April 12, 2011 - Valleyfield House

Nothing too exciting today. After breakfast, Matt and I were able to get right to work on replacing the broken panels of greenhouse glass with the glass we picked up in Edinburgh yesterday. Then we parted ways and Matt worked on getting the bikes (or 3 out of the 5) in shape so we can hopefully get in a bike ride to the sea later this week before he leaves on Friday.

While Matt worked on the bikes, I worked in the gradens again. I planted cucumbers in pots in the greenhouse and parsley and basil in the herb garden. I also planted lettuce and radishes in the upper garden plot. I told Jane she must let me know if anything I've planted actually grows well enough to be harvested, since this is my first go at planting and growing anything from seeds.

After the garden work, I continued weeding the completely overgrown flower bed at the top of the yard. I still have at least one more day's work on it, but it's looking much better.

After our work day was done, Jane and Roger's daughter, Marion, came by for lunch. During conversation, I discovered that she and her partner Tom had recently purchased 2 chickens from Feufield Farm in Symington where I will be going for my next stay. She said that one chicken is now laying eggs (although the first was rather small and the second rather pointy!) or at least an egg a day, but the other hasn't started laying yet and is a tad bit skittish and follows the other hen everywhere. According to Marion, they're quite amusing to watch...

Jane and Marion have now gone off shopping for a dress for Jane to take on their holiday to Denmark. The rest of us just finished our tea break, which is still a 4 o'clock tradition here (and I have grown quite fond of black tea with milk and surgar!). I still haven't been able to corral Jane and Roger together for a photo, but I will be sure and get one tonight, as they are leaving tomorrow morning.

I'm having a leisurely afternoon today and do not plan on doing any exporing, as my hands are still itchy from yesterdays tangling with the stinging nettle. Tomorrow I will be up early to see Jane and Roger off and to await deliveries for the store.

Until tomorrow,
Karen

greenhouse

newly planted lettuce and radishes

flower garden I've been weeding