Just being a mother is enough to exhaust anybody (I've had 3) even without any health issues on top. The usual format is see to the little ones, and then grab what you can lay your hands on in the time available for yourself.

The fireplace surround is almost exposed, but I am having a bit of a lazy day today. There's only the bottom of the side bits to clear now, and I have decided not to chip every little bit of pitch and plaster off, as they are all part of its story. I'm trying to pull together the admin strands of the imminent build, as the builder and I want to get started asap. The archaeologist assures me he will be dealing with it today. I also need the planning dept to tell me exactly what they need me to do as regards fulfilling the conditions.

The builder hopes he won't be dumping stuff on all of my garden, but he'll have to use what he needs, so I'm still not planning much until the work's finished. I think today's main task will be to just go through the front bed with a hoe and sort out the chickweed that may be appearing.

Andrea