Kackerstrophic!

Kackers Kitchen Makeover

2012-02-24T18:49:00.001Z

Double glazing is being fitted the 19th March and so marks the start date.

Hope to complete by October.

Then the rest of the flat will be a piece of cake!!!

Plans will be posted to keep a progress check along with photos and any other news I have yo share!!!

It's going to get busy!!!

From my android marvel!

Bi Folding Door

2012-02-23T11:54:00.000Z

Solid oak.

Half glazed.

Stained in a dark wood varnish.

Ebay bargain at £16.50

I am going to pop it in my kitchen doorway and if I like it, I will paint it a lovely white gloss.

Chunky Knitting!

2012-02-14T10:06:00.001Z

I have gone bonkers and bought big needles and super chunky wool.

In 3 hours I managed to knit a sleeve!!!

However I am very nervous as I dont think that I will have enough wool as the sleeve took 1 and 3/4 balls and the pattern said that I only needed 5 balls in total!!!

Vinnie did well to resist the temptaion though!!

Roman Blind Material

2012-02-10T12:26:00.002Z

I have got myself some of this to make 3 Roman blinds in my kitchen.

I am very excited as it is the perfect material for me.

Snow! 4th and 5th February 2012

2012-02-06T12:08:00.001Z

Charity Shop Bargain!

2012-01-24T12:46:00.000Z

It was the huge sum of £8.

I am going to rub it down and paint it high gloss white.

It will then be in the bedroom for somewhere to put my work clothes ready for the next day.

I have been looking for months to get this style of chair and I can't believe my luck.

I have added it into the future plans in the Big Book of Flat!!!!

Patchwork Project 2 - The Big One

2012-01-08T17:40:00.000Z

Well, I was encouraged by my smaller prototype patchwork so decided to do a second project.

I decided to go big. Really big. I have not worked out the logistics yet, but I know that I will come up with a cunning plan!

So, the project is to cover a leather 2 seater, as modelled here by Scooter, see his smiling face.

I gathered 320 5inch pre-cut squares from a lovely little shop on eBay.

Which I then sorted into background colour.

Then I made a colour plan. I put the squares together to make sure the colours ran right.

It was too big for any room in my flat, so I laid out the squares with a lot of overlapping.

Then I labelled then and pinned them in rows.

It will measure 16 squares by 20 squares.

What have I started? I think it will be made in two!

Patchwork Quilting

2012-01-04T11:48:00.000Z

I have an old retro style chair that has a dark brown fleece over it.

This is mainly due to the chair being light and the cats being very black.

I decided to liven things up with a festive project of a patchwork quilt.

So I bought some pre cut squares and laid them all out on the bed as I knew it would fit! I did some jiggling about to get the colours just right.

I then numbered the rows and set about sewing and joing it all together. It took a few days of stopping and starting but it was very theraputic!!

I finished it all off with an edge that I now regret. I think that it really spoils the look of the quilt, so I am going to undo that edge and just patchwork to the edge.

I wanted to have a quick go as I want to make a huge quilt to go over my dark brown leatehr 2 seater and liven the room up with some bright colours.

I shall start unpicking this on at the weekend and get it how I want it and then start on the beast.

My Drawers Transformation

2011-12-08T12:55:00.001Z

I *heart* Ikea.

Not only was the online shopping service amazing, the delivery service amazing, but the products themselves were amazing.
I had one huge chest of drawers and 2 smaller ones made within 4 hours Saturday.

It was a huge achievement for me, and it was so easy to put together.

The transformation has been so exciting that I woke up at 4am this morning, put the light on, looked at the drawers, and then went back to sleep for an hour, happy.
I only needed the 2 screwdrivers that I own which was handy. No complications to be had, it all rather well.

Old plastic nasty drawers

Replaced with a tall elegant 2 set arrangement...

Nasty collections of 2nd hand drawers....

Replaced by one hell of a set of drawers!

To say that I am happy is an understatement!

The Ikea Flat Pack Adventure.

2011-12-02T11:38:00.000Z

So I went mad and have treated myself to some new bedroom furniture.

It will be the first time that I have ever had matching furniture, or indeed new furniture.

I was a little nervous about the actual build as I have only ever made one flat pack item about 4 months and it was a nightmare.

So the boxes arrived and I decided to start small.

I liked the fact that the instructions had pictures only, and that it all quite straight forward and simple.

Then after just 2 hours, I had my first chest of drawers made. I was over the moon as they were very simple to make and felt really sturdy.

2 more small sets to go and then the large set to fit snugly into the alcove.

I *heart* flat packing!

Freecycle

2011-11-25T11:28:00.002Z

I love Freecycle.

Last night I got rid of 4 largish items to people that certainly looked needy!

It is a great way to get rid of larger unwanted items, or stuff that you know you may never sell on.

Mine was partly due to being lazy and not wanting to sell it, and partly because I love the idea that maybe I have helped a few people along the way.

I have gone mad and ordered some bedroom furniture from Ikea, so over the next 3 weeks I will have 6 odd sets of small drawers to get rid of.

I know that if I put them on Freecycle, they will be collected the same day.

I feel inspired to have a good old sort out now!!!!

This is all in preparation for the new bedroom furniture and to make space to decorate the hallway next year.

I Dug, I raked and I Partially Covered.

2011-11-13T17:33:00.001Z

7 hours in the warmth sunshine out in the garden.

I dug over

I did not dig.

I sort of raked

I ran out of membrane!

But I still covered

I did not cover

Green. My colour of choice at either end of my kitchen!!

2011-10-17T07:55:00.001+01:00

From my android marvel!

Buds galore!!

2011-10-13T07:46:00.000+01:00

From my android marvel!

Its just keeps growing!!!

2011-10-12T07:52:00.001+01:00

From my android marvel!

My tidy bush.

2011-10-08T13:54:00.001+01:00

From my android marvel!

My big bush pre trimming. I can't wait for my bedroom to be flooded in light once it is cut.

2011-10-08T09:21:00.001+01:00

From my android marvel!

Christmas Cactus is too keen!!

2011-09-25T22:40:00.001+01:00

My Christmas cactus has buds and the start of a flower about to open.

What is going on?

From my android marvel!

The final touch

2011-09-22T18:27:00.001+01:00

From my android marvel!

The finished bathroom and utility area.

2011-09-18T19:29:00.001+01:00

Well except for the radiator! Mother is buying me a tin of special paint for my birthday so I can do it next spring.

Now the kitchen looks awful so my next project is a quick and simple lick of paint.

From my android marvel!

Screwfix

2011-08-31T12:35:00.000+01:00

I have been introduced to Screwfix.

I have ordered a silicone application kit. It has been recommended by a bathroom fitter and will make my life a dream.

I am excited.

I think that Screwfix may become one of my favourite places.

I can see my DIY gadget box getting filled up very quickly.

Silicone Complete

2011-08-30T19:22:00.000+01:00

I spent just over an hour tryimg to make good a bad job.

I had to settle for this as I can't bear to do it all again!!!

Now I have also realised that I may have to learn to regrout!!!!

The Application of Silcone.

2011-08-30T11:25:00.001+01:00

This has to be the worst DIY job to date.

In fact, this has to be the worse job ever.

I decided to silicone round my bathroom kitchen sink so that I could get some practise in as I have a huge walk in shower/drying area that all needs re-doing.

There was no silicone at all on the sink, so I thought that it would be easy peasy as no prep required. I just had to maintain a steady hand and squeeze slowly.

This was fine, a nice even bead of silicone.

Then I wet my finger and started to smooth it over. I did the line at the back of the sink.

Then I tried to wipe the silicone off my finger so that I could smooth the sides.

Instead my finger stuck to the paper towels.

So then I tried to wash it off, and my hands went as if they had been oiled up.

Then I scrapped the silicone and the skin off the end of my finger tip, and as I tried to smooth the remaining silicone all hell broke loose.

I then put my hands to my head in frustration, and got silicone in my hair.

I then rested up against the sink and got silicone round the sink edge.

I decided to remove the silicone and start again.

Now I have silicone round the sink, all over a Stanley knife, all round the edge of the sink and everywhere that I put my hands for about 2 hours afterwards.

Then I attempted a second attempt but I have more issues.

So, covered in silicone I walked away and distracted myself for 2 hours.

Third time lucky, as I finally did the smoothing in one big long action, wore gloves, smothered myself in white spirits and everything that I came into contact with.

I am so joyous that I have loads more to do.

If anyone has any tips, then please feel free to offer them.

Pre Bank Holiday Stripping

2011-08-30T10:44:00.002+01:00

The stripping so far!
From my android marvel!

How angry is the sky tonight?

2011-08-26T19:20:00.001+01:00

Testing photo crop

2011-08-26T19:03:00.001+01:00

A solution!

Using share option

2011-08-26T16:01:00.001+01:00

This is via gallery, then share yo here.

Image is set to lowest resolution.

Email test

2011-08-26T16:00:00.001+01:00

This tests the photo as email attachment which forces the text to the bottom.

On a plus note, the thumbnail is smaller.

From my android marvel!

Photo right way up test!

2011-08-25T23:27:00.002+01:00

Please work!

New Samsung Galaxy S2 Test!

2011-08-25T22:09:00.001+01:00

I have swapped phones so lets see how this works out!

The Utility Area make Over!!!

2011-07-22T20:01:00.000+01:00

I have just had a week off and finally, I have managed to finish the utility area revamp!

It was my first big DIY project and I learnt loads whilst completing the task in hand!

I use the term utility area loosely, as it is really just an open door cupboard between my kitchen and bathroom!!!!

Firstly, there was wood chip wallpaper and magnolia with dark wood shelves!

So the shelves were immediately sanded and painted white gloss!

Then off with the wood chip and my first polyfilla experience!!

Then on with the blue bathroom paint! 3 coats in the end!

Nice new air vent fitted, lampshade and my repaired corner!

The beautiful new flooring that I had already had fitted as the final touch!

Flattening, weeding and watering.

2011-07-10T15:13:00.002+01:00

I had a go at trying to level the digging over whilst weeding!

I need to get a professinal in to get the whole garden as level as possible.

Then I can plan for grass, compost dig out and raised beds.

It's feels never ending!!

The tomatoes and potatoes before watering are also included!!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Maybe not a great idea!

2011-07-07T19:53:00.001+01:00

I wonder how long this will last with my boys!!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Today I have mainly been digging

2011-07-02T18:31:00.002+01:00

And now my shoulders won't work!!

I did a double dig as I just got carried away!!

Still have a long way to go but the worst is done!!

Under and behind the pile of tree is about another 15 foot!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Vinnie on bird duty!

2011-07-01T20:05:00.001+01:00

This Vinnie Venchento alias the Big Fella.

He is now the grand age of 8. I rescued him 5 years ago.

He is a big 6.4kilo but is turning into a softie with age! He follows me everywhere, helps me with every job and has dug up all my veg!!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Phew It Is Scorching!

2011-06-27T16:25:00.002+01:00

I have never seen it go this high before!!!

For some reason I feel really excited by it!!!

Today's DIY projects!

2011-06-25T21:07:00.002+01:00

I now have a lovely rotary washing line in place with it's very own condom!

You can see my massive potato plants to the left!!

Then I decided to remove the woodchip from my utility area.

I was delighted to find lovely smooth plaster as I did suspect the worst!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Drain away!

2011-06-13T19:57:00.002+01:00

After 3 months I finally found a drainer that would fit my weird shaped sink.

I have saved some washing up to test it later.

For £8, I am excited!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Weekend Project - Fireplace

2011-06-12T20:55:00.000+01:00

Well I had a rather scruffy looking fireplace so I decided to try and make it look a little better.

I used some 4x2 to provide extra support, and then used the makeover TV favourite, MDF to make a fake fire surround.

I wanted to get my fishtank out of daylight as it was causing so many issues.

I am very happy with my work and this is my 2nd DIY project to date.

Spot the difference!!

2011-06-04T20:04:00.006+01:00

Busy Day!!

2011-05-21T19:40:00.004+01:00

Well I got some Perspex off a skip to replace the glass that smashed in transit.

It won't win any beauty prizes, but it's in use!!

I also chucked down some grass to see what happens.

Got 2 planters of potatoes and spinach in the long thin one!!

Also finishing clearing to the other end!

Sore Back, Tight Neck and a Naked Garden!

2011-04-25T22:07:00.000+01:00

Well, with the wonderful weather we had, it seemed silly to stay in and decorate so I made a start on the garden.

I got right into it and as a result I have dug over the whole garden and cleared my secret garden!!!

I am sore and I dont think that I shall be doing much more for a few days!

I intend to leave it a fortnight to see what grows back through and then chuck loads of grass seed down and see what happens.

Oh, and dig and make my 3 raised beds!!!

Cleared Space!!!

2011-04-13T12:00:00.000+01:00

So I intended to cut the branches back on this tree but landed up cutting the whole thing down!!
It has really opened up the end of the garden and really given me the encouragement to take on this bad boy project!!!

The Long and Thin Garden

2011-04-12T16:11:00.000+01:00

So here it is from various views.
You can see the longness and thinness of it, but I do have great plans!!
On Sunday I intended to trim the cherry tree back, noticed the tree behind and cut that tree down!
So here is the garden before anything happens.
I dragged the coldframe on to the paved area, so that is the mess at the end under the window!!

Hello Again!

2011-04-06T10:38:00.000+01:00

Well, this has been quite a break as I have only gone and bought myself a flat, so I have been a little preoccupied for the last 6 months!!!

As a result, I have decided to hand back my allotment as I moved some distance away from it, and I also have a small garden with my flat.

It is a long thin garden, hidden under rubbish and knee high weeds at the moment! Oh, and there are several large trees that are slowly taking over!

I am hoping to clear the way, get a few raised beds in and grown just enough veg for little old me!!!

This summer my plan is to get the garden clear and watch the sun patterns so that I can get the beds sorted for next year.

I shall take some photos this weekend and you can see what I am up against!

Whilst I shall miss my allotment, I have to say that it will be nice to have veg in my own garden and be able to waft about watering them without being too far away!!!!

So, a new adventure begins in the world of vegetable growing!!!!

The Shed is Watertight!!!

2010-09-18T22:51:00.000+01:00

It was such a lovely morning so I went down the allotment early just to double check how much wood I nneded to repair the shed as my manslave was no longer up for doing it.

When I got there, he had 2 huge sheets of thick wood. Although it would look odd, it would seal the shed and was free.

He showed me how to saw properly, and I was quite good at it!

He cut the door out and is going to finish it off in the week for me.

We put the waterproof sheet on the roof until the next week when I felt the roof!

I have never done anything like this before, so I was really pleased with my efforts.

It is not a pretty shed, but it is watertight and mine!!!

Here are the photos of todays efforts!

Finally I Got Some Time On The Allotment!

2010-09-13T20:04:00.001+01:00

After 3 weekends of being away, this Sunday I finally got some time down there.

I was intending to spend a few hours there, but the sun was shining I managed to loose 5 hours!!!

I built a new structure for my thriving raspberries, photographed the worlds most bent marrows, my huge marrow measured against my size5 shoe and my rewards.

I have got some winter peas and onions to plant this weekend and lots of weeding to do!

The shed needs finishing and I may have to do this myself as my shed builder has been taken ill. i need to sort it before the winter sets in.

I am Back Again!!

2010-09-10T11:34:00.000+01:00

I have had a couple of weekends away, so this weekend will be my first trip down to the allotment for almost 3 weeks!

I am excited to see how the shed might be looking, I hope it has a roof!

I am dreading to see how much the weeds etc have grown!

I can't wait to see if I still have a giant marrow there and how big that might be!!!

I hope to be posting some photos on Sunday as I hear that we may get some dry weather!

4 Sides On My Errection!

2010-08-16T10:17:00.001+01:00

My man slave has got 4 sides up and prepped! He has also put the coat of primer on for me.

He is excited that he may get the roof on, window in and door secure for next weekend.

I have decided to paint it burnt orange on the outside and white inside to reflect the light.

I can't believe that Jim is doing all this for me, but as a retired carpenter, he is really enjoying it!

I can't wait to have a cup of soup in there, watching the rain falling feeling all smug!

p.s hello to my Sheffield reader!!! X

A shed and stringing onions!

2010-07-26T19:32:00.000+01:00

Well, I cannot believe my luck as I bought a shed for £15 on Saturday! It needs a bit of repair, but with that and a good paint, I could get a few good years from it!!

I was so excited that I strung up all my onions that I have been drying!!

Here is a photo of the shed pending repair, where it will go and all my onions!!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Abstract Veg Art entitled "The Pain Of Drying"

2010-07-18T17:16:00.001+01:00

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Veg Art

2010-07-08T20:13:00.000+01:00

Tonight I got loads of stuff, so here is some of it in my own veg art style!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Today I took home...

2010-07-04T17:01:00.000+01:00

My first courgette and the first Japanese bunching spring onions!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Raspberries, a single courgette and big beetroot

2010-07-03T20:24:00.001+01:00

Ok, I am trying a new app on the iPhone!!

It's all going bonkers in this sun, so here are a few shots from earlier today.

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Finally, An Update!!!

2010-06-13T22:01:00.002+01:00

Well, rain and not being too well has put pay to me really getting much done in the last month or so.
I am now feeling miles better, so did 10 hours of weeding and planting this weekend!
The allotment has been transformed and I am now confident that I can keep on top of things again! Now it is weeding and waiting for things to grow!!!

Top Right
I planted in here today as follows
Sweetcorn
Sweetcorn
Sweetcorn
Cabbage in pot
Cauliflower in pot
Spinach
Spinach

Top Left
Dedicated to pots!!!
New pots you can see, mids and lates are hiding underground!!

Bottom Right
White Onions
White Onions
White Onions
Pea's
Shallots
Courgettes
Courgettes

Bottom Left
Raspberries
Red onions
Red onions
Shallots
Japanese bunching onions/Shallots
Beetroot
Garlic
Courgettes
Garlic
Beetroot
Pea's

It is very hard work, but this is only my 2nd year so I am still learning loads! I am sure that once I get eating all the produce, it will seem alot easier!!!
Here are some random photos of what is growing now!

At last - The Rain Stops!!!

2010-05-17T10:18:00.001+01:00

Well, wonders will never cease! The sun actually came out and I got some much needed time down on my plot this weekend.

The rain and sun has not only encouraged the seeds to take, but for the weeds to take over in a very aggressive fashion!

As a result, I spent all my time weeding and clearing the plot ready for some more planting soon!

I am just waiting to be 100% sure that we are not getting anymore frost and then I hope to transplant some seedlings form home.

I lost a lot of my first lot in the greenhouse due to cold and frost.

On reflection, I was too keen and too early, so this weekend I shall plant again in the propagator and have another go!

The good news is that I have peas, beetroot and some very strong looking shallots and onions!

Potatos and Weeding...

2010-04-26T11:33:00.001+01:00

This weekend I spent most of my time weeding and then stopped to plant another 2 rows of Nadine early potatoes!!

Weeding is a weird old thing as you cannot appreciate just how long it takes and yet it looks so disappointing!!

I did have a moment of extreme excitement though as I noticed that the first row of peas planted were started to break through and made a bid for the sun!!!

A Good day for Paths and Planting!

2010-04-18T22:42:00.000+01:00

Today I put in 2 paths across the allotment.

Then I had a good tidy up and planted the right top corner!

I am so excited and can't quite believe how organised I am! I had a great book called the veg journal so I have been keeping notes and everything!!!

The plot layout is as follows!

Raspberries on the border - though they are not looking great!
Row of Red Barron onions
Row of Red Barron onions

Row of Shallots
Half row shallots, half row Japanese Bunching Spring Onions
Beetroot
Cauliflower
Courgettes
Cauliflower
Beetroot
Kelvedon Peas

Seedlings and More Planting!

2010-04-12T10:00:00.000+01:00

Well, this weekend I put a few more peppers, aubergines and tomatoes in my pots.

I lost a few in the transfer, but I am confident this lot will survive!

Here they are enjoying some natural sunshine!!!

Then I had a little planting session. After consulting my allotment guru I realise that I can now just put seeds straight into the ground!!! There is really no need to start anymore at home!

So on that note I planted a row of beetroot seeds, tansferred 8 cauliflowers that I had already started and covered them with one of my now famous anti-pigeon devices!!!

Next weekend I aim to plant another row or two of nadine potatoes, some more shallots and red barron onions. Row of beetroot and another row of cauliflowers!

I am researching cougettes and sweetcorn now!

I have decided to fill the plot this year and just see what happens!

p.s you can click comment and leave me a message if you like visiting here, or down on the right hand bar, click the link for followers and get emails when I update!

Planting Heaven!

2010-04-05T20:25:00.000+01:00

I took a chance and hit the allotment under very grey skies.

To my delight, the sun came out after a short time and I spent 5 hours planting!!!

I have not planted any of the seedlings yet. I hope to get beetroot and cauliflower in next weekend and make one of my infamous protection net devices!!!!

This is what I got planted today!

Row of peas!

Row of Spinach

2 rows Nadine early Potatoes

2 rows red barron onions

1 row shallots

1/2 row Japanese bunched spring onions

1/2 row shallots

16 pots filled!

2010-04-04T14:54:00.000+01:00

As there was a break in the rain, I rushed outside and put 16 assorted seedlings into pots!

I stll have loads left in the trays, but all the beetroot will go onto allotment as I cocked that up! You are supposed to just plant direct and not create seeds as it us a root veg, so not sure that this lot will survive!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Look at these seedlings!

2010-04-04T13:44:00.000+01:00

They are having a spurt on so I am hoping to pot half and put in my temporary greenhouse and plant the other half on the allotment tomorrow!

I am so excited at my first attempt! I will hopefully have so much veg this year!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

I have a path!

2010-03-27T18:13:00.000Z

I collected my spuds and shallots and red barron onions but was advised to plant over Easter.

So I made the most of the sunshine and heavy showers and sorted my main path out!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Sorry

2010-03-26T22:29:00.000Z

To everyone that gets this and the last one!

Glitch in the system but no more, I promise!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

This Weekend

2010-03-26T22:17:00.001Z

I am picking up and planting my early pots and I am so excited!!
I now have a full tray of seedlings which I am putting in pots as well and moving to my little greenhouse!
Then I have another wave of seed planting to do.
I will take lots of photos!
I just hope it is sunny or at least dry for a few hours!
Oh and I am testing this linking to facebook! -- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Path and clearing!

2010-03-07T19:48:00.007Z

I put a wooden line down part of the path. It looked straight as I was doing it!

I also cleared bottom right corner.

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

More seedlings!!

2010-03-07T19:32:00.003Z

I have more seedlings!
It is only the peppers left to start up! I am so excited!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

More seedlings!

2010-03-04T22:08:00.000Z

I can barely contain myself!

I have some tomatoes!!

Now I have beetroot, cauliflower and tomatoes growing!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Seedling watch!

2010-02-27T11:08:00.001Z

There is excitement as last Saturday I planted up my first two trays of seeds! I was shocked and delighted to notice that the beetroot and all year cauliflowers are already through!!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Mini Greenhouse!

2010-02-20T13:45:00.001Z

I found the poles in the shed but the original cover was rotting, so I got this clear replacement off eBay. It is alittle big but it will certainly do! Now I can grow my seedlings until they are big and strong before I move them onto the allotment! Such a simple thing, but I am so excited!!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

I Am Getting Ready...

2010-02-17T14:45:00.001Z

and the sun shining today has really motivated me!!!

Today I ordered 2 of these bad boys..

I have also ordered the follwoing seeds to get started in it!!

AUBERGINE - EGG PLANT - BLACK BEAUTY 250 ITALIAN SEEDS,
SWEET PEPPER - BIG RED - 100 SEEDS,
PEA - KELVEDON WONDER - 300 SEEDS (EARLY AND MAIN CROP),
BEETROOT - RUBY QUEEN - 400 FINEST SEEDS,
CAULIFLOWER - ALL YEAR ROUND - 500 FINEST SEEDS,
TOMATO - RIESENTRAUBE - CHERRY VARIETY - 100 SEEDS

I am very excited!

Don't Miss A Thing

2010-02-15T16:32:00.000Z

Just below my profile on the right, there is an option so that you can follow this blog.

The excitement, I can imagine, is almost too much as the thought of never missing another update really hits home!!!

I hope you like the new layout?

I have some more tweaking to do later!

Saturday 13th February 2010

2010-02-13T19:09:00.006Z

Well today I had a jolly good tidy up!

I pulled up the cabbages and leaks and cleaned all the mess off the right bottom corner.

I had a tidy up round by the shed and got my compost bin upright again and full up!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

More Snow? Are You Kidding?

2010-02-08T11:27:00.000Z

I have tweaked the layout a little to make it feel more allotment style!!!

I am not too good at tweaking so I hope it works ok for you all! I need to work on the photos still I think!!!!

I hear more snow is scheduled to fall this week so I am a little cross to say the least!!!

The ground is already wet through.

I will go down though this weekend and see what is what. I can't even do tidying up as as soon as you take 4 or 5 steps, you are immediately 5 inches taller!

The Start Of The 2010 Updates!

2010-02-07T19:02:00.007Z

I went down the allotment today but the ground was still water logged form the rain and now.

It was the wettest that I have ever seen it, so any planting or digging was hopeless as it was like clay!

So I decided to start this year by taking a few photos. I took a photo of each corner and through the year I shall take monthly updates in the same format.

Right bottom

Top right

Bottom left

Top left

Side view

Bottom looking up

Muddy path up there!

2010 - I am almost ready for it!!!

2010-02-01T15:40:00.000Z

Well, as many, I lost all my seedlings etc from the allotment during the snow that fell so rudely!!!

The good news is that I am now armed for a much better year of updates!

I now have a netbook, and that with the iPhone means that I can do Sunday updates!

I am hoping to grow even more than last year, so fingers crossed that we do not get anymore snow and that I can crack on!

Happy New Year to you all!!!

Allotment 15th November 2009

2009-11-15T20:09:00.001Z

Well I am just so excited!

There is only a small amount of digging and the edging to be done and my allotment is done!!

My paid help has done a great job and now all I have to do is get planting and keep the edges tidy and keep the grass cut!

To celebrate I went mad and moved my raspberry canes and made a start on the pea frame.

The onions and peas are all growing like mad!!

I also strung the last of the onions!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Allotment 7th November 2009

2009-11-15T20:09:00.000Z

The revamp is almost done!

I moved my spinach and hope it is happy and was pleased to see my onions and peas coming through!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

I am so happy.....

2009-10-31T14:44:00.001Z

With how quickly jim is transforming my allotment.

We reckon three hours this week and it will be all square, level and dug.

Next weekend I hope to be doing some planting and having a tidy up.

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Now it is all going to happen!

2009-10-20T18:50:00.001+01:00

I am paying my mate Jim to do up to twelve hours manual work on my plot! He is making the path, doing the edges and turning over all the plot including the turning of the two big extensions to the end of the plot.

In a short time he has done miles more than I would have ever achieved and, as he has years of experience, wil do a much better job!

On Sunday I managed to level a patch and planted

White onions
Spanish onions
Spring onions
Broad beans
Peas.

I am so excited as once the digging has been done there willbe no stoping me!

Photos from this weekend!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Not today!

2009-10-11T22:20:00.000+01:00

I got struck down with a migraine last night and have felt shocking all day so there was no allotment work.

Still it has rained some more so hopefully next weekend, though I do feel as though a cold maybe about to start.

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Digging for gold!

2009-10-10T19:17:00.001+01:00

Well I managed to last justover three hours!

One half of the extended bit was dug, grass removed and broken down.

The other half of the path, well I only dug half of it and is the first rough dig.

I feel a bit stiff but hope to finish the second half and get my winter onions and shallots!

I also show my two cabbages that I hope to enter in the winter show!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Allotment update

2009-10-05T20:29:00.001+01:00

Well this weekend I managed to get a small area ready to plant some winter onions and shallots.

I used the area that my potatoes had been in as the ground was loose and just needed the top breaking down.

I was delighted to see that it rained in the night and I hope that we get some more so that this weekend I can get digging.

I am also excited as I may have two cabbages ready to enter in the winter show!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

The allotment

2009-09-26T19:42:00.001+01:00

It is very dry down there and I am having a nightmare trying to straighten it all up and extend it.

The good news is that I have been given a metal frame to make a new coldframe.

I just really need it to rain real hard now, preferably in time for next Saturday so I can do some Olympic gold medal digging!

The photos and this and future entries are bought to you via my totally addictive iPhone!!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

One more test!

2009-09-25T20:27:00.001+01:00

Then I hope to post from the allotment tomorrow.

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Photo testing

2009-09-25T16:24:00.001+01:00

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

2009-09-25T16:22:00.000+01:00

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

iPhone application testing

2009-09-25T16:08:00.001+01:00

Here we go with a test from my new toy!

-- Posted from my iPhone which is nothing short of a miracle!

Bee nest.

2009-09-17T21:57:00.001+01:00

My mate is building a hive to try and get this nest so he can have honey! I am not convinced it will work but worth a go! The idea of fresh honey is very appealing! I will keep my fingers crossed for him. This weekend i will update as i plan to do ten hours and get on with my new layout.

Weekend Away

2009-09-03T20:36:00.001+01:00

I am leaving about 11am tomorrow to go to Santa Pod in Northampton fow VW Action.

It will be my last chance to get away with the 2 room luxury tent!!! I have extra blankets and everything just incase!

I have a feeling that I will be windswept, soaked with rain but most of all I will be drunk, with good mates and happy!

I may attempt to post a few photos..... but I cannot be held responsible for anything upside down or any jibba jabba that may appear!

My first ever attempt

2009-09-01T20:22:00.000+01:00

I had a right busy weekend decorating my lounge and hanging wallpaper for the first time. I am very pleased with it all.

Tank again!

2009-08-26T11:42:00.001+01:00

This morning after it has all settled down.

New Tank Clean Up!

2009-08-25T12:45:00.002+01:00

Last night the tank got a jolly good clean.

It was in prpeparation of the move to the other side of the room this weekend.
I also have a pregnant Zebra danio but she won't lay her eggs so I thought that a change around and clean may encourage her.

Not the best photo but you get the idea!!!!!

Currently it is home to...

4 Black Widow
2 Zebra Danio
1 yellow female Platy
1 blue female Platy
1 dwarf Oto

Allotment Disappointment and Vodka!

2009-08-24T10:27:00.004+01:00

Well, due to circumstances beyond my control, the allotment paid work did not pan out that well.

I say not well as in meaning it just never happened. Long story, but let’s just say that my edges remain crooked and my extension is still grass at the moment!!!

Once we have a good old run of rain to soften the concrete ground, then my mate Jim will do the work for me in the absence of his son.

I remain optimistic, but the ground looks like an earthquake has happened as it is full of giant cracks, all my veg is fighting to stay alive.

I, along with the other allomenteers, await rain now.

I had my best mate, little Miss A over on Saturday. We have a few vodkas and went for a walk round the local shops and I had a very productive time and went mad and bought myself 2 new tops. I know, I am a little minx at times!!!

We then treated ourselves to the most amazing Indian Take Away and watched the X Factor.

I have to say that I was disappointed. It seemed like there was all the hype but barely any auditions.

Luckily I was still buzzing from Bea leaving the BB house.

This weekend I mainly be decorating and playing with my new telly……. I know… it is really all happening here!

Allotment Redesign

2009-08-14T09:50:00.002+01:00

After digging the allotment out initially, I vowed that I would never ever dig again on a large scale.

Whilst away last weekend, I paid a friends son to extend my allotment, and straighten up the sides and create new edges.

I am so excited as tomorrow morning I will be able to see it for the first time.

It will have an extra 5ft on it as I intend to grow more next year!

I am going to measure the plot and then start a proper plan for the next 12 months so that I can control what I grow and grow more of what I like.

I know this may sound sad, but I really am rather excited!

Last weekend felt very weird not being there and working.

I expect that the rest of it will look like a jungle though!!!!

I also hope to get my new key so that I can get on and off the allotments when it suits me! My old key had an issue so I have been unable to get in or out for the last 3 weeks aside from weekends.

24 Hours of Fun and Laughter!

2009-08-10T11:04:00.014+01:00

Well, I was just so excited that I landed up leaving early to arrive about an hour before the rest of the gang!

I had the mammoth 11.3 mile journey to make!

I arrived and put up the 2 room erection all on my own. I got very hot but it only took about 40 minutes. However I did have to catch it twice as the wind lifted it, and I got abit confused as to where you start pegging out!

Anyway, here it is in its crowning glory!

Then Jenny, The Big D and Westy all arrived and got settled in.

I was impressed with Jenny and her very long pole....

But even more impressed with her peas in a pod...

I found the time to pose like Posh Spice in Jenny's glasses, just to prove that glasses do not suit all people!

I also managed to find to groove out, with the glasses and have an Austin Powers moment!

The Big D got all cavemen and whipped together a lovely new BBQ that had been bought for the occasion!

Then we simply sat in the sun, laughed, smiled and drank...... and drank...... and drank....

Then the darkness fell but they did not stop us!

Thanks people as I had a great time. I am just getting over the sunburn but my cheeks and sides still hurt from laughing so much!

Its started!

2009-08-08T19:17:00.001+01:00

Here is the victim of day time drinking

We are here

2009-08-08T16:42:00.001+01:00

The drinking has started!

Almost packed!

2009-08-07T20:05:00.001+01:00

This time tomorrow i hope to be sun burnt and drunk with good company! The two room errection will be up and there will be no stopping me!

I Am So Excited.....

2009-08-05T12:24:00.002+01:00

as on Saturday I am heading off to go camping with an amazing lady and her amazing man.

It has been a year since we have seen each other in real life, and not even the threat of storms and downpours will dampen my joy at seeing them!

I am taking the 2 room errection but if the weather is really bad then I may sleep in their van.

I have all my camping stuff organised so it is just getting ti from the shed to the car on Saturday morning.

The best bit though is that it just 10.5 miles from my front door!!!!

Honest, I just can't wait......