Upper level

Last day before some leave, but it was a pretty quiet day, although I read a really interesting paper which will be very useful for the chapter I need to try and get finished before the end of August. Ho. Ho.

Some preparations for the arrival of Winsford and T, who'd been enjoying Dunrobin Castle.

Occasionally assisting or just generally viewing Mr A with his impressive raised beds project (see here for the very beginnings of that project).

And an hour wrestling two more stumps out of the ground on the upper level, which was very satisfying. One that I thought ought to come out would not shift (because it seems to be embedded in the rubble which is under the soil), although I think it is actually the quince bush, so I don't really mind if it grows back eventually. For now, it has disappeared underground. We also identified two stumps for chemical treatment.

No actual new plants to fill the gaps up there, but after this picture was taken I moved a grass which came from the balcony and was in the side garden up to that level where it has more chance to flourish.

When Winsford and T arrived, before they even came in the house we sat at the picnic table at the back, between the newly constructed raised beds, and had a beer or two. Well, most of us did. Later, a lovely supper including a fruit salad which included berries from their garden, and much chat.