Today there was more Snow in the north west of England, in fact the worse we have had over the this snowy few weeks. The snow meant a day off as we were closed and it also meant that I could get out in the garden and take some photographs of these unique conditions.
Looking out the office window whilst working on some stuff I noticed a bird in the trees in the garden. Perfect opportunity for a photograph and so I got my camera out. The bird was an excellent subject as he/she remained nice and still while I made use of the excellent 12x optical zoom on my camera. I think these photos have come out really nice.
Well, what a day! It all started with an early get up for both of us and from then on it has been non stop. It has had hard work, snow, arguments, confrontations, excellent neighbour bonding and much more. Let me explain all.
I was up very early in the morning (for a holiday morning anyway) at around 0730 to the noise of heavy plant machines moving around outside the window. If was day 2 of the garage conversion today and the materials for the ‘floating floor’ were arriving with construction soon after. But the day started with this far from my mind.
Is I mentioned there were large lorries coming past my window first thing in the morning as there is a new development of houses being constructed at the end of our road. Well I say the end of the road but it is really only a few metres away. There has been an on going dispute with the planning of this development with all the residents in the area (including me) and at this point we had to get the council planning officer down to the site to sort out some problems as there was very large lorries coming through at rather fast speeds and a lot of agro from the workmen, including swearing at residents etc. Rowland Homes have gone down in my estimation now because of that. Anyway that is a post for later in the week when I have got time to post more on the subject.
With the residents planning officer and CEO from Rowland Homes debate going on for about 2 hours in the street it was already 1100. Then it was time to clean the birds and rabbits (although we never got around to the rabbits). In the meanwhile the delivery for the materials for the garage was delayed and therefore work wouldn’t start till the afternoon.
It was freezing cleaning the aviary out this afternoon, especially for my pregnant wife who did ever so well to muck in and help out as much as she could. Every 3 -4 months the birds aviary needs a really good clean out, more than the daily checking over and cleaning that it usually gets. It took ages cleaning all of the water and feeding bowls, mopping the floor of the aviary and also cleaning the cabinet that is inside. Anyway 2 hours later and two very cold people later (!) we have the job done and the birds we all in a nice clean home again. The problem is having to shepherd the birds in and out of the shed part while you are cleaning as to prevent them flying off. So with all this time going on we never got round to the rabbits at all. They are tomorrows priority although they don’t seem bothered.
Next the delivery arrived for the garage and so that was hoisted onto the drive way and the man was paid. The floor was then battened out ready for leveling, glueing and boarding tomorrow.
That left my meeting with a client about a site at around tea time and the day was gone. Oh and I finished the day getting my hair cut. Busy busy busy!
Now that the holidays are upon us this means that it is time to finish the garden once and for all. The only thing left to do is to concrete under the aviary so that it has a solid base.
You remember a while back that I have written about the work in the garden on many ocassions. Although it has been fun to redevelop a plain space with grass into something much nicer and to be able to sit out on the patio with a glass of wine or a beer it has been hard work, and I am glad when it will be over.
Over the next few days I will be posting pictures etc. of the transformation of the underneath of the aviary. The first job tomorrow is moving the aviary and with baby budgies recently hatched it will be a delicate operation.
Well naked yes, but these birds are of the feathered variety! Our pet budgies Harry (Yellow) and Christina (Blue).
Harry we have had for around two and a half years and Christina for nearly one year. They are not a courting couple as we have yet to get here to lay eggs.
The funny story with Christina is that for about 3 months we couldn’t tell whether she was a boy or a girl. Therefore we had to keep changing names. A budgie is sexed by the colour of there beak – blue for a boy and brown for a girl.
Anyway enjoy the photos. These were took in conservatory and I managed to get some really quirky bird shots!
Harry we have had for around two and a half years and Christina for nearly one year. They are not a courting couple as we have yet to get here to lay eggs.
Anyway enjoy the photos. These were took in conservatory and I managed to get some really quirky bird shots!