That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun;
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast. (Mending Walls, Robert Frost)
What would I do on a nice day if there were not a wall to mend?
The yard wall by the cattlegrid was falling down, the inner side completely collapsed. The problem was that it consisted on the inside only of stones taken off to clear the ground in the yard. There were very few small stones, no heart.
Sorley kindly wheelbarrowed part of the excavations from the extension so that I could fill in the centre. I forgot to take the first picture inside before I had done some of it.
But here it is finished and all Sorley's spoil within it. 
The outside consisted of large round stones, some very large that I did not want to take out ... knowing that I might have a little difficulty getting them back! This time it was Peter who helped, when he was here in June, who barrowed some large flatter stones down from where I was demolishing another wall. With these I could tie the wall together better.
This is the outside finished.
It should all stay up a little longer. Thanks Sorley and Peter for leaving me the pleasurable part. But as you can see beyond ... there is plenty more wall to repair. As Robert Frost said to the stones in the wall he was repairing with his neighbour 'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'
3 comments:
Beautiful work Dad - watch that back though! Is there a book about building walls in you trying to escape? x
You have been busy - weather must have been good. You will need those winter nights to get on with your research!
You write very well.
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