Good days, bad days.

Tuesday was showery and unsettled, but it was a far better day yesterday. We were going to move on, but I’d some outside jobs I didn’t get done Tuesday, so we stayed put.

Meg and I went to visit the deer in the park first thing..

Mist rising off the canal

The old mill on the estate wasn’t primarily used for grinding grain, it’s main use was as a water-powered sawmill.

The deer were relaxing in the morning sunshine…



The sundial in front of the main entrance is carried by a moor representing Africa. It dates from the mid-18th century.

I bet this oak could tell some tales!

Busy bees in the rhododendrons

The main job in the fine weather was to get the platform that I built for coal and wood cleaned up and given a coat a decking oil.

Donald was refitted to the aerial. He’s been languishing in the well deck since we got the new aerial, but now he’s in his rightful place, looking ahead. I also put the England flag back up, Mags finds it useful as a wind-vane if she has to hover while waiting for me to get a lock ready. And I removed, cleaned and stowed the chimney… a bit premature that in the light of today’s weather.

Yes, today has been a complete contrast. A lot cooler, cloudy all day and with frequent spells of rain. Our postponed moving on was postponed once again.

I find no joy in cruising in the rain, but we really will have to go tomorrow, rain or shine. The forecast is a little better…

Thanks to KevinToo, Arthur, Shardlow Carol and Val for kicking off my fundraising for Macmillan. As I said, I’m aiming to raise £500, just another £448 to go!