I Nearly Gave Up!

[@theirishhomestead]

A big thank you to Ecoflow for sending us their Delta 2 power bank. If you want to grab a great discount take a look at the links below. Black Friday Sale (11.19-12.2): The best time to purchase this year, enjoy up to 50% off Christmas Sales (12.3-12.31): Lighten Your Loved Ones with Power & Joy, enjoy up to 50% off Purchase from EcoFlow’s official website: uk.ecoflow.com/pages/black-friday-sale?aff=193& 8% off Code: TheIrishHomestead Purchase from EcoFlow Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/982AADB9-1B02-4F32-91BC-67560D685BC1?channel=KOL-BF-The%20Irish%20Hom 8% off Code: Z8W7W9SN

[@truth3358]

how’s sam getting on with the fire service is he retained or volunteer great video 👍

[@theirishhomestead]

@truth3358 he is retained. Thank you. He is doing well. Passing the assessments thankfully.

[@JenniferFodera]

The wool makes great insulation

[@MsAgatha1Eta]

@@theirishhomestead This vlog was enlightening in many ways. Thank you! WV 🇺🇸

[@TheOffGridIrelandDream]

We have of those. Ecoflow are a brilliant company. Very reliable products

[@dianerose4469]

Hi Bec, while I'm watching you lugging rocks back and forth it occurs to me that you are also keeping the home fires burning...feeding all the critters, feeding the kids, keeping up with other household chores etc. so I'm really impressed with your commitment to doing all that and the stone wall too!! You are amazing!!!

[@dianejohnson1991]

You don’t need to apologize. You’re showing us what you really do on the property. It’s hard work.

[@paularodery8074]

❤

[@donnamurray4675]

Do not apologize for the content of your videos!!! I find each and every one interesting, and a good dose of reality. I’m sure I’m not alone. Keep it up…you are inspiring.

[@joechase1826]

@@donnamurray4675 my favorite renovation channel.

[@bobdecibel1]

i'm here for all of it, renovation, animals, lifestyle, don't give up on the stone raised beds, even if it takes till spring, when they're done you can be really proud of them.

[@maretteschulz8898]

YEP - I love the whole lot as well🥰🥰

[@sparkle6093]

The intro scenery is absolutely stunning.

[@donnamurray4675]

Most definitely …it’s one of my favorite things 🤩🤩🤩

[@pixieg9154]

Totally agree. It's such a lovely way to start a video.

[@Helen-l3i]

I think the stone plant beds are a great idea, they look good and they are using up material you have, they fit right into the surroundings!

[@maryfox1460]

Watching the sun come up in Ireland makes me feel quite Irish, 3rd generation. I'm sure you will think of a fence. I do recommend making a wind break. Adding straw now to compost is a great idea. Living in arid Colorado I envy your wet soil. Clay does store moisture. Animal waste has to wait a couple of years but is a good idea.

[@christikapa3856]

Absolutely stunning intro!!! The scenery!!

[@christinee3126]

Stick with the stone raised beds, but pace yourself! They'll look great.

[@robyntaylor7476]

Stone raised beds are brilliant idea. The straw taken out from the donkeys and chickens will make fantastic compost as a basis for the beds. You really are a grafter and I can see your vision for your new home. Well done.

[@theirishhomestead]

Aww thank you Robyn. I'm hoping it consists down fast enough in time for spring.

[@andreapartytown]

@@theirishhomestead I follow danus Irish herb garden…. Also based in Ireland… Terri Conroy, she’s got some great ideas and I believe that uses sheep’s wool on her raised beds , well worth checking out, as she likes to do things the natural way

[@margaretheschmidt7062]

Maybe you could put down some gravel around the bed, so you will stay dry. Never bored by you😊

[@margaretheschmidt7062]

What kind of veggies are you planing on planting, with those ha4shbwinds not everything light grow.

[@jenateer2518]

Your plan for Stone raised beds is a great idea, but it may take longer than you think to do it. Start simple and just build one at a time. Use some of that unused lumber and make the rest out of wood and as you have time convert them to stone don’t beat yourself up just go one day at a time.

[@AlmostaGreenAcre-zs5eu]

Some of the photos you take of the landscape around there Bec are absolutely stunning ❤which I think would make for great images on mugs or even postcards 👍💯

[@joannecoomer103]

How about a calendar for 2026?

[@marjorievancee-georg9901]

Or coffee mugs, Christmas cards and or all occasion cards! We would even purchase framed copies/ series from each season, or three of dog, donkeys, chicken with home in back ground… take it from there.

[@ChristineKelly1000]

Or a coffee table book?

[@marycook1657]

Hats off to you, Becky, for your determination i building your garden beds. You can be proud of them every time you look at them for the next 50 years.

[@HectorHanao]

Taking care of children ' pets home is a big job, and then all the other things you do are amazing . ❤

[@Kara784]

No need to apologise, I loved watching the stone bed taking place and growing into readiness for veggie planting when the time arrives. Beautiful uplifting photography and scenery too! Thank you.

[@zymurgist8844]

Great work! Sheep's wool goes on top. Used as a mulch/weed suppressor.

[@clarelove3738]

Oh yes, I'd forgotten about that. After all there's now a commercially made product that uses sheep's wool as a slug barrier. Though I'm not sure how effective it is.

[@imawehole]

Use the sheep's wool for insulation in the out buildings, spin it for yarn, stuff pillows, make a hand muff, insulated water pipes. Many great uses for wool. Google more ideas.

[@amyloueliza]

Yes, use the wool in sustainable ways. Such a fabulous resource. It feels such a waste and an insult that we have lost the foresight to value the wool anymore. Imagine what the ancestors would saying. Not you though, Becky and Sam. You get it. You are doing a marvellous job.

[@maggiej253]

That intro was mesmerising, so beautiful. I know the raised stone beds are going to be very labour intensive to create, but they are going to last forever. Bec you must have ached after all that lifting in the cold. Great news that Sam is doing well on his course. Can't wait for next update. Much love to you all. P.s Ecoflow was beautifully modelled by Nell ❤😂

[@theirishhomestead]

Lol thanks. I thought so too. Yes my arms and wrists were feeling that. Whilst editing I thought gosh the telly makes those huge stones look small. 🤣😫

[@lindacarruthers3423]

I love your completed garden bed ,it looks wonderful and is a great deal better than having wooden surrounds. It adds to the picturesque nature of your property.I hope you are able to persevere with them but completely understand if you can’t.

[@diannegray7818]

Bec, Maybe have the kids help you presort at least part of the rock pile into flat/not flat, large medium, small, so that during the actual build you alone don’t have to move so many to find what you need? You remind me of my daughter - a visionary, determined, rock solid (pun intended) hard worker with a soft warm loving heart. The build process is fascinating but the people, animals, land are the real story in my humble opinion. Totally heartwarming. Keep on keepin’ on! Much love…

[@maggiej253]

Just a thought Bec, what about getting a pair of the neoprene wrist supports? You can wear them under your work gloves and would take some of the strain from your wrists x​@theirishhomestead

[@Humbug-ge6ne]

Sheeps' wool makes fantastic wall insulation. Oh I love your Irish homestead. 💥

[@stuartschnare152]

I wait for your videos, all week. You are doing a marvellous job of rehabilitating the farm, and not just the buildings. Your care a treatment of the animals is truly inspiring. What a wonderful example you are setting for your children. The beds are going to be great. Take your time and make them the way you want them to be. Thanks so much for the great content. Cheers from Canada.

[@rosannehart7325]

This week’s introduction was beautiful. I am so glad you are doing raised beds. The pain in the beginning will be your gain in the end. No more bending down when you doing planting, weeding, and harvesting. How high are you going to make the beds? Just remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t overdo it. Take it slow. You do it need any aching limbs or backs.

[@karenmeharg6550]

Well done! I love your idea of rock rimmed veg beds. It’s so in keeping with the land itself. Also, your video work is just excellent. You really have an eye for story telling in film. Glad it’s going well for Sam. You two are such a support for one another.

[@theirishhomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@joekiernan526]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. It enables us back seat drivers to live vicariously the life we would live if we had the opportunity.

[@citygirlingraham]

And the energy…

[@theirishhomestead]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@nomorehate9176]

Today's opening montage was stunning!! Take your time with the stone walls. They will be absolutely worth it when you're done!! GO BEC!!!

[@charlenequinilty7252]

Love the stone raised beds. Lucky to have those resources for free.maybe just do one bed at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed.

[@lyndamorgan5221]

Good to see Fireman Sam! He’s been missed 👍🏻👍🏻

[@theirishhomestead]

He really has. I get nervous filmimg just me! 🫣

[@lifestuff7654]

You’re doing brilliantly Becky .. no fear. Love the content from both of you individually or together 😊

[@JaneSmith-q5n]

Love your videos. Beautiful scenery. I am a little bit obsessed with KZbin Irish cottage home renovation. One that I have recently come across is Morrigans Cottage Homestead in the west of Ireland.

[@HomeTV-k6q4y]

Don't give up, you are doing a fantastic job. A huge task but a Becky task :-) Go for it girl!

[@micklipscombe8614]

Can I just say that building a dry stone wall is a lot harder than using cement mix I live in north Wales and the stone walls that march up and down the mountainside’s are amazing and don’t forget that back in the day they didn’t have 4x4 tractors so hats off to you 😊

[@TheCindyhoashi]

It looks great. It's not a race take your time doesn't matter how long it takes.

[@meghanndouglas9378]

Love the wonky walls Made me smile! A couple bits of advice tho …. If your beds are more than 3.5-4 ft wide you’ll have a rough time working in the middle of the bed without stomping on the plants around the edge. I totally understand that you need to manage the accumulated piles of bedding from all the animals. In the long run you’ll need to figure out a rotation of some sort that allows the manure to rot before you plant in it. Fresh manure will burn your plants. But that’s a tomorrow problem. As you folks across the pond seem to say “just crack on”. It will be wonderful when you get it up and running.

[@tnolan3176]

I was thinking the same thing should be just able to stand on either side and just reach in to weed or what not !! But By the time this video comes out she is probably done with all the beds !

[@judithmalan1502]

I love that your chickens are keeping you company and helping you

[@paulajordan7903]

I love the cat walking up and down in back ground on wall you just made while talking about the wall you just made. You have done amazingly and obviously the cat loves it ❤

[@TonyFranks]

The cats are well trained!

[@spudsnsalsa]

The opening montage was stunning! So glad you persevered as the stone raised beds are going to be so lovely.

[@susanyates4233]

Well done, Bec, you will have a lovely view of your flowers this summer.

[@theirishhomestead]

I hope so! Thank you

[@SonyaTucker98]

Bec I know and I'm positive that everyone will agree with me that your a true diamond, Toby fell on his newly done hooves when he came to live with you, just watching what you've done for him is outstanding!, and now he's got his partner in crime with him there having a ball😂❤ I so love the stone raised beds their so in keeping with the stone cottage, and I love that they take on their own shapes, I know it's going to take an incredible amount of time but they are so going to be worth it,and will look beautiful along with the cottage, and will last forever. A fantastic video Bec, although love videos with Sam, you totally rocked this one. Maybe later on down the line you will be able to do a collaboration of both?. Really looking forward to your next video. Great to hear that Sam is doing good, and looking forward on his next update. Love to Sam, and also love to you Bec,Isabella, and Euan, Nell and all animals ❤❤😂😂 So

[@kathleenroberts4319]

I love the stone beds !! Great job , DONT give up !!❤

[@marjorievancee-georg9901]

Perfect way to deal with boggy clay conditions! Splendid idea!!

[@citygirlingraham]

I like the idea of the stone beds too, but it may be the wrong time of year, (too cold) to do the enormous task you have undertaken. I like the idea of stone beds because it’s more in keeping with the age of your home.

[@JulieCrawford-l8r]

You will love your raised beds when spring arrives! They already look great!❤

[@Fionabren55]

Sheep's wool pillows are recommended for people with insomnia and who suffer allergies. They are currently on the market for 80 plus euro. Plus you can use it on soft furnishings for the house.

[@sallyflavell6221]

And dog beds too!

[@citygirlingraham]

Yes, I was going to mention the pillows or stuffing a dog bed? Why not?…

[@LorieSchemel]

Good job with the stone beds! Although it is hard work, they look beautiful and I think you will be so happy with your vegetable and flowers growing in them. You are a rockstar (pun intended),. Love watching you build your homestead, I was hooked when you rescued Toby and gave him a home and a friend of his own. Best wishes from America.

[@theirishhomestead]

Lol good pun! Thanks. I'm looking forward to getting planting.

[@audreyshaw2463]

Add “a dry-stone waller” to your “expanding” CV Becky 💪💪😊

[@jaynerichards7527]

I would love to hear from the kids on how they see the work and their life on the farm. The animals are clearly loving every minute of your super-caring husbandry. ❤❤❤

[@slowly_radish8374]

I so admire the ability to pivot when life demands adaptation. We "hoomins" love our comfort zones but life has a way of making us stretch. Well done you two & what a wonderful example for your kids!!! 👍👍

[@christopherhopkinson2411]

The term you are looking for is “Dry Stacking”. Enjoy your day as it was made for you are your family. All of you are blessed to have each other.

[@theirishhomestead]

Thanks. I think dry wall is another term used here.

[@jenh9252]

I know them as dry stone walls, they are all over the UK and so lovely!

[@kellyh8347]

Thank you so much Becky. It’s a sweet reminder to me of the hard work my grandfather must have done on his farm before he left alone for the states. Your work is fantastic and I personally am enjoying seeing the work you are doing to improve your land. Those bed walls will last for years to come. No sorry’s. Be proud of yourself. You have done a wonderful job!!

[@naomirobirds8884]

You may want to put a barrier up before you put your insulation on your walls. That way you won’t be drawing moisture. You’re doing an amazing job! God bless you and your family.

[@minternet1]

That garden is going to be Beautiful! 👍👍💪💪😍😍

[@elizabethwezelman8547]

Good to see you Bec, and to see you beginning to make your stone beds a reality. From personal experience with raised beds I found it was easier in the long run to make them higher, enabling deeper soil content, easier to weed etc. One way to stop the possibility of them caving in, could be to line them with planks and stake the wood at intervals, just a thought. Nice to see Sam, hope you both had a good relaxing weekend. Also to watch lovely Nell keeping you company and the chickens in order. Glad Sam put a covering over half the donkey shelter, I did wonder about it being open with the winds and amount of rain you endure. Magical opening! The music really matched the mood so well. Thank you Bec.🌹

[@theirishhomestead]

Thats really good to hear. Thanks Elizabeth. A lot of this for me is going to be a learning curve but I like that. I'm not afraid to make mistakes. Life is more interesting that way. Nell is such a good girl. Always making sure the animals are kept in check. 🤣

[@silviac221]

Besides how great they look, another reason for the stone raised beds: with the damp weather and the boggy soil, wood won't last so long and you'd have to rebuild them eventually. But stone is forever.

[@DeirdreMaza]

😮😮😮 Those incredible pictures should go up on your finished homes walls when completed. Just gorgeous!!!

[@yvonneostman783]

Lovely video! I hope you continue on with the stone beds, I believe future you will thank you. They fit in perfectly with the place and the stone is great for keeping the soiltemperature level in the spring and fall.

[@RickMcGibbon]

Bec, your stacked stone raised garden is grand, and you are fitting in well in a nation well known for its stacked stone walls. Slainte !

[@sandratweedale2579]

Oh my heart. Those shots and the music, just so magical. You must be in Ireland. The donkeys in front of the barn, that’s your Christmas card shot! Just love your family, thank you so much for sharing 👋👵🇨🇦🥰

[@lorikasserman6121]

I would love to visit Ireland one day. My ancestors are from the O'Cassady clan that escaped from religious persecution in the 1600's. I'll continue to dream through you and your amazing efforts to make a house a home.❤

[@SunraeSkatimunggr]

Good for Sam. I have a fond spot in my heart for firefighters. My husband was one, and my son is one.

[@theirishhomestead]

Thank you I'll now be the same

[@ewood7372]

This is hard work and don't apologize for sharing. I'm grateful for your videos - beautiful shots! Edith (in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada)

[@trudisinclair8817]

Indeed some beautiful stone work in Kitchener & Guelph...🇨🇦

[@amandabrown352]

You're raised beds are going to look beautiful and they won't rot like wooden ones 😊

[@kylieharrison3782]

You could always put hooped covers over garden beds to prevent intrusions.

[@melaniepowell8858]

Never apologise for entertaining us with your videos. I am so impressed with your raised bed and it has Jasper's seal.of approval 👌 Your vision is amazing and we get to share it with you along the way. Great that Sam is enjoying his time at fire training. I did inwardly chuckle when you said Sam was telling you what to do with the raised beds, my husband would be exactly the same, let us crack in and see how we go eh? You've done a fantastic job! 👍

[@theirishhomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@yannickd.5733]

Great video Rebecca and quite a project you have taken on. The stone raised beds are going to look amazing. I am always looking forward to your videos. Peaceful and funny at the same time. And i just love to see the animals going around freely and supervising your work 😂.

[@christopherhopkinson2411]

Thank you for the new terminology. At 55 years old I am learning something new everyday.

[@zodiaczigzag1853]

Love the view of scenery at beginning, you could turn them into photos for a calendar, hint hint, love the raised beds, glad you're all ok😊

[@susanelkin2284]

I love the chickens helping you. Beautiful video! 👍👍👍 Much love from America 💖🙏🇺🇲

[@marjanvanpelt8283]

All the hard work will pay off, at the end😊❤

[@joanbaker3710]

Love watching what goes on and the animals. Even the chickens came out to help! 😊

[@Jackie41059]

Keep on rocking on, Rockstar! One at a time and suddenly it will all be finished.

[@Catsruleall]

Stone beds are so nice, especially once they are planted up, as long as they hold up, its a good start. Good job

[@SusanGillard-l6b]

Bec, never apologise for your videos. Personally, love the mixture of renovation, family life, animals, community, new careers and the reality of moving to another country whilst trying to keep all the balls up in the air, all at the same time. You're remarkable! Its extraordinary how well you navigate the lot so don't feel the need to apologise for any of it. There are so many renovation only channels I can choose to watch. I like yours for the variety, plus i admire what you and Sam are trying to achieve. Me, along with 91.4K others, dont forget! I love your beds. Well done on persevering. You can use the sheep's wool for creating Hugelkultur veg beds. This is where you mound organic matter like grass clippings, straw/hay (you could mix in the ripped up wool) on top of waste wood like logs or untreated building wood with top soil or compost on top. You plant into this and it all breaks down to create a fertile productive bed. Glad all is going well for Sam. Best wishes, Susan

[@corinnerichardson9093]

I think you'r great and love to hear you chat away. The stone walls you did look epic! Well done Cx

[@ROBINSIMONS-d3c]

The rock beds are wonderful. You will enjoy for years. I look forward each week to see the progress on your journey.

[@donnamaben775]

I like raised beds, Love toby and tilly, hi Sam, bye Sam. Ginger cat and collie. The House looks great stop apologising for things. Its all good.

[@debbyetheridge6368]

Stone will look fabulous, I wish I had them, charm Have a great week

[@denisegrise5848]

You're doing wonderful ❤ the garden beds willbe breath taking. Be sure and put some flowers in there.❤

[@wendym-mu5dw]

The donkeys with the snowman would make a cute Christmas card. 😄 I enjoyed watching the raised beds project, and the scenes that you open with are so beautiful. You do an excellent job with the videos! ❤

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Yes! ...and valentine's day cards too, couldn't you just see hearts floating up when their noses were almost touching! 🥰 💕💕💕🫏💕🫏💕💕💕

[@gailreece9670]

I love the idea of using the stone for your raised beds ❤

[@Patricia-c5h]

I think you will be very happy with the stone beds for your vegetables. I made stone beds for flowers and 20 years later. They were still excellent.

[@francesbolen257]

What a beautiful sunrise! Wonder intro!

[@theirishhomestead]

Thank you very much! I love the snow...as long as I don't have to work in it. 🤣

[@joandonnelly9187]

Very impressive stone raised bed! Slow and steady wins the race. You can start with one and get to the others when you have time. Great that Sam is enjoying his training too. Lovely video, content and music!

[@susanbrunk-o7q]

I think I would keep the raised beds you already started and then each year after change one from wood to stone. Within a couple of years they all would be stone. Either way, keep up the good work!

[@jmch2186]

Becky your raised beds are fantastic. The stone is so beautiful and perfect. Please don't give up, it will be worth it in the end. Wonderful job.

[@theirishhomestead]

Aww thank you. That's so kind.

[@annejurcsak4991]

I love watching...no matter what your family is up to. I so enjoy the land & watching the animals wandering. For myself, I am living vicariously through your adventure!!! Can't wait for my mugs & market bag to come to me in upstate NY.

[@theirishhomestead]

Love that! Thank you. ♥️

[@monicateeling810]

Gosh the building of the vegetable patch stone walls was intriguing. LOVE IT ✅✅✅✅✅

[@theirishhomestead]

Thanks Monica. I'm psyching myself up for the next one. 🤣

[@hillsgoldsmith]

As you go along the process will become a bit easier, will be worth it when your fruit & veg start coming up

[@theirishhomestead]

Very true! Thank you.

[@catherinemathias3456]

Oh Rebecca I know exactly how you feel! I got some slight stone from my sister in law and made a very small "wall" fronting my flower bed. It was so very difficult since I am clueless as to how to dry fit them. You are doing a wonderful job and I know that it will look stellar when you are finished!! Having Sam "critique " your beds made me laugh since my husband did the exact same thing!!😂 Love being a part of your journey❤❤❤❤

[@peterhutton3864]

Making use of al the spare materials lying around for your raised beds is a great idea and probably saving you hundred of pounds. Keep up the great work and the fantastic videos loving them

[@joanns5250]

Oh, you're aching back! But surrounding the raised beds with stones looks AMAZING! I also LOVED your intro footage.

[@southerncolours826]

Ahhh Bec yr a clever chic. I admire yr tenacity. I've loved spending time with you toiling away on yr stone garden bed. Well done good job. No apologies needed, we know a womans work is never done, all good xx

[@patodwyer275]

Your raised beds are a great idea I have them myself. Your right to make a start on them now it won't be long and you'll be busy weeding your lovely vegetables.

[@theirishhomestead]

Thanks. I'm probably a few months later than planned but I'll get there.

[@robjohnstin4530]

Looks great. It’ll all be worth it in the end.

[@christinephipps8236]

the footage at the begning of this video is so beautiful! so glad you managed to get the roof done.

[@BrightestBlessings7899]

Wool is an amazing insulator. You could use it to insulate a few walls, or a ceiling. Lovely to see your garden lay out.

[@jamesgates3293]

You are never boaring. You are a hard worker and I admire your determination. I enjoy watching your pets and their interaction with each other and their surroundings.

[@booksnall9061]

I love the stone work.

[@carlaaijtink2586]

You keep on wonking Bec, already looking beautifull. You`re doing an amazing job on your veg patch!

[@karinpeterson5366]

You're doing well. It's really hard to keep your motivation when having to work by yourself on a physically taxing project. Progress seems slow. I'm here to cheer you on. 😊

[@claireannemcfadden6656]

Lovely video Bec. Beautiful scenery.

[@theirishhomestead]

Thank you Claire. ♥️

[@rhondawoodard7203]

I find your videos all motivating ! I love the wonky garden beds and Sam popping in to help get things ready for winter for the animals. Talking about where your going to put things. Where the boys will sleep. It’s all motivating and helps others plan. Thank you so much for sharing. Stay strong your Fireman will be home before you know it God bless y’all ❤️🙏👩🏻‍🦳

[@maudwelford1843]

The milestones you have gone through in the last year are tremendous, congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙋‍♀️🥰🤩🫣🤪💕🇬🇧

[@JackieLeigh-n6l]

Lovely video Beck's, live stock are all beautiful creatures, but flipping hard work in winter especially. Great to see Sam home,and pleased to hear he's enjoying the training. Keep up the good work. Beautiful scenery 👌 ❤

[@laurastrom9857]

From US North America, this is balm for my soul. Love watching you building something enduring and useful while our world crumbles.

[@patriciamoore348]

You're doing a great job Dear. Keep going.❤

[@beverlyhendricks9456]

Use the old unusable timber in the bottom of the beds. It will help fill them up and eventually deteriorate. Same with old branches and sticks. Then put donkey poo and straw. Then growing dirt.

[@andreapartytown]

I’m here for your weekly adventures in Ireland, not just the renovations…. The raised bed is coming along, but slow and steady wins the race, I’ve learned from my own experience doing my garden and bungalow renovation… took me 9 months to get mine liveable whilst working … and another year for the garden, but it was so worth the wait when finally finished ( but is it ever really finished 😊 )