Sunday 19 April 2015

Walking with herbivores

We've had another busy week at pennypincher cottage.  Despite the recent hot weather, we managed to complete the chicken run a couple of weeks ago, with temporary summer roof (old glass clear tarpaulins lashed on!), and have now created a little sitting out area under the already in situ pergola.  I managed to move 9 large paving slabs across the garden, and actually felt like I had achieved something doing so.  Actually I did achieve something, a couple of strained back muscles!  We now have flower beds around the drive as well, which adds to the kerb appeal of the place. I've also riddled a lot of gravel off the garden in an area near the back door where we want to create a wood shed.

Here's the almost finished chicken run, and some assorted garden debris!




















The tenants


OH has been working crazy hours recently, and helping out (for free) at the rugby club with their sound system, and I've been doing the garden, so we spent the day relaxing on Friday.  I couldn't resist a quick charity shop rootle on Saturday morning but only spent 50p.  This lovely summer top from Gap has a side zip fastening so fits really well, and is fully lined too. I found it in my favourite independent animal charity shop where they often have large baskets of clothes outside for 50p or a pound. 

   
Today we have been for our weekly walk around the village, the lambs are getting bigger and now, instead of running from us they follow us!  They were in another field away from the public footpath and I imagine this could be a reason for their bravery.



 We walked down a lane we've not been down before, and quite frankly I'm not sure about driving down due to its narrowness, and the national speed limit signs which I think is ridiculous!  Could you go down this lane at 60 mph?




I couldn't and wouldn't and don't think anyone should either.

We soon came across a set of steep steps in the bank, a way of getting off the lane and up to the public footpaths running through the fields, known locally as the Devil's steps, apparently.

   
Very steep!  Nice views from the top though!
















Just a couple of fields from home now, nice gateways to pass through


and a glade of trees to walk round














Past the church, and we are home!


I do like those twin bootscrapers by the door

My walking outfit


Moto jeans £1, Tommy Hilfiger rugby shirt £1, both charity shopped, brand new Hi Tec walking shoes £10 (reduced from £35) from The Original Factory Shop in Stourport on Severn, and a warm Cotton Traders parka shaped fleece, bought new.  It costs hardly anything to look this cheap!

This week we have the architect coming, who will do some millimetre perfect measuring up for the builder and chat about our ideas for altering the layout of the cottage (honestly, who puts a downstairs loo next to the lounge, who?!)

I'm hoping to get some semblance of a woodshed constructed this week.  Give it 7 days and we'll see!

Linking up with Patti's Visible Monday!

18 comments:

  1. What a lovely part of the world you live in, we also live in a lovely place, Chichester and it brings daily joy. I love your chicken house and the chickens, such personalities hens. Pets with benefits!

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    1. West Sussex is on my to visit list, Maureen, been as far as the New Forest but not across the estuary. Yes chickens are fab most of the time, mine are spoiled though and can be a bit naughty!

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  2. That chicken run looks very impressive, you have been busy!
    All that open space. I have to shout "Sheeps" at the top of my voice when we spot any on the way to the various vintage fairs up and down the country. I'm such a townie! xxx

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    1. It's non stop here, Vix! No time for a proper job that's for sure. I went into Brum yesterday and quite enjoyed it, and still need my once a week charity shop fix! xxx

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  3. Now that is a great walking outfit! Ha, you make me laugh with your funny comments!
    Ooh you did well on the 50p top!
    The hen house is magnificent- they must feel like queens in that resplendent palace!x

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    1. Well, if you're only going to find one bargain, it might as well be a really cheap one! Thanks for stopping by Kezzie! xxx

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  4. Wow, you're cracking on!
    What a beautiful place to live, gorgeous views and walks, windy lanes, and lots of sheep, I'm glad you're loving it! xxx

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    1. If only I had smelliblog, Curtise! Hoots like mad here at the mo, with all the farm goings on!! xxx

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  5. What a beautiful town! And your chickens are fab too - all glossy and sassy. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xo.

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    1. Thank you, Patti! It is a pleasure to link up with Visible Monday!! xxx

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  6. My you have been busy but well worth all your hard work, I bet those chicken are happy.I can see why you love living there , it is such a beautiful place . Hope all goes well with the architect.

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    1. Hmm, happy chickens? Not sure if they will ever be happy when they can see greener grass on the other side of the fence! Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. It looks like we enjoy walking the same Worcestershire lanes too... I'm playing 'spot my favourite views'! All the best, Jx

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    1. Ooh you must be close, we might have passed each other in the countryside!! Thanks for commenting, Jan. xxx

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  8. What a beautiful place you live and you can't beat picking up a pretty top for such a great price.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Hope to see you for TBT Fashion link up.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Alice! I will take a look at your link up.

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  9. The chickens are looking happy, and I love your new top. I had a very unsuccessful jaunt round my local charity shops last week, but made up for it at this morning's bootsale. Before we moved house, I used to have to drive up lanes just like the one you've pictured every day to go out or get home. I found it really stressful, mostly because of people coming the other way driving far too fast. I didn't realise how much I actually hated it until we moved, and I could get into the car without dreading going anywhere.

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    1. I love seeing your car booty vlogs, Caroline! OH has no problem with fast twisty lanes, they make me so nervous! Good job I don't have to drive down that one!

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