1 May

1 May 2007
Up early, good breakfast, eggs, bacon, tomatoes beans on toast.
Stuck into garden, there’s about 250 turfs to knock to bits, reclaim soil and bag.
Father arrived at ten gave me a hand knocking the life out of the turfs then he started digging land over. I was well knackered but kept on.
Filled dozen or so sacks with remnants of turfs and then racked newly dug ground.
Eventually got rid of father about 2. 30; sacks are ready for tomorrow and plants are there ready to put in after a good water in the morning.
I got washed, changed and drove to club, had a couple of beers and then went halves with another guy on the lottery machine, we were lucky and won £50 so bought a couple of drinks for the company and came home.
Am sat now with tall glass of whisky, and a smoke; undecided as to whether to go to bed for the duration or just an hour or so and get up and watch tv.
Will see.
Am in a helluva lot of pain, back and knee but to be truthful have enjoyed the effort and exercise,a couple of more weeks and the garden will be looking half decent.
Some of the neighbours have passed comment and I’m sure they will be surprised when the plot is finished.
Should be a nice show, I just hope that people will respect it and not try to damage it or steal from it; I have no inclination to build a fence around it so it will remain open plan.
Weather is perfect for job in hand, couple of more days and I’ll be wanting rain; I’m sure the Bristish climate will oblige.
I have had several gardens in the past, all of which have been a struggle to turn wasteland into something worthwhile, this one has probably been the easiest in as much as being least overgrown from the outset but it is still proving to be hard work.
I have had more exercise in the last two weeks than in the previous 18 months!
The satisfaction element will come later as the planting schedule emerges and the flowers begin to bloom.
Last night I looked out of the window and made a rough calculation of 250 square feet of turf to be dealt with, today I look at the lot almost cleared and can see the makings of a nice display.
I pour myself another whisky lemon top and decide an hour in bed may be the order of the day.