We used old planks nailed onto wooden stakes to make a manure bin and another larger bin to hold the wood chippings that were a by product of the tree pruning that took place about three weeks ago.

We hitched the trailer to the back of our Saab and drove around the corner to our neighbours yard where we dug manure to bring back to The Gables.  Our neighbour has a small herd of beautiful black Dexter cows who watch us with interest with their soulful eyes.

Night has fallen and Jeremy has lit the wood burner and wrapped potatoes in foil and put them in the stove – we shall see if they cook and if they do we will put cheese in them and settle down for an evening by the fire in front of Homeland and the football highlights. If not it is sandwiches and cuppa soup, again.

With luck and a fair wind we might have a fridge and cooker in place before the holidays.  The alternative is not a happy prospect – but we will manage and cook on the open fire and in the wood burner. At least we have heat and hot water and lots of manure and wood chippings!