The Final Countdown

This starts on 18/12/2014 just after the roof was placed on the Palace/Mansion.

18/12/2014

Being on holiday I need no excuse to go to Underberg (other than the cost of the trip) and this time took a good friend of mine who has seen a little of the Labyrinth in its "growth." I must add that it will never be finished which is why I love working with nature so much. It is an ongoing process and even though the pathways might soon be completed with the grassing, it will always be a work in motion/progress so will always be changing.

Arrived this morning just after 3 after areas on the road where the mist was rather thick. I do not race when pulling the trailer. It is not worth it.

Today I did not have as much as I wanted but still had Dichondra, firewood, as well as one or two plants that needed to be transplanted. Today I wanted to concentrate more on the berry plants I was working on last week as well as prepare a hole or two for the next batch of Figs. The ones that are now almost ready are a different variety to the ones I planted last season. These are redder in pulp with a lot thinner skin. I have no idea as to the variety. Just that they are rather tasty.

Of course I also wanted to show off the Mansion to my friend........ She is going overseas at the end of the year.

I did not mention weeding and spraying as these during the summer are a given.

Oh I also wanted to experiment taking grass from within the pathways to transplant elsewhere. A lot of grass in the pathways has grown together so I can use that to extend the pathways in the vicinity. Hopefully this will speed up the completion of the grassing of them.

By 10 o clock I had completed all the tasks so took the fireplaces which I had brought, to store at the contractors shed for use when needed.

Then on returning I had time to hang a couple of wind chimes (which I had brought from home) around the edge of the Lab. I took the "clangers" out of the noisiest ones just in case they were too loud and bothered the neighbors. On leaving a couple were tinkling away sounding very peaceful.

There are unfortunately no photos today as the battery in the camera was flat. Hopefully I will be returning before Xmas so there should be something to photograph by then.

I must add that things were very wet and a little muddy. Underberg is definitely getting more rain than we are here this season and so far, more than last season.

We left for home at around 11 30. A really nice trip.

26/12/2014

I am still on leave so am doing as much as I can on the Labyrinth before the growing season comes to an end. I will need to stop planting Dichondra in March at the latest so that it gets a chance to root itself before the winter sets in.

Todays plantings were Dichondra as usual,
2 Plum Trees (Santa Rosa),
2 Roses,
A Red Fig tree,
A Grape
A couple of Mints (Pineapple and Eau de Cologne)
Some ground covers.
A couple of Chamomile plants.
2 Scabiosa plants which are indigenous.
Some firewood and Charcoal.
2 Sunflowers.
2 Cucumbers.
2 California Poppies.

Transplanting Berries along the fence line of the Labyrinth. Just the bottom fence to complete.

Completed bricking the entrance on last weeks visit.

The firewood pile keeps on growing.

                             
It had been very hot lately so even though I was taking a lady friend I wanted to get there before it was too warm to work so arrived at around 3 o clock.

One of the Satellite beds.

The first thing as usual, is to offload the firewood. The charcoal I make at home and want to experiment with it in the soil. (the soil at the plot is not very nice...)

Newly planted Dichondra sods under "Dog" cover to stop neighbors dogs digging it up again.

Last seasons Dichondra starting to cover and where I am taking sods from.

New style of planting. Only one row now.

The "Mint Tree." I have decided to plant ALL the Mint varieties together under this tree.

The Plums and Roses I had to dig holes for so I did that first. When planting them I put compost in

Santa Rosa Plums (not the centre one. I forget what variety that is.)

The Palace from the far side of the Labyrinth.

the bottom of the hole and charcoal around the roots of the plant before covering everything with soil. I am wanting to see whether this will affect/improve the growth rate of the plants. I know the soil needs lime but hope the charcoal will assist in doing the trick.
I was very pleased to see that one of the Sunflowers was growing nicely. Two had died.

Chamomile with compost mix. You can see the charcoal. I just hope it survives until next week because I forgot to water it.

Tomatoes starting to show flowers.

I had finished planting by around 8 o clock and then got into doing a little weeding. My lady friend had already started weeding among the Strawberries so eventually I helped a bit.

Weeding the Strawberries and old wind chime

Wind chime and still weeding.

I had started taking sods of Dichondra from areas where it had covered nicely and have started transplanting in the pathway nearest to it.
The satellite beds are also starting to work.

The darker areas are where I have replaced the soil I removed when cutting the sod.

Just before leaving I had 2 old wind chimes to hang and put "Thank You" flags (bits of material) on the top wire of the grape supports. I love the idea that the Buddhists have of putting something as a

Wind Chime

The "Flags." I intend leaving one on every visit from now on.

thanks when visiting a  spiritual area. Also their idea of leaving a pebble at an area they have visited. Simple but very effective way of saying thank you to Mother Nature.

Scabiosa

You can see the charcoal mixed in with the compost. (actually dry cow dung).

Before getting on the road again I had time to do a little spraying. I cannot wait until Dichondra is growing everywhere and chokes the weeds and strange grasses. Then I can stop this.

We left at 10.30 when it was getting too warm to work.

This was another very rewarding trip.

The areas where I have had to replant as well as the areas planted this season. Different colours are different days. The green is where I am planting Dichondra the way I did last season. The bits and pieces are sods taken from areas that are growing together. The thick black line is the area I reached last season.

2/1/2015

Well the new year has arrived and it was time for my weekly visit. I am alone again so was up at midnight and arrived at the plot at 2 o clock.

Todays load included:
Charcoal
Pine Cones
A variety of flowering plants incl Saltbush
Dichondra as usual.
2 Apple plants
3 Figs. (2 Red and a Green)
Some reinforcing rods
Soil for pathways (to replace areas where I am cutting sods).
2 Climbing Roses.
Various ground covers as well as Mints.
A couple of Chamomile plants.
1 Scabiosa.

Morning Orbs

View from side veranda

View from front door

Side veranda

As is my norm I off loaded the trailer first and then the truck. putting things where I had easy access to them (near the gate).
I had quite a bit of digging to do so got into that while it was still cool.
I had planted the Figs, Roses, etc before 8 o clock so the Dichondra and smaller plants were next.

Apples. You have to know where they are. One is just in front of the "Flags."

Chamomile growing nicely

Scabiosa growing well.

Turned the corner

The flowering plants.

One thing I notice is that the Plums do NOT look very happy. It might be because I put too much charcoal in their planting holes last week. I will keep an eye on them.

I need not have worried about watering the Chamomile last week. When I checked the rain gauge it was almost full so Underberg had had lovely rain. Once again I did not have to water anything due to the ground being nicely soaked. Everything other than the Plums was looking good. Even some things I had taken a chance planting were starting to grow. The Roses at the fence as well as a couple of roots I had taken from home. Only one Rose needs to shoot and then they are all growing. The Berries I planted on the bottom plot are all growing.

Fig planted a couple of weeks ago

Climbing Rose growing

Todays climbing Rose plantings

This row is almost completed.

Sunflowers

  

I have no idea what plant this is but very glad it is growing

The Cucumber I planted lat week looking OK

I must add that when the breeze started to blow the wind chimes sound soooo gooood. Must get a few more. What a pleasure it is to work with them tinkling in the background.

Todays Green Fig

I did make headway in "sod planting" and the row next to where I am able to cut sods is almost completed. It is going to be a real time saver and will hasten the completion of the pathway plantings. Even a couple of the satellite beds are starting to grow together now as well. The Dichondra is quite hardy and is actually choking any weeds that might try growing in it. Question to myself. "Am I going to have a hard time controlling it eventually?" Well we will just have to plan as we go.

Another "Flag."

The Firewood tree

The blue is todays "sod" planting. The little blue in the corner is where I am planting "normally." The thick black line is how far I planted last season with quite a bit needing re planting.

Before getting on the road again I had to open an area under the "firewood" tree and also sprayed a little.

Left at 10 30 arriving home at 12 o clock. A lovely trip in both directions even though the road was busy. However most traffic was going in the opposite direction to me.

7/1/2015

Time for the weekly visit with quite a few things to once again plant.
Dichondra
Goji Berry
Roses
Berries to transplant along the fence.
Figs
Spinach
Soil in containers to replace the soil in the holes I make when removing Dichondra sods.
and a few bits and pieces.

Satellite bed Dichondra growing together. 

I had a realisation ("epiphany") this morning.
In the past I relied heavily on my weekly PMB trip to get things done at the plot but since I have been using Suzi things have been done much quicker. The reason being that the truck I use for business is also a double cab so loading space is always limited.
With Suzi I can take the trailer which doubles my carrying capacity.

Goji Berry row. Nectarines to the right are looking good.

Roses in their protective casings.

Scabiosa with flowers

Spinach in their protective cases. I have cut off the bottoms of the pots.

I arrived just after 2 o clock and offloaded the charcoal, firewood (specially cut to size for the tubby stove). I also had what was left of the reinforcing rod (from my veggie garden here a few years ago.)

Only a few sods today but did complete last weeks row.

Tomatoes are flowering.

I had planted and watered what was necessary by 7 o clock (not much needed watering because it had rained nicely there again and the gauge was once again half full.)

The Berries where I have reached so far.

Red Fig I planted a couple of weeks ago.

A green Fig from last season broken through its bag and now growing nicely.

A few nice things today. The one Lemon Tree has flowers, the one Apple Tree had Apples, the Plum Tree I was worried about is sprouting (but the other one has no leaves on now.)
The Figs I planted in bags last year are breaking through the bags and growing nicely again.
The Figs I planted 2 weeks ago (red) are also looking good.

Lemon Tree about to flower.

First Apples. (Golden Delicious)

Where I "planted" three poles for "climbers."

I had an idea last night to put up permanent poles and wires for climbing veggies. eg Cucumbers, Beans, Squash etc and as I have poles left over I cut what I had to size and started digging holes for them. I had the energy to complete one row of 3 poles. 6 more to do in a longer row.

I could not spray due to it being overcast and not conducive to spraying.

I ran out of steam by 10 o clock and was on the road by 10 30.
A Lovely Lovely trip.

14/1/2015

Time for my weekly trip. This morning I overslept by 20 minutes so arrived just a little later than usual.
Todays itinerary was Dichondra, 2 Figs, 2 Spinach, 2 Climbing Roses. To transplant another Berry, a few Aloes as well as carry on with the poles and weeding. I had an intention of spraying but the weather was against me. It had drizzled a little which made spraying impossible but working very pleasant. I also wanted to try getting a 360 degree image of the Lab and to update the one from the entrance.

I am using charcoal with everything I plant now.

The Spinach "taking off."

Sunflowers

The two new Figs.

Red Fig growing well.

One of the first things I noticed was how the weeds has started growing. Especially the Panicum in the top plot. I have not been able to spray for 2 weeks and you can tell.

Young red Fig looking good.

Baby Tomatoes

Lemon flower.

Aloes in their protective containers.

 As usual I off loaded the firewood ( specially for the stoves now) and a couple of bags of Pine cones.

Then it was time to dig holes for the Figs the climbing Roses and Berry.

I had completed all tasks, including planting the Spinach and Dichondra as well as watering and planting a few "sods" by 9 o clock so dug 2 more holes for poles and planted them. I did not want to overwork because the next day I was going to Toti to fetch a lady friend who I wanted to show the plot to.

"Dead" Plum showing renewed signs of life.

The other new Plum growing well.

Sunflowers.

I am very pleased to say that both new Plums are growing. Even the one I thought had died was showing fresh signs of life. Now I am using charcoal in EVERYTHING I plant, even the Dichondra in the pathways.
The Tomatoes have youngsters and are looking quite good.
I wanted to try and get a 360 degree panorama from the centre of the Lab so had brought a ladder to stand on for extra height.

New panorama from entrance.

I took my photos but nearly met my backside when the ladder started to sink on one side in softer soil. I was more worried about damaging my camera than myself but in the end nobody was injured.

I decided to call it a day at 10 o clock.
It was such a lovely trip that when I arrived home it felt as if I had not been away.

PS I stopped off at the plot on our way from Toti on Thursday but only sprayed a little.
PSS I also had a few Aloes which I lanted in the "Aloe row."

28/1/2015

I had not been to Underberg the last week so was rather worried as to how things were looking. At home it had been very hot and dry for almost a week and I presumed that it would have been the same in Underberg so expected to see some suffering plants..

Basin for washing muddy hands but I forgot the plug.

Panicum taking over.

Worm "P"

I awoke a little later than usual (20 past 12 instead of 12 o clock). It was raining nicely here (it had arrived in the afternoon) and hard enough that I decided to take a raincoat just in case.
It rained on and off most of the way to Underberg but not hard enough that I needed to use the the raincoat there.

Small Lemons

Shredded Spinach

The" Leaning Tower of Sunflower." It is growing so fast.

I had the usual offerings for the "Lab" of Dichondra, more firewood as well as another Grape, a Rose and one or two other things I cannot remember. (I never mention Dichondra for the satellite beds because I include that in the Dichondra for the pathways).

On arriving the first thing I noticed was how the Panicum grass had grown and was taking over. I had intended spraying it the week before but it has been too wet for that chore. I knew I would have to bring a brush cutter on a special trip to make a go at that.

The bad news is that the new Plum tress are once again dying off. I can only surmise it was too much charcoal but will keep a close check on them.

I finished planting (transplanted another Berry along the fence as well).

Then I got into a chore which I was not looking forward to doing. WEEDING. This time among the Dichondra pathways where weeds were coming through. This is hard work and I had to force myself.
I decided to call it a day at around 10 o clock again after going to see the contractor for 5 minutes.

That is my good news regarding the house (Palace of course). They had started building the supports for the wooden floors. So the work carries on. It is going to be amazing when they have been fitted.

The flooring for the Palace. Looks like Oregon Pine to me.

Floor supports in the second bedroom.

Floor supports in the "Main" Bedroom.

I also found out from the contractor that even though it had also been very hot in Underberg, they had not had the dry spell we had experienced here. Apparently they had had bad hail the day before which had done damage to windows etc. I could only notice it on the Spinach which had been shredded quite badly.

31/1/2015

I had mentioned above that the Panicum was taking over and needed a brush cutter. Well a friend who I wanted to show the "Lab" to had come up for the weekend so I decided to kill 2 birds with one stone.

I did a special trip.
There was not much to take other than Dichondra which I planted quickly. We had left at 3.30 because I wanted to do as much brush cutting as possible. When I looked at the photo above I could not believe how much it had grown in just a couple of days. In the photo you can still see the soil from the septic tank but today that had been covered. I should have taken the camera but I did not think there would be anything worth photographing.

I did have time to brush cut quite a large area near the Palace as well as some near the hedge where the green Figs are growing.
It was a shortish trip but never the less a lot was done. We left for home at the usual 10 o clock time. (seems as if my body has decided that that is the time to "run out of steam.")

4/2/2015

Today I was lucky enough to have a trip to PMBurg so decided to make the most of it.
I arrived just after 2.30 with not much to plant. Just the usual Dichobndra. However todays real purpose was to do as much weeding as possible in the pathways. In "No Mans Land" the weeds had started to get quite serious and I needed to get rid of them as soon as I could. It was an area where I had re planted Dichondra in the pathway so was not too keen on having to start that all over again.
I also had designed a new hoe which I hoped would assist removing weed growing in the Dichondra. (it works quite well.)

Orbs a plenty this morning.

I finished planting what I had brought (I have now completed the quadrant I was working on so time for the next stage).

I spent at least 2hrs bent over pulling out weeds and am happily surprised that my back feels fine. I weeded a lot more than I intended so am rather pleased with myself.

Unusual entrance shot.

I then started opening the ground around the satellite beds in preparation for next time and even took a plug from one to put on the outside to extend it. This is exactly why I am planting them. The job will go quicker as the plots expand. Soon (hopefully) the whole area will be under this grass.

Plug removed and planted on the outside

On returning I had the energy to spray twice.
It was a really hard day but another of those memorable ones.

PS No news from the Palace as no further work had been done.

18/2/2015

Due to the fact that I was unable to get to Underberg last week I knew (or suspected) how things were going to be looking.
In the extra week I had a lot more Dichondra ready to plant and I also knew there was going to be a lot more weeding to do.

The Pathway I am busy with. The tins with Dichondra are in the white containers.

Some Dichondra has reached the edge of the pathway.

Satellite bed.

I awoke 20 minutes later than I would have liked but still arrived at around 3 o clock.
I was not disappointed in the many weeds and how the Panicum had grown again. I did not take a brush cutter because there was no space but I did have more firewood which needed to be off loaded. I am also slowly bringing small garden things from here eg sprinklers etc. I had forgotten my fork and spade previously and had actually bought a replacement fork (just in case). However I should have been more positive. They had not been touched.

Grape now supporting itself

Spinach once again looking OK.

Sunflower with extras

Today was very hot and I now have to water what I have planted and some of what I planted previously. The Sunflowers also have flowers now. I also planted 2 more Berry plants along the bottom fence.

I did a little spraying before going to see whether the contractor was at work. Unfortunately he was out and because I had run out of steam decided to call it a day.

It was a hard and yet a rewarding day.

20/2/2015 

I almost put the 2 previous days together but they did turn out to be very different.

I awoke on time and this morning arrived at around 2 30. The weather was very different. There were some very misty sections and it was much cooler. Working weather.

Cucumbers

The tree at the gate looking much neater

Just a little more to do.

I did not have as much Dichondra to plant but had a lot of weeding to catch up on. I also had my brush cutter and chainsaw (to cut some branches from the tree at the entrance.)
As usual I had firewood to offload and a drum I intend using to store excess water in.

I try to keep as quiet as possible until around 6 30 or 7 00 o clock so brush cutting was out until then. I therefore busied myself with weeding and planting. I also watered a lot of previously planted Dichondra, Rose etc. I noticed 3 Cucumbers on plants which are at home now. Very surprised
as I had not taken care of them. It was an experiment to see whether the seedlings would have been set back from transplanting.

Then it was time to do brush cutting. I was energetic today in that I actually worked with the machine for almost 3 hours. I cannot usually do it for that long because my back complains. The result being I almost completed around the Palace and did some work on the bottom plot.

I must mention that a couple of the satellite beds are slowly growing together so now I need to dig around the edges of each plot to keep weeds away and to make it easier to plant the next time.

I have stopped planting the path I was working on as it has reached a spot where there are weeds that need to be removed so have gone to the next row in the same quadrant. This one I hope to complete before the season comes to an end.

I cut the branches off the tree at the entrance and now it looks much nicer.

I cut until after 10 o clock sprayed what I could (I had left my weedicide at home but there was enough for one container) and then went to see the contractor. He was in so we chatted for a while. He also told me that he could have the Palace "occupiable" by June which suits me. Let us see what transpires.

Then it was time to return home. I can most definitely say that this was a very rewarding and profitable day.

26/2/2015

I was blessed with an urgent trip to PMBurg today so as usual decided to make the most of it. Arrived at around 3 o clock after some rather heavy mist on the road.

It was lovely to see that Underberg had had rain (we had had good rains here as well) so things were looking good.

Floor supports main room

Floor supports for second bedroom and kitchen area

I only had Dichondra to plant, my main target now being weeding, especially in the pathways.

I had enough sods to complete planting the row I was working on and dug a little more just in case I have enough before mid March to stat planting the next row.
I estimate that I have planted about 250 Dichondra sods so far this season. That does not include the ones I have planted in satellite beds.

I spent a lot of time pulling weeds and also had good news that the contractor was busy with the wooden floors.It is going to be really amazing.

Sunflower and Orbs

A drum from home into which I pour excess water in preparation for making compost tea

It was then time to head for PMB.
On returning I had time to spray twice before heading for home. Now I need a personal visit with Suzi to carry on brush cutting.

Update on pathway planted so far

A lovely trip and pleased with what I did.

5/3/2015

As I said above I really needed a trip with Suzi so I could take a brushcutter and spend more time brush cutting the weeds, especially those below "no mans land." This is an area I had to level before doing the pathways in that area and where the compost containers are. The weeds love it there.

Orbs over the Palace

Orbs over the Labyrinth.

I arrived very early this morning (2.30) and that was after waking up late again. (12.20.) The road was quiet as usual and for a change no mist. This made the trip very pleasant.
Today I had firewood, the usual Dichondra, a table and first worm bin as well as a couple of bits and pieces. I had brought about a dozen "Desert Roses" which I was growing here in preparation for transplanting at a later date. There were also quite a few Dichondra sods for the "satellite beds."

Seedling table on the left with the Worm Bin next to the pole.

I got stuck in and everything was planted and watered by 6 o clock. Then I started a chore which I had not done for a while which is burying the bricks on the pathways deeper. This to give more consistent shape? to the pathways and to bury the bricks uniformly so they do not move. A lot of them are just placed on or just below the surface of the soil. I completed the bit at the gate and then carried on from where I left off a year or so ago.
Before this I had done some weeding which is an essential part of "Lab Maintenance."

Then at 6.30 I decided to bother the neighbors and started brush cutting. I was cutting large weeds in "No Mans Land" area when the brush cutter I was using (a Shindaiwa) decided to call it a day. I think it has dropped a ring.
Luckily I had my trusty Solo as well and completed what I was doing with it.

I did manage to do a lot of tidying both at No Mans Land and around the Palace before I ran out of both petrol and energy.

As usual I went to get some munchies for the road and left at around 10.30.

A very rewarding trip. Just a pity nothing more had been done to the Palace.

13/3/2015

I needed to see the contractor today to discuss the Mansion so decided to make the most of it.
I woke up early and broke my "early" record as to my arrival in Underberg. Today I arrived at 2 o clock BUT there was a hitch. I was entering Swartberg and realised I had forgotten my basket. I was not too worried because it just meant no photos and no refreshment. Then I realised NO LIGHTS. I could not go back so decided to take a chance and rely on the lights from neighboring houses and moonlight. (I did not drive very fast after that realisation.....)
This in the end worked rather well and I did not miss the lights too much.

Today I had Dichondra, 2 tables, firewood and 2 half round zinc sheets which I wanted to use for compost.
There was also the brush cutter because I still need to maintain the garden.

The first thing after arriving was putting out the Dichondra and planting same. The soil was nice and damp so no watering was necessary. One of the first things that I noticed was how well the Chamomile had grown. And the flowers. They were all full of flowers.

The Spinach was also ready for picking again and the birds still had not eaten all of the seed from the Sunflowers.

It did not take too long to plant everything (I started a satellite bed in the centre of the Lab this morning). The entrance pathway is now almost planted to completion so I could start a new area.
I also decided to plant a pathway I had worked on previously (away from No Mans Land). This is now almost half way.

Then there was weeding to do and I re positioned more bricks along the pathways.
After all this was done I started brush cutting. Two tanks of petrol and I was out of energy so decided to go and see the contractor. That was very fruitful and some important decisions were made. Regarding door placements, fireplaces, loft etc.

I eventually got on the road again by 11 o clock. A lot of work was done on another lovely day and trip.

PS They had laid a few planks in the main room which is going to be awesome. The contractor tells me the timber is Oregon Pine. Lucky me.

15/3/2015

I went to pick up a friend on the coast so came back the Ixopo way and stopped off at the Lab. Did not do anything other than weed a little and spray due to there not being too much time, I have a feeling it was still too wet for the herbicide to be effective but took a chance anyway.
There has been a lot of rain in Underberg the last couple of weeks.

Things from home

More things from home. I need to start preparing for new season planting of Dichondra.

19/3/2015

I needed to go to Underberg to take the taps and kitchen sink to the contractor as well as the usual weeding and planting. I was hoping to see some big changes in the Mansion but in that regard was rather disappointed. I had paid a lot more money to the contractor and was rather upset to see no change since last week.

The Chamomile has really taken off.

I arrived a little later than usual with my old wheel barrow, odds and ends as well as firewood and Dichondra to plant.

Path before. It was much worse. I had already pulled the weeds and pruned.

Path after removing weeds to zincs.

Something unusual transpired on the road between Swartberg and Underberg this morning. An SAP truck chased me down and wanted to know my "business" at that time of the "night." I explained to them and showed them what I was carrying and we left on the best of terms.
I am surprised that I have never been stopped before. I must look rather suspicious driving at that time of the night. At this time of year there is a lot of stock theft.

Completed planting Dichondra to entrance gate.

The gate is getting very cluttered with the stuff from home.

The satellite bed at the centre of the Lab.

Satellite beds grown together and slowly starting to spread.

I did my planting and quite a bit of weeding as well as brick "burying" along the pathways. One section of the path where the Cancerbush is growing was imposible to walk through so I pulled the weeds and pruned the Cancerbush and Lemon Verbena at the same time. Thank goodness I brought the zinc half rounds last week. They are very handy to put the weeds into.

The Nectarines have really grown well.

You can sit under Oakie now.

The Walnut has also grown nicely.

The kitchen sink in the kitchen.

The Oregon Pine floors are going to be awesome. This is the largest room.

Then it was time to brush cut. I only used 2 tanks of fuel today but it was enough to finish the bottom plot and almost the top. Not much to go there when we will start all over again from the beginning.

PS I almost forgot the rain. It had drizzled most of the way to Underberg and a lot of the time while I was working but not enough to put me off. Just made the temperature nicer for working. When I was brush cutting it started to rain rather harder but I only knew when I had run out of petrol and realised how wet I was.

1/4/2015

I had not been to Underberg for 2 weeks and was feeling a little homesick so decided to go on April Fools Day. I was hoping that more had been done to the Palace (but was disappointed) and had more Dichondra to plant. I am pushing the envelope with that because I should have planted everything I had here by mid March. However I still had quite a few sods here to take so decided to take a chance. Not too many did not survive the last winter (which had had a couple of very cold days, down to minus 20 in a couple of places) so I figured I will most probably be there to water them if it got too dry so will take a chance. I have also changed my strategy in that I am only planting sods that have a good root system already established.

Today I had the usual stuff. Dichondra and firewood with some empty containers (tins etc) in preparation for the new season.

Arrived just after 2 and got straight into it. (I am getting more apprehensive the longer I stay away because I have more and more stuff lying outside). Again I should not have worried cos nothing had been touched.

This morning I had 3 headlamps and guess what. Every one went flat. I could not believe my luck. I worked almost in the dark just before sunrise with the glow from the last headlamp to assist me. However I did not "miss" too much.

There was a lot of weeding to do and I had to prune back Lemon Verbena which has grown rather well. (I also pruned Oakie a bit higher up  his trunk so that sitting under him/her would be easier). Then carting everything to the new compost bin I had brought a week or so ago. What a blessing it has been. I need to have at least one or two more in the same area.

When that was completed I buried more bricks and next visit should complete the first path in No Mans Land.
There was also a Rose to plant which had grown nicely in  pot here.

I noticed the Spinach had grown nicely (took some when I left for use in my cullinary delights here) and one Cucumber had grown so large it looked like a small Marrow. I decided to leave it and see how big it would grow.

I had also invested in a cheap new brush cutter to replace 2 which have broken down. I decided on a cheap one (Fragram) because it is a standby for my old Solo which has been an excellent workhorse. I needed to set up the Fragram harness settings the same as the Solo which my back was accustomed to. I was rather looking forward to this and of course seeing what the new machine was capable of.

At around 6.30 I cranked her up and used 2 tanks of fuel. One around the Palace finishing off what I had not completed last time and one around the Lab doing the same thing. I had (more or less) been able to set up the new machine the same as the Solo. This new machine is a little lighter than the
Solo and I use the metal blade with it. Was a bit rough but gets the job done.

Before leaving I had a chance to do more spraying.

I am trying to get a transfer to the area (which means I will only retire at a later stage) but could not find the offices. I also went to the contractors office but everything was locked up. To say I was disappointed was putting it mildly. I had paid R80000 into there account in March and still nothing had been done to the Palace.
I have had an sms since returning home telling me that they were working on the floors on the 2nd. we will see next week when I intend returning.

All in all a lovely day. Hot for this time of the year and I ran out of steam by 10 o clock. Was home again before 12. Underberg was becoming very busy with the combination of people going home for Easter and those coming in to go to Splashy Fenn. I got away just in time.

No photos this time. Hopefully there will be changes to the Palace next week........

10/4/2015

Arrived at around 2.30 this morning with firewood, the last of the Dichondra as well as soil for next seasons Dichondra plantings. Also another half zinc to put at the compost area. The first one I took is working so well that I have decided to start a new one.

Work has begun

Main room. Note the Orbs.

Bathroom wall and more Orbs

From second bedroom towards bathroom

From kitchen to front door

Working on last room

One of the first things I did was check out the Palace. Now things have really been moving on there. The floors are completed in 2 rooms and the dividing wall between kitchen, bathroom and second room has been built. The floor in the second room is in progress. How nice it was to be able to walk around inside.
There is just one thing to become used to and that is the lower ceilings because of the loft. I am sure I will manage. It will be very cosy in winter and hopefully still cool during the summer.
Met all of the guys who are working on it yesterday and a lot of ideas were cleared and discussed.

Aloes have grown well

Lemon

Rhubarb looking good

Spinach still looking good

Climbing Rose looking very good.

Ok the Lab. I planted quite a few sods at the entrance and the rest on the pathways. (that was after removing the firewood of course).
Then weeding. Trying to remove as many blackjacks as possible before they drop their seed. I also buried more bricks and have now come to the end of the path I was working on, turned the corner and now going back the other way.

The end of the seasons planting

Cucumbers. I am leaving them to see how big they will grow.

Dichondra is spreading and covering nicely

View from the bottom side of the Lab. Next to "no mans land" area.

Lean a little to the left and see that Autumn has arrived.

Firewood Tree

Soil for new season planting of Dichondra

Number two compost zincs

Number one compost zinc already in use

Both pics above are near the entrance with the two rows of Strawberries. Note the mole hills. (not as bad as last season though).

It was lovely and cool this morning. Nice working temperature.
Then it was time for brush cutting. I started near the Palace and then a bit around the Lab. With the blade on the new brush cutter I was able to cut most of the blackjacks. They are worst under the Peach trees.

The thicker black lines are the areas of Dichondra planted so far in total.

I actually left later today than I usually do but that was because of the Palace....Arrived home near to 1pm.

A really very lovely trip with a lot happening.

15/4/2015

Arrived at around 2.30 after an uneventful trip. A little mist around this morning but nothing to write home about.
Not too much on the go now. My main reason for going was to take 2 doors. A new one for the front door with more glass in and one to go to the deck.

Of course I had firewood to off load but not much else.

The first thing I did on arrival was check on the Palace. I was not disappointed. They had completed the floors, three doors had been hung and they had started plastering the walls on the outside.

From kitchen to front door

Entrance

Main room inside door

Side plastered

Other side plastered

I did a lot of brick "burying" today, completing the row I was working on and turning the corner into the next one. It was nice and chilly. Ideal working weather. It was colder when I left than when I arrived.
Did some brush cutting as well as the usual weeding and have started removing compost containers within the Lab.
The trees are losing their leaves now so almost time for some serious pruning. Especially on the Peach trees.

I spent some time with the contractor again. Discussing the way forward. We almost d

The Main Entrances at the front.

iscarded the deck but have decided to keep it. I think the new idea will be great. However the proof will be in the pudding. Nothing said here until we get there.

All Rose are those growing in "Rose row."

He did tell me that they will be working there until completion. Soooo I have to go once a week now as things will be changing on a daily basis.

Left at around 10 o clock after another rewarding day.

22/4/2015

A week has passed and I was really looking forward to seeing the changes to the Palace.
Arrived at around 2.30 with just a little mist on the road at Kingscote.
I had firewood today with a little change of plans. I brought my wheel barrow because my intention is to slowly remove the composting bins on the inside of the Lab. After offloading however, I checked out the changes at the Palace.
I had expected more but the plastering was done, a few more doors fitted and beams where the ceiling will be in the bathroom have been fitted. The bathroom is going to be very cosy in winter as the ceiling is much lower than I am used to.

Where the bathroom ceiling will be going.

Front Steps

Looking towards toilet. This is where a walk through cupboard will be built.

I got into removing a couple of compost containers, which takes a while as I load the weeds etc onto the wheel barrow by hand and then take it to the new zinc containers. This I will be using when planting Dichondra in tins during the new season. Any weeds that germinate then will be very easy to remove.

It was then time to place more bricks after which it was light enough to start on my new project.
I had bought some shelf supports to attach to the outer poles on which to hang the wind chimes. These really work well.
I had also been working on bird "scarers" which I hung on the wire supporting the Grape vines. I had been told that old CDs hanging in the trees will keep the birds away. We will find out in the new season. I hung 10 but there are more to make.

Cherub Chime at the entrance

Scarers and Chimes

More Scarers and Chimes

These operations did take a while and before I knew it I had to go to see the contractor. I had more door locks for them. I have decided to put 2 locks on the stable doors instead of a dead bolt.

Protective containers around the Strawberries

The trees I tidied

I almost omitted the tree "tidying" I managed to accomplish. At the entrance gate as well as 2 trees near to the gate. They look much happier.

Then it was time to get on the road for home (not that I class here as home any more!!!!)
Another Lovely Trip.

UPDATE
16/5/2015

It has been a while since adding news because there is very little going on in Underberg at the moment.
The only news really worthy of mention is the lady in my life. It is not a subject for here. More for a romance novel.
Lets just say we will be living in the Palace together.

When I am on my own at the Lab I busy myself weeding and removing compost from compost containers and putting it in the bigger ones. There are not too many left to do now. I was there yesterday and had a chance to finish the biggest one. Free wheeling from now on in with that chore. When the two of us are there we do the same. I thought I could work hard but when we are working together My Lady makes me look silly. So much energy......

So it is almost time to prune (I have started tidying the rest of the trees in the Lab) which is going to be interesting. The Peach Trees we are going to have to prune seriously. I want to try training them into narrower rows so they do not shade out the grapes growing near them.
I have brought a LOT of firewood from home and I can see a lot more being added from pruning. We need a lot as there will be 3 fireplaces in the Palace.

There are more scarers hanging now as well as a few solar lights which were a gift from My Lady. Otherwise it is not really worth taking photos until more serious work is done or there are changes to the Palace. Since My Lady arrived we have added and removed as well as changed/improved some of my ideas so the plans have to be redrawn again.

Oh MAAAN Life is GOOD since we became a couple.

21/5/2015

The dairy guy was back on Monday so I had a chance to go to Underberg at my favorite time. Midnight.
I arrived just after 2oclock after a really nice trip. I had some zincs which I want to set up as bigger compost containers into which small branches can be put. Of course my main targets now are the removal of the compost containers, weeding and preparing new beds for planting in the new season.
We need to plant much more Spinach which I am hoping to sell from home. As well as slowly expanding the Strawberries.

Completed planting the poles. They will be for climbing beans etc

The extended Spinach bed

The compost containers now being used as Strawberry protectors in the new extended bed.

I got stuck in straight away. I always seem to have more energy on my midnight runs than later times.
Today I dug the Spinach bed as far as the poles in the next quadrant and also dug the Strawberry bed as far as the compost containers would allow. I removed the soil and weeds from about 8 more of the containers.
And buried the last of the poles.

Succulents from here.

Succulents from My New Family

More succulents from my new family.

Then pruned the Nectarine trees which are growing over the pathways and did a little trimming of the big tree at the bottom of the Lab.

Then it was time to see the contractor again. Even though no work had been done again he promised me that they would be going full speed within the next 2 weeks. I brought him to the Palace so we could discuss what changes etc to make.

These solar lights look like little stars at night

An idea I am working on.

I really missed having my partner with me. We communicate very well and her feedback regarding the Palace is invaluable.

Was on the road home by 10.30.
A really Lovely Day and was very pleased as to what I had achieved.

27/5/2015

Another trip to Underberg with almost the same agenda as last week. Digging digging.
I am now digging in virgin soil so the going is slow and tough.

The area now under "dig." This is virgin soil so rather hard work. The white is wood ash from home.

Another midnight run. Must be a record of cars on the road this morning. I saw 4 on the way there but they made up for it on my return when all the trucks seemed to have been on the road the same time as I was. They were easy enough to pass because the road is usually very quiet.

Arrived at around 2.15 after a lovely trip with no mist to talk about.

I had firewood, a metal table, cow compost pats, some wood ash, pine cones and the usual digging implements. Also brought the brush cutters to cut blackjacks around the compost heaps.

Cow compost pats. The idea is to let them dry and store them. Then come planting time break them down to dig in where necessary.

I intended to complete removing the last of the compost containers. Which I almost achieved except for one which I did not notice until just before leaving for home. By then Suzi was already packed and I did not have the energy to remove everything again. I will have my trusty barrow again next week so can complete that task then.
There was also time to do quite a bit of digging and when it was late enough I started work on the trees I was tidying. Unfortunately the one tree is a thorn tree with very big thorns and difficult to work with. I did not have my gloves with me so needless to say that by the time I had finished there was a little blood around.

I had some measurements to do in the Palace as well for my Lady. No work had been done there this week but then I was not expecting it to be. What I have noticed is how warm the one spare room is. A lovely winters room. Even with no glass in the windows you could feel the warmth.

By the time I had done what I had intended doing it was time to get on the road again for home.
A really lovely trip. However it would have been wonderful to have had my Lady with me as well.

3/6/2015

Another week and another trip.
Left at about my usual time of 1 am or thereabouts and this morning was another interesting trip.
Firstly I had a load of cow compost and quite a few bags of dry horse manure. I had been lucky enough to find an area which had a lot of dung. Taken many years to build up so I am  going to take as much as I possibly can.
My main reason for going is to try and do as much digging as possible, start the new project I am thinking of, start pruning and of course to remove the last compost container.

The trip started off OK until just after Franklin. I noticed a Reedbuck doe on the other side of the road which did not bother me but as I approached her she decided to cross the road in my direction. All I could do was speed up and hope I would pass the area before she got to where I was. I heard a loud DWANG and thought she had run into Suzi. I did not stop because there was nothing I could have done. All I could do was be thankful that I did not hit her full on. That would have been a disaster. I eventually stopped for a P and looked for damage on Suzi but could find nothing. Very surprised....(I found a bent mudguard on the trailer eventually and this is where the DWANG must have come from).
Then a little further on from that spot a Duicker tried the same trick but this time walked into the middle of the road and stopped there. Luckily I managed to miss it. THEN a little further on between Swartberg and Kingscote another small buck ran in the road in front of me.
Thankfully once again I was able to miss it. THEEEN just before Underberg a Jackal ran out but it was far enough away not to be bothersome.
I guess it was a trip that will stay in my mind for quite a while.

I still arrived at 2.30.

After that things at the Plot went very well. It was cold enough to wear gloves but I had a lot of energy and the digging really went well. I also put down 10 bags of horse manure and dug it in. The soil is in great need of humus and even if the dung is not very rich it will be a huge aid in building up the soil.

Dug area number 1.

Dug Area Number 2. These are just 2 of the areas I completed. I also worked amongst fruit trees, Garlic Chives and Spring Onions as well as Cancerbush plants.

I removed the last compost container, started pruning the Peach trees and made a place where I can store the extra horsey stuff.
I had about 10 more cow pie containers to decant on a new canvas so the collection there is also growing.

The start of the new project.

There was also time to make a start on the new project. I have an idea I want to try in growing Butternuts or Gem Squash as a vine. The system should also suit climbing Beans and Tomatoes.

Where the extra horse manure is.

I did not even go to have a look at the Palace because I knew that nothing had been done.

Started pruning the Peach Trees.

The trip home was uneventful even if rather boring. I miss the companionship of my lady.

30/6/2015

Due to not having an internet connection I have not been able to update my blog. However I have been going every week with much the same work being done.

The front. Painting has begun. Notice glass in the windows now.

The side.

I have brought a lot more cow "parcels" and have done a lot more work in placing the bricks in the pathways. So much so that I must be about half way in that chore by now.

 Last week I had a midnight run with Suzi and really got quite a lot done.
I must have replaced about 20 meters of bricks and completed pruning the biggest Peach Trees. I think I must take more photos.

There had been a LOT of wind which although did not cause any damage did test the scarers as well as the flags. The Angel chime at the entrance has been wrapped so I need to bring a ladder to unravel it. It is too high to reach. A couple of the zincs had been moved "elsewhere" and I had quite a good time fetching most of the cages I had put around the Strawberries.

The Palace has had the glass fitted in the windows and is slowly being painted. We have decided on the colour Namib for the outside and white for the inside. (it is soooo wonderful having a lady in my life who shares all of the same ideas that I do). Our thoughts seem to run on a par with each other.

I was rather impressed when I went inside to get a look to find how warm it was and that is still with the high ceilings.

I have also started putting "borders" around some of the trees and Comfrey. I figure with this idea I can put compost around the roots and let the rain do the rest by washing the nutrients down to the roots.

I have also marked out where the water tanks will be placed and think the idea I have of inter connecting them might just work. I have decided to use the gradient of the property to put the tanks in a row. One connected to the other so they all fill evenly. Then I can control the levels and feed by using the taps.

That is all I can remember but am happy that at this time of the year there is still work to do.

2/7/2015

Todays trip I wanted to take the two 2500 litre tanks. I was lucky enough that one fitted perfectly on the trailer and with the help of 2 staff members was able to get the other one on the back of Suzi.
I knew the trip would be slow because of the drag of the tank on Suzi but was not aware of how much. In the end I could not go faster then 80 km/hr so it was a rather interesting trip. Without incident fortunately even though there were places where the mist was bad enough that you had to really go slowly. This suited me ideally. Even though nobody was behind me the whole way it felt as if Suzi was driving with the hand brake on.

Bathroom

From kitchen to front door

A new toilet design

Main room

Main room to second bathroom (still to be added)

Visitors room. This will be our winter annex because it is very warm with early sun.

I did not have much on the truck other than my homework (logs I had cut to size and drilled to put around trees for composting).

The first thing I did was start placing more bricks. It was too cold to think about removing the tanks until the sun came up.
I really did well with that chore. I completed the row I had been working on, plus the next two rows and was working on the next one when the sun started coming up.
Then I decided to take a break and go into the Palace. I still cannot believe how cosy it is inside. Even with the high ceilings and only one sheet of insulation it is very cosy. Cosy enough that we have decided not to make the loft as big as earlier planned. More about that in further additions.

I cannot wait to be settled in with my lady.

No not snow

Tanks ready to be removed

Tanks at Home

It was really white on the ground this morning and cold enough that if you touched Suzi with gloves on then you had to peel them off because they froze to her. I could not water anything until I had broken the ice in the watering cans.

A part of the area where I was working

Peach Trees pruned

Then when it had warmed up a bit I completed a few more of the compost thingys I am trying. did a little digging and removed the tanks. They were rather easy to remove because they are light but bulky. I rolled them to a spot behind the Palace. Closer to where they will be placed.
I also completed drilling and cutting the next lot of supports idea I am working on to grow Tomatoes, and climber veggies on.

The Idea

The Idea in practice

The Idea spreads

I worked until around 11 o clock when I actually almost ran out of things to do. I want to leave some chores for further visits.

A touch of snow on the mountains

Going home was a pleasure. Without the drag from the tanks it felt as if Suzi was going down hill the whole way.

A cold and frosty morning but eventually a really lovely day.

9/7/2015

I was not intending to go this week but due to the heavy winds we have been experiencing again I decided to go and check on the tanks. I had not secured them too well and did not want to have them blown to other areas or getting damaged. Mostly worried about them getting entangled and doing damage to other peoples property.
In the end even though they had moved, there was no damage done to anything so I moved them to a more secluded spot and secured them a little better.

I did a midnight run which is my favorite due to the peaceful time of the day. I only had a few things to take. The seed tray table and some more compost containers.
I had to make some emergency alterations to the table when I stopped at the atm but other than that it was a lovely trip. The weather is very warm for this time of the year which is a little concerning because it is very windy and very dry. I think there might be some rather inclement weather to follow this lot.

I arrived in my usual 2.30 time slot and got straight into placing more pathway bricks. Once again I excelled at this chore, completing another approximately 30m. Then I also completed tying the first of the experimental support systems. I could not take any photos because the lines are almost invisible.
Then I did a lot of weeding in the pathways. Mostly in no mans land where they are the worst. Very glad I had the energy to start that chore because it will be a huge help in the new season.

Before it was time to go I had time to put logs around an Almond tree (see last week) as well as pruning two of the older Almond trees.

Not very much has been going on at the Palace but you can see they have been working. I think it is time consuming work at the moment. However I think my beautiful partner will notice some changes when she comes down next week.

I left and was on the road again at the usual 11 o clock time.

Another lovely trip.

16/7/2015

A rather special day this one because my Lady was coming down from Joburg and we were meeting at the plot. I was in two minds as to whether to go at midnight or later but decided to go at my usual time because there was still a lot to do at the Lab and I would not have slept again because I would have been too excited.

It was a rather mild morning and on arriving decided to see whether I cold use pig mesh instead of twine to support beans etc like the other poles. It did not work but had a rather funny incident occur.

I had put a couple of steel rods that I had been using as markers, into the pathway when the next minute I found myself lying face down in the dirt. I had tripped over the rods. Being still dark I could not see them. Luckily my embarrassment was not seen by anybody else and I had a good giggle. However it could have been worse than a lot of embarrassment and a little pain because I could have fallen onto a brick or reinforcing rod that was in the same area.

In the end I used twine for the poles which hopefully will be strong enough to support whatever we decide to grow up it.
Before my Lady arrived I had time to place a lot more bricks, complete the pruning of both Peaches and Plums as well as putting more compost around poorly growing trees. I also discovered why one of the Plum trees was not growing very well. I had planted it next to an ants nest. Now I have to decide what to do about that.
I went to the post office to see whether a post box had become available but they had lost the the forms. So lets try again.
I also took the toilet for Our annex to the contractor.

I had run out of steam at around ten o clock but the thought of my Lady on the road gave me renewed energy.

I was disentangling scarers when my Lady arrived. It took us a while to become re acquainted after which we spent some time inside Our Palace discussing and planning our future there. Then it was time to head for home.

A really Wonderful Day.

14/8/2015

I had spent time in Joburg getting to meet my Ladies family (for 2 weeks) so there was a little to do at the Lab. We had brought down 2 Cherry trees, a Sharon and a Pomegranate. This trip was to take them to plant as well as the 2 worm bins I have here and miscellaneous stuff I could get on the trailer. Some water and dairy compost.

Compost at bottom of hole

Ready for planting

"Sharon" awaiting bag removal

Surrounded by compost

A couple of holes dug

"Sharon" with her commemorative flag. (we had to tie flags to her on the trip from Joburg).

 It was a lovely trip, arriving at around 2.30 and got into the job of digging the planting holes straight away. It was a lot cooler than I had expected so it took a while for everything to warm up.
It took me until just after 7 oclock to complete the planting. Something I had not done for quite a while. I dug them deep and wide enough so there was space for as much composting material as possible. My Lady had given me some growth booster to add to the mix as well. I really want these trees to GROW. Seeing as they all came from Joburg and survived the trip from there to Kokstad and then back to Underberg, I decided that they deserved the best I could manage just for surviving all of that. Especially "Sharon" because she hung out of the back of Suzi all of the way down.

New trees planted and watered.

Eventually I completed planting and watering the 4 trees and now have to leave the rest up to nature. I just hope they survive the rest of the winter.
I had planted them in the row where the "Chocolate trees died. There was one survivor at the end of the row.

Where I was replacing bricks.

I had a meeting with the contractor as well and just had a little time to place more bricks before I had to go and fetch him. My Lady had drawn up a list of the things we wanted doing before we move in, which I gave him. ie, where plugs, fireplaces etc were to go. (we will be having 3 fireplaces. One open and 2 closed).
He is also helping us with a fuse box as well as brandering to support the ceiling. We are very grateful for that.

Young Oakie composted

On my return I had time to place more bricks before getting on the road for home again.

Last of the worm bins

I was VERY stiff after this workout. My poor body is not used to it. However I used my magic lotion and at this time of writing already feel much better.

Oom Sarel Peaches (top) and Almond starting to show signs of life again.

Another lovely trip.

20/8/2015

This week I had to do a couple of different things.
1 Take the security gates and a door to the contractor.
2 Go and see whether there is a Standard Bank in the area.
3 Get a proof of residence from the municipality which is in Himeville.
4 Find out about transferring my and my Ladies vehicles registrations from Kokstad and Joburg to Underberg.
5 To find out how to go about getting a prepaid electricity meter.

It was a little misty today but a lovely trip nevertheless. I actually arrived a little earlier than usual. 2.30 this morning. (I usually arrive at about 2.45.)

Almond flowers

On arriving everything looked the same but the lock on the gate was a little different. I am left handed so can tell when people have been in because things are different to the way I do them.
Everything looked the same but it did not worry me too much because by now I am becoming used to being disappointed.
So I got straight into working.
Todays load was the gates and door, some netting, water (for my new experiment), the wheelbarrow (to carry bricks to where I was working to replace those that were beginning to crumble and to remove the crumbled ones) and some stuff I could get on the trailer to take up space.
I wanted to fill a few more seed trays with the excess soil from last weeks holes when I planted Sharon and the Cherry trees. These to take home to plant in.

The compost pile

The first thing I did was pile the compost "clumps" all together in one pile. They were all nice and dry and I wanted to try and cover them in the event of rain. Did not want them to break down too much.
After that I got into replacing bricks in the pathway where I am now working. It is a little slower due to the fact that some of the earlier bricks (I had bought the cheapest) had started to crumble from exposure. I carried on with this chore until it was light enough to see a bit better then took a look at Our Palace.
I did notice that the outside walls had been painted complete and on going inside could see that something had been going on with the inside walls as well. I was a little disappointed but at least something had been happening.

Watered with compost tea

The new drip irrigation project

I have a new project I want to try and that is moving the green drum I used for compost tea, to the area where we intend planting Spinach. The idea is to put a line of drippers in that area so we can plant a little earlier and take a chance to let the drippers water while I am away. I already have Chinese cabbage as well as cabbage, lettuce, and onions germinating here so want to try and see whether the plan will work.
So I emptied the drum into a watering can and watered last weeks trees as well as the Roses and Spinach, (from last season) until the drum was empty.
I had been taking the crumbling bricks to the spot where it would be useful and had built a platform to put the drum on. I took the drum to the spot and put the water I had into it so I could join the pipe and see what would happen but unfortunately the outlet tap had seized and would not close properly so I had to give up that project until next visit.

I was doing a little weeding when one of the contractors foremen arrived with their staff. SOOO, something was about to happen. (it ended up that they were sealing the beams that were exposed to the elements.)

I took the doors before going to Himeville where the municipality is. However before I left the contractor asked me whether I had noticed the "brandering." I had not so was delighted to hear that something was happening there. (if I had looked UP when inside I would surely have noticed.)
Then I wet to Himeville and this is when things went my way wherever I went.
It actually started when the contractor told me that there was now a doctor in Underberg. (when I purchased the plot there was not a doctor in the area. )
Then on my way to Himeville I noticed a Standard Bank.
On arriving in Himeville everybody was so helpful. I was soo surprised. I got the proof of residence form and was then told that there was now a licensing office just around the corner.(previously you had to go to Ixopo to get licences etc.)

Brandering completed

Painting completed

Sealing exposed beams

On returning I went to check what had been done to Our Palace to find that all the brandering (it supports the ceiling) had been done and that the exposed beams were being sealed. (I had told the contractor to leave the inside beams because we wanted the smell of the timber to stay around for a while.)
After that I did not have the energy to do any more work so left for home a little earlier than usual. I have to say that I was on a high because everything just seemed to be falling into place and the people were so nice.

Oh this was a really lovely trip and is almost as good as the trip when I first noticed the Palace had been started. When I got to the gate and in the distance could see walls. Yup, that was a very special day too.

28/8/2015

I really look forward to my visits to Underberg now. (not that I did not before!!!!!!!) but now they are special because things are starting to progress rapidly now.
As usual it was a midnight run.
With todays load I had.
1 Compost containers
2 Horse manure
3 Bits and pieces
4 The gate and fencing material given to me by an old friend.

Dairy compost

Today was very warm. It is crazy for this time of the year. The road was busier than usual but I think because it was month end.
As I got closer to Underberg (around Kingscote) I noticed the sides of the road showed signs of rain. I really hoped that if it had rained that the moisture would have reached Underberg. (I found out later that they had had a lovely storm the day before).

Veranda beams have been sealed

Le Bath

To be changed. Does not fit in with the decor

Our side veranda doors.

I arrived at my usual time of around 2.30 after an uneventful trip. (there had been a lot of Reedbuck on the sides of the road but none decided to cross it.)
I could see it had rained as it was still very damp. It was warm enough not to bother about gloves so my first plan was to see whether I could get my irrigation project to work.
It took a little while but eventually it worked just fine. Now I want to expand on it and fine tune it. This means I can start planting out seedlings and let the irrigation keep them moist. However I do not know whether leaving it running while I am away will not be too much water. Still, we are about to find out. I will experiment by closing the tap from the tank a little so it does not drip as fast.

The project in action.

The area where the project is with the watering tank in the background.

I put what water I had brought into the container and let it run for a while. Now I want to experiment with planting seedlings in the same area as the drippers and also to put the little risers from an older project in the same spot as the seedlings. Oh I am really enjoying this new challenge.

Then I got into replacing the pathway bricks and today completed that task. There are still a couple of areas I have to update (like the entrance) but that I will do when I have nothing else to do. As it was I did manage to complete one side of the entrance and just have the other to do.

There was also time to do some weeding because the weeds are already becoming a nuisance.

The chair

Replacing bricks deeper in the ground.

Something that really struck me was that wherever I looked there were things starting to show signs of life. I was VERY happy to see that the Pomegranate we brought from Joburg is full of leaves and that is only after 2 weeks since transplanting.

Then of course it was time to take a walk around the Palace.
I had noticed on arriving that the doors to Our veranda had been fitted which was nice to see. I did not like the handle because it did not fit in with the "decor." (I found out later that it was the only one they could get and it would be replaced by a brass one.)
The sealing of the rafters had been completed and the windows painted where the putty was around the glass.

Air Plant in an Almond tree.

Cancer Bush in flower

Chamomile growing again.

Fig tree showing signs of life.

Goji Berry

More Almond flowers

Nectarines

Peach and Plum

The Pomegranate showing signs of life 2 weeks after transplanting.

Then I went to see the contractor with a couple of ideas myself and my partner had been discussing. While we were chatting the contractors brother (who works for him as well) came to say that Our bath had been taken across to the Palace. I had to go to Himeville to re register my vehicles to Underberg, also to change my address as well as open an account with the Standard Bank there. (this is the only task I could not complete because it was month end and there were just too many people for me to wait.)

So now Suzi is a NUD (Underberg registration) but my trailer not. However I can pay for both of them, when licences are due, in Himeville.

Then it was time to go and check out Our bath. It is nice and big and a corner bath (It is a second hand one in good condition that I swapped for the original bath I had bought). Now being a corner bath it is difficult putting it into a spot which is suitable but with a lot of dragging around and re positioning I think found the best spot.

Then it was time to get on the road again for home. I went to the bank again but it was still too busy so did not hang around.

It was another lovely trip. Now things are moving rather fast. I retire at the end of September so time is running out.

4/9/2015

It was a day when I was all excited due to the changes I had expected to see to Our Palace.
It was another midnighter with no mist, just a little light rain in spots on the way. Not enough to really wet anything though.

I arrived and as soon as I got to the gate I knew that nothing had been done. I was right and my disappointment must have been very easy to see. Anyway what was the use of complaining. I know there is a reason for everything so carried on with my tasks.

Todays load was firewood, a little more wire that I was given. The rest of the bird netting I had here as well as more dairy compost and water.

However my main aim was to see whether I could get the drippers to work on my system. So I got into this straight away. Everything eventually worked fine except that the tank was not high enough so the water was not reaching the end of the line. I left it with the tap open to get a idea as to how long the water will last. It was still dripping when I left and the soil was nice and moist in those areas where the drippers were.
Next time I will move the tank closer to the centre of the Lab and raise it a little higher.

After  that I got into the huge task of weeding. I was weeding in the same area as to where I planted the Cherries and Sharon. Now both the Cherries are showing signs of life. Wonderful. Just Sharon now and an holding thumbs that she is a survivor too. It must be noted that the Pomegranate is looking amazing.
I watered everything that needed it as well.

Then it was time to go to the contractor and to pass on some new ideas that we have.

To cut a long story short I wanted to go and open an account with the Standard bank there but arrived too early so decided to go to the post office and see whether the spare key was in Our box and whether there was any post. Yes on both counts. Other than the junk mail which went straight into the bin, there was an update to my insurance. Really makes me feel as if We are already living there. (I have already got Underberg registration plates on Suzi).

Then I went back to the bank and got that job done.
I had told the contractor that I would miss call him because he said he would meet me at the Palace when I had completed my business.
This I did and he arrived shortly afterwards. We went around the Palace and I updated him.

Then I had a little left over energy so completed burying the bricks at the entrance.

I left a little later than usual at about 11 o clock. (fell asleep just before getting home) but I know why. The weather in Underberg was beautiful. I get home and is was windy and cold and just generally lousy. The difference in barometric pressure caused the sleepiness.

Still it was a lovely trip. A LOT of weeding was done.

11/9/2015

This week I needed to go to Underberg even though I did not have much to take. In the end I did not use the trailer and only took dairy compost, firewood and the compost maker I am experimenting with.
Arrived at around 2.30 as usual after an uneventful trip and could tell from the situation at the gate that nobody had been around. This I found out later to be true.
Suzi hass a front tyre which has worn too far and the balancing is very bad. This I need to see to next week.

I did have a lot to do however so firstly started working on the irrigation. It works a lot better with the water container higher up but I could not use the second line because I had forgotten to bring one connector. I left the one line dripping and it was still dripping when I left for home at 10.30.

Of course there was weeding to do as well so got into that. I had also brought a few potatoes to plant and did that. Then it was almost light enough to see without the headlamp so I decided to remove the firewood from Suzi and then fit the new handles I had bought to replace the silver ones the contractor had used on our side doors. One thing I noticed when doing the job is that the contractor varnished these doors AFTER they had been fitted and not before like I did the front doors to the Palace. This means that should water get to the bottom of the door it will soak it up and eventually rot. That should hopefully never happen because the doors are set well back. However I will paint them again on my next visit. They only put 2 coats on which I do not think is enough.

I did a few odd jobs before going to see the contractor. (moved the worm bins to an area where they will all be together.)
Then I had a nice chat with him and he said that as soon as they finish the job they were busy with then the Palace was their next job.

One of the main reasons I had come was so I could open an account with FNB. This meant going to get another proof of residence from the Municipality in Himeville. I was not intending to have to wait like I did for the Standard to open but still was a little early. I was second in the queue but still only got out of there at 10 o clock. Then it was time to deposit some money (or learn to) into my new account.

On returning to the lab I just had time to check things out and get on the road for home.
Once again a Lovely trip.

No photos this week but there should be something new to photograph next week.

18/9/2015

Another midnighter and hopefully things had changed at the Palace. Boy was I disappointed. I was so disappointed that I was thinking of getting another contractor to complete our Home. It still sits in the back of my mind but need to maybe just be a little more patient.

However it was a lovely trip. There was mist rain most of the way but only one or two spots with mist.
On arriving in Underberg I could tell they had had actual rain because of the puddles in the road. This was good news to me because I had brought some Chinese cabbage to transplant.
This trip I did not need the trailer again because it consisted mainly of water and compost. Also the pipe I bought to extend the micro irrigation.
On arrival once again I could tell that nobody had been to Our Palace by the lock on the gate. So I got straight into off loading the water etc when it started to rain a little. A little heavier than mist rain but not enough to bother me.

After taking water to the irrigation drum and planting the Chinese cabbage in that area I got into weeding and tidying up old bags of manure that had started to rot away. Took most of it to where the Cancer bush were growing. The soil in that area needs a lot of compost. I also transplanted some garlic Chives and Spring Onions that had "strayed" into pathways.

I need to be positive in my thoughts again and know that there is a reason Our palace has had no work done to it for 2 weeks. Timing is of the essence.I should practice what I preach because I do believe in divine timing.

Eventually it was time to stop working in the Labyrinth because of the mud and the water was starting to run off my headlight down my nose. So as it was time to go to the contractor I decided to get the window handles from him and make a start on that. This I did. I did not say too much to the contractor because I did not want to say the wrong thing. I only stayed long enough to get the handles.
What a futile exercise that was. I thought I would do a couple of windows before leaving for home again but the paint had blocked up the holes and I needed a thread tap to clean out the threads which I did not have.
Eventually frustration got the better of me and decided to call it quits for the day.

I left at 9 instead of my usual 10 o clock with everything muddied up. Still I was not upset about the work I managed to do. I even dug around a few of the satellite beds where the Dichondra is starting to spread and even dug a new bed.

A lovely trip. I just wish I was not the only one doing any work there.

I am sure reasons will eventually be shown. I do know that I will be with my partner when they finally decide to work again and then We can see the final touches being completed.

24/9/2015

What a lovely day this turned out to be. It was a holiday so I decided to take Suzi to Underberg to test out her new "shoes." I had been having a problem with balancing and because the front tyres were both needing replacement I decided to do that during the week. What a difference. Suzi loves her new shoes.

There was a lot of traffic this morning but all going against me. This was due to the holiday.

I arrived a little earlier than usual which was nice because it was lovely working weather. So I got straight into it.
Todays load was water, compost, Cabbage, Beetroot and Tomato seedlings to plant (with the intention of planting Carrots, Rocket and Sweetcorn directly into the soil.) There was also the piping which I intend using to connect into the bath and shower to take the water to the Lab. The charcoal maker as well as the new compost container.

Compost container and Walnut with dripper water container in the background

It took a while setting up the drippers but had planted everything by the time the sun came up. Then watered them and left the drippers dripping.
I had to cover everything because the chickens from next door were about to attack.......... then I did some weeding around Grapes and gave them horse manure. Did the same to any Figs that were growing. Only 1 of the green Figs has not started showing signs of renewed life.

Chinese Cabbage planted last week

Satellite beds

Cherry

What has impressed me is how well the Spinach and Rhubarb have reacted to the manure I gave them a couple of weeks ago. Especially the Rhubarb.

Cabbages with protection

Rocket and Carrots

Spinach from last season

Rhubarb looking amazing

Pomegranate

Pear

Drippers

 I had time to do some "worm" container work as well as plant a few Strawberry plants in spots that were in need.
Then it was time for a re attempt at putting the handles on the windows. To cut a long story short my plan worked like a charm and the only windows I did not do were the toilet and those in the main bedroom because I did not have a key for the doors.
Something had been done to the Palace and that is the final door has been fitted. I must say that the quality of workmanship seems to have taken a dive because the latest doors just do not show the care taken in the beginning. This is very sad. Still I  and my partner are rather handy..........

Kitchen area

I fitted most of the handles

Small Cactus 

Tomatoes

Small Almond

And then it was time to get on the road back home. What a lovely trip. One of the nicest for a long time.

29/9/2015

On this days the only thing of interest was that my partner came down from Joburg and we had a meeting with the contractor regarding the way forward with the Palace.

I did not take any photos because all I did was weeding and working on the dripper experiment which is working rather well.

I do seem to remember doing a little planting as well but it was only a couple of beans. Also fitted more window handles. Otherwise there was nothing of note to put down.

 2/10/2015

Now this day was rather different to the one above in that work on the Palace had started again. When we arrived (after a lovely trip) it was too dark to see too much but when we did eventually go indoors the contractor and his team had arrived and were working on the ceiling. Wonderful to have waited so long and now eventually work has re started.

I had brought some water (as is for every trip) as well as some compost and plants to transplant. They were beans, peppers, cabbages, tomatoes and a few potatoes. I also planted some rocket and carrots direct. I also discovered some Dicondra which was growing into the bricks which I could remove and use to add to the pathways.

My partner was doing a stirling job weeding. I also did my bit in that respect but when it became too hot I retreated indoors and worked on the windows again. Now I was busy with the sliders which is a lot harder than the handles.

This was a lovely trip and working together we got a lot more done.

8/10/2015

Now this day was a day to remember. I had had a couple of staff members assist me in loading a water tank onto an old trailer I had acquired during my garden service years to see what it would be like to tow behind Suzi all the way to Underberg.
To cut a long story short. Even though it was a slowish trip it behaved very well indeed.

Now all trips, even those with my partner, are midnighters so we arrive before it gets too warm to work outdoors and it is only a couple of hours before the sun comes up.

We arrived safely with the tank still safely on the trailer. The first thing we noticed was that the Palace roof had been completed (2 extra zinc sheets had had to be ordered). However the first thing I noticed was that the lock on the gate had been opened by a stranger. Then we noticed that they had put steps on the veranda to the main room. We knew then that something was going on. Earlier in the week the contractor had told me that they were working on the loft and the plumbing. This has happened before and every time something more urgent had come their way and the Palace had been put one side. So I was not expecting too much.

However it was not too long before the excitement got the better of us and we went inside.

BUT. I had had a dream a day or two previously that they had started work on the loft so imagine my surprise when we walked in and my dream was exactly what they had done. This is a first for me. Never have I had a dream so vivid which has come true. Had I astral travelled?????????

The first thing we noticed was the loft. They had already started putting the flooring in and the bath and toilet had been fitted. This was very exciting. Eventually we had to drag ourselves away because there was a lot to do in the labyrinth. Weeding weeding and more weeding.

Todays trip was the tank, beans and spinach to plant as well as more rocket, carrots, beetroot and radish to plant direct.
It had been very hot the past week and I expected things to have taken heavy strain. Everything had survived. The beans were OK as were the peppers and tomatoes. The only losses being in the beetroot which I had transplanted (this is why from now on I am planting them direct.)

We managed a lot this morning but

Working on the loft in the main bedroom

Looking from the front door

my partner unfortunately picked up a tummy bug which cut our visit short. I did not enjoy seeing her suffer the way she was.

Looking from the annex

However we got a lot done nevertheless. I watered everything after planting and even had time to brush cut an area as well as complete a few more windows.

For me it was a really wonderful day and to a degree I think it was for my partner as well. I know we were both excited to see things happening at our Palace again.

Tank number three. Note the completed roof in the background.

5 more water tanks to go.

14/10/2015

Another trip with another water tank and some bits and pieces. Only a couple of Cancer bush and Spinach to plant today.

I woke up half an hour later than I had wanted but there had to be a reason for it.
On leaving home there was some light rain which got less and less and eventually stopped altogether before we arrived "Home" in Underberg.

It was rather disappointing to see how dry things were so the first thing I did was transplant the Cancer bush and Spinach. and then water everything.
I was very surprised to see how well most of the veggies are managing. The Beans are looking good as are the Tomatoes and Cauliflower (which I think are Cauliflower).

While my partner did her thing with the weeds I did my little bit and then transplanted Dichondra from areas of the pathway where it is growing into or through the bricks.
The planting goes very quickly doing it this way and now the row I was working on is completed and I have turned the corner.
I also had time to dig and plant more Beetroot, Garlic, Pumpkin and Baby Marrow seed.

The Garlic I planted first is also starting to germinate and almost all of the Potatoes. The earlier ones are big enough that I composted them with horse manure.

Bath and Basin

From loft to visitors room.

Door between loft halves???

From loft to kitchen

From loft to visitors room.

Looking towards annex.

Toilet

Windows completed.

When we arrived, the first thing we did was check out our Palace. Once again we were not disappointed.
Nearly all the plumbing had been completed. The toilet, bath and basin had all been connected. This was a joyous occasion for my partner. She had almost become a "bush baby."
I also had an opportunity of going up into the loft. The door between the two sections had been cut, the lintel fitted and now just awaits the frame and door to be fitted.
The front veranda had also been completed.

It is sooo wonderful seeing plans/ideas becoming reality.
I had a chance to complete the sliders on the windows and then went back to the garden to do a little more weeding and to dig 3 more satellite beds. These I will plant on our next visit.

Once again, THANK YOU for a Wonderful trip.
4 more tanks to go.

20/10/2015

Being on pension does have some perks. Now my time is my own and I can choose what day I want to live in. Every day can be a Saturday or a Monday etc. They are all the same. So going to Underberg has only one restriction. Money.

We went today to take another tank as well as some compost and the hope that more had been done to the Palace. Not much unfortunately. The door frame between the two halves of the loft had been fitted but not much more.

We got into weeding very quickly. My partner tackled that chore manfully whilst I planted the few Spinach seedlings I had brought and watered everything. (the rains are late and things are very dry again). I used over 100 litres of water in an effort to keep things growing. The Tomatoes are still maintaining wonderfully and continue to grow.
Today the Pumpkins I had planted were starting to germinate and most things were still maintaining.

I managed to draw out the pipe I intend using to take the water from the bathroom etc to the Lab. It was just a few meters short of going completely around the outside of the Lab. This now needs to be joined to the 20 mm pipe and then that to the drippers. One huge experiment that if it works will be saving me a lot of work. (as well as a LOT of water).

We off loaded the tank put them in the area where they will hopefully be best suited. I think that idea will be coming to fruition soon.

There was also time to put some bird netting on the entrance frame to help support the Jasmine in its quest of growing ever higher.
I also had time to plant out more Dichondra and completed another section of pathway. It is very quick when taking sections away from where they are growing into the bricks. I just hope they survive because the shortage of moisture could stop a lot of them surviving. Still it is early in the season and I am ahead on that side of the project.

We left at around 10 o clock when it really had become too uncomfortable, and hot, to work.
Another Wonderful trip. THANK YOU.

3 tanks to go.

26/10/2015

It was time for another trip to Underberg. As usual it was a midnighter with mainly watering and weeding to do. It has been extremely dry and hot for a while and plants are starting to suffer.

We had another tank and I had some Spinach to plant.
I was a little worried as to how my neck would behave so took it a little easy. However both of us got into weeding and I watered everything. The Pumpkins are starting to germinate so they have to be looked after now. Luckily most things are still growing with the Tomatoes handling the drought best of all.

Another tank less to take.

There was not much happening in the Palace other than the door frame and door being fitted to the frame between the loft halves.
The solar geyser had arrived and I was very surprised to see how big it is. It is only a 200 litre system but much bigger than I thought.

The biggest grape

Grape row on the right.

Grape making good use of the supporting wire.

Garlic

Lemon and Strawberries

No Mans Land

Potatoes

Rocket

Roses to the left.

Tomatoes

It was a lovely day but was too hot too soon.
Still we get such a lot done between 2 o clock and 10.

Door frame fitted

Plumbing

Two tanks to go.

Another lovely trip. Thank YOU.
2 tanks to go.

29/10/2015

We had a meeting with the contractor today with regards to cupboards and the way forward.
So another midnighter with once again lovely weather but VERY dry.

We took another tank as well.

Some rather different challenges to face today. I had brought some Spinach to plant as well as some Beetroot (I did not plant the Beetroot due to the fact that it was so dry.) I had planted some the week before and most of them had not survived.

Today I was really looking forward to my new challenge. The contractor had joined in my pipe which will take the waste water (except toilet and kitchen) to the Labyrinth. (the door between the lofts had been fitted but they had painted the door frame white???? I have complained about that. What a silly decision that was.)
Then it was time to see whether my idea would work. So after transplanting and watering and doing a little weeding (my partner was working near the Palace today) I started digging the trench to bury the pipe. I did not have enough fittings to do a complete test but could put in the scour valve. Then I turned on a tap in the basin of the bathroom and went to see how the system would work.
The first thing was that my idea of screwing laterals into the pipe would not work due to how much they leak. Scrap that idea and do it properly.
The other way of connecting I have to use a blow torch to soften the pipe so the connectors will fit. OK, that works great.
However imagine my dismay when I got back to the Palace to find I had flooded the bathroom. The system works but does not empty at the rate at which things are filling.
At the time of writing I have another idea which I hope will solve this problem. I have not completed the digging, this will take a few trips as it will be over 150 m of pipe to bury.

The meeting with the contractor went off very well and we sorted out a lot of ideas I had and ones my partner had as well as some the contractor had.

Then it became very warm once again and seeing that it was almost 10 o clock we decided to call it a day.
PS I had a chance to complete sewing the netting at the entrance so Jasmine has something to climb up.

What a lovely trip. THANK YOU Again.
ONE TANK to go.

5/11/2015

We had been meaning to go to Underberg on Tuesday but due to the lousy weather had put it off until it became a little warmer. I found out later that the temperature had dropped down to minus 3 centigrade. You could tell by the way the Beans and Pumpkins had burnt off. I think they will survive the cold but the big question is will they survive the drought.

Corner Tank in its position

Tanks and Courtyard under construction

Stairs up to the Loft

Anyway it was a lovely trip with nothing on the road except a Skunk that ran across ahead of us. We had the last tank with us and what a relief it is to see them all safe in Underberg.

On arrival the first thing we did (as is usual now) was go and see the changes in the Palace, if any. We were not disappointed today. They had been doing some painting as well as some dry walling up in the loft. It looks very different and quite a lot darker up top so am trying to get the contractor to make a few changes if possible. The Palace was so airy before and now it is not. We will work around it I am sure.

Only a few Spinach and Beetroot to plant this morning but I did not plant any because the dryness and the heat had killed almost everything I had planted the week before. So I took them home again and will have to try again another day.

Drought view from the main veranda

Where the hard work is being done

The Solar Geyser.

Now with my new irrigation project I am once again enjoying myself with the new challenge. I joined and T d a few pipes which does not take very long and then started digging more furrows to bury the pipe in. Boy is it dry. Digging is a major operation and with the heat we are experiencing it makes it even harder work.
I also seem to have a problem with air locks in the line but this is just a new challenge to overcome. Otherwise the system should work ok in the end.

While I was working in the Labyrinth my partner was doing her thing around the back of the Palace where the weeds are rather numerous.

The contractor also came around so we went for a walk. They were working on the courtyard and stairs for the loft as well as levelling the water tanks in their positions.

Just before we left I had enough energy to do a little brush cutting before it became too hot.

Then it was time to get on the road again.
What a relief it is to see all of the water tanks in Underberg now. Next step is filling them from the roof.

It was another really lovely trip.
THANK YOU.

11/11/2015 AND 12/11/2015

WEDNESDAY

Exciting times these.
Things are really progressing at the Palace now so it is time to do more than one trip a week.

This week we had to go on two consecutive days because the solar guy from Joburg was coming to install our system. (more about the solar on my new "Going off the grid" blog).
So as usual another midnight run with no tank to hold poor Suzi back. However the trailer was rather heavier with seed tray stands and ladders and bric a brac to take. Mostly for the garden as usual.

It was a lovely trip and we arrived at our usual 2 o clock time. The first thing I wanted to do was get into watering and planting if possible. However it is so dry that in the end I only planted Spinach and a couple of Butternut. They will handle a few days without water (although a lot of Spinach have not survived). I had some Cabbage and Beetroot seedlings as well but did not plant them due to the dryness. And boy it is bone dry. If I planted too much I would not have enough water to wet everything. Not until the irrigation is up and running anyway.

Stairs to the loft and dry wall

Tanks at the back

Tanks at the front

While my partner busied herself at the house I then got into digging the irrigation pipe a little further. It became very hot so I did not get too much done. I also spent a lot of time lining up and preparing the water tanks.

Tanks and courtyard

 Yes, the gutters are up, the fashures as well and inside the stairs and balustrades were going up. The painting of the dry wall as well.

Off loading solar equipment

Batteries in battery box

Where the solar panels are going

Tanks and solar panels

Where I am digging

 The solar guy arrived at around 9.30 and he and his team did not waste any time. We stayed until 10.30 and had to leave for home again.
My partner was going home the next day to organise her furniture for removal the week after next.

THURSDAY

Now Thursday was another trip. I had to go (another midnighter) and see what the Palace looked like with her new finery. She had now 10 new solar panels running along her roof. Beautiful.

Working on the lateral

Completed digging the main line

Riser protectors

Slowly backfilling

Yesterdays Butternut

My partner was getting up a little later as she had a long trip ahead of her.
On my side I took no trailer (I had left it in Underberg as it will not be needed for a while). I have the small trailer here still if I need to take anything. And gosh, without the trailer Suzi just cruised and we arrived at around 1.30. I have never arrived this early before.

The first thing I did on arriving was check out the solar system. It is not operational yet as the plugs still need to be put in as well as the DB board.
I spent a while trying to make sense of the inverters but it is all new to me. Soo, I got into digging more of the pipeline as well as weeding and watering.

Sanding the floors

The solar guy came around at about 3.30 on his way home so I thanked him and we wished each other well.
He said the palace was made for solar (kind of why I had designed her the way I did) and they had completed everything on the day before.

I was told later by the contractor that he had expected a much more involved job. Everything just fell into place as if that was the way it was meant to be.
The next step is to have it all connected to the plugs.

I spent a bit of time sorting tanks again. (yesterday I spent some time putting lids on and the sieves from the down pipes from the roof.) The weather had become cooler and there was a little rain around. Not much but what a pleasure to hear water trickling into the water tanks.
More about this in the new blog.

Inside the Palace things were also on the move. When I left they were busy sanding the floors. The stairs had been sanded and were waiting for varnishing and they were working on the balustrades..
I had also managed to complete digging the first lateral pipe for the irrigation and had time to do a little back filling of the pipe.

Yup, things are becoming rather intense in Underberg now.
I wonder what the neighbors think.

Thanks VERY MUCH for 2 LOVELY and very productive days.

17 and 18/11/2015

Oh boy the pressure is on.
Once again I needed to go two Underberg on two consecutive days. With the floors being sanded and varnished and re painting of the inside walls as well as tiling, my connecting of the water tanks etc etc I want to be there to learn and see how things are done as well as my little projects.

On the 17th, Tuesday I took the doors I had stashed here as well as some compost, firewood and a few bits and pieces. Including some Spinach, Cabbage, Spanspek and Gooseberry seedlings. I figured the Spanspek and Gooseberry with their semi succulent leaves, would survive a day or two without moisture.
I eventually did not plant any Spinach because now the Mouse birds are targeting them. (they have already eaten ALL the Cabbages I had planted previously.)

It was a lovely trip and once again I arrived before 2 o clock. This is great because now that it is Summer, the sun comes up early and it really does not feel as if I have achieved very much by that time. As soon as it is light enough that I do not need the headlamp then I go and do other things.
This morning I was not sure whether I could go indoors because the floors had been varnished the day before so I presumed it would still be tacky.
I was right so only put a door stop at the one double door. Then I busied myself in the garden and with the water tanks. The corner tanks all had water in, which I found out later, was due to a little rain over the weekend. You would not have thought so if you had looked at the soil. We are going through quite a severe drought this season.
It was so dry I decided not to plant any Spinach because of the Mouse birds and because I want to find an area away from where I was already planting. Too close to the trees where the birds can sit.

Tanks at the back

Stairs

Tap protector

Varnished floors

In the end I carried on with my irrigation project and drilled holes into the battery cabinet to help air circulation.
The contractors had started painting inside as well so I had a short meeting with them.

Then I had to go to the bank and cancel my credit card. After which it was time to go home again.

WEDNESDAY

Today was again a lovely trip. A little mist but nothing serious. I did not have the trailer because it was not necessary.
I had brought home 2 large crates that had housed the batteries from the solar system. They will be ideal for carting my record collection as well as storing my tools until we have a garage.

Laterals

Connected drag lines

Spinach

Tiling in progress

Tomatoes still growing

Windy drier hole

Painting Courtyard

I decided to plant Spinach today and opened up an area among the Lemon Trees. It is an area closer for me so I dont have to walk so far to water and hopefully the birds will stay away from them..............

I did my watering and planting as well as connecting two drag lines from the grey water. I have started burying the laterals even though I have not tested it yet due to the fact that I have had to dig through pathways and beds to put the pipes down. Now thumbs have to be held that it works. I need to test this before I carry on with any additional areas.

The tiler was coming today and I wanted to see him to discuss our ideas.

I once again busied myself with the water tanks and joined the bottom ones, taking the pipe along the side of the Palace.
I also dug the hole for the windy drier and drilled 3 holes through the walls in preparation for the solar panels for the lights.

When I left, the Tiler was going strong and a staff member was painting the walls of the courtyard.
The painting the day before had gone well and I think they were going to be carrying on with that although nobody had arrived when I had to leave.

Thanks for two more very productive and WONDERFUL days.

20/11/2015

And yet another lovely trip. I have to go as often as I can afford at the moment so I can keep a check on things, should there be any questions etc that I can assist with.
Today I had a lot of seedlings to plant. Spinach, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Shepherds Cowl and Broad Beans. The Spinach and Cabbage are so big now that it is almost possible to pick leaves off them.
I have no choice but to plant them and hope that they get rain before they dry up. The bigger plants will be more stressed than the smaller due to their larger roots but if the conditions are suitable then they will survive.

The two veranda rooms awaiting grouting.

Where I planted. I have to protect everything from the birds now. They have eaten almost everything I have planted previously.

It was a lovely trip again with no mist at all. The first thing I did on arrival was check the Palace. I was hoping the geyser would be up but no such luck. However the Tiler had almost completed laying the tiles. He was half way through the bathroom and kitchen areas. He told me later that he had been having a hard time with the rough finish on the floors and we had to decide how to do the tiles around the sides of the bath. Being curved it makes it a little difficult to tile. I eventually asked him to cut and tile. He was not too happy because he said it would be a little untidy. We came to a compromise and will just have to see what transpires.
A strange thing happened when I asked him to put 2 tiles around the edge of the bath. They are exactly window ledge height. He said he has never had that happen before.

My door hook innovations

I did put 2 hooks to hold the double doors open which is more of an innovation than something that looks good. Functional is the word.

I did a little more work on the irrigation and tanks but more in that blog.
I also had to water the Catnip as it was starting to die due to the drought.

When I left the staff were completing painting and tidying up chipped spots etc.
The Tiler had almost completed the floor in the bathroom and was busy in the kitchen.

Another Lovely trip. THANK YOU.

23/ -- 24/11/2015

On the 23rd it was my last trip alone as my partner was coming down with her furniture the next day.
It was a lovely trip, no trailer again but I did have quite a few seedlings to plant. Cabbage, Spinach, Chinese Cabbage as well as a few Broad Beans and Gooseberries.

Not much had been done in the Palace other than the guy doing the tiling almost completing. There was just a problem with tiles being too big for the curvature of the bath. In the end I left at 9 o clock so I could try and get some smaller tiles here to complete the job.

As usual at this time of year, the sun comes up very early and it really seems as if I have done very little by the time it is light enough to see without a headlamp.
However I did complete the watering as well as the planting. Now I have to cover everything that the birds eat which means the Cabbages and Spinach need special treatment.

There was also time to complete drilling the holes for the solar lights as well as marking the walls where they were to be situated.

On returning home, none of the places I expected to had smaller tiles (I wanted to stay away from Mosaic tiles due to their price) but in the end at the last place I went to on an "off chance," I found what I was looking for. Smaller tiles in a Mosaic pattern but at a reasonable price. Also very close to the colour I was looking for. The store only had 2 boxes so I bought them both. Hoping that there would be enough.

This was another Lovely trip. THANK YOU.

The morning of the 24th was also a lovely trip. There had been a lot of mist in places as well as a few Reed Buck but all went well.

I expected it to be a busy day and was not disappointed. My partner had arrived the previous evening so we got to sleep a little later than usual. This resulted in us leaving an hour later than usual.
There was not too much planting to do with only Beetroot, 2 Beans, some Sunflowers and Bishops Cowl to plant.
It is the watering that takes the time now and as usual the sun came up MUCH too early. (I say this because it seems as if I have just got started when it is light enough to switch off the headlamp).

Today was a big day for my partner because her furniture was arriving from Joburg.
I will not go into detail here because this is not the place for it. However I will say that I would NEVER in a million years recommend the company she used. I dont think there was one piece of her furniture that had not been damaged. It was DISGUSTING to see how this company operated.

To Palace things. The tiler was the first to arrive and as usual he got busy almost immediately. I had some smaller (Mosaic) tiles so he could complete the bath. He also had some grouting to do and was finishing off when we left.
At around 8 o clock the electrician also arrived and his guys got into placing the plugs. He also said he would assist with fitting the small solar panels to the walls. I need 4 hands and only have 2 unfortunately. I will do the last one myself because it will be in use here until we leave for good.

As is the norm, on arrival I got into planting, watering and weeding was busy burying pipes on the first irrigation when the removal truck arrived. I will say no more about what happened after that.

Staff were busy painting, the loft had been completed and the balustrades were being varnished and painted.
One of the water tanks was leaking badly at an outlet but luckily the staff member of the tiler  was willing to climb inside to hold the nut so the tiler could tighten it on the outside. I was "Liaison officer" between the two of them.

By the time the removal company had left it seemed as if we had had a full day. So much had happened. However it was only 10 o clock.

It was a lovely trip for me but not a very nice one for my partner. I was almost in tears when I saw how her belongings had been treated. It was as if she had been robbed. Such a violation of property.

Thank YOU for another lovely and lesson filled trip.

No pics because in all of the happenings I actually forgot to take any.

26/11/2015

This was the earliest we have ever gone to Underberg. Both my partner and I woke up at around 11 o clock and because we knew we were not going to get any more sleep, decided to get up and go.

There was not too much for me to do other than watering and weeding as well as trying to get the irrigation system working. (in the end I came to realise that it would be best to have a pump in line to increase the pressure). Now I need to decide which way to go about it. It had not rained so things were drying up again.

Bath and Basin

Tiles looking OK.

Loft over main room

Packing space over toilet

In the end I worked on the micro irrigation from the gate and experimented from the other irrigation. I also managed to stop all leaks from the water tanks and had most of the solar light panels fitted to the wall. 

Stairs up to the loft

Skirtings being varnished

Windy dryer

The big changes were to the Palace.
When we arrived the first thing we did was go and check that nothing was missing from the "Great Removal Fiasco." Everything was OK.
The plugs had all been fitted and work had begun on the cupboards in both the kitchen and visitors room. The pole for the windy dryer had also been cemented so I put the rest of it together and fitted the nylon.

Up to loft from main room

We plugged in the fridge and so it has begun.

Most of my work was done outside. Watering and also putting as many "scarers" around the Tomatoes as I could. The birds have left them alone so far but it is just a matter of time. So far so good in the area near the gate where I have now started planting. I am also very impressed as to how well the Winter Beans are looking. They had no setback and started growing almost immediately.

Boxes

Visitors room cupboards

Micro sprayers

Scarers over Tomatoes

Kitchen cupboards

Just before leaving the staff who had put in the plugs helped me affix 3 of the solar units to the walls.

As usual we ran out of steam at around 10 o clock.

A really LOVELY Day. THANK YOU.

27/11/2015

A VERY LOOONG day this one but in the end not a bad one.
We went in my partners car as she had a few of her belongings to leave at the Palace. So I only had a spade and a fork to work with.

She had also been told that the furniture removal van that was bringing the rest of her furniture was going to arrive at 6.30. HA HA. Try 3.30 PM.

This was the longest time I have ever worked in Underberg.
It was a lovely trip with intermittent drizzle most of the way so we had high hopes of a wet Underberg. On arriving you could see it had rained but it is still so dry that the soil just absorbs the moisture in the top layers. Further down it is still dry.

When we arrived we off loaded (it was raining a little but stopped just after we arrived). My partner got into tidying up and sorting some of her things while I got into digging the one lateral pipe. It was excellent working weather. Being nice and cool. The drizzle was not enough to wet you.
I completed digging it as well as burying the same.

Then went indoors to have a look to see what had been achieved the day before. The cupboards in the visitors room had almost been completed and they were busy erecting those for the kitchen.
It was going to be one of those days, you could see it coming a mile away. There was not enough space to put the furniture that was arriving and we had to make space around the walls so the contractor could get on with the skirtings. (which were almost completed).

Now, as trusting and gullible as I am I thought the removal truck would be late but in my mind that would be around 8 o clock. After that the day just got longer and longer.
I did a lot of work though. Mostly digging and burying pipes joining the water tanks. They are all about 1/4 full. Not too bad seeing how much rain there has been.

There was a little time to dig a little near the front door in the hope that the rain would soften the soil when it eventually arrived. This will take a while.
I also removed the one drag line in No Mans Land. Now that I will have a pressure pump in line it will no longer be necessary. I can change my plans and use proper sprayers. I will update that on the "Going off the Grid" blog.

A lot of weeding was also done but by 12 o clock I was really taking strain so relaxed a little at the same time the contractors had lunch. My body is not accustomed to doing manual labor for such lengthy periods.

I was repairing and replacing scarers when the removal truck arrived. Once again with my partners furniture on a trailer and once again there was hardly anything left undamaged. A sad state of affairs. Really sad.

We left at around 4 o clock for home. Both of us being totally numb.
I guess we all have to experience days like this so we realise how good the other days are.

THANK YOU for a very different but otherwise uneventful day. I forgot my camera............

1/12/2015

An early trip today. Now that things are finally nearing completion we have started slowly taking boxes etc from here to start emptying in Underberg.
Arrived at around 2.30 as usual and removed everything from the trailer before I went and did my "Gardening." At this time there were already warning signs as to how hot the day was going to be and boy was it a scorcher.
I did not have much planting to do. Just as couple of Onions and a Butternut. However it was bone dry so I watered everything. This is very time consuming and I completed that task just as the sun was rising.
So far the scareres over the Tomatoes seem to be doing the trick but let us watch that space.

How we are bringing goods. The boxes are from the solar batteries and are a huge help.

My computer and work table have arrived.

I had time to connect and test the top tanks to the bottom and test the same. So far so good.

The contractor had started putting in the piping for the solar geyser the day before otherwise nothing had been done inside the Palace.

I have also devised a plan to make the waste water irrigation work but that is for another blog.
There was time to do a little brush cutting as well before we had to go to town.

By the time we had returned it was really hot and as both myself and my partner were not really happy this day (we had received some rather bad news regarding funds the evening before) we decided to leave for home.

The contractor was busy erecting and connecting the solar geyser.

A rather lovely albeit negative trip and for that I am VERY GRATEFUL.

4/12/2015

We had wanted to go to Underberg on the previous day but due to the rain decided to go the next day. What a pity on our arrival to find that Underberg had had less than half the rain we had had  here.

We are now bringing boxes on almost every trip which is helping the removals van should they be given permission before 2016.

Lovely leak

My furrow

Where the pipe attacked my fork

Down to where the tap should be.

This morning it was very negative. Wherever I looked there was something wrong.
!/ There was a water leak.
2/ The geyser was still not warming the water.
3/ The tap I had asked the contractor to move was still in the same place. (really BAD workmanship).
4/ They had taken bricks that belonged to me as well as a paving stone to cover where the tanks will be connecting to the main line and made a manhole which was so bad that I could never have joined in the pipe.

My priority was to start digging the hole where the tank for the grey water was going but now I had to dig a furrow for where the pipe to where the tap SHOULD be was to go. I was rather upset at the ignorance and lack of thought that had gone into the job.
While I was busy digging the furrow the pipe jumped up and attacked my fork. It came off second best.

Flower bed

Nursery corner

Then I also found that there had been a LOT more stealing on the go than the wheelbarrows I had discovered missing on the previous visit. Now I found wire, taps and welded mesh all stolen. This means another trip to Himeville police station to open another case.

Eventually, after planting a few Onion seedlings and watering everything, I got a chance to start on the hole.
Now I find that the birds have cleaned up all of the Chinese Cabbage. The ones I had covered were not too bad but any that were exposed were just "sticks in the ground."
Hence my "homework" covering old chair bases with bird netting to cover anything the birds eat.

The Mouse Birds are voracious eaters

My partner busied herself tidying up in the Palace as well as planting a few of the many plants she had brought.

I almost finished digging the hole when it was time to get on the road again. (I went to Himeville to open a new case but they were too busy and I did not have hours to spare waiting for them.)

Homework

Hopefully these will not also be bird feed

Homework completed. Chair bases covered in bird netting. A few still to go.

Still, all in all a Wonderful trip. Big lessons in patience, compassion and perseverance are being learned at the moment.
THANK YOU.

8 and 9/12/2015

The Palace has reached the point where it is possible to stay there for more than a day and as my partner was becoming rather insistent in cleaning up, hanging curtains etc I eventually gave in. Mostly because of the security factor. I had had things stolen from the garden and I am a little worried about burglary now that the schools are closed.

Basin in the courtyard

From the front door

From the Lab gate

From the kitchen door to the loft

Where we slept

So it was a midnight run but we went prepared to stay the night. The trailer now takes a little of whatever we can get onto it. This trip was all the curtain rails, as much of my homework as possible as well as the usual water and a few lengths of plastic piping that I intend using to put the cable through that goes to the grey water system as well as a table and 2 chairs. There were a few other items and Suzi was fully laden with our extra clothing etc.
I had received an sms from the contractor the day before saying that the geyser was working and I could not wait to test it.

We had had a terrific storm the night before and were very happy to see that Underberg had received it as well. Things in that department were looking up.

On arriving, after a mist free trip, the first thing was to check the geyser which was working fine then off load the trailer.

Connecting the pipes

Furrow filled

Then I got into digging the hole for the grey water tank. No watering was necessary in the garden because it was nice and damp.

The rest of the day I spent drilling and hanging curtain rails. Really tough going because on 3 of the windows I had to drill through the lintel. Tough, really tough going.
I brought a battery so we could have lights but silly me forgot the fuse that has to be inserted to close the circuit of the system. Luckily I brought 2 portable lamps which ended up being sufficient.
I affixed one of the security cameras to the outside wall.
An electrician also came to assist me connect the switch to the pump for the grey water system.

When it was too hot I kept myself busy attaching the toilet seat and connecting the pipes to the tanks as well as the pump so we were on tank water for the evening. (I disconnected the system again before coming home.) I am a little worried about leaving it outside while we are not there.

All the tanks were now half full.

The next morning we had time to put up the last curtain rail where I had to drill into the lintel. Boy, am I  glad the rest are above the lintel.

Earlier on I did a little weeding, filled in the furrow of the pipe to the tanks and pump (I left it open to make sure there were no leaks) and planted quite a lot of carrot seed. Hopefully they will germinate now that it is raining.
I adapted the piping to the pump as well. Now hopefully it will be much easier to reconnect when we arrive. (this is still to be tested.)

My homework works fine

Carrots planted here.

The good news is that my "homework" works great. There were 5 mouse birds at one time all trying to get at Chinese Cabbage I had covered.

I did not sleep well at first on that first night due to the fact that I could not relax. Strange everything................

However it was a really lovely trip which hopefully we will repeat until everything is organised and we dont have to scrape up money for fuel.

THANK YOU....................

16 and 17/12/2015

Another week and another two day stop over. However this time my partner was going to stay until after Xmas. I needed to return home to take care of business and there are also the cats to feed. This will give my partner time to get her "stuff" out of the way so there will be space for my "stuff."

The good news when we arrived was to find all the cupboards completed. They do look nice.

The bad news was that there had been more theft from the Labyrinth.
I was transplanting a couple of Broad Beans when I realised that something was amiss (as usual we had arrived at around 2 o clock after a midnight trip). I was working in the dark so at first did not see what had been taken. This is not the first time things have been removed and I KNOW it is the staff of the contractor. However as yet no proof.
I noticed big gaps in the bricks I used to mark the pathways and eventually found that over 100 had been removed. You could also see footprints of the "borrowers" as well as where they had parked their truck.
This really took the wind out of my sails and I spent a lot of time replacing the stolen ones with old bricks that I had removed due to their crumbling and also had an idea of replacing them with logs I had cut previously. In the future I have decided to remove the bricks in the susceptible areas and replace them slowly with logs.
I know there is a reason for this but "WHAT." It has really taken the wind out of my sails regarding Underberg.
This meant that I had to once again go to Himeville police to make another report.

Where the bricks were removed

Replacing bricks with logs

The good news is that my "homework" is doing the job and the birds can no longer get to the veggies under them. Now I intend making taller ones out of the mesh left over.

Homework doing its job

Lettuce under cover

I completed the planting and watering, did a little weeding and then it was time to get drilling indoors again. There were a few curtain rails left to hang as well as work to be done on the CC cameras. However before this I connected the pump for the water to the system again, this time experimenting with a water meter I had acquired. It worked fine but I had to remove it because it was leaking. I will repair it and try again next visit.

The cameras are now waiting to be connected

Before getting into the curtain rails I connected up 2 solar lights so my partner has lights at night while I am away.

17th
Up early again this morning as I still had the Broad Beans to plant as well as some Spinach. This completed I watered everything which included the Carrots from last week.
This morning I ate my first Peach from a tree. It was a little green but still yellow inside.
There were also a few Beans and Strawberries which my partner made short work of. It is really nice being able to get something the birds have not eaten yet.

I had time to bury the next lateral near the entrance for a few more meters. I hope to get the grey water system up and running SOON.

After watering I had to get into my grey water project again. (enlarging the hole). After which I drilled and hanged the last 2 curtain rails as well as the toilet roll holder and a mirror for my partner.

Then it was time to get on the road for my soon to be "ex" home.

A lovely trip. THANK YOU...............................

23 to 26/12/2015

Another couple of days spent in Underberg and another couple of very busy days. Now that my partner is almost living there permanently I think it is time to make this the last entry into this blog and carry on with the "underberg labyrinth off the grid blog."

As usual it was another early morning trip arriving at around 2 o clock. Only a little mist which I had to slow down for but otherwise an uneventful one.
On this trip I started bringing a little of my belongings. The question being "where to put them" because I have "man" stuff which does not always fit in with the "lady" stuff. Well, sacrifices will have to be made by both of us. While my partner is attempting to turn the Palace into a home I am trying to maintain that home.

The first thing I did on arriving was off load the food I had brought which needed to be put in the deep freeze.
Then to off load what little of mine I had brought.The odd chair, some linen, my petrol lawn mower, a clothes horse as well as some of my partners things. Also the usual water and my homework as well as a few Spinach seedlings to plant.

My big intention on this trip was to try fitting the water meter again, complete and test the grey water system as well as get into doing some serious weeding.

I will mention the grey water system in the "off the grid" blog.

The first thing was to transplant the Spinach under "homework" covers so as to keep them safe from predators and then to water the same.
It had rained in Underberg while I had been away but it was still VERY dry.

These were 3 days which overlapped each other and the only one where I did not do too much was the 25th. I was still up early but did not work all day. We were expecting an important visitor for Xmas.
All of the other days I was up and busy before 2 o clock.

Mowed weeds

Security doors

Water meter. 

What did I achieve on these days.

1 Planting and watering every day.
2 Mowed where I could around the Lab and Palace
3 Worked on grey water experiment
4 Added extensions to wash line (it was too small to hang king size sheets on so I made extensions for the line).
5 Fitted 2 security doors as well as hasps on the double doors to our "living" area.
6 Fitted another light battery and 3 more lights. Now we have lights in almost every room. All except the toilet and bathroom. The one that surprised me the most was the one in the "visitors" area where the ceiling is high. I put it on one of the beams close to the stairs. It is bright enough to light up the whole room without needing another one. It is also bright enough to light up the stairs should anybody need to go upstairs during the night.
7 Fitted and tested the water meter.
8 Worked on fitting and completing laterals for the grey water system.
9 Did a lot of weeding but unfortunately am going to have to succumb to spraying some areas. (NOT any of the beds though, only pathways).
10 Closed off the municipal water so we are now totally dependent on the tanks.

By the time Saturday arrived I was really needing a rest. As much as I enjoy every challenge I would love to be able to relax and know that I have confidence to sit back knowing that all my plans are working effectively. Unfortunately my mind is very restless and is always planning.

I left for home again on Saturday after doing weeding and a couple of alterations to the grey water system.
A VERY lovely and rewarding trip. I am finding it more and more difficult leaving my partner there and if it was not for my duties and animals here would probably stay there for much longer periods.

Hopefully I will see you on the Off the Grid blog.

PS By the time I left for home we had saved the municipality over 1000 litres of water

A VERY Rewarding and Wonderful trip.
THANK YOU.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ANY GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE...................

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