Finally a new bed

I've been meaning to do a workshop update because for the last week or so I've been having a bit of a refit. Having got through a typically hectic December using all my available time in the shed to produce a large list of Christmas presents in far, far too short a time frame. Still I got it all done and the list includes:
* Push-along grasshopper
* Chess board and pieces
* Four kayak paddles
* A shut the box game
* A trinket box

... and probably some other bits and pieces.

During the effort it became obvious to me that my shed set up is no longer very efficient for the newer tools I've found and now I'm a bit more experienced. Therefore between Christmas and New Year I have been gutting it, ripping out some old long benches and building better work spaces, storage and tool cabinets. I've also taken better steps in terms of dust extraction, something I've never been as good with as I should have which is daft considering how vital good extraction is for health.

 I plan on finishing off a few bits and pieces and then I'll see about creating a small shop tour clip and sticking it onto the blog. For now here is a quick picture of something I made over yesterday and today in pretty much eight hours or so - admittedly not the kind of decent non-metal work joinery that I like to attempt and rather a half decent DIY effort with screws but time has been pressing and I want to get the bedroom finished. It's turned out pretty sturdy and looks great so I'm happy, I now need to paint it, tidy the bedroom and make the bed properly. I'll stick up some better pictures later but to give you some idea of size the headboard stands at quite a bit over five feet and as we are so short I've even made matching steps - quite a view from up there!

A winter catch up

So...
The bee hives are still standing despite some pretty keen winds. A few days ago we carried out a quick winter visit on the warmest day we could find in order to add oxalic acid to each colony. The idea is to add this acid around Christmas time when there is less bee brood as part of the procedure for keeping varroa mites at a low level. It's always a bit of a sad time to see the bees in a big drowsy clump battling to keep warm, also because we know the acid not only fends of varroa but actually damages the bees too. It's considered an important step despite harming the bees a little because it does so much more damage to the mites and therefore generally a beneficial move - still a bit depressing though.

On the plus side all four colonies seem okay as far as we can tell, the hives were still pretty weighty which would indicate a reasonable amount of stores remaining however as we had to open the hives we chucked in some fondant anyway just to make sure.

We'll keep you posted.

Sausage and Bacon

Our aptly named piggies Sausage and Bacon (named by our three year old) have been respectfully turned into just that Sausage, Bacon, Gammon, Pork joints and chops... And lean and delicious they are too.

 

 

 

Flavours included: Leek, Chilli and Mango, Honey and Mustart, Lime and chilli and garlic

Gammons hung from the ceiling turned out fabulous for Boxing day and other social eating occasions. Made some tasty bacon too but need a meat slicer. Our new local friend, trained as a butcher will be able to help us out with that next season!

 

Ready for al fresco dinners 2015

Well it was too late to enjoy it in 2014 but just before the wet weather came in Russ finished this massive picnic bench for our pizza oven area... just need to find some friends now to share it with!!!

Fruity

After our harvesting back in August/September Russ took a break from all the heavy garden work and wood projects to do some cooking... Not bad for a first harvest from most of our little tiny fruit treelings!!!