On top of the roof

I have been up all the ladders and scaffolding today. Right up to the chimney pots. It's wonderful up there. The roofers are fixing so many problems and it looks so neat.

Three of us climbed up and discussed the most recent issues, peering under the edges of the roof tiles, putting my hand in the dry, dusty gaps between the wall and the roof. Holding different gutter fittings. Kneeling on planks. Holding the scaffolding.

From there we could see over the green gardens and fields. There are some bees at the top of one chimney all of a sudden, so I'll light a fire to smoke them out. It is our main fireplace, so they shouldn't be there.

Each set of ladders feels different. I hold on like a monkey and like the climbing up and down. I prefer being up there, it's like being on the sea bed being down on the ground again now.

Digging - Photos to be added - Listening at my party

Digging

We have a huge spoil heap 80% blocking our drive. The trenches are nearly complete. The archaeologist will make a 4th visit tomorrow. There is no sign of treasure, just a deep layer of dark earth top soil, then actual clay.

The concrete foundations will be poured on Friday and then the walls will be carefully rebuilt in brick and stone.

The builders have a little cafe area beside the garage. The table had a kettle in the middle of it and also a sandwich maker! They said this was the best job they'd been on.

Listening

A friend of mine said the most wonderful thing: at my party she felt amazingly listened to by the other people there. What a compliment!