Can't get the hang of this flippin' flapping

This is the same bird from a few days ago, trying to fly. It has been trying for most of the day - flaps, flails, lands a few feet down the roof, walks up and tries again. I can't see it right now, so perhaps it has finally flown the nest.

Spent another day stripping woodchip, my arms really ache from the unaccustomed effort. It is a complete and utter b*tch to get off.

Good things
Ben swimming the length of the pool with no float
He is very proud
Enough sunshine to dry a load of washing
Martin the structural engineer being so tall that he and Marc looked almost normal chatting to each other