Odd Jobs

On Sunday I was inspecting the sheep run to see how operational it was and discovered that the sheep hadn't been able to get into the inner most section because the gate couldn't open because of a poplar sapling. After I sawed it off at ground level (thank goodness poplar is soft wood) and opened the gate the sheep practically pushed me out of the way and rushed in to eat the grass inside. There is a sappy broadleafed weed growing in the run that I don't think the sheep eat, so I'm going to have to learn to use the whipper snipper to clear the run of this weed as well as some blackberries.

On Sunday I also made a hook to suspend the chicken's water. The twine suspending the water container allowed the bottom of the dish to touch the ground and the chickens were kicking dirt into the water. Now it's a couple of inches off the ground and has been clean for two days.

On Sunday I also started preparing the hinge joint for tying around a post (you have to cut and jiggle the end 4-5 vertical wires off). It's a fiddly job, so I've only just started. Our next door neighbour is preparing to plant grapes so I have to make our adjoining fence sheep proof. Paul put hinge joint on the first section while he was home and the next section is probably just as straight forward. I will have to replace the bottom wire and then attach the hinge joint as the fence is made of five or six wires, two of which are barbed. However, there is a final third of the fence that looks like the original fence and possibly 80+ years old. It has been mended in places but will require total removal and replacement. And with this being an external fence will need a solid post every fourth star picket like the previous section to stop the cows from pushing it over. Our neighbour said he will work with me on this section. First I need to do the 'easy' section. Finding the time may prove to be the hardest part, now that I'm working 35 hours a week. I'll be looking forward to longer days even more now and making the most of weekends.

Mending Gates
When Mum and Dad visited for my birthday the weekend before last, Dad mended four gates for me. Where Paul and I have been adding wires in fences and making the fences stronger the gates attached to these fences have also moved and this sometimes makes the latch harder to open. Dad went around adjusting hinge bolts and repositioning chain bolts and now the four most awkward gates open effortlessly. Dad and I also worked together to reposition a troublesome stay and added extra long bolts to the gate on the 'Triangle Paddock' and that's now good as new. There are some other stays that need this attention but that will have to be on another visit. Dad and I also chopped, sawed and split all the remaining wood in the wood shed in preparation for buying another load of wood. That was also productive and satisfying work.

More Snow
On Thursday, 28 June, we received more snow - not enough to make a snowman but a fair covering. I only got to see the best of it because I was at home until 10am waiting for the NRMA man to bring a new car battery. By that time, though, the snow had turned to sleet and melted most of the snow on the ground.

In other news, I have borrowed an 8-shaft loom from a friend at spinning. I'll have to buy some heddles and a shuttle, but it won't be long before I'm weaving some more tea towels. I'm also about 3/4 through knitting my home spun jumper (purchased carded wool). Although I am enjoying the process, I'll be glad when I can get onto something else.