Tuesday, November 01, 2005

News - November 1st

November 1st. The village is settling down into winter mode now that the clocks have changed. Although the days are shorter we all hope for some good weather to get outdoor tidying done and perhaps the vege gardens dug over. I’ll have plenty to do.....


John was here for a week, clearing my “to do, have tried, can’t” list. At last my three heaps of garden rubbish have been burned! We already have the makings of a fairly daunting Spring list - outdoor painting of the entire house and the workshop and replacing tiles with sheeting in the east bedroom.


We all go through spells of breakages and malfunctions and last week I had my share for quite a while, I hope..... A shower hose head cracked, my faithful microwave lost some of the functions I really use a lot daily and the dishwasher flooded twice.... A couple of light bulbs popped and a new kitchen blind crashed down! After that fairly dramatic happening (the blind’s 6’ long) I sat still in my new kitchen/ computer chair and thought “if I just don’t move, nothing else can happen”..... Well, the dishwasher was condemned and I expect a replacement on Thursday. I shall live quite cheerfully with my sick microwave till I get to Edinburgh and choose one.


Yarrow and I are settling in the kitchen in the evenings this winter! Yarrow has his beanbag close to the Rayburn cooker, which is warm 24 hours a day. I have my armless comfy chair beside the table and have options to knit, read, watch TV or listen to the radio. Sponge is confused! He wanders in and out and asks noisily for an explanation. He’ll cotton on later than sooner that the other kitchen chair has a cushion just for him! Cheque lounges around in the heated porch, oblivious of the view! She’ll be allowed to hibernate in a month or so - her fridge is in the coolest room and will be set at 6C.


It’s a wet, windy day and I’ve been out to see just how near to the Hydro pole our huge fir tree really is. The tree, planted many years ago at Christmas by Ian and Alison, who were here from Queensland, now may well have to come down. I shall be sad when this happens, but the prospect of being suddenly plunged into a no power situation is not pleasant! The fit tree roots and those of our non-productive apple and plum trees are ruining the vege garden too. All this is quite a daunting task - the Hydro specialist shall advise me initially. Then I’ll possibly put a plea out for a lumberjack wishing a “holiday”, to come and have a restful few days at Heron’s Flight!!


I have a few guests booked in till November 21, and I shall enjoy meeting them. After that it’ll be time to think ahead to Christmas and Sam’s 13th birthday before that, on the 10th. Our grandchildren are all flourishing and I look forward to spending some time with them and the rest of the family soon.
It has been a busy year with many visitors staying at Heron’s Flight - it has been a pleasure to meet every one. My first year alone has passed and I have been so fortunate to have family, friends and neighbours around.


After a brief hibernation, beginning soon, I will be again hoping to welcome you to Heron’s Flight.
Best wishes
Ann.