Getting Stuck In
We arrived in our unspoilt, private wooded glen and, after a quick walk round to admire our purchase, we immediately got to work. We measured up the cottage and the shed and the spot where we want to add the new extension, so that we can consider what to do next, and took lots of 'before photos' so that we can monitor our progress over the coming months. When we got to the little tin shelter the discoveries began - we found part of an old singer sewing machine frame, a shed full of 'bits and bobs' from the previous owner's business as a wood turner, and even the old composting toilet (which Huw wants to replace with a newer version.) There is so much history here and I know this is only the beginning of the things we will uncover.
Next, I took the strimmer whilst Huw attacked the brush with a brush cutter. Huw made sure I had the protective hard hat, with visor and ear defenders, and showed me how to use the strimmer - fairly easy. And just before we revved up the machinery he flipped up the visor and gave me a kiss - he was happy and sparkly, and I just loved that. We attacked the overgrowth that was taking over the site, cleared the boundary outside the gate, along the path up to the cottage and around the cottage and the kitchen garden section. The plot slowly emerged from the vegetation and we realized just how much space we had to work with.
There is a wild beauty to this place. It’s so quiet that you can hear birdsong all the time. As I looked round I could see ripe rose hips, exploding puffball fungus and butterflies. It is damp so the moss and lichen on the tree branches is plentiful and everything is lush and verdant. We are on a flight path but the planes are high, with the quiet rush of jet engines and bright white contrails every now and then. And the road was busier than expected as all routes seem to lead to our house and everybody was slowing down to see what was going on!
On Sunday morning, as we were finishing tidying out the shed at the top of the plot and setting up shed HQ, we heard a ‘hello’. Momentarily surprised at the appearance of a stranger on the plot, he quickly explained that he was Alex, the previous owner. He seemed very friendly and gave us details of the thatcher who had initially quoted him, a copy of the bat survey (which included photos of the cottage inside before the roof collapsed - what a shame!) and river quality report and lots of local knowledge. Everyone seems to be related to him, or he knows them - waving at every car that drove past, and he also said everyone was very friendly and willing help with things like forklift trucks and the like.
Did Huw think I’d done alright? He said I had always been available to help, got stuck in and didn’t mind being asked to do things or fetch things. He is pleased with our progress and the plan going forward. I’m confident in his DIY skills and glad of his patience for my lack of skills but willingness to learn and try. Hopefully we can continue on this companionable and collaborative track for the next year, or however long it takes.
The flight home was fine, with the vague smell of smoke from the bonfire on my skin and hair and a beautiful bunch of white lilies from Huw in my hand luggage. I was tired but buoyant and itching to get back to it in a fortnight’s time.
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