We have had some more laughs with the maintenance manager in the last two weeks - there was a big problem with the drains (yuk!) so he had to dig up the flower beds a bit to reveal a manhole cover that we had never discovered before - the drains hole was so deep that he disappeared for quite some time and we did think that we would have to get help - until we heard him shout as the drain finally cleared - in a rush towards him - never seen him move so fast! Similar fun was had fixing the frost damaged water system - suddenly there he was, wetter than we are with the back pressure! It is never dull here - we did quack!!
The gardens have suffered some plant losses over the winter - some of the shrubs look dead but the gardener is going to wait a bit before digging anything else - just in case. Work in the garden is mainly about repairing the lawns after the pond damage at the moment and new pond plants will be installed in March/April time. All should be back to normal soon.
Happily most of my duck friends have survived the winter very well and now we also have a new comer - a Muscovy duck that was rescued after a dog bit it. She is fitting in very well and will probably settle with us.
The Craft Centre is getting busier again now and there is lots going on, mostly inside - there was a Cider Making evening at the end of January where "apple pressers" tasted each others cider and learned some of the tricks of the trade from local cider maker Steve Cooper of Tardebigge Cider. Sounded like a lot of fun!
Getting ready for Valentine's day, Glass blower Stuart Fletcher and the Team from Top Glass adorned the tree outside there workshop with glass red hearts - looks lovely particularly when the sun shines (sadly it was not when the picture was taken!).
Coming up - An Antiques evening on 23rd Feb and a Ladies Night on 9th March.
