Mid-December report, and all's very well indeed

As Christmas looms ever closer, we can report an emerald lawn, healthy vegetables and trees, a house that's all but perfect for our needs, and very happy cats (with twice their city appetites, but that's another story). The garden is taking shape so fast we can't keep up with it. Things grow very well, and amazingly quickly, which means we've had to mow the 'lawn' three times, and that's before it's been rolled. Predominant colour is a rich green, and everything we've planted - from tomato plants to big trees - is growing luxuriantly. Great climate down here.

Still a couple of minor things to finish re the house - lights, one interior wall of paint, the exterior board and batten oil protection paint (which may be a big job in the NY) and so on, but nothing we can't cope with. The Old Forgery is proving a lovely house to be and entertain in, so more than living up to our expectations as a great place to live, work and play in, and this part of the country is also proving to be perfect for us and the way we like to spend our days and evenings. Lots of happy guests recently, and very enjoyable times being had by all. Long may it last, and a Merry Christmas and excellent, happy and healthy New Year to all of you who read and enjoy this blog.

I plan to finish the blog in January, late, about the time I started it, so the big Year of the House will come to a natural conclusion in about six weeks' time. Keep an eye out for the last couple of postings, and please, email comments etc to this site so I know you're in the picture.