30.05.2025 Smile for the camera!

 ~o~

  Friday 30th 56F/13C [5.45] Overcast and windy with possible drizzle.

 Up at 5.30 after waking numerous times. 

 7.00-7.30 A walk down the road and then a loop of the drives. 

 I forgot to mention that a Lapwing has adopted the front field over the last few days. Usually it just stands about looking nervous., Today it circled over me. Complaining bitterly about trespass and intrusion. 

 I haven't seen a lapwing in years. There used be some on the sloping prairie leading up to the forest. Their haunting call is always distinctive and memorable.

 Today I plan to experiment with granite chippings near the house. To see how it behaves. With and without manual compression from my tamper. There was no warning on the tin. That tree seeds would cause drifts on top of any decorative gravel. 

 I am temporarily using a piece of plywood. For a firm footing and chair support while changing my shoes outside. The doormat is saturated with sand from the self-stabilizing gravel.

 The granite chippings compressed surprisingly easily but with little loss of thickness. A worthwhile step if a plate vibrator is available. This should help to resist rutting from vehicle movements.

 The image shows a scrap piece of aluminium bar 50mm/2" thick. Used to provide a reference for the planned depth. The 8"x8" tamper is on the left. Granite chippings are noticeably heavy. Once a few shovel fulls have been placed in a wheelbarrow. Perhaps I should run a granite path to the drive. To avoid further distribution of unwanted sand. 

 I drove to the village before lunch. Then to town after lunch. I had ordered a smart, but inexpensive security camera. One that can see in colour in the dark. 

In the nick of time too, it seems. Somebody has been messing about in the abandoned shed of the abandoned house next door. If they wander into my drive I shall get a beep, notification and video of the event on my phone.   

 Dinner was cheese on toast with halved, cherry tomatoes. 

 

 

  ~o~