Evening Both.

Heard that BB starts on June 5th, a Monday 8.30 Channel 5.

Was building the greenhouse today, 19c the weather and sunny, slight wind.

Built the rear gable, front gable, 2 sides, fitted it together then did the roof, made the door, a bit left to do on that, got the roof vent to make up, got rubber to fit in the door, rubber seal for all the areas covered by glass, big job, i think.

Glazing will be the last thing of course.

Put my shorts on and changed to a cotton shirt so i can open it when i get hot.

Mollie, Yes, what a dreadful thing to happen, it's hard to imagine the state of mind it takes to do a thing like that.

The colour of the yoke of an egg is determined by the diet, as far as i know.

Yes, that coast of Wales is just across from the Wirral, i think it's 4 miles from Parkgate, of course the Dee narrows as it goes up the coast, i used to look across when we went along the coast road. 

Emptybox, I see you had rain overnight, what a blow, the grass just stay sodden when it's like that.

I need to see if the roots are growing, i read a long time ago about propagating from a cutting, it's strange, the top grows as though it is planted in the ground but unless it produces roots you can't move it to a bigger pot.

I put the figs out in the sun again, i gave them a little water but don't want to overdo it.

I turned the watering off for the raised beds as it's a bit like them being in the ground, they don't dry out like tubs would, i think i will test the compost with my soil water testers, they are very accurate in saying how wet the compost is.

Had a burger for brekkie, i had some burger buns in and a shame to waste them.

I need some tea, think i will get a tin of tongue, love that stuff, i'll just eat it with a knife.

Hi Hicky.
Very sunny and warm here today.
Got a couple of grass cutting jobs done, a hedge cut and a big strimming job.

Well done getting most of the frame of the greenhouse up. I thought it might take you a lot longer than that.
Yes the glass will be a big job. At least you got into shorts and cotton top to keep cool.
Strange meals again. Burgers for brekkie and tongue out of a tin.

Can't understand how there are still kids missing after the Manchester bomb, when they say they have identified all of the dead? Very sad situation.

Watched 'How to Live Mortgage Free with Sarah Beeny' then The Trial.

Evening Emptybox.

One rather hot day, just been back outside and it's still 28c in the shade, i had to stop work during the day as it was just too hot, my summerhouse was over 30c and i had to come indoors to get down to 22c, well it's 24.3c in my room/office were my computer and tv is.

I've been putting the rubber strip that goes on all the edges of each section were the glass lies on so the rain doesn't come in.

The 64m of it is bad enough so i used the dimensions of the pieces of structure to cut the seal to length, for the roof section i needed 16 pieces, for the wall sections i needed 20 pieces and of course you have the gable ends, i cut most of the pieces first but it's a job abd a half fitting it.

I've fitted it to the roof section and one side but it's a bit fiddly.

As it was so hot i found a cooler spot in the gazebo and made up 1 of the staging kits, couldn't find any instructions but i think it's ok, it's a nice piece of kit for free, have a double one to build yet.

the glass is in a nailed crate, wonder why they don't screw the pieces of wood that they want you to remove to open it, it weighs a ton, and it says don't lie the case down, mind you one side seems to have different nails than the other so maybe thats a clue.

I only had an egg for brekkie as O/H said she was bringing me a fish and chips in at 1pm after she had been with her mum.

Will have to do a shopping list tonight as well, a mans work is never done.

I saw that about living mortgage free, but to pay a fortune to park your caravan or boat seemed to know the sparkle off it for me.

I think some of the original children/persons missing in the bomb attack was because they were by the bomber so nothing is left really until they count up the body parts, so sad and wicked, when they said there was 20 dead those were the ones they could account for, of course thats now 22 or more, but some of the badly injured might not make it either.

both xxx

Manchester...As we get to hear the personal tales of death and injury, we realise how damn cruel and uncomprehensible this whole thing is. Shocking how these tyes of murderers can celebrate inflicting such a thing on other humans. 

Hicky

that really sounds hard work doing the greenhouse, can't believe you are doing so well on it so far. Take care in the heat though, I am not surprised it was so hot there as we are not far from you now and it was just sweltering here!

I bet you enjoyed your fish and chips. Hope you don't forget anything nice on your shopping list.

Good to hear BB is on June 5th. Not long now.

Emptybox

glad you too got the good weather. Hope you did again today.

The last 2 days we have been to visit various pretty little beaches in Anglesey. The dogs loved it, although it was too hot for us to stay out so long today. Yesterday we also went to see the lighthouse near Puffin Island, very pretty lots of birds on it.

Watching Kathy and Alfie, then the Trail.

Son and daughter texted me today worried the kitchen was full of ants, they obviously didn't notice them coming in, so told them to keep spraying antiseptic spray on them.

Gosh going to be even hotter tomorrow, I think it will be just a quick visit to the beach tomorrow before us and the dogs get overheated! Can't complain though, better than pouring with rain.

OH's family have gone to Cyprus and it has been hotter each day here than there since they went!

Have a good evening both xx

Hi both.
Very hot day here as well. My van was saying it was 33 degrees. That's obviously a bit hotter than the real temp outside, but it was sweltering.
Grass cutting and cutting hedges.

I actually had symptoms today, I think because I was sweating more than I could drink in, and my pee was very concentrated, and it irritated the prostate.
I drank 2 litres of squash when I was out, and more at home, but it obviously wasn't enough when the sweat is lashing off. I'll just have to try to drink more tomorrow, because I've a lot to do.

Even I've got into my shorts and sandals tonight, although it's cooled down a bit now.

Sounds tricky work putting those rubber strips in Hicky? Not surprised you had to come in out of the heat.
Are you going to try to fit the glass yourself, or wait till the gardener can help?
The Scottish girl who was missing has now been declared as among the dead.
TBH that was always going to be the result unfortunately.

Hi Mollie. That's good that you are able to explore the local beaches while you are there. Hope it's not too hot for you and the dogs tomorrow.
That's not good getting ants in the kitchen. Not sure antiseptic spray will do anything to them, apart from drown them that is? Fly spray would probably kill them.

The ending of 'The Trial' was very interesting. Must admit, I would have said "not guilty" as well, as I thought there was reasonable doubt.

both

Emptybox

Sorry you are having symptoms, but as you say it is so hot and so hard to get the fluid down you that you need in your job, I guess it is no surprise it has triggered the symptoms off again. You obviously need a lot more than you thought you did. You have it as hot up there than anywhere then because my OH's car showed 34 when we set off! I think the air temperature is around 29 though. Hope you managed to get lots of fluid down today.

Yes the final episode of the Trial was real good. I too thought he was innocent, but as you say surely they have to have more factual evidence to convict someone than they had on him? I think I got it wrong when I thought I saw it was 15 episodes? That would mean 2 more cases, but don't think it is on again?

Wonder if it BGT all week next week, I know they have a special Corrie story on next week and that usually co-incides with the BGT final over bank hol week.

Hope HIcky is enjoying the hot weather but not overdoing it working on his greenhouse in this heat.

We decided it was just too unpleasantly hot to take the doggies to a beach today so we found somewhere to walk in the shade, and it was absolutely lovely.

We walked under the bridge of the Menai Straights that goes into Anglesey, Plenty of trees for shade, and the tide had come over the wall so the dog was able to paddle and we all got our feet wet walking through it. No complaints though as our shoes soon dried.

Thunderstorms are predicted tonight, then cooler weather, but who knows if the forecast is right?  I did hear they expect the roads to be real busy with holiday traffic today as it is school hols for a week and has been so warm.

Looking forward to Gogglebox tonight.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening Both.

A busy day here, so warm wow, high 20's with a little breeze, needed.

Started the day fitting more rain seal rubber, O/H wanted to take the Air Fryer we got back to Costco, i acked it all up and she said i could go and get my glasses as they were ready.

While we were in the returns debt at Costco another feller had one in his trolley as well being returned, he said he bought 3 of them and he hadn't used his as he found them online at £99, so we got the money back.

We then went to Birkenhead for my glasses, thats sorted now, have 2 new pair, 1 clear, 1 not clear.

Came back and put on some factor 30 on for being in the garden, have finished all the rubber seals, what a job, it took longer than it did building it, good fun though.

I have taken the 6 packs of glass from the crate, will get the porter trolley to take them down by the greenhouse, will start glazing tomorrow, Saturday, but want to watch when the F1 is on as well, that is tomorrow.

I keep sticking to the postit notes on my desk, darn it, i'm topless as it's 25.4c in my office.

Just had a steak and onion batch as O/H fancied them.

Mollie,  There are many cures for ants in the kitchen from vinegar, baking powder, washing up liquid, but i believe a tablespoon of jam, with a teaspoon of Borax mixed in will get rid of them.

I got my shopping from O/H, all as per written down, she will bring me stuff i don't ask for as well, not sure why.

Emptybox, Yes, the symptoms are most probably because you aren't drinking enough, you probably need to take a crate of 500 ml bottles of water or anything as long as it's liquid.

Yes, i'll put the glass in myself can't see a problem with that, i rang the gardener, i know he is mad busy but he didn't answer so he could have gone away for a long weekend.

It's going to be hard to sleep in this heat again.

A bit cooler tomorrow, more cloud as well.

Evening Mollie and Hicky.
A more comfortable day here. Still hot, but there was enough of a breeze to make it bearable to work in. My van only reported 26 degrees today.
Got some grass cutting and strimming jobs done.

The part came for my mower and I fitted it this afternoon. The mower is working, but for some reason it's making a noise when it starts up and stops. Sounds like something is catching, although the engine sounds OK. Think I'll have to take it apart again tomorrow to see if I can figure out what is wrong. It may be something simple, or it may be that the stone I hit did more damage than I originally thought?

Had to take the automatic window opener off my greenhouse. It must have been so hot yesterday that the opener opened too wide and pulled the window out of it's top bead. The window was lying on the outside of the greenhouse, and it had bent the opener. Not sure why the window came out of the bead, but I can't get it to go back properly, so it'll have to stay shut.
One of the back panes has self-opening slats, so that should let air in, and I can leave the door slightly ajar on hot days.

No more symptoms today, and my pee has returned to normal, so I'll just have to make sure I drink more on hot days.

Mollie, nice that you're exploring Anglesey and found somewhere to paddle. Thought you were staying a bit further east from there, when you said you could see The Wirral?
Hopefully they'll have another series of The Trial sometime, but it would be a bit much if it was on for three weeks in a row?
Equally I don't like it when BGT is on every night. I lose interest.

Hicky. Pity the fryer was faulty. Glad you were able to pick up your new glasses though.
Yes sun block was needed today. I smothered myself in Factor 30 as well. Well the exposed bits anyway.
That's brave, tackling the greenhouse glass by your self.
Hope you get better sleep tonight. Even I wouldn't mind it being a bit cooler.

Watched Posh Pawn then Lethal Weapon.

Afternoon guys.
Still warm here today, but cloudy. We've had spots of rain so far, but probably heavier stuff to come.

Got my mower fixed properly.
Took it apart and noticed a bit of wear on the key, which is a little half-moon shaped bit of metal that fits in a slot in the drive shaft and in a corrseponding slot on the blade boss. It must have been out of it's slot slightly and catching on something, making the noise.
Anyway, I put it back together, being careful with this key, and it now stops and starts without the noise.
Cut my own grass to test it.

Got my bolognese slow cooking in the oven for tonight's spag bol.
BGT tonight I guess?

both xxx

Emtybox

 So pleased to hear your symptoms have cleared, now all you have to do is keep those fluids up should we get hot weather again.

How annoying you can't use the greenhouse window.

Sounds like you did a great job on fixing that mower, I know how important it is at this time of year that the mower is functional.

Hope you enjoy your sphag bol, I bet it smells nice cooking in your slow cooker.

We are staying near Bangor, so not far from Anglesey, but we drove to Rhyl when I saw HIcky's house. (well not quite his house, but close by I reckon!).

Hicky

what a shame you had to take the cooker back. I am sure you will soon find another kitchen gadget you or OH fancy instead soon.

You are making good progress with the greenhouse, it can't be an easy job to tackle on your own.

Started off hot and stuffy here again today, so we avoided the scorching beaches and headed for Betwys Coed. Very nice little place with a miniture railway and nice walks. We visited a little 14th Century church and had ice creams outside a cafe.

It has cooled down tonight and a bit of drizzle, but as you say, it should make it easier to sleep. So we have been so lucky having this wall to wall sun all week we have been away. We go home tomorrow, and I have to look after mum bank hol Monday afternoon, my private carer needs a bit of a break as she has had her all weekend and Monday from 8.45 each day. She is great.

I think our relatives labrador will miss us as we have taken her out to new places each day. She normally does get taken out twice a day, but just the same local walk, so she got excited every time we took her out in the car.

Looking forward to BGT.

Evening Both.

Warmish at 22c but pretty windy, weather not as forecast at all.

It's gone very cloudy just now so it might be a storm coming.

I fitted the rest of the clips holding the greenhouse frames to the galv base.

Brought the rest of the glass packs from by the garage to the side of the raised beds by the greenhouse.

Finished building the staging and have put it in the greenhouse.

All ready to fit the glass now but will need less wind and a decent day first.

Emptybox, Glad you got your mower running again, when a noise is heard on start and finish it means that something is hanging loose which catches when it's running slow or there is some play that tightens up with speed, oh, i see it seems to be the keyway, as long as it's fixed.

About your greenhouse window, the bead on the top of the vent window has to be slid in from one end of the greenhouse, you can't put it back in from it's normal position, the opening is at each end of the alu profile, i found out trying to fit mine, had to study the installation sheets closely.

You probably just need to adjust the setting on the auto lever, you can usually reposition the plunger fixing to another hole so it starts to open later or turn back anti-clock the wax barrel to make the vent open later.

The Fryer wasn't faulty it was just that it was too small as we could get a small chicken to turn while using the spit so we couldn't see the point, and O/H said it took just the same time as to cook it in the oven.

Yes, BGT tonight.

Pity Lewis never made the cut in F1, he would have but someone crashed on his fast lap.

Mollie, O/H bought me a new duvet cover so i can use it as a sheet at night when it's hot, the duvet is so hot and it's a summer one, she tried to get me a bed sheet but they are all fitted types, strange.

There are a lot of small places to visit in Wales, an ice cream factory, a candle factory where the children make their own candles.

You have really picked a great week to come further North, your Mums carer will be glad to see you back, at least you've had a nice rest/change.

Yes, the Labrador will miss you all right, you were it's saviour i suppose, they love going out to new places, new things to smell.

Hope BGT is good tonight, had enough of the clowns. 

Hi both.

Since my last post I had a short ride on my bike and did some ironing.
But we had a heavy shower with thunder and lightening, and an accompaying short power cut.
But it only lasted a few minutes, then went back to some sunshine.

Hi Mollie. Ah yes, I see Bangor on the map. Sounds like you had a nice last day there?
Hope you have a better journey home. Yes I guess the carer is due a break.

Hicky. Pity the cooker turned out to be too small for your needs.
Yes definitely pick a calm day for doing the glass.

That makes sense about the window bead. I think I remember me and my Dad fitting it that way, so I'll take a look and see if I can put it back.
There's an adjuster on the automatic opener, but it's kind of rusted solid with age. But I might try refitting it, if I get the window back in properly.

TBH I've just been throwing the duvet off the last couple of nights. Not sure if it's much cooler here tonight?
Don't think there was anybody to stand out on BGT tonight. I see the 'chicken & chips' fella didn't make the live shows.

Evening Emptybox.

A very cloudy day here, 14c no sun to talk of, no wind either so i had a go at some glass, not as easy as it looks, thought i would put the glass into the opening window, it looks like you do it before you fit the window, anyway decided to, wow, it was hard to fit the window into the roof frame from the end nearest were the window goes, it was very difficult, if you let the window down in the wrong place the glass will break, it's a 2 handed job really.

Managed to get all the glass fitted in the roof section, wow, what a job, lining up and fitting the clips etc.

Needed a jacket on as the cool slight wind was annoying.

I had to make a list of what was in the glass packs incase the paper sticker on the pack washed off if it rained, marked the packs with the number 1 to 6 as on the front, you would think they would give you a list of whats in what in the installation drawings.

O/H made a roast chicken dinner before, very nice to.

I believe we had rain last night, the storms forecast never arrived, the wind yesterday probably steered them away.

We sent them your way.

I nearly had to swap the duvet cover for the duvet last night, but morning arrived just in time.

Chicken and Chips, omg, what was the point in putting these clowns through, it gives them false hope when really they have no hope, crazy.

Hope Mollie had a good journey back?

Hi Hicky.
Still warm here today, although it was mostly cloudy. No more rain yet though, and when the sun came out this afternoon, it was into the 20s.

Very warm overnight, in fact it was the most uncomfortable night so far. I guess the house hasn't cooled down yet. I had to sleep outside the covers, and put an electric fan on. Even then I didn't get much sleep.

Thought the glass fitting would be tricky. Well done on getting the roof sections done anyway.
I tried putting my window back into it's bead, starting from the edge of the greenhouse, but it would slide in so far and no further, Think things may have twisted a bit over the years, and now it won't go back properly. Still it's quite happy sitting outside the bead and it won't fall or slide out. So I think I'll leave it for now.

Glad you enjoyed your roast chicken.
I'm just about to go and make my supper. Think I'll have steak pie?
Think I might watch that 'Handmaid's tale' tonight.

Evening Emptybox.

A lot cooler today, a miserable day for the Bank Holiday anyway, 17c with rain most of the morning with cloud all afternoon.

Picked more Asparagus when the rain stopped, on studying the greenhouse drawings i noticed i have been fitting the spring clip back to front, didn't know it would go 2 ways, it was certainly holding the glass well enough but i had to change them all so they matched the sketch, it was easy enough but it seemed strange it could go on back to front.

Had my fried tomato's for brekkie with bacon and mushrooms.

For midday i had potted shrimps, for tea i had 2 Lobsters, 8 Scallops, 8 King Prawns, with a little Seasoning., with some Lime Juice, i didn't have any rice etc in case it detracted from the original taste.

Not a lot on TV, just flicking through each hour to see what there is, each hopeful i select then carry on at the rnd whatever is active is what i watch.

If it's not too bad tomorrow i'll carry on with the glass, not decided how to arrange things, have got the 2 staging units down one side, 1 being a single the other a double, but on the other side (the West) not sure what to do about the growing medium, i have some big tubs that i could use but i don't have much compost as the stuff i had has been buried under new grass and shredded card.

 It wasn't so hot last night, i had to put my duvet back on.

/trying to fit the greenhouse window back in is fiddly, you have to get the end of the section that slides in vertical then you have to keep it all horizontal to be able to slide it down the profile section.

I have lots of those tinned (Fray Bentos) steak pies in the cupboard, keep forgetting to each them.

Hi Hicky.
Much more comfortable here overnight as well.
Also a miserable day here too, with drizzly rain all day, so no work.
I got my April accounts done anyway.

Pity you had to refit a lot of clips Hicky, but better to get them the right way round to hold the glass in securely.
Unfortunately that side of my greenhouse is up against a hedge, so difficult to get a step ladder in to get the window in easily.
Hope you get better weather tomorrow to get more glass in.
Those sound like nice meals, although I don't think I'd have had all that seafood without any rice or anything.

Watched BGT, The mind readers were good. Glad they got through.

Evening Emptybox.

A lot of cloud and rain showers for most of the day.

It was 17c with cloud and a little wind.

I started fitting glass in between showers, the way the glass was packed it meant i could put the large panes in position under where i could fit the odd shapes and sizes so i didn't have to stack odd pieces so i ended up with whole sheets in the packs which made life easy.

Somehow i am a z clip short which goes between overhanging panes, the pack says i got 52 so i must have dropped one, i did find 1 on the slate so maybe i dropped 2.

I managed to get all the glass in so thats sorted, i also fitted the window opener.

I've ordered some more watering system parts for when i rig the greenhouse out for auto watering.

The clips i put on the roof glass back to front held the glass about the same as when i turned them around, maybe i could have left them but it wasn't such a problem to change them.

Oh, if the side of your greenhouse is against a hedge then it makes things very hard, i don't have anything i can't walk around.

I just had beans on toast for brekkie, later i had sof cheese on crackers, tonight i had fried mushrooms, Chorizo & tomato with fried Salmon.

Not sure if i watched BGT, will see them when they are live.

I have tome to think about what to put inside the greenhouse now.

both xxx

Hicky

I see you have all the glass fitted now and the window opener, so you have done well. It will be interesting to see what you decide to put in the greenhouse.

Pity the air fryer was too small. Do you still use the halogen oven? We use ours quite a lot for smaller things.

Emptybox

shame you got the drizzle, but at least it gave you chance to do the accounts. We had a drier day today than yesterday, so you might of done too? That's a shame you can't get to the greenhouse window because of the hedge.  Is your mower still going ok now?

I see you went on a little ride on your bike, good to use it after you did all that work on it.

We had a long journey back from North Wales. The endless groups of cyclists drove us mad! We averaged 20 miles an hour for the first 30 miles because of them round the winding rounds. The worst thing is when they ride 2 or 3 next to each other, so leave a long line of traffic behind them. We left 12.30, had a couple of quick stops, but didn't get back till 7pm.

And I have been real busy since I got home. Had to do food shopping then had mum yesterday, fortunately it was dry enough to take her out round the park. Today I managed to get 7 washloads on the line, will do the rest tomorrow, and had to catch up with a load of paperwork.

Enjoyed BGT last night and tonight, and Corrie as usual.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Hicky.
Started out sunny here, but at noon it got cloudy and windy. Then the rain came on for a while at 3pm. But it was light and I just carried on till I got the job done.
But it's been a lovely sunny warm evening.

Had to take the mower apart again, as it's was still making noises when started and stopped. Fixed it again by filing a little sticking out bit on that little metal key thing. But it may be that it'll continue making noises? It's cutting fine though, which is the important thing.

Well done getting all the glass fitted, despite the weather. Good going just losing one clip, although annoying.
Yes it's a bit annoying with the hedge so close to the greenhouse. I can just about slide in to cut the hedge, but there's not enough room to get steps in.

It is the live BGTs that are on every night this week Hicky. Final on Sunday.
Pity the girl opera singer didn't get through tonight, but that silly comedian did.

Oh Hi Mollie.
Glad you got home OK, but that's a very long journey.
Almost takes you as long as it takes me to get from here to my Uncle in Norfolk, and that's over 300 miles.
Very annoying to be held up by all the cyclists.

I went out on the bike to see if the chain would stay on, as my Brother adjusted it a bit for me, after it kept coming off last year. It stayed on for my little trip. But it was a very little trip.
Unfortunately I live half way up a hill, so a bike ride is going to be annoying either starting off or coming home, whichever way I decide to go. So I don't think I'm likely to become a frequent cyclist.

Pity you've been so busy since you got back, but at least you could take your Mother round the park.

Evening Both.

Weather better today, 20c and sunny all day, dull at 4pm ish.

didn't do much, the extra watering fittings and pipe i ordered came this morning, i only ordered it all yesterday, wow.

Moved 2 of the fig trees that are in 12" pots into the greenhouse, i usually have them outside but with having a greenhouse, that will do fine.

I think i will have to see O/H about visiting a garden centre to get a few veg plants for inside the greenhouse.

Had soft boiled eggs for brekkie with a tub of shrimps midday, just had a Fray Bentos Pie, steak.

Will watch BGT later, not a lot on.

I see with BB starting on the 5th, Love Island starts the same day.

Mollie, I can't remember what happened to the Halogen oven, strange, it didn't move here.

Yes, cyclists on the road is such a problem, i think they have the greatest death toll of all road users but they still ride.

7 Washloads, thats an industrial scale job you have.

Emptybox, Strange the mower key starting making a noise again, is it the right key or isn't it fitting into the housing correct?

I rang them about the glazing clip, they are sending a pack out.

Don't know why the comedian got through, unless it was because he was Ant&Dec's golden choice.

Saw this 4 winged insect in the greenhouse, took a few picture, this one shows the size, it must be 4" across easy.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBLERQ3WAAAEcRB.jpg

Hi Hicky.
I saw your insect pic on Twitter, and spent 10 minutes looking at pics of insects, but couldn't see anything similar.
4 wings usually mean a primitive sort of fly, like a dragonfly or damselfly, but that doesn't look like either.
But I'll guarantee it'll have "fly" at the end of it's name.
Occasionally normally 2 wing flies have a mutation that gives them an extra set of wings. Possibly could be that?

Lovely sunny day here. Only a little cloud in the sky and up to 22 degrees (in the van). Got plenty of work done.

The mower is still making a little noise. The metal key has some wear on it; some grooves that weren't there before. Might mean it's moving out of it's slot?
If it makes more noise I might swap it for the one in my old mower and see if that's better.
The key is the thing that keeps the boss turning with the shaft. Without it it would just be the bolt holding it all together.

Glad your watering parts came.
Yes, might as well make use of the greenhouse for the fig plants.
Finally getting stuck into the Fray Bentos pies eh?

BGT OK, but I think the girl singer should have got through rather than the little boy though.
I see they've brought the final forward to Saturday night, so it doesn't clash with the Manchester concert.

Evening Emptybox.

A pretty hot day here, told O/H i needed some stuff for the greenhouse, we went the Carr Farm centre when she got back from her mother.

I got some large 50cm saucers and some 34cm ones, got a 15" pot and some pepper and cucumber plants with 3 bags of JI, 2x3 & 1x2, and O/H bought them because i didn't have help building the greenhouse, she was going to pay the gardener but i couldn't get hold of him.

Been preparing the pots for the plants, it gets pretty hot in the greenhouse.

It gives me more room in the summerhouse though.

So if i want a sit-down, i have a swing, 2 benches outside, a gazebo with 2 benches, a summerhouse with tea and coffee, a garden shed and a greenhouse. 

Yes, it was a strange 4 winged chap, the size amazed me, glad they don't bite or sting, it does seem there are so many types but most have a longish body which this doesn't have.

Is the mower key hardened steel? it doesn't have to be tight, isn't the bolt just to stap the key falling out, the key is just to take the enormous torque when starting/running if it makes a noise on start/stop then it's not really a problem, i assume a new one would have no wear, or has the shaft got worn, if the key is hardened steel then that won't wear the shaft will, you need to know where the wear is first, and is there any play between the 2 parts with the key in place but not the bolt, is there a washer under the bolt.

With the weather being warm i forgot about the pies, i think they last for ever really but i have about 6 of them.

I like to vary what i eat every day, so i don't get bored.

Got to make my food list out tonight, such a chore

I give up with BGT, there's no logic in the voting. 

both xxx

Emptybox

what a nuisance the mower is still playing up, hope your idea of switching the part  with the old one works.

Yes I agree the girl singer should not of gone last night. Must be young kiddies voting as the real young ones seem to be getting voted through.

That is goood the chain stayed  on the bike even though it was just a short ride. Hopefully if go further, it will be ok now.

Hicky

You have a good choice of sit down places to enjoy, which is good after you have been busy in your garden. That's good they are replacing your lost clips.

Glad you enjoyed your pie. Good job they keep so long.

Wow, that is a weird flying insect. And big too if it was 4 inches. Hope it wasn't one of those hornet things, but I think they don't have 4 wings.

Wonder what you have on your food list tonight? 

Am enjoying BGT, but didn't think tonights was as good as last nights. Hoopla man was quite amusing though.

Took dog a walk quite late last night as I was watching BGTon earlier . It was nearly dark and we saw around 10 bats. Gosh they fly quickly and all over the place. I was a bit worried in case one flew and got stuck in my air but OH said they have some sort of sonar system so avoid us. Hope so , as I am going out late again tonight. Did the bats move on from your house in the end Emptybox. Hope you are remembering to drink lots in this warm weather.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hi both.
Cloudy and cooler today with some rain this evening.
Got 2 or 3 jobs done, but then my mower broke.

It's the lugs on the blade boss that have gone again. And I didn't even hit a stone this time. So it only lasted a week.
Fixed it easily at home, as I had the spare boss. But it's no good if it breaks again in a week.

Have ordered another couple of bosses from Ebay, as they are only £12 each, but that will mount up if I have to keep replacing them.
Used a different seller, just in case they are better quality, but I doubt it.
The alloy is just too soft. I know it's a safety feature to stop the shaft and engine being damaged if the blade hits a stone, but has to allow me to do some of the rough patches that I'm asked to do, or it's of no use to me.

Tried to get the key off the old mower, but the boss has rusted on and it wouldn't budge. I can get one from Ebay if necessary.
The key is steel Hicky, but not sure how strong it is. 
Just seems this mower is very badly designed. Doubt I'll get the same make next time. If I could just work out a way of keeping the blade on tight it would be OK.
Gardening professionally has it's good points, but there's no doubt that trying to find reliable equipment is a huge bugbear.

That's nice that your OH bought you some gardening stuff Hicky.
Good that you've got plenty of choices of where to sit down.
Surely you weren't looking for logic in the voting patterns of the British public?

Late night dog walking Mollie? Yes the bats should avoid you, but they can get confused.
No sign of any bats for me Mollie, thank goodness.
Hopefully I'm drinking enough now, but it's not been as warm as last week, so not sweating as much anyway.
I agree BGT wasn't very good tonight.

Evening both.

A rather wet & dull day, rain stopped and moved on, did some work in the greenhouse, wanted some cane structure to support plants, i found 6 angle brackets in the sheds, drilled a 6mm hole so they could be fixed to the greenhouse side frames, i had already bought the fixings ahead of time as i like fixing stuff to the sides, need shelf brackets as well.

Planted the pepper and cucumber plants, it was 25c inside without any sun, if i get the chance to get more plants i will.

My shopping arrived as usual, so hard this retirement lark.

Just had tomato soup and spiced pork ribs.

Mollie,  The bag of clips arrived, only needed 1, have fitted it anyway.

Yes, a big fly that one, it must have sneaked into the greenhouse, afterwards i let it fly away, it was so big i could follow it's flight.

I pick the food list from a list i made that has everything on it, i just see what i'm low on, i also look in the cupboards, it works well really.

Bored all ready with BGT.

I don't think the bats will get caught in your hair, i remember seeing them flying over an outdoor pool in the Singapore and some came too low over the water and ditched, can't remember if we gave them a hand to get out or not.

Emptybox, I'm confused with the mower problems, the boss that goes, can you get original parts form the mower manufacturers, also the key ways, can you get them from the same place, the problem with buying from other sources is, are they the real thing or are they fake, unless they say on the parts somewhere that they are from the mower spares place then you could be on a loser.

The key would be steel but there are a lot of grades of steel, is the key wearing or is it as good as new? if it has no wear then it's probably hardened.

Yes, i suppose looking for logic in voting pattens could be a bit much.

A nice day expected tomorrow anyway.

Have a nice weekend both of you. 

Evening Hicky.
Wet overnight, but dried up quick and turned into a sunny warm day.
Pity you got the wet weather.
That's good you got your plants in and got the brackets sorted. It was nice and warm in your greenhouse anyway.

Mowed a big lawn with my mower and it gave no problems. It was a nice smooth lawn, so no chance of hitting stones.
Then I went home and swapped the mower for my spare one, and went and cut a more rough garden. I think I'll try to remember to use the spare one more for the rougher areas, to try to preserve the newer one.

I've been buying these bosses from 2 or 3 different Ebay sellers. Not sure if they are genuine Mountfield parts or after-market replacements? Probably the latter.
They're not fake, they just advertise that they fit my mower.
I've now found a seller of genuine Mountfield spares, and they are no more expensive, so I might buy from them in future.
https://www.mountfieldspares.direct

This is the third Mountfield mower I've had, and the lugs on the blade boss on the first two broke off quite quickly as well, so don't think the original parts were up to much either. But the difference is, with the first two I could just tighten up the blade and it carried on working. With this current one the blade keeps coming loose without the lugs holding it, so I've had to keep replacing the boss.

I see on that diagram in my link, the key is called a "woodruff key". There is a couple of little grooves that have been worn in it, so it can't be that strong. When I put it together again yesterday I turned this key around, and it's not making a noise at the moment, so I'll have to see.
The boss fits various different mowers, so that diagram doesn't show my exact mower. On mine the blade is 53cm, and the key is half moon shaped not rectangular. But the part number of the boss is the same.
Boss on Ebay

Hope you are right about a nice day tomorrow, as I'll have to work (using the spare mower )
Another not very good episode of BGT tonight. IMO.
I see they seem to be officially announcing some of the BB housemates already.
I'll not post a link so as not to tempt Mollie.

both xxx

Emptybox

how annoying you are still having mower problems, HOpe the weather held and the spare mower managed to get your job done problem free.

Gosh, wonder why they are showing HM's already? Thanks for not letting on, as you know I like to see them all new on launch night.

Hicky

your greenhouse was really warm considering no sun was on it, I see you have started planting already.

That's good you have a prove and tested system for your food ordering.

Yes I agree BGT was not much good again yesterday. Should be an easy choice for them to bring back that young girl singer for the wild card.

Bit drizzly on and off today, but not too bad.

Haven't been able to go into Cardiff this week, as it is crowded with some football thing (a team from Madrid and one from Spain). So they have closed a lot of roads.

So went to the coast instead and had a walk down seafront.

Wonder who'll win BGT? Maybe the good girl singer if she comes back as a wildcard?

Have a good day both xxx

Afternoon Mollie.
Been a nice sunny day here. A bit cooler with the wind, but not bad at all.
Did a couple of big jobs today, just in case next week is wet.
Did grass cutting with the spare mower, and a lot of strimming.

Unfortunately I am now battling a very bad back, low down on the left hand side. I can hardly walk at times, but just about managed to do my jobs. It's OK when sitting and lying down, but when I walk each step is painful.
I've even taken to using one of my Dad's old walking sticks in the house, as that takes the pressure off.
When I'm working it seems to ease off after a while, I suppose with the exercise, but is still a nuisance.
Hopefully it'll ease soon.

Pity you couldn't get into Cardiff Mollie, but at least you managed a seafront walk.
Bet it'll be one of the kids that win BGT.

Evening Both.

A bit better today, only 17c but more sun, but also cloud, didn't get rain, not much wind.

Didn't do much, moved the bug hotel as it got too much sun, I'd have to supply sun glasses for the bugs, i was looking at it the other day and a leaf was moving.

will be able to make shelves out of some of the wood from the old compost box, the wood i made the bug hotel from, it's 6" wide and so are the brackets i've ordered.

I've put the plastic sheet over the grape vines to see how it goes, while the wind was low, i've cut one of the vines up as it had no fruit on it, i don't give it any more chances.

The gardener rang, he's been too busy, next door needs him as well, he's popping in Monday, he can help feeding the trees.

I tried something with a piece of Flank Steak, i usually use it for curries but i had a feeling it would make a good instant steak if i sliced it then and flash fried over high heat, well it was scrumptious, could n't believe it, it even had a fat streak though it like Ribeye, anyway, well worth a try, another string to my bow, so to speak. 

Emptybox, Looking at the spares on the link, i see the key, they are normally half moon, never heard of a rectangular key, the real name woodruff is standard i think.

It's just confusing having the lugs go on the boss, have you spoken to the manufacturers about it, i can't see that you should have to keep replacing parts when using the mower for normal cutting.

I would have thought if the lugs were acting as a safety section then they would have been a separate part as an add-on to a boss, to replace the big boss to replace the lugs isn't right.

I was wondering if you could drill a couple of holes where the lugs break off and screw a couple of self tappers in to give the blade some resistance when turning, i assume the boss is only cast aluminium anyway so it's easily drilled.

Wonder what's done your back in, thats bad news, are you going to get it looked at.

Glad you had a nice day, apart from your back of course.

Mollie, Yes, it's such a chore making out food shopping lists, but somebody's got to do it.

But O/H keeps putting stuff in that i don't ask for, won't say anything of course.

I'll watch the final of BGT tonight, the other stages were a joke.

Pity you couldn't get into town, but the beach sounds good to me.

I noticed they have released the 1st 6 HM's ahead of Monday, also Love Island starts on Monday as well at 9pm, think BB is starting early at 8.30 to pip them to the post.

Mind you i'll record Love Island.

Hi Hicky.
Would have thought bugs would love being in the sun? Although I suppose they could cook if it got too hot.
That was a bit harsh, cutting up the vine? It might have just been a late developer.
Glad your experiment with the flank steak turned out delicious.

I've tried boring holes in the boss before, and putting a bolt in, but it just broke that as well. Mind you, I only bored one hole, which might have destabilised it. Might experiment again; after all, I've now got plenty of bosses with the lugs broken off.
Haven't spoken to anybody about it. Just think it's a bad design.

Not sure what's done the back in? I have problems with it every now and again, and it usually gets better by itself after a few days. If not I'll need to get it seen to.
Actually it was sore on the other side last week, but not as bad, so It might be that put strain on the other side?
I'm quite  comfortable sitting down, but I can't afford to take a few days off unfortunately.

Watching the BGT final on +1, as I was having a bath earlier. My back was very comfortable in the bath.
Going to watch my recording of Doctor Who later.
Quite looking forward to that benefit concert in Manchester tomorrow. It's televised on BBC1 from 7pm.

Good evening Emptybox.

A rather up and down Sunday here, cloud, sun, cloud sun, not nice really, 16c cool with slight winds.

Didn't do much just potted about in the garden, sealed a couple of holes in the greenhouse corners by the guttering, it's just that you have to seal them up with something if you want them blocked, anyway, a bit of tape on the outside and a couple of squeezes from a tube of clear silicone does the trick.

O/H made a roast dinner so that saved me cooking, had some more  that Flank for brekkie with some mushrooms, bacon and hash browns, and Shorizo.

I think most bugs like dark places, where i had it got too much sun, it went into cloud later in the afternoon but it didn't look right.

The vine had had 2 years, it wasn't one i have grown before and it didn't really look happy and it didn't have any strong growth so i won't waste time on it, this other one has some bunches coming and is growing like mad, might see if i can use some of the strong laterals growing this year to route across to the other side as additional arms.

It does seem the lugs are either big enough or strong enough to take the expected torque, something sure doesn't seem right.

do you think it's just a muscle in your back that has been strained, if it was much more it would sort itself in a few days surely, it could be associated with one of the jobs you do, or moving your mower around maybe.

I'll record the Manchester Concert so i don't miss it

both xxx

Emptybox

Sorry to hear your back is playing you up. So awkward for you as it is your busy time. If I get a bad back, I find a hot water bottle against it helps a lot, or maybe get this to try? ... I find these help a lot and at £8.99, are well worth the money.

http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/...igital-pain-reliever

Did you have a day off work today as its Sunday and go and get your shopping/newspaper. Hope your back improves soon

Hicky

Nout surprised you don't complain about OH adding things to your food list. It would certainly not be nice if she took them off the list though! 

You'll be supplying cool lemonade next in your over heated insect hotel.

Hope you can cool it down some how.

Bet you enjoyed the roast your OH made.

Luckily the morning rain cleared into a nice day today. Because I have mum for a long time Sunday afternoons, it is much better when I can take her out and about. Went to park to watch kiddies play, then down seafront to pub who have outdoor singers, Lots of surfers/swimers as it was a good surf. Thankfully mum was not too grizzly and ate well today, so I could eat my tea daughter had made me, without needing to dash to the wine bottle as soon as I got home from mums.

She made me Jersey potatoes today with chilli beans/peas. Yummy..

Am enjoying watching the concert. Fave so far are Little Mix, and Robbie.

Looking forward to  Coldplay, Justine Beiber and Kate Perry.

I think the right one won BGT, think he is very talented.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening both.
Not bad day here at all. a wee shower this morning, but otherwise warm and sunny.
Should have cut my own grass really, but thought I'd give my back a break.
But did get my paper and do the supermarket as usual.

Back easing up a bit this evening. It's still sore, but I'm not walking bent over now, I can actually stand up nearly straight. But it's still uncomfortable to stand for any length of time; doing the dishes for instance.
I'm hopeful that it's getting better though.

Good that you've got the holes in the greenhouse sealed Hicky. Better that you can control any air coming in, with the opening window etc.
That's good that one of your vines is doing well at least.
Yes I'm fairly sure it's muscular pain in my back.

Thanks for the link Mollie. I know you like these TENS machines. I might look into getting one. In the meantime I bought some Freeze gel in Sainsburys today.
Glad you got the good weather to take your Mum out to the park and to the pub. Sounds like a nice tea your daughter made for you.

I watched the whole of the concert, most of it was very good. The Gallagher brother turning up at the end was a surprise. Think it was Liam?
Coldplay were really good. 

Evening Both.

A lousy day here wall to wall rain so did very little, 15c rain and wind.

The gardener came next door and worked all afternoon in the rain, he must have been in a right mess when he finished, if he had come to me i was going to suggest he comes another day.

Had a strange brekkie, i just fancied what i had once in Singapore, in one of the cheap eating places with the kitchen in the dining area and you walk around the vats of food to select what you fancy,

It was a big vat of thin curry juice with pices of chicken on the bone, i had some chicken pieces from last nights meal in the fridge so i made a weak madras curry and put the chicken in with some onion, i then boiled some rice, there was enough curry for a few meals so had another meal tonight, it still leaves another meal now.

Midday i had a pack of shrimps with a little pepper and vinegar.

Looking forward to BB at 8.30, have put Love Island down to record.

My old boss rang me to see how i was, he said he's retiring in 2 years.

Mollie, The insect hotel is a lot cooler now it's on a South Fence facing North, i think it will take time to get it all inhabited, probably because there is no reception are so it could get double booked.

I like Little Mix, haven't watched the show yet but have it recorded.

That was a nice meal your daughter made for you, such a lelp when you get in and need a rest.

Emptybox,  Glad your back has eased, you can do without that when your working.

This big plastic sheet is interesting, the one i have put over the frame of the raised bed that has my vine in, also onions and shallots, it's just the right size, tjhe 3m side reaches both ends of the frame and the 4m hangs 2m each side, i can loosen a side off and get under the plastic to check on the vine.

Yes, sealing the gaps created by the section design might aid humidity as thats what the plants need, it might help if i wasn't in and out of it ever 2 minutes.

both xxx

Emptybox

glad your back is easing and it is easier to stand. It was a good idea to give yourself a break yesterday. Did you work today? If so , hope your back held up and the mower didn't let you down.

Hicky

shame the weather was too bad for you to do anything.

Wonder why the gardner did all that work next door in that awful weather?

That was a bit of an unusual but tasty brekkie mix.

That's nice to know your old boss hasn't forgotten you.

Yes your insects sure don't want any double bookings, now they have a nice cool area to live in.

I think you will enjoy watcing Little Mix, they sang great and looked good in their costumes too.

I bet your produce will do well with the help of the plastic sheeting.

Really wet day today. So we went to Costco to get a bit of shopping. Had a few food samples, but there aren't so many there in the week as at the weekends. Didn't mind though, as we had lunch there, and it only came to £11.70 for 4 of us! I had jacket potato , beans and cheese, with coleslaw on top. Daughter had hot dog with chilli, OH had chicken wrap and son had hot dog. Included in that price was a refillable coke, 2 orange juices and an ice cream with caramel sauce.

Really looking forward to BB, I love launch night, I like to see the house looking all nice and new when Emma goes in , and I like to meet the HM's one by one, even though their videos are usually rubbish.

Enjoy the show.

Evening both.
Wet here all day, and unlike Hicky's gardener, I'm strictly a fair weather worker.
Plus my back is still sore, so better to take the opportunity to rest it.

I thought I was used to your strange breakfast choices Hicky, but chicken madras curry will take some beating.
Nice to get a call from your old boss. I'm sure once the word goes round your insect hotel will be fully occupied.

Hi Mollie. Pity you had to pay for lunch rather than raiding the free Costco samples. But that was good value anyway.

Watching BB without any great enthusiasm. Nobody seems particularly nice so far, but I guess it's early days?

Evening Both.

A rather nasty day here 14 with rain most of the day and gale force 50 mph winds.

It blew the cover off my vine, i hadn't noticed we were having gales or i would have made it more secure, can't put it back now till the wind drops, which is Wednesday i think.

Just made a minced beef hotpot for tea, O/H wasn't impressed with the ingredients as she is a purist, she turned her nose up at tomato puree, mustard, Worcester sauce, 7 spice, and tinned tomato's, oh and some chilli sauce.

Watched the recording of Love Island, this is going to be a good series, it usually is, the girls all look like models or could pass off as Miss UK any day.

Had to put some support for 1 of the apple trees as i was worried it would break from the roots the way it was being thrown about, mind you the apples and pears are hanging on for dear life.

My brackets came for the shelving, will sort the shelves out when the weather picks up, it was lovely and still in the greenhouse and 20c which was ok considering what it was like outside.

Mollie, I was surprised the gardener kept working, he took his hat and coat off as he was probably getting hot then it poured down, later he put them all back on, he must have been soaked through, he just seems to ignore the weather and carry on regardless.

No, you need to go at the weekend to get the samples at Costco, O/H doesn't like going at the weekend as it's so busy.

That meal for 4 with drinks is so good, you couldn't get that for that price anywhere else could you?

I enjoyed the BB launch, love the HM's will be a very interesting series for sure.

Emma looked lovely as well.

The HM's don't get to see their video before they go in, most are absolute rubbish and do them no favour at all.

Emptybox, I had a very standard brekkie today, a toasted bun with 3 fried eggs over them, so normal.

Yes, my ex boss was once my apprentice, in 1976 he started work, he has one of those memories that can recall any part of past time, he really is remarkable and that is what has got him were he is now, he's like one of those Eggheads off the tv, we will always keep in touch with working together for about 40 years.

The suns out now, wind still blowing a gale though.

Just had a dish of my Hotpot, wow, it's better than expected, have enough for a meal tomorrow as well.

Am going to watch Love Island at 9pm then BB at 10pm, will record Rylan so i can skip him talking, about himself.

both

Emptybox

good idea to rest your back whilst the weather is so bad. HOpe it eases soon.

Yes I was not too fond of any of the HM's I saw either, but as you say, it is early days. Don't forget to try the hot water bottle on your back, heat is  usually a real help. Or mayb try the TENS if it does't clear?

Hicky

pity the wind blew your vine cover off. Let's hope this wind dies down soon. It was extremely windy too here. Blew the top part of the swingchair off. OH has put it in the garage now. It was more like autumn today than June! I even had to wear my coat when I took the dog out. At least it was dry though.

Glad you enjoyed your mince beef hotpot, pity your OH was not keen though. (or is it? As that means there is more for you!?).

Your boss sounds quite an interesting character.

BB time now.

Did you notice that hotel Alex had a new show on C5 tonight? I watched it. (well half watched as I had jobs to do ready to watch BB!).

Looking forward to BB now. I bet we all guessed the one voted in would be the best looking young male one? (I am guessing due to the young female vote?)..

Enjoy the show. xxx