Nice

I counted four pairs of skylarks singing in the sky above us as we walked out this morning. Several more could be heard a short distance away, but they climb so high they are difficult to see against the light sky. Their sound is so joyful, I hope they don't think spring is here. Already the green shoots of winter wheat are ankle high though just over a week ago the field was completely brown. I've been collected dead wood on our outings because they burn so quickly when added to my normal kindling. Yesterday Len, who owns the building company behind Sarah's house, came to quote for my new kitchen worktops - belts and braces - and he told me to help myself to the huge bags of wood offcuts that he has no use for. I couldn't get around there until after 5pm by which time it was getting quite dark. But I took the car and loaded up the boot, and today I transferred them to the woodshed. They are fantastic, really big chunks that will save my smaller pieces of timber. Good old Len. Hope he quotes mates' rates for the work too.

Between us Nick and I have cut down everything that needed it, moved anything that I'd found a better place for, raked up the leaves, weeded the beds, left everything looking tidy and neat. The satisfaction is immense. Next week we'll get started on the poor neglected front garden. We're going to completely remove the echinops whose thistle-like flowers may be pretty in an architectural way but which are otherwise a menace, spreading underground to appear where you don't want them. Most of the Japanese anenomies will follow though we'll keep a small clump. Anything else I don't like is coming out. I'm going to be firm. Then the whole area should be more manageable when I can see what I have got, and what I need to add. I asked Nick if he knew anyone who would want my old bike, the one nobody uses, and he said he'd have it himself. He set about adding WD40 to the chain and pumped up the tyres to try it out. I was going to put it in the lane with a sign saying "Help Yourself" but he said it was too good and insisted on paying me. I refused point blank. I'm already hugely indebted to him.