River Cottage

Kleftico always a fave here when we have guests.

I've been busy in the kitchen today, 2 jars of grape and lime in Gin. and 2 tidgy satsuma's in Gin and cloves. OH is out to get more tidgy sat's tomorrow, need to do more they are really sweet and will be great come Christmas, did several jars of tom's and a jar of dried tom's in olive oil..Like sun dried but done in the food drier.

 also put some taters on the window sill to chit, some of them are starting to spout already. Getting some tater bag ready to get planting.. oooohh it's exciting.. can't wait to get growing.

Potty you are clever, might have a go at some of those at the weekend, Christmas, now that's a thought but you're right, start now and they'll be lovely by then!

I had a fairly pooey day at work today which ended with obligatory socialising with wine and endless conversation domination by my two colleagues who have been getting on my wick all week. sigh.

Left earlyish and have now had another glass of wine which may or may not have been a good idea - will let you know later in the evening.

On the renovation forum to which I belong I have been progressing discussions about how to treat the front door of the house - there has never been a verandah so anything added is going to require a bit of thought - a blend of modern and traditional but which suits the house. Also what do I do to shelter the front window (which leak like sieves despite every possible problem having been addressed that I can think of (or the fellow-renovators).

So far the verandah has become a porch and two window hoods. The porch design has evolved to some extent, as per below, but still clearly needs work ... so any ideas are welcomed by PM - to avoid hijacking this thread.

The window hoods will remain a mystery until the porch design is finalised I suspect as they must be of a suitable scale and design to suit it and so must wait a little while longer ...

The porch will be free-standing by around 300 mm to clear the bottom of the barge-boards on the house whose ornamental value I want to retain. So the flooring will run to the step at the front door and the roof material is yet to be decided - someone has suggested sail canvas which I rather fancy ... it does not have to be capable of protecting visitors as most will come to the back door anyway.

ETA - the house is actually rather more advanced than this in terms of renovation and garden development - this is just the only full frontal photo I have to hand here at the bedsit ...

Satsumas seem to have finished here. I can only get mandarins or clemantines which I don't like as much.

I see your problem there Ozzi. With the position of the door and windows relative to the barge boards you can't put something like a full width verada on which would solve all your problems. If I come up with any brilliant ideas I will PM you.

We have a couple of woodworking days now to get orders and stock sorted for a farmers market on Sunday.

I have just had a phone call from the captain of the fire brigade which has caused a bit of a panic.

He has just finished sanding back and prepping my weatherboards. This has been a gonna-do since January last year when they first went on. First another chap, then Gavin. He called around last weekend for the filler so I had anticipated at least another six months before he started work. Apparently he has now finished work (eeek, this means he wants paying I assume!!). 

And he wants me to call in and collect some paint so he can put it on next week (eek! More expense). Perhaps now is not the time to rock the boat at work ...

I may yet have a house that looks like other peoples' houses at this rate ... First the paint, then a waterproof roof - the excitement is too much - not to mention the shipping container wandering off this weekend ... I begin to think I am being organised by the local menfolk!

Retaliation for your efforts at the hall Ozzi?  Will be great to have a waterproof roof. Shows the different priorities in different countries; here it is the first thing that gets done, because it will rain here.

Here too. but I felt sorting out the footings was more important as that would alter the drainage flow on the roof. Problem was I ran out of money by the time i got that high , lol.

what an interesting job you have Ozzi, seeing all those lovely different buildings.  In the better weather I'll pop out with a camera and snap some of the old farm buildings around here for you to see if that would be of interest, most are around 250 years old. 

Today I'm working from home from 9.30 to 1pm, then off.  Aiming for a quiet weekend as it's been non stop since Xmas which has been lovely but I fancy a rest now!  Got my Greek cookery book from Amazon yesterday, Vefa's Kitchen looks good although and lots of lovely recipes I've never heard of before.  So will have a go at something from these this weekend, also fancy some of Potty's alcoholic fruity bottled stuff too.

It is VPB, the most recent building however is allegedly my home (when I get to live in it). I'm back here now, having had today's site visit turn out to be my favourite quilting shop. Unfortunately I was with a colleague so could only drool and try to stay focussed on the matter at hand ... sigh. 

Now home, pedestal fan assembled, dog and cats indoors with moi, and ready to hit the hay soon I suspect as it will be a long (and very hot) day tomorrow.

My surprise this weekend is that Thisildo2 will be calling in to visit!

OH got some more grapes and tidgy satsuma's yesterday so will be spending some time today sorting them out to go into gin again. I also started reading Nigel Slaters book Toast, again and I love it. I could eat it, it's soo good.  So I just want to sit and read that.