When I returned from my travels on Thursday, I wanted to do something that would make a difference, so Mike helped me with digging up a few more rhodo roots.
You can see here the scale of the problem with one root that we have managed to get balanced vaguely into the wheelbarrow, even though most of it is above not in it:
and here, where we have stored approx one quarter of the stumps we have lifted to date on this bonfire site. Unfortunately, I am not convinced that this photo captures the size of the problem as well as I would have hoped.
Mike is a happy bunny these days, as we have now received both the detailed architect plans, and the engineers drawings for the new staircase. We have calculated what supplies we need to buy and also where to store them, so that we can approach the building in a logical sequence (or shall we just continue to do it in the order Mike fancies?)
This wall needs to continue up through the building, so we have started knocking down existing walls which are in the way.
We have also continued to work on the landscaping, mostly because we are both keen to remove the railings which are such an eyesore. To remind you:
We started to remove the railings as it made it easier for us to move the large rhodo roots
but we took this to new limits last Friday, as shown below:
The only other important project news is that Carrie sustained an owie this week. In a momentary lapse of concentration, she overbalanced whilst swinging the lump hammer at a particularly recalcitrant bit of wall and put out a foot to stabilise – but unfortunately, trod on a newly exposed nail on the footplate of the stud wall. Nothing that a bit of sticking plaster won’t cure, but Mike’s first aid training and bedside manner were much appreciated!
Next week is due to be dryer, so I suspect I might have to return to painting duties….