A week or so later and the level base is looking good.	Bill was here and we made a hole in the wall.

The boss has come down to inspect the new steps . . .	. . . that look quite good, even if I say so myself    ;o))

As the month has progresses the weather has become hotter and drier.

The garden has several nice spots to relax if you have the time or inclination.

Under the oak tree by the roadside is shaded and often catches a slight breeze.

One can lie back and enjoy the view.

The pond is looking good

and the vegetation I've added gives the tadpoles something to work with . . . better than just the initial bare mud.

The marsh marigolds have finished flowering, but a couple of plants have been adding to give a spot of interest.

The yellow candelabra and a tall pink primula were specifically purchased, the yellow iris were donated from next door's garden.

With the lack of rainfall the grass is taking a long time to grow . . . so there are still bare patches.

I even re-planted some weeds from the top garden down here . . . but perhaps that was getting a little over enthusiastic !

Our pond is attracting the wildlife . . . four mallard ducks . . .

Tails up searching for food . . . do they eat tadpoles anyone ?

What they are doing is muddying the water so their visits are noted even if we don't see them.

	- - - o o o - - -   Other wildlife, perhaps not as desirable as some.   The porch of the Pod has been graced with a wasp's nest but it wasn't used for very long and was removed when abandoned.     Below are two pictures, one before and one afterwards showing the external and internal structures.   Each hexagonal tube was a egg case.   - - - o o o - - -

A delicate papery umbrella . . .	. . . with an interesting internal structure.

- - - o o o - - -

Ann was looking for a special seat for the paddock . . . to fill the grassy space at the top.

	We looked on-line but really the nicest one was staring us in the face when we visited the local garden centre.   The Lakes Centre in Cockermouth not only delivered but gave us a Gardening Club discount. Win-win . . . now to read the instructions !

With the aid of a friend . . . the job was soon completed.

Carpenter's mate, Peter records the successful completion as Ann tests out the technology.

Peter was also here to plant a couple of special trees . . .	. . . an Egremont Russet apple and a tall Rowan.

We're 'farming' for the birds and bees . . . and we have received a pack of seeds from the 38 degrees bee charity appeal

Rather than scatter them, I had planted them in a seed tray and transplanted the seedlings today.

A quick sprinkle of water may help as it is so hot . . .	. . . water supplied by an electric drill pump from the pond.

The principle was good, the price around ten pounds but with no power supply, the cordless drill only pumped for about eight minutes.

Quicker and easier with a watering can in the end.

	Technology has reached the greenhouse though. A birthday present of a gardening voucher encouraged me to buy a self-watering kit for the tomatoes.   After a little experimentation it was sorted . . . just in time for a few days away next week in Pin Mill. [ A neighbour of ours will kindly be doing any other watering.]

Our Bird table continues to inspire . . .

We had a family of spotted woodpeckers on the table this week.

I tried to catch a picture with all three birds but I was not quick enough with the camera, but here are two of them.

Sadly there was an unfortunate twist to the story . . .

The third bird was a chubby youngster, here being fed on the stone next to the table.

For some reason he flew into our glass window on the other side of the house twice this week. 

Once we rescued him and after resting he flew off . . . but second impact was too traumatic for him to survive.

He now rests in the paddock.

- - - o o o - - -

On a lighter note :-

We were connected to super-fast broadband this month as our local phone hub went digital.

Extreme ironing eat your heart out . . . we are now running on 50 Mega bits per second instead of 2.5 !

The fine weather of May was also enjoyed by our many visitors.

A big welcome to Geoff and Christine, over from Ireland.

Ian was in Seascale for a few days so came over for a walk by the Crummock, followed by supper.

Neil likewise was working in the Lakes.

He joined us on a cooler evening as the fire is lit.

Peter and Jenny Cook were up from Ipswich . . .

and invited us over to the Mary Mount hotel for afternoon tea . . . which was very pleasant and most kind.

Catherine and Tony had driven up from Leeds and were staying in Borrowdale.

They came over to say hello with their dog Meg.

Sadly this and the next photo were the last two we have of Harry

who passed away on June 1st, as mentioned in a previous post.

Harry, Dylan and an afternoon cup of tea in the garden.

A quiet one to finish . . .

The sunny cloudless days often continue on as clear cloud-free nights.

Here's the old moon is setting in the north west, with the planet Jupiter high above it in a twilight sky.

- - - o o o - - -

" Did you ever see a flower grow

If you did then you would surely know

Love is like the flowers, takes a lot of hours

If you really want to know . . . watch the flowers grow."

Lyrics by Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons

- - - o o o - - -