A bit of a project

sloping rose hedge to disguise Rick's wire fence

It is two years ago that we first viewed our bungalow in Lincolnshire.  We weren’t particularly looking for a bungalow and we were certainly not looking for a project.  But when Paul and I saw this place we could both see the potential hiding behind the rather dated, tired and overgrown property.  Whilst it would have been marvellous to move straightaway into a new and perfect home, the work we carry out ourselves to make this right for us gives us immense satisfaction.

one of the first jobs, a fence to make the garden Rick proof

Last year was all about the big projects – new bathroom, new kitchen, new heating boiler, new electrics, and some hefty weeding and clearing in the garden.  This year we have been continuing with the smaller projects such as painting and decorating.  New garage doors are next on the shopping list but we have held back on this during lockdown.

2018 we eventually found the end of the terrace after clearing overgrown bushes and ivy

2019 another view of this area with new planting

today - the plants are getting bigger and the Tamarisk has just finished flowering (spot the new bench!)

Paul finally managed to source some white gloss paint last week and tackled the horrid looking garage door at the side of the property.  I was just so pleased to see the ghastly net curtain disappear.  Another job ticked off the list!

garage side door

lovely net curtain

same door - newly painted

 

February 2019 removing the plastic roof at the side of the garden sheds that covered  a sunken pit full of rubbish

We filled in the pit and put some seed down to make a grassed area. A clematis and climbing rose are valiantly trying to grow on the north facing wall.

New Garden Seat

September 2018, the day we arrived at our new home

The poor old dilapidated seat next to the apple tree did not survive the winter storms.  Paul did try to save it by fixing the roof but the wood was very rotten and in the end we decided to replace it with a new Lutyens style seat.

It looks very clean and new but the pigeons will soon take care of that.  (The apple tree is Golden Delicious.)

Garden and Sewing Bee

Salvia

We have finally had some rain in Lincolnshire and the vegetables in the garden have flourished.  There is something magic in rainwater that plants just love.  I picked some broad beans for supper, they only needed boiling for three minutes and were delicious.

Broad beans in the foreground with lettuce, spring onions, spinach and beetroot.  Courgettes, giant garlic and potatoes on the far side.

climbing French beans

The peony bush wasn’t so happy with the rain; next year I must remember to get a higher support to stop the stems from breaking.

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I’ve just been watching the Sewing Bee.  It focussed on women’s clothes from the eighties.  Power suits and shoulder pads.  Cocktail dresses with bows, frills and peplums.  Yup, I remember them well.  I must dig out some old photos. Nowadays it’s just jeans and t-shirts for me.

Strawberry Thief

fading peonies

Another 30 kms clocked up this morning.  We left the village via Barff Lane, the road was full of potholes and sandy soil from the fields but at least it was downhill.  We rode cross country, meandering upwards all the time to South Kelsey and then it was downhill to Brandy Wharf and mainly level riding from there back to home.  After my shower I jump on the scales expecting to see the numbers go down but after all this effort the reading remains much the same.  Apparently it’s because I’m building muscle!

We are making the most of this sunny, warm weather with lunches outside on the terrace.  The strawberries are ripening although yesterday I was disappointed to see that some creature had managed to get past the netting and steal all the ripe berries, chewed right down to the stalk. The temerity of it! Paul has now rigged up a more robust net so hopefully that will work.

netting to keep the strawberry thief at bay

Tomorrow the weather is going to be cooler and windier so no cycling.  I shall catch up on some housework instead!

the cucumbers are doing well

the foxgloves keep growing taller and taller

More Cycling

Redbourne

This morning we cycled 30 kms – the distances are getting longer.  We rode out through the quiet country lanes of Snitterby and Waddingham and then crossed the A15 and climbed up towards Kirton.  Again, perfect riding conditions, although the horizon was a little hazy.  We were up high by Lincolnshire standards and could see the Wolds in the distance.  From Kirton we rode down towards Redbourne and stopped by the churchyard for a brief rest and a drink.  Redbourne is a pretty little village with a stream running through it; today there was a horse grazing on the green with a gypsy caravan parked nearby.

gypsy caravan

churchyard

From Redbourne we cycled back to Waddingham and returned towards home via Atterby Carr.  It is fairly level terrain here so I was cruising along at a fair old pace.  Suddenly  two racing cyclists swept by and left me standing.  Discouraging or what!   But as Paul pointed out, they were half our age.

Tomorrow Paul has another new route planned.  Oh joy!