Rhododendrons, roofs, and people whom one does not refuse
One of my favourite parts of spring is when the rhododendrons bloom, because the bumble bees they attract are very fast, and it is a challenge to get photos of them. Even if I can (see below), the results are seldom any good; for taking the best shots of insects, the later in the year, the better.
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
This weekend I also had to replace the roof over the part of the old house where we store the wood for winter . This was a real Bodge & Scarper operation, as I used any old crap I had lying around to patch up the rotting timber frame before covering it in sheets of metal. Just a few hours after I finished it, we had a shower and in a break with tradition, the new metal roof didn’t leak. Here are the ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots:
[image error]
[image error]
At this time of the year, I would normally be writing my next novel, however The Repulse Chronicles, Book Two: Invasion is currently on hold as result of those delightful people at The Polish History Institute, who have approached me again to verify the English translation of a major history book written by a renowned Polish historian. This is quite prestigious stuff. The Institute uses the very best translators, and my time is also quite well remunerated, so it is not the sort thing to be turned down. However, I remain confident that I will finish writing and publish Invasion later this year. Busy days here, folks, phew!
P. S. And no, those bloody chickens haven’t laid a single egg yet – Tsk! 
