From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

Greying_Pilgrim

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82014964#Comment_82014964

That is a good thought Blackcats. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks 😁

We've more garden work to do today, and then packing and sorting starts. I greatly admire people who can go abroad and pack either 1 pair of nix and a credit card, or those who pack for a household of 10, print out boarding passes for everyone, have the directions to the hotel and every pill, potion, and book to read stowed in their suitcase, 3 days before departure…..

Greying X

kayannie

Wow, you're up early GP! You must be exhausted from all your gardening so I hope you get chance to relax over the weekend.

KA x

redofromstart

I have been both of those extremes GP, pre and post children.

I hope you have a lovely break.

Watty1

I have been both extremes - I think it depends on what else you have going on in life😊

Greying_Pilgrim

Thanks all, lovely to see you.

Well, my flabber is gasted, but we actually got to the point that I had mentally 'set' myself with the groundworks. I wanted to stop gardening by 12noon - irrespective of where we'd got, but we managed to get to a really good place to stop - which also puts us on the front foot for the next stage. We were helped immensely today, by cooler temperatures and a slight breeze. The breeze kept the annoying flies at bay, although I did get thoroughly investigated up close and personal by a wasp 😬

I managed to level up our work by using the adze to chip away diagonally across the patch, with DH following along behind rough raking. We found we still had a hump in the middle - I'm afraid as a result of the first bit of de-turfing Dh did (don't tell him 🫤), but then when we started the 'Ministry of Silly Walks' we managed to get it a bit better, and focused on that patch. In total, I did 2 passes of 'heel digs' and 4 passes (with LG's help), of the 'shuffle & smash'. I did both again for the patch that was slightly humped. In between each shuffle, we got the hoe and hoed to level again. I finished the last hoe over at just after 12, and called it done. I really didn't think we would get as far as we have. The hot weather took so much time away from doing such active tasks outside. I think it will need a couple of rakes over again, before seeding. LG has given it their seal of approval, and whilst I suspect it will be better to "see" when it becomes grassed, we now have a square space, which does slope everso slightly from back to front, and from right to left - but that's in line with the topography. Without a lazer leveller and machinery, I'm not sure we could get better. And we're happy enough with it - it will do what we want it to, I think. It was (thankfully) worth postponing our getaway, because of how much progress we were able to accomplish today.

Right, I had better vamoose. I've set the clothes out for packing, but I've all the other bits and bobs to do.

Ta for popping by. Greying X

themadvix

That sounds like you've made an excellent job of it GP and great timing too. Hope you have a lovely break and a chance to rest after all your exertions in the heat!

KajiKita

You have done a fantastic job and should be really proud of yourselves. I think when you come back, you will see the garden with fresh eyes and realise how much you’ve achieved.

Have a lovely break 😊

KK

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Evening MFW'rs

I think we're packed and ready to go. Seems somehow worse when it's for a short period - as much work as for a week. I've got my directions, and hope to stop to see a museum tomorrow, but it will depend on finding a car parking space. I've got some locations of car parks (there doesn't appear to be P&R), and we'll give it a go.

Tea was a wrap boofay. I only had some mini ones (I think they were a MrL offer 2 for £1). But I cooked up the YS'd meditteranean falafel from Mrl, defrosted some rice, and made a sugar/salt/vinegar marinade which I put some fine dice red onion into, and then when that had pickled, I stirred in the cooked rice and added some nigella seeds. I also made up some mayo/tahini dressing with brew woof seasoning, greek seasoning and some tomato sauce - it actually was quite nice! there were also lettuce leaves and seeds to sprinkle. everything got eaten.

Right, best go and do a few final things and then I'm away to bed. Early start in the morn.

Greying X

Cherryfudge

That's just an amazing achievement on the garden, it sounds like a complete transformation. Did you do before and after photos, or are you going with whatever the estate agent provided before you moved in, then waiting to take the 'after' picture when it's covered in vegetation?

Have a lovely break; I hope the event gives all you want from it.

Baileys_Babe

Wishing family Greying a great mini break