Monday 17 March 2014

My Landgirls

Hello All
I have just realised that it is over a week since I wrote a post. I have been so busy, the time has flown!

Before I forget,welcome to Karen Hymen on Blog lovin. good to have you here.

Spring is definitely springing here, with trees in bud, frogspawn in the pond and two broody hens.
While the weather continues to be dry we are spending all of our time outside, mending things, digging gardens, splitting plants, pruning trees, having a huge 2-day bonfire and generally wearing ourselves out..in a good way. We finish as it gets dark, have our main meal of the day and, if we are not going out, collapse!

On Sunday, as is usual, the family came for tea (roast lamb..again!) While I was attacking the evil blackberries, ED said "What would you like me to do? " I suggested she have a go with the rotivator at the middle veg patch. So off she set, but it was not too easy as the blessed thing kept cutting out "Give me a spade" she said. So after moving some slabs with her dad, who set about re-laying them elsewhere, she started digging with gusto. Now ED is in a managerial position at work and it wasn't long before she demonstrated her management skills and  encouraged (press ganged, nay forced) her daughter and niece to grab a spade and give a hand. (meanwhile YD is in the kitchen getting our meal ready)
Here they are putting their backs into it, with help from some of the hens, who didn't have to be encouraged at all! The guy at the back, who looks as though he is wearing a white woolly hat is my husband. He really does need a haircut doesn't he?
 Lots of thanks and love to the three landgirls in the picture !

This is a quick post for me tonight. We are just back from the Canal Society Evening and I need to be horizontal.
I have also received my book from Amazon by Leigh Tate called  "5 Acres and a Dream" and I'll have to have a little peak before I settle down
Goodnight dear friends, be back soon.
Gillx

17 comments:

  1. I've been digging here too, I could have used your land girls. I have a cheap rotovator, and the soil needs to be quite loose before it will work, hence my bad back.

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    1. Our machine is better after some rough digging too. It was given to D. by a friend who had struggled to use it and then left it out in the open for a few months. D has been working on it, but it still isn't right.
      I'll send the girls over if you like. They all love to visit France!

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  2. Great photo.. the chickens love it don't they.. we often dig over part of their run to loosen it up for them to scratch in..they go mad. :o)

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    1. They eat a lot of worms, which are beneficial, but they also love grubs and slug eggs, so am always pleased for their help! The big problem is their enthusiasm for the job as they get in the way and are at risk of losing a foot!

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  3. I thought you must be making the most of this spell of good weather. Its good to see the family pitching in with hard graft, they know they will benefit from delicious home grown vegetables in the summer and beyond and the chickens will do their bit by laying lovely eggs. Hope you enjoyed your YD's meal. Lovely photo and great blog title :-). Karen x

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    1. The little one was pretty keen as part of the garden they were digging is her plot. She has such plans for it and says she will share all she grows (not sure what else she would do with it!)
      Thanks for your comment

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  4. What a wonderful photograph - all those digging helpers and the hens there to pick up the bugs they turn out. As for the hair - if it is anything like it is up here then the hair will keep his neck warm as the weather is busy turning cold again.

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    1. That's just what D. said about his hair. YD will cut his hair, but only knows how to do it with clippers and he says it isn't warm enough for such a severe cut. "Ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out"

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  5. Don't tell me about the 5 acres book! I'm saving it for when the library van doesn't come next month as its good friday.
    Much chillier here today and windy too.

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    1. I've said I will post a review when I have read it, so I will warn you of a "spoiler" if I do it before Easter!
      We've had some downpours this afternoon and it is much colder here too. We have been trying to get stuff done between the showers but gave up and D. retreated into his workshop, while I sorted out my paperwork.

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  6. Sounds like amazing physical days! Happy almost spring!

    Velva

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    1. It was really spring-like over the weekend and yesterday, but today is back to cold, wet and windy. Ah well! it was good while it lasted.
      Thanks for commenting Velva

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  7. I always allow my chickens to follow me when I am digging over bosoms
    They rake the soil and flatten it nicely

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    1. Bosoms?
      yes, they do rake the soil don't they and they get Sooo excited.

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  8. I love it! Chickens are the very best helpers, LOL. I hope you enjoy the book. :)

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  9. They are part of the system and it is hard to imagine it working without them.
    I've started the book. I promised myself that I would just have a peek, as I have a couple of library books that need to go back soon, which should have priority and I have your book for ever. However, I can always renew my library books !!

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  10. I need a set of girls too!
    great you had help!

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