Now on first glance this doesn't appear the most interesting of titles, but you would be amazed at the potential of a flat roof! We have one at the back of our house and I recently had to go up there and effect a repair on the tired felt. This basically consisted of applying bridging tape across any tears and then cleaning the surface before application of a rubber, weather proof paint.
Living in England means you cannot be sure the weather will hold out long enough for weather proof paint to dry - especially between September - May. Anyway it was a fine couple of days that saved my bacon before a deluge arrived and bounced off the newly protected surface :). I digress.
The kids thought it was especially exciting seeing dad high up and exposed to the elements, I mean that is a ready made adventure right there! I never would have believed how excited the kids could get about an area about 6 metres square and 3 metres off the ground, but they did. I was implored to allow them out onto this amazing platform and, when a nice sunny day arrived, I finally gave in and accompanied them out the window and onto the roof. The spring sunshine had raised the dark felt temperature significantly and it felt absolutely lovely. We sat there - all three of us - watching the trees swaying in the wind and listening to bird songs. My eldest son fetched his large Cunningham's skink (Egernia cunninghami) out for the occasion and then we were four - all sat there bathed in warmth and feeling at one with nature.
There is a large amount of ivy and wisteria growing around this extension and I took the opportunity to cut back the extended growth. We discovered a bright green caterpillar amongst the leaves and marvelled at its beauty. There were ants clambering around up there and clear views of birds landing on the nearby church and pausing to reflect before heading off to find food or mates or build nests - it is spring time after all.
Anyway, I thought it was worth posting this experience. It was simple, it lasted longer than I expected and the kids loved it. I had to watch them very carefully and I certainly would not recommend this for very young children (or older ones if they can't be trusted), but certainly my lads remained responsible and happy for the duration of our trip onto this new platform to the natural world.
