Hello, Freddie here reporting for duty.
- So good to rely on someone knowing my best side
September Postbag
It probably is incumbent on me to report that Moses did receive a few ‘bon mots’ this month in response to his August effort.
And here he is below imploring the Young Master to compose his own extravagant complimentary missive (‘Absolutely no chance’ – Layla).
However, he was so very happy that many Bloggers thought the ‘August 2019 Into the Light’ entry was “pretty awesome”.
Moses particularly liked the contribution from Czech Chick in Athens: “Love to read your blog and see what’s going on at Hazels. It’s beautiful! Not just the new Oak house but also your barn and the whole site and countryside! Looks so peaceful! Of course I love Rod’s sunflowers. Perhaps you three cats should try to paint similar pictures to Van Gogh themselves! Might be a great success!”
Foundling from Purley was clearly very excited about the prospect of new scaffolding: “Hi Moses, I hope that Mr Rod and SWhoMBO let you have a restful day today since you obviously need to be fully alert for “pre-lash” day tomorrow. Your supervision will be required and scaffolders need a careful eye, in case Mr Rod becomes too relaxed with the new company. Anyway keep going you are doing a marvellous job.”
We are all somewhat concerned that Mr Rod and SWhoMBO might be a little too influenced by the fanciful ideas of Fantasy Flat Friend: “Just reading your blog and laughing about the things you never knew you needed to know about lighting. I must tell about the things my friends in Wales learned about dressing table drawers. It really does seem to be never-ending!”
We were most interested in what the West Wickham Wanderers had to report: “We were honoured to be mentioned and are delighted to announce that we have beginning of walls in our own project! The site is undoubtedly causing mystification to the local feline population who are struggling to understand just how messy humans can be – I hasten to reassure them that is not the resident humans – we are quite tidy generally speaking!
September Progress
After a few months of idly twiddling our paws, I don’t think any of us could possibly have guessed just how exciting a month September would prove to be.
But then, we did have a rather large clue in the arrival of a new portaloo next door to the builders’ container. These two now look for all the world like part of Dr Who’s fleet of time-travel conveniences. When I mused that the plural form of ”TARDIS” must surely be “TARDI” or the even cooler “TARDII”, Layla advised authoritatively that the rather more pedestrian “TARDISes” is correct.
Furthermore, Matt (our Oakwrights Project Manager) had sent Mr Rod and SWhoMBO some photos of the Phase 2 (extension) oak frames being pre-assembled in the factory in Herefordshire.
The Poles Have It
On Monday 2 September, the team of scaffolders arrived and (basking in beautiful sunshine) started to construct a forest of poles at either end of the house.
External Build
We would like to introduce here our happy building team for Phase 2.
Suddenly there were swarms of the Oakwrights ‘Great and the Good’ (including the MD Mr Tim Crump) running around the building and the grounds – all clad in the appropriate safety gear. We are persuaded that SWhoMBO was convinced they had arrived just to celebrate her birthday! In fact, they had come to check that all was in order – the ‘OFSTED inspection’ equivalent in the building world. Fortunately, whilst everything invariably looks good when the sun is shining, they all professed to be delighted with the project so far.
Internal Build
Fauna, Flora and Other Pastimes
Just a round-up of the non-building happenings around the site at Hazels (and beyond).
Pond Life
The Archers Come to Hambledon?
Quite by chance, the Young Master discovered these photos taken during harvesting in Finland during early September. Frankly, he was absolutely horrified that his parents might be ‘getting ideas’ above their station.
As you would surely imagine, the Young Master is very concerned about what this all means and worries that SWhoMBO will try to change the name of ‘Hazels’ to ‘Brookfield’. He will be keeping a close watching brief and attempt to keep a particular annoying tune out of his mind.
Barn Terrace
Thursday 25 September – Tree Felling Day
Sadly, a number of trees were identified as being dead/dying and potentially dangerous. So, Julian (tree surgeon) and his team descended en masse to sort out the problem.
The Last of the Summer Sunflowers
I was not even going to mention sunflowers this month, but Sarah sent me this photo and I could not resist the smiley face!
Then SWhoMBO sent Mr Rod the photo below ……………………………………….
………. so, I thought I would just check up on the final days of the Hazels sunflower patch.
Highlights (we hope!) next month:
- Roof tiling on east and west ends
- Brickwork
- Temporary windows
- Progress with the pond ?????
Another Brick in the Wall 
Dear Freddie
Well, all I can say is that you have surpassed yourself this month. I was privileged enough to witness some of these amazing changes in mid September, around the time of SWhoMBO ‘s birthday, and was delighted to see the progress on the extensions.
Naturally, I can see the three of you spending more time in the upmarket West End of the house, rather than the smaller East End, as you clearly know your status in the world.
It does concern me somewhat that with all these wooden timbers around, you guys will find it irresistible to use the house as a giant scratching post. Not sure that your master & mistress will be too excited by that!!!
Keep up the excellent observational writings and I hope to hear from you very soon.
Guildford Girl
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