Graham Thow and son came to look round the orchard today – were very agreeable, made some good suggestions, and offered a fair price. We wait now for Alan Ladbrooke to talk to us. Greg Cornes is interested if neither of these two meets our needs.

I went in to Aerial Mapping and ordered up to date aerial pictures of the Homestead and Orchard – they should be ready on Friday – the photos were taken in 2004.

I also spoke to the District Council planners and they confirmed that we could change the boundary between the Homestead and the orchard by up to 10% of the smaller title – 1.2 acres. The area I intend to clear of 189 apple trees and make part of the Homestead is about an acre, and if we straighten up the top fenceline – adding about 1/2 an acre to the Orchard – then we can add two more rows of apples and increase the length of four more – about 90 trees.

Harry has agreed to come over on Saturday for Karola’s birthday and to give us his opinions on how to develop the combined blocks.

Weather: 4°C—12°C, overcast with a cold southerly breeze, no rain.