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There's nothing more satisfying than building a stone wall - and nothing quite as exhausting either. There are few and simple rules. Make sure each stone touches at least 2 stones beneath it - and work with gravity not against it. As another friend told me years ago "a strong back and a weak mind will get you far."

I'm standing in an old cistern in the back yard of our 600 year old house. It's been unused for decades, if not centuries, and I'm clearing out the rubble. JoJo had the idea of turning it into a grotto. I'll send you pictures of how it turns out - if I survive it.