This reading is for the nearest town (2 miles away) and 370 ft lower at the bottom of the valley.
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Garden gate
The HOP Garden has desperately needed a new gate since we took it on. The original gate was a botch job from a previous owner who just cut through the fence and put on some cheap but inadequate hinges. The result being that whenever gales hit, the gate was torn off. I was sick of repairing it and re-hanging it. By last winter it was obvious that another gale would finish it off for good. Not only that, it was awkward to lock or unlock from one side and it didn't allow people to see in. As I had taken a large stem of the ash tree out in early spring, I decided to make a proper cleft-ash gate out of it and leave the rest as firewood. My smaller orchard gate was a good trial run, but this proved to be a different job altogether!
After a long time getting the pieces to a reasonable shape and seeing what would fit where - depending on the twist and bend of matching parts - it finally came together. It's a bit like a 3D jigsaw in some ways. Unfortunately, the hinge end post was just too bent to hang the gate or swing and I had no ash left to replace it. The gate was put on hold for months until my friend James gave me a much straighter replacement which I managed to split well (the other pieces will make another, smaller gate). After a bit of adjustment and having to arrange hinges in a rather 'odd' fashion I had a gate that was straight, swings beautifully and has opened up the allotment nicely.
There are a few neighbours saying they would've done this and that...etc. Naturally, they haven't a clue what it's like to work with cleft, green ash and the need to go with what you have rather than what you want to do! Anyway, a brush with linseed oil and some chicken wire stapled on and it now looks lovely and should discourage escapees and small dogs.
Latest Books
Kephart's book is a combination of two books written at the beginning of the last century and reproduced here in a facsimile edition. His style is engaging and he speaks from years of experience of actually living in the American wilderness. Some of the details are out-dated, but a surprising amount has come full circle and is what we're doing now in the outdoors.
The Last Child in the Woods book was bought in America to compliment my Forest School course. I recommend this to anyone vaguely involved in education or childhood. He talks so much sense and makes a strong case for getting kids outside. It could've been a bit shorter to be honest. This is an extract from a review:
"....Already a perennial "New York Times" bestseller, "Last Child in the Woods" shows how our children have become increasingly alienated and distant from nature, why this matters and how we can make a difference. Camping in the garden, riding bikes through the woods, climbing trees, collecting bugs and butterflies, picking wildflowers, running through piles of autumn leaves, cooking over a campfire and telling ghost stories under the stars...somewhere the pleasures of a free-range childhood have been lost. And with the indoor habits of today's children come other problems - epidemic obesity, attention-deficit disorder, isolation and childhood depression. This timely book, which has inspired the influential international movement Leave No Child Inside, has not only highlighted the problem and provoked debate; it also offers practical advice on how to help children to enjoy the natural world - starting in our parks and gardens, homes and schools. This is a clarion call, brilliantly written, compelling and irresistibly persuasive - a book that will change minds and lives."
Paraffin Lantern
This is a Dietz lantern. An American company, but I don't think they're made there anymore. It's well assembled and much better than my cheap Chinese one I use for the garden and camping.
The Beatles
Chris Evans played nothing but The Beatles for 2 hours last night. How many bands could you do that with? Not one track was a filler and he could've had another hour of their hits. Incredible when all bands since have struggled to create a third album or more with such freshness and appeal.
Any nominations?
Great videos
Ashes cricket
If only the authorities would sell rights to terrestrial TV instead of to the highest bidder and then a much bigger audience and more children would be encouraged to watch and take part. The momentum gained from the previous ashes series was stifled by this short-termism, but it's all been said before!
Alton Towers visual castration
What have we come to when silly fashions and increasing prudishness should dictate what we wear? The fact that in Europe, men have to wear them in public pools for hygiene reasons and that they are easier to swim in and may encourage males to get a bit more exercise and get in shape is surely reason enough to mock this silly ruling.
I have four things to add to these weird people:
One, you don't have to look at the outline of male genitalia
Two, children don't care until their parents make them feel shame and discomfort.
Three, get over your pervy minds.
Four, why don't you complainers mind your own business.
If you recognise any of the above, LOOK AWAY NOW
As a proud wearer of swimwear, rather than dork shorts I defy you strange people!
New England USA
- Sailing off Marblehead (in the middle of an ocean race!)
- Wandering around Boston with Sarah
- The peacefulness of New Hampshire
- Eating wonderful food from Claudia
- The light in Rockport
- The tall ships
Now I just want to be back there!
More images can be seen at the photos page here
Marblehead
London in March
Storm kettle
Basically the decision was made because our gas canister powered cooker isn't particularly environmentally friendly or cheap to run. Also, once the gas is halfway through it can take ages to boil a kettle anyway!
Such a simple but effective design.
Forest School
Orchard Gate
I had some ash branches which I cut to length, shaved a bit and put together with mortice and tenon joints and clenched nails. Although the branches weren't big enough to cleft, nor straight, it did magically fit together quite well. Aesthetically, I'm rather proud of my effort as it suits the rest of the orchard well.
