Well, lots has happened since the last time I wrote. We moved into the cabin, the log burner finally arrived late on 23rd December. Rich was just on the phone cancelling it and trying to get our money back when another call came through which thankfully he took, it was the delivery man saying he was just dropping it off over the other side of the loch. A very kind neighbour took his vehicle down and went across with Rich to fetch it and bring it up to the cabin. Even though I'm now a muscle woman the weight of a log burner is too much. It was thankfully in one piece this time so Christmas eve was spent on the roof fitting the chimney. As has come to be expected it wasn't easy. I had to kneel on the roof holding the quite heavy chimney in place while Rich tried to connect the lower piece in the cabin. It took quite a few attempts but we did finally get there. The first lighting of the stove felt very special and we're very pleased with it. It's smaller than the one in the barn and I was worried we'd be cold particularly as we've had a really cold spell but we've been lovely and cosy. I've been amazed that on sunny days even when it's freezing, the sun coming through the large windows is enough to keep the place warm without keeping the fire lit. We've even had to open the window a few times when it's felt too hot. It is wonderful living in the cabin, we have a bit more space and better lighting. It'll be fantastic when it's finished, we've still a way to go but I'm so glad we moved when we did although we do now have to walk 200 steps (I've counted) to get to the toilet, it's quite an adventure in the dark especially if it's icy. To open the curtains first thing though and watch the sunrise behind the snow covered mountains has been breath taking. One morning as we were eating breakfast 3 roe deer wandered past. So an inside toilet or a nearer outside one is on our to do list as well as lots of other things that need finishing off.
We've had to try to tackle the drainage. We've had more rain than usual and the ground is extremely muddy. So we have been spending a short time (I can only do it in short bursts) digging ditches to drain the water away. Rich cuts through and loosens the earth with a mattock and I follow behind scooping it out with a spade. It's one of those jobs you have to just keep going at until you get somewhere. It is very satisfying when the water finally starts to run through it. We have had to take action in the polytunnel, it had become a swamp. A path has been dug down the centre and we've collected stones (another easy job!) to line it with. The idea is to then put a drain in and cover it over. We do need to get on with it as it's time to start planting again. This year we really want to grow as much as we can, we've been watching videos and reading about permaculture.
Tabby has settled in well, I was a bit worried about moving her up here but she loves it. Because of a few teething problems with the second hand french doors, we can't at the moment open them to get out onto the decking but Tabby has learnt that if she jumps up onto the decking and peers in the bedroom window she can get in that way, although she couldn't understand why she wasn't allowed in with a mouse hanging out her mouth. She loves to lie on the rug basking in the warmth of the sun coming through the windows.
So, life is good at the moment. I think we've both felt a sense of achievement by finally getting into the cabin. I'm determined that we finish the cabin before we start work on the house again. There is still so much to do!
Comments
Post a Comment