New recruits

Been out to the garden center near Wakefield today. Ive bought some bushes for my 'fruit and nut' hedgerow - one of each of Loganberry, Tayberry, Red current and Black current. These will be planted along the boundary next to the plot, from the rowan to the laburnam, and interspersed with Hazel, Dog rose and others. The idea being that the whole thing will yield fruit for us and the wildlife.

Work on the hen-house has progressed well. Its all painted save for the bottoms of the legs, the ventillation weatherboard is on, and the broodbox is built and fitted. The box has been made from the nice timber found on pallets for stationary

and nice new plywood for the base. It was designed to fit snugley to the opening in the house, and indeed it did so. All the upright timbers have been neatly bevelled with my trusty gents saw. I did contemplate leaving all the tips of the nails sticking out as a fox deterent, then i caught my hand on one so out came the grinder and off came the nails.

The whole box, any gaps, seams or joints, were liberally sealed with caulk. Oh, and i planed the door as well.

The roof of the broodbox is built, save for painting and felting. Once attached by its hinges a flap of felt will be fitted to cover the pivot and the hinges. Sam spent lots of time helping me, passing me tools, and climbing inside the house and the box.

On a sad note, Dylan the guinea pig passed away earlier this week. I had noticed he was slowing down, keeping himself snuggled away instead of out and about, but showed no sign of any pain. He went off his food and just faded away. Hes now in the 'big field' with Molly and Zak and Daniel, under the apple tree.

We went to Selby Livestock Auction yesterday, just to take a look. Sam loved the little piggies and the calves, which he thinks were horsies. Lots of nice chickens, and several Freddy type rabbits. Even some ferrets looking cute and mischeivous. Bit muddy though! The miscellanious sections had all sorts of junk, wood, tools etc, if i'd had any money i would have bought tons of stuff. Perhaps at the next one i'll go with the car ready, wellies on, and cash on the hip.

And finally, the mushrooms are making a comeback! the fresh layer of compost seems to have done the trick, with a whole host of pinheads showing, ready to bloom into nice mushrooms over the next week or so. A pic will be posted!