Above: this is what I am working with - grass, Celendines (I can cope with those), nettles, ivy. The ivy fights back and the nettles and grass are pernicious as they grow beneath the membrane - in fact the grass threads through it like it's been sewn in! There were brambles too, but I've cut all those down and managed to pull a few roots up.
The cleared areas - one top left and two darker bits to the right of it have fresh bark chippings down and these two darker bits I did this morning and put new membrane down, double thickness.
Right, I need to sit down for a bit so will try and get the last bit of machine quilting finished on the Random Quilt.
We all have days like that BB and as far as I am concerned the older I get the more the occur.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a busy week and I did a fair bit of driving on Wednesday (though Keith probably did more, come to think of it). I just get down because of having to get everything perfect before the house goes back on and then trying to keep it that way, to no purpose.
ReplyDeleteWe tried a long time to sell our previous home. But it happened in the end. x
ReplyDeleteWe have nearly sold it a couple of times, and have had people who raved about it and then we never heard from them again . . . We first started trying to sell it 10 years ago, so you can imagine our frustration - though it's had to come off the market several times for various reasons.
DeleteHappy March 1st.! Take a day off and do something fun. Have you ever had nettle soup? Growing up my Dad made a sting nettle soup that was very plain and had barley in it. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteI did want to take the day off, believe me Judy! It was one of those days when stuff had to be done though. I will sit down tomorrow, I promise. Stinging Nettle soup would definitely mop up a few of the beasties I have growing about the place.
DeleteHi BB, sorry you are down in the dumps. Its been too long a winter and a couple of nice days send us all to sixes and sevens. I had to go into town today walking and it was perishing so I went in my nice thick coat with a gilet underneath, a fleece sweatshirt and a long sleeved top. I am glad I did. Nettles were originally used to detox the body after a winter of eating heavily preserved foods like pork that were cured with salt. Apparently it flushes out all the toxins and that is why more than anything else it is traditional to eat in the early Spring. There is a link here, although not comprehensive https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/7645974/Nettles-Bad-guys-come-good.html.and here. I think I should be looking into this also.
ReplyDeleteMum always used to make nettle wine, which is lush (gentle taste of ginger when she made it) a very sweet white wine.Nettle cordial is meant to be good for you, nettle tea. It is also apparently good for people with asthma. My grandfather always used to "nettle" himself and funnily enough he never really had arthritis, in a family where it prevails. Hope tomorrow is a lot brighter. Hugs. Looking forward to seeing your quilt. Take care Tricia xx
I think our ancestors relied on the humble nettle for many things - at Colchester Museum one year I was fascinated by a lady who was spinning nettle fibre - you ret it like you do flax, in a retting pit (stinky!) and then draw the fibres out by using a heckle (have one).
DeleteNot made nettle wine, but Keith used to have Nettle tea. I didn't know it was helpful for asthma. Thank you.
Days such as you describe happen for me when there has been too much 'out and about'--or simply too much uproar; then there is trying to get something finished when 'backing off' would be the better course. At such times I feel sorry for myself and want to huddle with a book, although going for a walk can be very restorative. If only we could wear a sign warning 'leave me alone for awhile!'
ReplyDeleteYou have the situation spot on Sharon. I was tired out before the day started and then everything that could go wrong, DID, and I got more and more wound up until I had sewn the quilt and DONE the housework and then the blardy man didn't turn up! I just want RID of those bunk beds, pronto! I'd have gone for a walk except my legs had no energy in them - just walking about town made me want to collapse on a seat.
DeleteThings can be disheartening after that winter, especially after the sun this week. Being much older I got someone in to do the heavy work in the garden but also feeling sad that I could not do it myself. There are limits Jennie;) lots of info on the magical gifts of the nettle, wonder if I can dye with them?
ReplyDeleteYes, you can dye with Nettle. Varying results depending on age of nettle and strength and type of mordant: alum gives a yellow; copper grey-green, whilst iron gives black.
DeleteI find the garden a real struggle and think we will have to get a gardener in to help awith the worst bits. We had one last year (Dennis) who made a real difference, but then he went back to a driving job as it went on over winter . . .
So sorry to hear you are feeling a bit down in the dumps - I am sure there is someone out there that will fall in love with your house and garden and buy. Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you RR. People do come and adore it, but when folk are moving in from "off" it can be a real challenge - we lost one (perfect) family after they found out their children would have to learn Welsh at school . . .
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