornet tried to find a home in my bag whilst we were sitting having tea. Then disturbed a family of voles when removing the final bits of a pile of plant waste. Here's the one I managed to entice with the discarded beetroot they'd been feeding themselves on. For a short close up video of the scamp click here. Made a new home for them with some bricks and dry grass... hopefully they'll relocate there.


Fri 18-Oct

 

The new desk arrived this afternoon, and after a short diversion to show willing and replant the front border with wallflowers and winter pansies, spent the following hour and a bit constructing the desk and having a general rearrangement. At least I can stretch my legs out now. Rather pleased with the way the black glass complements the Apple iMac. Going to be a b*gg*r to keep the dust off though. Now just waiting for the walnut and chrome chest of drawers to replace the plastic drawers.


Sat 19-Oct

Grey and miserable start to the morning, nothing planned... perfect time for a trip into Cambridge. Here we are wandering up Trinity Street surrounded by loads of foreign tourists, with part of Kings College visible in the distance. Had lunch at M&S, bought some of my favourite Caribbean cookies from the market, scoffed them while wandering along The Cam, where loads of boat crews were sculling up and down the river, starting their practise for the 2014 Boat Race. The sun even came out in the afternoon.