My Bestest Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a wonderful time with family. Alison and Harry arrived from Brighton at 10 am and we set off to walk to the boat yard. I had organised a boat trip on the Thames starting at Folly Bridge in Oxford and going up river to Godstow. There were seven of us on the boat - Alison, Harry, Rachel, Charles, Adam, Rosie and me. It was a two hour trip which was a perfect length of time for the younger ones. Alison brought a picnic which included Buck's Fizz for the grownups. Our route involved going through a lock and making our way up river past the farm. Lots of trees, lots of cows and lots of fun.

The path to Folly Bridge

Harry under the railway bridge

The girls on the boat

Going into Osney Lock

Way down low waiting for the water to fill the lock and bring us up to the level of the upper river

Beautiful river, wonderful family
Best birthday

Back Garden Under Construction

The job started last Wednesday and should be finished by tomorrow.  I had two chaps here for the prep then the tile setters turned up. Four men have worked here up to now and they are lovely to a man. They come on time, they work hard and so far the place is looking terrific. They did warn me not to try to plant into the ground because it would interfere with drain off. I have already been out looking at wonderful pots. I guess I'll have to buy a bunch. Oh dear, more shopping.

Every housewife needs a skip

My very own gravel

Man with vibrator (wacker)

Gravel removed. Under layer prepared.

I wonder if they would deliver my groceries for me?

Expert tile setter (very good looking)

Dave tells me he’s turning up in the morning with a vibrator. I got all excited but it turned out to be this machine, otherwise known as a wacker. At least I didn’t offer to lend him one!

Mixing the mortar - he's cute too but a bit young for me.