Warm.

It's been another warm day with the sun making an appearance every now and then. 

 Before.

 After.

First thing was to clean up the bricks and then I was ready to make a start on re-pointing the slabs. So where should I start? In a discrete corner on the assumption that my pointing skills will improve with practise or out in full view so I can admire my work? I opted for the full view option and one bucket of mortar was enough for 1 row of slabs. I was so tempted to mix up another bucketful but my knees were complaining before I started so instead I did some grass cutting with the long handled shears. If this warm weather keeps up and I am not too busy at work I should at least get the front yard done. Bit by bit gets the job done as my mother used to say. (Actually she would say Drop by drop makes a hole in a stone, an apt sentiment for a sculptor but it's the same thing.)

The swallows have gone and now it seems we have seen the last of the butterflies. There were plenty of bees on the sedum but just 1 lone butterfly. I guess autumn is really here. The back lawn is covered with brown leaves, an incentive for me to get the mower out. Always something to do in the garden.