Norwegian Wood

Chirstmas Message 2011

2011-12-22T19:35:00.007+01:00

Firstly, apologies for the minimal amount of hand writing on the vast majority of Christmas cards we sent. Right now, things are either done efficiently or not done at all!

Another year has almost past. It's been a good year for us all in all. We have a larger family, an ever increasing and over-ambitious project list and ever decreasing time.

The major news this year was the birth of Liam Philip on the 6th of August, 6 days early but weighing a good 3.72Kg.

As I write this Liam is somewhat "chunky" and full of life. Une is a really proud and loving big brother. Mari is somewhat jealous because all of Une's cuddles now go to Liam.

Une, now 3 1/2 is still enjoying barnehage (kindergarden) and developing in all the ways young boys do. We both really enjoy spending time with him. Daddy and Une even sit down for a game of chess now and again when they are not building Brio railway or Duplo.

We've had lots of visitors this year and are looking forward more in during Christmas and New year. Here's a picture taken during Une's godparents John and Jean's yearly visit.

The major project this year has been a new bedroom for Une. We decided that the largest bedroom in the house (formally know as the games room) was way too big to house a three year old so we have split it in 2. This, needless to say was not simply a case of building a new internal wall. We had to move the fuse box, close up one window, open up 2 others, install new ceiling joists and much more. The final result is fantastic and even though the other half of the room, the hall way and the loft are not finished we can already see how it will change the house for the better.

Mari, who is trying desperately to work on her PhD despite being on parental leave, finished her Masters in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public health early in the year recieving a distinction. She enjoyed the University of London's graduation ceremony in March and was one of a handful of overseas students to recieved an audience with Princess Anne.

I am still enjoying working at Flowtite. I have not had any long overseas trips this year, but have had quite a few short trips to Germany, Spain, Austria, Poland and Turkey. I have also been doing more mounting biking and cycled 3 races this year. Uncle Stephen (my younger brother) even flew over to join me for one of them, the 54km Sandefjordrittet, having the cheek to beat my 2hrs 36mins by 1 1/2 minutes. I find this a really enjoyable way to stay fit and in 2012 I plan to do the 93km long "Birkebeinerittet". This is Norways most famous mountain bike race with around 20,000 cylist taking part.

Mari will go back to work in February when we will begin 50/50 parental leave. We will continue this until the end of the summer when Liam should be guaranteed a Kindergarden place, hopefully in the same kindergarden as Une.

Peggy is getting older as are our 4 bengals but they are all well. They keep us on our toes and provide plenty of entertainment for both the boys.

We wish a very Merry Christmas to all our friends and family and a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2012!

Love
Andy, Mari, Une and Liam.

Kris kindle 2011

2011-11-21T20:44:00.002+01:00

I have demands for this on all sorts of social media and even on the good old dog and bone so here it is.

Back to singles this year and our letters have been recieved. So everyone knows who they are buying for but no one knows who is buying for themas per tradition. Hence the requirement for this blog post.

Get advertising everyone. As ever hilarity and cripticness is always appreciated.

One room becomes two #1

2011-04-24T11:06:00.003+02:00

Since there is another on the way......... and that first born son is getting a little big for his 2mx2m box room it was finally time to get on with preparing his new room.

The plan is that the room formally known as "The Games Room" which in reality has been a store for all the toys I never get to play with will be spilt into 2 rooms. Being on the large side, it has also functioned as a domitory during family visits. It has also been deemed too big to be a single childs room. Splitting it in two will make 2 good size rooms, one for FBS and one as a guest room until it is required by no.2 in a few years time.

The first consideration when making a new room is that it will need a new door. Naturally where we are going to put the door something was in the way... Nothing other than the fuse box and all the cables going up and down the centre of the house. Here veiwed from the back after removal of panelling and planks.

After a Sunday without electricity and a very rare take out pizza for dinner it was moved to a temprorary location.

In the end there will be a new cable run from loft to basement on the left hand side of the new door and a new fuse box in the basement. Just as well, as it's now been decided that there will be another door, exactly where ther fuse box is in it's new temporary position.

Christmas Message 2010

2010-12-23T10:57:00.004+01:00

Another year has gone by and it feels as if my feet have hardly touched the ground....

So, at the end of 2010, what's happened this year? Not that much of note really. The most significant is that Mari finished her Masters in Veterinary Epidemiolgy and Public Health. This is dependant on the results of the final 2 exams that she took in the Autumn, but given her track record there is no reason to think that she hasn't passed them.

So, that just leaves her to Focus on her PhD which is intensifying, with an expectation of her first publication early in the new year.

My work is much the same, still enjoyable and challenging and not too much travel this year, the most notable being a couple of weeks in Meddelin, Columbia in January.

Une is growing and developing at a rate of knots. Talking and asking questions all the time. He is fully fluent in Norwegian and understands everything I say in English. His English vocabulary is also very good, but there is naturally still a tendancy for him to mix in Norwegian when he speaks in English. We are still very happy with his kindergarden, which he attends full time. He also loves it and is part of a good gang of 2 year olds. We have been very lucky to end up in this Kindergarden.

We had a great summer holiday with a visit to the Goodwood Festival of Speed (something that Une still talks about frequently), a week with family in a holiday home in Dingle and a week with Grandma, Grand dad, Aunty, Uncle and cousins in Cork.

My free time during the summe mostly dissapearred 5 metres up under the barn roof. A heavy winter left us with 3 broken roof trusses so major sugery was required. Due to this pretty much every other planned project went out the window!!

Mari hasn't had the chance to proof read this before publishing so I've probably forgotten something...... I at least will not forget to

Wish you all a merry Christmas, and all the best for 2011.

Regards to all
Andy , Mari and Une.

The Barn Roof #2

2010-11-19T20:37:00.003+01:00

After consultation with the real farmer, it was decided that, due to the half arsed manner the roof was built the only right thing to was to supplement the roof with 11 new trusses in between the existing ones.

At the start this seem a daunting task and frankly, bulding the first one

didn't help to make the job seem any smaller.

Each truss consists of approximately 20metres of 8" x 2" including the jointed 9m "tie beam"

about 6m of 4" x 2", 14 assorted pieces of plywood

and over 760 nails....

When my work moved from what had been a production facilty to our new offices I was fortunate enough to be able to pick up this tatty looking, but perfectly functional sissor lift. Without which this job would have been impossible.

With a 400Kg lifting capacity, it's been perfect for pressing the new rafters up under the roof and lifting the "tie beam" into place as shown below. I really couldn't have managed without it.

In addition to the lift, the neighbours nail gun, which I have been able to borrow when required, has also been invaluable,

As you can see from the pictures, although it's taken all summer, autumn and some of the winter, progress was made, and I can now very satisfactorily report that all 11 new trusses are now complete, not that the job ends there.........

Kris Kindle 2010

2010-10-31T19:58:00.002+01:00

It's that time of year again and whilst none of us know who we are buying for it's never to early to get advertising.

For those of you who don't now, the principle is that everybody buys a christmas present for one given person. This is to be done, more or less in secret as no one is to reveal who they are buying for until after the presents are opened. Since we only get one present, it pays to advertise and hopefully get something you really want (not just socks and pencils, which no one really wants (or do they......))!

As we have not had our letters yet this year, we do not know how the global financial crises has affected Kris kindle, but one expects that the value of the present will be around the €50 which it has been previous years.

Word has it that it's back to singles this year, and I believe that the rules do state that you do not end up buying for your partner.

The Kris kindle post last year generated 74 comments (some hilarious, some total nonsense and some hilariously nonsensical), let's keep up the tradition.

The barn roof #1

2010-10-31T19:06:00.003+01:00

As mentioned in the previous post, the Barn roof has taken up pretty much all my spare time this summer. After heavy winds (not prevailing) blowing across the roof and piling a lot of snow on one side, the barn not only twisted even more than it already was, 3 roof trusses also broke. All in all, it was a miracle that it did not collapse.

So, quite rightly, all other projects were down prioritised on the grounds that the house will still be standing if we don't finish painting, the kitchen garden can wait and so on but the barn will not stand another winter.

The real farmer next door happens to also be a fully qualified carpenter/joiner/builder, very competant and, especially since he also has equipment up there, very helpful. He has been my consultent for this project, supplied materials (which will be paid for!) and lent a helping hand (along with his 2 sons) with any jobs I couldn't manage alone.

So, the barn was emptied, 1 "pack" of 8"x2" and 1 of "4"x"2" where delivered (local wood cut on next doors saw)

and early in June, phase 1 was to straighten up the gable end and install new diagonal strengheners. As you can see, the old ones were doing next to nothing.

With the help of a long strap, a laser and a tractor the barn didn't really need that much persuading to straighten up, somthing that it hasn't been for a long time.

The opening, which was modified (raised) after the barn had already moved was the only bit of the barn that was verticle, so this excercise has left me with a straight barn and a crooked door, another job on the list, albeit cosmetic.

Proper diagonals were installed

on both sides of the door,

and not surprisingy, when the tractor and strap were removed, everything stayed put.

That was the easy bit, now attention was turned to the roof.......

Getting Ready for winter.....

2010-10-18T21:31:00.005+02:00

It's been too long.... I can blame how much I've had to do, motivation, a barn roof, a tractor, a studying wife, all the fun things there are to do with a 2 year old, a knackered computer, building a new computer and so on....

Anyway, nightime temperatures below zero are annoucing the oncoming winter, which we are not ready for.

Here's a photo of the only one who is ready....

This photo was taken towards the end of last winter when Ski's were on offer, he only had a couple of outings on them, but I expect that this winter he'll be much more enthusiastic. The boots should fit him now as well!

Here's another photo from the end of last winter, and the cause of the reason why we're not ready for this winter.

Here's the damage, which as the real farmer next door rightly pointed out, we had to do something with otherwise we wouldn't have a barn next year.

Drastic action has been taken and is nearly complete, more on that (maybe) later....

Christmas Message 2009

2009-12-21T21:53:00.005+01:00

2009 started with our final 2 months on shared parental. We took this opportunity to get Mari's overseas period out the way while we could do this as a family. I was left in charge of Une in a rented house in Hatfield, while Mari did a 6 weeks at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

Une began full time in Kindergaden in Late Feb, with both of us back at work full time. We didn't get a place in the nearest kindergarten, but were so pleased with the place he is in that we decided not to move when the chance came in September. He really loves it and we're really have no complaints at all.

Combining two full time jobs and a toddler is a challenge. Especially when we both travel at times and Mari has to leave at 6a.m. the days she is in the office, although she does try to have home office a couple of days each week.

Une is growing and developing rapidly. Towards the end of this year he is learning new words every day, some in Norwegian and some in English. It's now easier to play with hin (he is becoming more constructive and less destructive!). Amazingly he is remarkably tidy and likes to keep all his toys in there respective places.

Mari is now nearly half way through her PhD, she is finding it pretty tough but enjoyable. She also took and passed 2 more courses towards her RVC Masters, leaving 2 final course which we are hoping to get out the way in 2010.

I am still enjoying my work and have a fairly acceptable amount of travel. I had another trip to India in May and had a few trips to Spain during the Summer. I'll be off to Columbia early in 2010 for a couple of weeks, after then there's no more travel plans on the horizon.

Project priorities at home and on the farm have shifted somewhat but there has been some progress. It's been difficult to find time to do anything other than essential work on Vehicles, so the Spitfire, Landrover and Tractors have been a little negleted. Various toddler related modifications have been made, including a sand pit for the summer days that barely happened. Thanks to help from my parents, half of the outside of the house is now painted, we hope to finish that in 2010. We're also working in one half of the basement, which is now fully insulated. Next step is to dig out the floor and replace it with a new one including damp proofing and insulation.

All in all, life is tiring but mostly enjoyable and we are starting to not only adapt but also feel that we can cope and succeed with our new family life.

Here's wishing you all a (slightly belated) Happy Christmas and the very best for 2010.

Mar-Apr 2009

2009-12-21T21:05:00.004+01:00

March began by parting with what will most likely be the final Starsprung kittens (at least for a good while). These three from Starsprung Skiddaw, daughter of Asia and Vegas. The two pictured had become great friends with FBS, they tolerated lots of "handling" and really played when he waved a cat toy (quite violently) in their general directon. It was sad to see them go, leaving us with our 4 "retired" Bengals, Gaylee Anitra, Tuhina Vegas, Ozalet TuhinaAsia and Starsprung Amazing.

In April we started what will be a long process to hopefully get a new coffee table by taking a chainsaw to the pear tree, more on this in a seperate post (one day!). It had some sort of Fungus that came every year and it gave nearly no fruit. It's been replace by a garden arch to hold the clematis. This will be the entrance to the kitchen garden one of these days.

FBS's 1st Birthday was celebrated with a delicious (if I say so myself) North African Lamb Stew, which he really enjoyed, stuffing himself as normal.

It was a family affair, with MorFar, MorMor and Aunt, uncle and Cousin present. HE got loads of great presents, perfect for long afternoons playing together with Daddy! For the rest of this post, pictures speak louder than words!

Jan - Feb 2009

2009-11-24T11:00:00.007+01:00

OK, I've been requested to do a photo summary of 2009 as a way of ressurecting the blog, so here goes.

Most of January and Febuary were spent in Hatfield with Mrs VL doing a 6 week placement with the Royal Veterinary College. Other than Kid sister relieving me for 1 week, I was left in charge of first born son. We had a fair few visitors, t'was good to see you all. Here are some mostly baby related photo's from the time in Engalnd.

Many thanks to N,F and P for the loan of the cot, high chair and quite a few other bits and bobs, toys and so on. FBS was very happy with it all.

Daddy was not always as cheerfull as his son, especially when his main form of transport got a puncture and he didn't have a spare.....

With the Galleria shopping outlet centre just across the road and very little else worth mentioning in Hatfield, there was plenty of shopping trips.

London Son was very kind to turn up with his wheels every so often (and rent a car seat for a period). Here they are flying on a trip to the highly reckomended RAF Hendon Museum.

The other big news early in the year was the arrival of a new (Norwegian) Cousin for FBS, here he is with cousin and the happy new mum.

And finally, a summary of Jan and Feb wouldn't be complete without a photo of FBS, Mrs VL and Peggy in the Snow (back in Norway)

Kris-Kindle 2009

2009-11-09T19:59:00.002+01:00

I've been requested by various family members to get my finger out of my proverbial and ressurect the blog to get started on this year's round of Kris Kindle hints.

The draw, untraditionally, was made in Garfunkels Cafe on Trafalgar Square, with surprisingly all Kris-Kindle couples represented. This draw is normally undertaken by a neutral party, which makes ensuring that you don't get either yourself or who you had last year somewhat easier than when you pull the names out of the hat. After about 15 attempts everyone was happy (apart from TOCO, who after getting a name that he was happy with first time round, announced he had a plane to catch and sodded off).

So, same rules as last year and it seems that Kris-Kindle has neither been hit by inflation or the financial crises. Presents are still to be to the value of 100Euros or as near as possible, with Kid Sis and London Son, who are still classed as a couple, getting a 50Eur pesent each. I haven't quite worked out if the strong Norwegian krone works in our favour or not...... As ever, who is buying for who is secret.

So Kris-Kindle members and interested parties, fire up those internet lines and get hinting, suggesting, abusing, wise-cracking, composing or whatever else comes to mind. I'm getting my brain in gear to make sure I get a head start on my wife........

Winter Challenges #1

2009-04-05T10:43:00.002+02:00

With the spring sun warming and melting the snow, I should be outside trying to get the David Brown out of the Barn, charging the battery on the Spitfire or otherwise preparing for the fast approaching spring/summer.

However, I'm stuck inside, drugged up, with a rather nasty ear infection, so I'll blog about the winter instead.

It's been a pretty heavy winter. There's been a lot of snow and although it's warming up now, there's still a fair bit left. One of the serious problems that the country faces with heavy snow fall is the weight on the roofs. Most sloped roofs are designed to withstand many tons and, with a little bit of warmth, what's up there slides off (presenting it's own danger). Half of the old barn just up from us has collasped recently.

"What's up there" did all slide off our roof, and all in one go. Not only filling the not long cleared path to the front door with tonnes of heavy and compact snow, but also landing on top of the already heavy car port roof. Something had to be done, it was amazing that it took the impact and additional weight and we couldn't risk any more on top of what was already there.

So, yours truly had no option but to get up there and dig it all off.

Getting up there was more getting out there as the snow was up to the level of the guest room window.

The snow was pretty hard packed so it needed breaking up before it could be pushed/shovelled off.

It wasn't long before I had no more problems retrieving any equipment that happenned to slide off. It was pretty easy to get back up without going through the house!

I can tell you that this was an enourmous, unplanned and physical job. First time in 4 winters that I've had to do it though.

Top Hat

2009-03-27T21:44:00.003+01:00

The problem of a wet and moldy roof came to light with the installation of 3 double florescent tubes in the loft. In Norwegain houses, because of prolonged freezing temperatures, the sewer pipe and vent is internal and not external as it is in England.

Our vent, as you can see from this picture, stopped just under the roof in the loft. This, during the cold weather led to large amounts of condensation on the wooden boards that are the base of the roof and also explained the smell in the loft!

The solution to this problem is to feed the vent pipe through the roof and insulate the extra pipe in the roof. We decided to go for the "top hat" option, and quite a large one at that. This will give us space for air ducts from planned ventilation fans in the bathroom and toilet, both badly needed.

Our neighbour, The Real Farmer and also a joiner by trade, had offered to fit this for us as part of our continuous competances exchange policy (this time I paid by a complete re-install on his sons very sick computer). Rather him than me, especially on a cold Sunday in January.

If I'd done it we'd probably ended up with a hole in our roof for weeks,

but he completed the job in a couple of hours leaving for me to simply buy the neccesary pipe and fittings and install them

The pipe is now also insulated but still held up by a bit of rope, awaiting a more permanant installation when I install the ventillation for the bath and the toilet.

The roof is also looking a lot better now that it's dried out a bit, looks like we've caught it in time. Once it warms up a bit we'll paint a coat of anti mould on it and it should survive for many years to come.

"Aaaaasia"

2009-03-23T21:34:00.003+01:00

Sorry about the abscence, there's been plenty to write about, plenty of photos to post (mostly of the cute baby variety) and some progress on projects although the downstairs floor is still not insulated. I'm sure there's an excuse and I promise to make it up!

Anyway, to the point. Those of you in the know will know that Asia is one of our Bengal cats, and those of you very much in the know will know that if there's trouble going on it's most likely Asia that's behind it. During FBSs early days I jokingly said that his first word would be Asia or more likely "AAAAAsia" which is how you say it when she's doing something she shouldn't!

It seems that I wasn't that wrong. He does, already, make a good attempt at "Mamma", "Daddy" and "ello" and you get a kind of a "ank oo" when you give him something, but today, he came out with a very clear (in a baby clear sort of way) "Asia" whilst he was waving a cat toy in front of her nose.

Christmas Message 2008

2008-12-19T22:25:00.008+01:00

As expected, our lives have changed significantly in 2008. Going from being a married couple to a family has brought it's challenges and with them incredible joy.

Our son, Une, was born on April the 9th without complications. A quick labour and a healthy baby weighing 4.27Kgs. Since then, as I'm sure with all babies, he's developed quickly. Now it's full speed over the floor, opening drawers and emptying their contents, finding his way into the dogs water bowl, eating us out of house and home and so on.

Norway has an excellent Maternity/Paternity support system, which has allowed us to share 10 Months of leave with more or less full pay, this finishes in February 2009. Mari took the first 4 months (apart from 2 weeks when she was on a course and I was full time daddy) and after that we've been sharing 50/50. I can't say it's always been easy, but I feel very priviledged to have been able to spend so much time with my son in the early days. It's also been good for Mari to be able to follow up on her PhD and Masters without loosing out too much.

Other than the baby, my new job is going well. There's been a bit of travelling but nothing too much. This year I've been to Morocco and Saudi amongst other places. Mari's Phd keeps her very busy, but she is enjoying the change and the challenges of it.

We had a big family holiday in a nearby chalet (on an island) before the Christning, it was great to have everybody in one place again. Also, this year hasn't been completely without some progress on various projects in the garden and the house. We stripped out and put new panelling and ceiling up before decorating the baby room, I've now got 2 functioning tractors (never knew how I managed with just one) and a "field" to use them in. All this and more can be found written earlier in the blog and on More-power for the mechanically interested.

Wishing all a merry christmas and all the best for 2009.

Down in the Basement - Part 1

2008-12-19T21:22:00.005+01:00

Some weeks ago, we had a couple of mates visiting who, in exchange for good food and company were put to hard work in the basement.

When this house was built in 1952, dried Clay was used as an insulation means between the basement and the house above. This was filled in on top of the ceiling before the floor boards were laid.

Whilst this does insulate to some extent, it is not as good as modern insulation and it invariably sinks leaving an air gap and hence, cold floors. This job has always been on the cards, and having a little one crawling about seemed like an important reason to do something about it.

So, once our guests had removed all the internal walls, shelves and so on,

leaving a clear (ish) working area.

We did our best to seal up the other half of the basement, got our PPE on (it's incredibly dusty work) and set to work.

The pile of timber at the end of the basement grew,

As did the clay in the trailer.

and after 7 hours, with one break for a drink and a new set of overalls and masks the job was done.

After an estimated 4 tons of clay was carried out of the basement and that's only half of it, I am truly grateful and in debt to my assistants, they worked heroically and once we had decided that we would get the job done, they wern't going to leave without doing it. All thanks and credit to them.

Saying that, I think I'm going to have to find someone else to help with the other half, I'm not sure they be so keen to visit again if that's on the menu!!

Kris Kindle 2008

2008-11-23T06:54:00.003+01:00

I've had requests to get the 2008 Kris Kindle advertising started, so here it is, get advertising......

We havn't recieved our letter yet, I will write some more blurb when we do. I am, however, led to believe that we are working in pairs as per last year.....

Update 29th November:

Well, our letter was waiting for me when I got back from a week in the middle east, and it seems the rules are unchanged from last year. It's couples again, and one assumes that everybody knows who they're buying for now. 100 Euros is the limit and those buying for Kid Sister and London Son, obviously, are to buy 2 seperate presents.

So, that's that, we all need adverts, nobody's got a clue what to get their chosen couple, and we havn't got a clue what we want, all suggestions greatfully recieved..........

My First - Part One.

2008-11-22T19:30:00.004+01:00

Ok, way behind with baby reports, so here's a set of FBS's first in picture form! As you can see he's worked out to look at the camera!

My First High Chair

(Taken: 25/09/08)

My First Fruit Puree

(Taken: 25/09/08)

My First Underwater Photo

(Taken: 3/10/08)

My First Reading Session with Farfar

(Taken: 5/10/08)

My First PPE

(Taken: 1/11/08)

Coming up in part 2, my first banana (if I can find the photo), trip under the fridge, pub lunch and much more......

Pumpkins.

2008-10-05T22:10:00.003+02:00

It's already down to 2.9 Degrees out there and threatning to freeze tonight, so I made the snap decision not to take the chance and to harvest the 2 pumpkins that have been allowed to mature down in the veg patch.

The largest of them has weighed in at 30Kg or 4 Stone 10lbs in old money, and needed a wheel barrow for transportation, although even that was a struggle.

The assistant gardener's been so impressed that he's decided to have a go himself next year, and we'll be competing for the largest specimen. I've already got some dutch seeds that are the worlds largest variety, from which the 690Kg world record pumpkin was grown. We'll both be using these seeds and now, we've got a good benchmark.

6 weeks in

2008-09-23T21:52:00.005+02:00

Well, a slight drop in salary indicates that I have now completed my mandatory 6 weeks of "Daddy Leave". I did 2 weeks in early July, and we've been working 50% each since the beginning of August.

That means that I have been at home, alone with First Born Son for a total of 30 Days already. Despite this, every day feels like the first! Not because it's a fight, or because of dread or fear(although it is a challenge), just because time flies and every day is different.

So, 6 weeks in, but a way to go, we continue on 50% each until the end of February 2009. I really do feel privileged to have this opportunity that not many men have and I really am enjoying getting to know my son as he grows and develops (at a rate of knots!).

A random baby photo for those of you who expect and demand them.

The Field, Part 3 - Looking Good.

2008-08-19T21:41:00.003+02:00

There was no way that we were going to be able to use all the field this year, especially with having already planted pototoes else where, so the tactic that we decided upon was limited planting under plastic and to harrow the unused ground often enough to keep the worst of the weeds away.

As you can see, the plan has worked pretty well. I've driven over the the harrow about every 2 weeks. Not only has this kept the weeds done, it's also broken up the cow muck, improving the look of the soil.

Growing under plastic looks to be an excellent idea, and will most likely become a regular feature in the field. Here you can see, a pumpkin, a courgette (which we are now enjoying) and Sweetcorn, which looks promising.

I'm very pleased with the results, it's a big change for the pile of rubble that was there 3 years ago, and it's given me the possibility to really use my tractors! Mechanised farming is the future.

Mint Garden, Part 2 - The Mint Steps

2008-08-17T21:41:00.005+02:00

So, the mint garden has been taking shape, in a hap-hazard bit here, bit there sort of way. As it's expanded a plan has started to form and being on a bank, it will needs some steps.

The plan is to build some steps down the gap between the Mint and the Red Currant and then a path longways along the bank with mint on both sides, above and below. I've been watching the neighbour preparing the area for his new cow shed and eyeing up some of the more step like stones.

A couple of weeks back, the real farmer was up there with his digger and I had the oppurtunity to fecth a couple of fine specimens. FBS got his first ride in a tractor, I was looking after him and life must go on, projects must continue!

So, two fine steps, I'll need a good few more, and the David brown to help put them in place (so they'll stay where they are until the Potatoes are havested). The real farmers going to start blasting rock soon, hopefully a few more like these will turn up.

Taking to the Bottle.

2008-08-08T09:44:00.002+02:00

I've had complaints, that there's too much Garden and not enough Baby on here. Apologies, I've got the whole summer to catch up on.

We started our first week of 50% leave each this week, Mrs VL went back to work on Monday, leaving me and FBS up to our own devices. Today, after three days at home this week, I'm writing this from the KLM lounge in Amsterdam, on my way towards 2 weeks in the middle eastern heat. So much for 50%, we'll make up for it when I get back.

An important part of keeping the little guy in good form is, oddly enough, getting the right amount of food in at the right times. Not having food on tap, this provides a certain challenge! Almost since birth, we have applied a policy of not letting more than a day go by without giving him a feed from the bottle. Mrs Vl has pumped dedicatedly and we have a stash in the freezer.

Not long before D-Day, our first day alone, FBS became increasing and worryingly difficult with the bottle. Fortunately, we've found the problem. It seems he's as determined and decided as his Mum and Dad put together. The answer was simple, he was going to "feed himself" from now on. He needs a fair bit of guidance, but he holds the bottle, often manages to position the teat in his mouth, and if he's hungry manages to hold it in one position once he gets milk out.

We've had no problems since, as long as he feels he's in control, everything is well.

The Field, Part 2 - Ploughing and Harrowing

2008-08-03T15:27:00.000+02:00

With the tree chopped down, that left us with a tree stump to move and the area to level out.

After fruitless hours of hard digging and root cutting and broken chains whilst trying to pull the stump out, the real farmer came up with a suggestion. Why not wait until he was passing in his digger and he'd whip the stump out in a jiffy.

It pays to have friends with equipment, within a few weeks the tree root was up, over 40 tons of soil and 20 cubic meters of cow muck had been added and the area was more or less levelled.

So, suddenly we had a big flat area ready for the next phase. Preparing the soil.

As you can see from the videos, the first efforts of Ploughing and Harrowing were not straight forward, the ground was far from flat and also quite soft in places. The tractor ended up at worrying angles all too often and the large quantities of fresh cow muck we're more inclined to build up on the plough and harrow than be broken up into bits.

By the end of these first attempts, things looked somewhat better, the area was close to acceptbly level and looked something like a prepared field.