Ar y Campws

This month we have mostly been  . . . Dysgu Cymraeg!

Earlier this year we both signed up for the intensive Welsh summer course at Aberystwyth University - Martin at the Canolradd (Intermediate) level and me at Sylfaen (Foundation) - and for the last three weeks we've been on campus every day, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

It's been a bit strange being back at the university (after all these years), and surprisingly tiring spending all day in a classroom (although we do get lots of breaks).

On the whole though we've both enjoyed the experience - we've met new people, improved our Welsh, and enthused ourselves to carry on when the courses finish (still a week to go!).

We've also had some encounters with the local wildlife - notably this bold fellow, who nearly gave me a heart attack when he jumped out of the bin I was putting my biscuit wrapper in!

At least the University is trying to discourage the seagulls - spotted this hawk being 'flown' around campus one day, and it certainly got them excited, although there was no evidence that they'd actually de-camped the next day.

Anyway, that hopefully explains the lack of activity on the blogging front this month - back to normality from the end of next week.

Worm City

For a few weeks now we've been pondering setting up a Wormery as a composting system - something we can feed our scraps too, get some free compost from, and which will supply a few worms for Martin when he goes fishing.

After much debate over DIY options, we opted for an off the shelf Wormcity model, as seen here. 

It has four composting trays (which we'll build up to over time), and a sump tray with tap (allowing us to drain off any excess liquid - sometimes referred to as 'worm tea' - itself good as plant food). 

The wormery also came with a coir block to provide some initial bedding, and of course the worms themselves!

We've covered them with added layers of shredded damp newspaper and some cardboard to make it nice and cosy and dark - just have to hope now that they all stay put, as apparently they can try to make a run for it, until they settle in properly.

Will just have to keep an eye out for escapees for the next couple of weeks!

Goodbye Summer?

So, after all that lovely sunshine, the beginning of July has arrived with a will - with some high winds, cooler temperatures, and a fair bit of (admittedly) much-needed rain.

I don't think anyone will be sitting on this deckchair today!