Extreme Pruning.

After a starry night and cold morning the sky clouded over and we had a grey, chilly day. 

I did come more sorting out and filled my car to the roof with stuff for the dump. This time I went to the Ilfracombe dump as I didn't need to do any shopping. In fact I drove there in my very scruffy outdoor work clothes which included a pair of oversized wellies (big enough to fit all the family.) I had to drive in my socks as the boots were to big to operate the pedals properly. As well as the last bike I took the spare hover mower. I checked it still works but they are not allowed to sell electrical items so it had to be scrapped. On my way to the dump I saw my first lambs of the season. A pair of twin lambs trotting down the main road with their mother. I slowed down and yelled at them hoping to scare them back over the hedge but they ended up running past my car. The car behind me had stopped so I drove on, flashing my lights at the oncoming traffic. They were gone by the time I was driving back so I guess they made it back safely to their field.

I spent most of the afternoon making a start on cutting down the hedge. It needs to be done asap so that the branches can dry off ready for me to burn and tidy up. I had a further cutting session after a rest with the 3 C's (coffee, chocolate & Co-codamol) so now there are only 3 smaller branches left on the first tree. I shall leave the trunks in the hope that one of the boys will tidy them up with the chain saw. Sometimes I wish I was able to use a chain saw but I inflict enough damage on myself with simple hand tools so I don't think it would be a safe option. Today, as well as constantly banging my cut finger I kept getting whipped in the face by the apple tree and the shrub that was behind me and then I gave myself a bang on the head with the metal arm of my long handled loppers. Not sure how but it really hurt. I should have gone inside and put an ice pack on it but I knew if I stopped I would find it hard to start up again.

 A hint of Spring in the aubretia.