We love our 100 year old home, but, like any home, maintenance has to be done. A couple of soft floorboards revealed some more timber, including four floor joists that needed replacing. Recycled flooring from a local church recently demolished was a great find. And with older materials and methods, old tools come in handy. Like this vintage floor cramp. You can't get them now, this one is probably as old as the house!
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Today marks the Winter Solstice - the longest night, or the shortest day of the year! It is cool and grey outside, and the coldest weather is probably still ahead of us, but from tomorrow the days will gradually start to lengthen, and the local birds will start to think about where to build their nests!
Such an occasion should not go unmarked, so last evening we had close friends join us for a celebratory dinner... Well winter is here well and truly! The Solstice is but seven days away, the days are short, and the mornings frosty. Apart from planting garlic for next summer, the garden activity is limited to pruning and clearing - soon the glasshouse will get it's annual clean and some new soil ready for the coming season. The long cool evenings however are a chance to reflect, and to sit in front of the stove!
The rest of the country has had a rough start to winter, with heavy rain and flooding in parts! Here in the deep south, we have been under the influence of a large high for over a week, with heavy frosts followed by stunning clear days! We went for a lazy Sunday Drive yesterday, and met some rather curious ladies along the way!
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AuthorSteve Mitchell has had a varied and busy career including stints as a carpenter and builder, police constable, air traffic controller, commercial pilot and businessman, almost always more than one thing at the same time. Seeking a simpler life, he came to Bluff, the southernmost town in New Zealand, and for the first five years lived simply and happily in a 115 year old historic home, with half an acre of developing garden and orchard. Now very happily married to the most amazing lady, Steve lives in nearby Invercargill, gardening, photographing and playing music. He still works in the Aerospace Industry, and he is very grateful to his Creator! Categories
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December 2021
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