Wood widow

I have become a wood widow - Neil is in the workshop continually until the light fades and his back can take no more of planing wood. I think he may be regretting our choice of very chunky oak treads, as they are really bulky and heavy to maneover.

We are under pressure to get it done as Neil returns to the UK in three weeks to visit his family, and Fred, master carpenter stairbuilder and all round Mr Capable who has designed the staircase and is overseeing Neils' first attempt at building one is also only here for a short while longer. We are so lucky that he is here and has given us so much of his time and support.

We are also very chuffed with the arch, all the supports came down yesterday and the arch is still in place. I did tell Neil to make sure Tess wasn't anywhere near when the support was dismantled - just in case!

Here is a picture of our barn / workshop hopefully one day to be lounge through said arch .....



Alan came over today (who is actually here on holiday) to give me a hand with putting in some fenceposts and attaching grillage. It doesn't help that the land is so undulating, but our lack of skills in the hammer department became evident very quickly. Luckily people arriving and a downpour (ok light shower) put an end to our efforts for today and we decided to sample some bottles of two year old home made cider instead.