<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/thriftlandscapes-teamjul16.jpg"><img class="alignright wp-image-3688 size-thumbnail" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/thriftlandscapes-teamjul16-150x200.jpg" alt="thriftlandscapes-team(jul16" width="150" height="200" /></a>There were times when working at Tatton Park felt like the Somme (nothing like really - no threat of imminent death). The only similarity is that it was wet and muddy. The <a href="https://www.thriftlandscapes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Thriftlandscapes</a> Team were really focused (Tessa, Caitlin directing her vision and Helene, mum). I confess I sometimes felt tired and would sit down to have a coffee whereas these three just kept planting, working and generally smiling - what a team.

Since I left the rill is now working and the specially designed oak seats have been delivered.

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My homecoming was really good because I was met by Val who immediately invited me in for a coffee and there was an Amazon parcel of toys for me to play with.

The garden has been growing with a couple of cucumbers in the potting shed and the mesembryanthemum that I grew from seed are in full flower and giving quite a show.

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<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sonos-play1jul16.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3693" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sonos-play1jul16-200x200.jpg" alt="sonos play1(jul16)" width="200" height="200" /></a>My new toy is a Sonos sound system. It was easy to set up and the sound is excellent. What is amazing is how small this device is. Unlike my previous hifi systems it doesn't contain music or a radio tuner, everything is done over the network. My music on my smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer can all be played through the Sonos or I can use a media centre which I've also purchased. I do need to tidy up my music library because it became corrupted when I switched from the iPhone to an Android phone.

<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synology-media-centre.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-3695" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synology-media-centre-200x200.jpg" alt="synology media centre" width="200" height="200" /></a>The Synology Network Attached Server has a 3 TByte drive and connects to my internal network but is also securely attached to the internet so I can upload files to it from anywhere and can also use any files that are on it from anywhere - or at least that's the theory. I'm going to have getting to know how to get the most from it.

I should be able to store music, videos and photos and access all of it from smart devices like the TV. I'm sure I'll have it cracked by Christmas ;-)