Time.

I’m still here. Despite the dearth of blogs in recent months, I haven’t forgotten you. It’s just that life has been kinda busy, but with nothing that tends to generate photos. So before the next splurge of pix from Africa, here’s a little catch up.........

So where has the time gone? 

Tick.

In the last three months we’ve had a houseful for all but one week. We appear to have been the victims of our own success. Building paradise attracts friends and family alike. 

That’s not to say it hasn’t been fun, but it has been a little knackering and has thrown any routine that I had out of the window.

Tick

Out of that window is the garden, which has absorbed gobbets of time and energy, but the results are now coming in.

Amongst the thousands of bushes and trees planted this year, none has grown more aggressively than the lotus. What was once just an overflow during heavy rain, has developed a life of its own.

Tick.

With two hectares to develop, I’m always looking for ideas. A barren slope behind the barn has now become an aviary .

This new palace in the garden houses our own royal duo, Victoria and Albert.

Tick.

Half of our land is covered in forest. Forests need caring for. This has given us space for an assault course (zip wire now in place) 

Plus lots of pathways, this one leading to another project, a hide and treehouse.

All the latest photos of the garden here

Tick.

The bird life in the garden is growing. The latest arrivals are helping to keep the insect population down...

This bird life is good news for our latest acquisition 

a British Blue called smÖke. This is definitely the most playful cat I’ve ever had. Or maybe I’m just slowing down...

Tick.

Despite all the above, we have found time for the occasional bit of tourism, revisiting some places such as the legendary St Cirq Lapopie...

As well as places previously undiscovered by us. 

This is Najac. More photos of this stunning village here.

Another new one, the Fôret des Singes, near Rocamadour.

More monkey stuff here.

Tick.

This summers heat has put on hold that masterpiece of modelling, the Barn Station. Due to massive warping of the rails, we’ve had to have a complete rethink. I’ve finally finished putting insulation into the roof and installed air-conditioning. 

Next we’ll attempt to repair all the damage done by the heat. Not one of my better pieces of forward planning...

Tick.

There has been no shortage of kids filling the house and spilling out everywhere. Keeping them entertained is many times more knackering than when I was a young parent.

Tick.

Is there time to relax? Well, I’m currently deciding between chess or snooker..

I chose a siesta....