15th April 2025 - An infestation of Belgians

Thought for the day :"The NHS is great - I had an operation in my neck and haven't looked back since"

Wet

2025 : Wet 46 : Dry 57

So - Tuesday and the day we have been working towards for the last three months.

And after all the lovely weather we have been having - it is of course raining - and raining hard!

Cheers

 

14th April 2025 - Almost ready for an Invasion

Thought for the day :"My granddad has the heart of a lion and a lifetime ban from London Zoo."

Wet 

2025 : Wet 45 : Dry 57

Final touches and just a little panic as we get to the end of our tie before the invasion of the Belgians!

Area for the Pissoir - flooring in place but not managed the screens yet - hopefully for tomorrow 

New Duck Pond - started setting the stones in Mole Earth from the mole mounds 

Could take some time - but the mole is very active at the moment 

And so to the erection of tents 

And so we start 

And so No 1 is up 

And so two are completed.

Toby helps !

No 3 up and starting on 4

One tent is not of the same standard

Seems that this one has been packed dirty unlike the others and  and floor zip not fully working 

Not major but a little concerning 

And so a Giraffe View

And so, after this the Tavern needed clearing and the tunnel sorted, 

Busy day all round. Sarah and Dave brought some work  top for the outdoor kitchen 

and some outside tables and chairs which is very generous and will be placed tomorrow 

Another very long day and we are both very tired.

Cheers !

13th April 2025 - Clearing the Beer Garden - Running short of time

Thought for the day :"I told my doctor that I broke my arm in two places. He told me to stop going there."

Wet

2025 : Wet 44 : Dry 57

Susie was on cleaning patrol today, Cookers, toilets, cutlery, crockery, bowls, an exhausting schedule.

I was on tavern sorting duty... and a few other things 

And so this is how it is at the end of the day 

Beer Garden, BBQ stage both clear - stage area ready for clearing 

Started working on the duck pond, using the molehill earth to embed the stones on the pond liner..

  

Can see the floor of the BBQ stage

 

Meanwhile Susie finshed her shower..

New adjustable shower head .

Installed the trailer tent cooker in the Yurt Lean-to, carefully cleaned by Susie.

Only one gas burner working - may need extra cleaning

 

My tulips are finally out properly 

New carpet installed on the final platforms

Ready for tents to go up tomorrow 

And so another 11 hour day - may be able to rest soon 

Cheers !

Don't waist your time !

 

12th April 2025 - Royal Order of Scotland

Thought for the day :"“My next door neighbour worships exhaust pipes. I think he’s a catholic converter.”

Wet 

2025 : Wet 43 : Dry 57

Last of the good weather - still warm but quite heavy rain here today.

I was away at Penarth for the Royal Order of Scotland as I gave up my Deputy PGM status and became the working Organist for the ceremonial ..

No photos today from either the homestead or the meeting ..

Was a late one - we did not sit down for food until almost 3pm so it was late getting home, but Penarth is the home of IKEA so it was worth a trip in my kilt into the IKEA and get some plates for breakfasts at 75p each, a mirror at £2.50, and floor mats at £1.50 each ...  Gotta Glamp !!

Bonfires are good 

Cheers 

11th April 2025 - Tunnel Kitchen and clearing the beer garden

Thought for the day :"Local man killed by falling piano. It will be a low key funeral."

Dry 

2025 : Wet 42 : Dry 57

We are running out of time, and today we had an early start to try to address the monumental task of building the kitchen and clearing all the stored items form the tunnel ...

And so, this is what we faced this morning 

And at the end of the day we get ..

 

And the kitchen area 

And a look down the garden 

Lights didn't come on for some reason - note to self 

Moon out early 

Susie has done a massive amount in cleaning the pots and kettles and plates and bowls and cutlery 

Tomorrow I have Royal Order of Scotland in Penarth so I lose a day

But I have candidates and it is my last day as Deputy Provincial Grand Master in the Order..

Will catch up tomorrow 

Cheers !