Conveniently today Mark had to go to London. Apparently he was going to see a friends film (so he tells me), but I think it was just an excuse so he didn’t have to shovel more manure from the stables.
So instead of my husband giving me a hand, I made the kids day, and conned them into coming with me and they helped instead. Actually they were up for it. We loaded 17 bags in to the boot of the car, and it only took us 40 minutes. They did say they enjoyed it, so I’ll remind them of that when I need to borrow them again. George is tall at nearly 5 foot 11 inches, and skinny, but really quite strong, so he was doing ok. Emily on the other hand is 5 foot 5 inches, so average height, but manual labour isn’t really her thing. She’s a great writer and editor, just like Mark. She tried very hard, and didn’t do too badly at all. Even she admitted manual labour wasn’t for her.
Because I had the back seat down, I could only give one of them a lift, and the other had to walk. Look it’s not far, just a 5 minute walk down the road. Once we’d got back home they helped me off load the manure from the car, and then they were done.
What do they get for helping me today? Well….. respect for starters, then a bit of exercise, some fresh air. What more could you want? Actually we had a drink and a cake. They like my cake.
I then spread some manure, and then moved 1 ton of top soil. Not all in one go, I’m not that strong!
Dinner, and a long hot bath were in order for all of us. A very good days work. The raised beds are getting there…..slowly.
Clairesallotment's Blog 
Lovely update thank you for sharing Claire
AWESOME!!! It is always good when the kids help and actually enjoyed it. Who can beat cake as a reward! 🙂
May you have a prosperous year!!!
Claire, wow, have I really been reading, watching, and responding to your blogs and videos that long. I can remember the first years of your YouTube channel when the kids were little. Time really seems to pass me by. I’m not sure exactly how I connected with you but you have been a world of inspiration and information over the years.
I grew up with cleaning up manure out of the barn and chicken house. It was a part of life on the farm. Manuel labor was a daily task and actually I kind of relished it and still do. A good day’s work makes me tired and gives me a good night’s sleep. So I’m glad to be out in the garden turning the soil with a shovel, rake, and a hoe. Some folks wonder why I do it that way but slow gardening brings me more enjoyment of gardening which has become more of what I want then the actual harvest. Don’t get me wrong, I like the harvest too but the journey through the garden year is just as satisfying to me.
Have a great raised bed building day.
Nebraska Dave