Today was fun. I climbed up the scaffolding, to the big Tudor chimneys. But, having written that, I realise I haven’t mentioned scaffolding at all.

If you’ve visited this house, you’ll know that it’s quite a complicated layout and there are bits of roof going all over the place. Every so often, rainwater comes in. Particularly, where we had an extension added about 35 years ago, plus the study, which was converted from a little back porch before we moved in.

In fact, thinking about it, the older the construction, the less problem there has been. It was 20th century builders who caused the bother. Anyway, I asked a friend for a recommendation, as finding builders isn’t always easy and the chap, whom I’ll call Guy, though that’s nothing like his actual name, called round and had a look several months ago. Eventually he sent a quote and eventually he came. I’d wanted it done in the summer, but at least the autumn weather has been kind.

Nice guy, very chatty and friendly and he’s done some of the work alone and some with a mate. It’s the highest part of the house, so scaffolding has been necessary. He asked if I’d like to go up and inspect the work. I don’t need much encouragement to scramble around on ladders, so up I went.

After that, I painted more of the henhouse with wood preservative. I’m late in the year to do that too, but at least it’s being done now.