So I produced a spreadsheet. To calculate how much we have already spent. I've also included a 'quoted' column.
I have felt sick ever since. But we honestly knew this house would cost us. We knew it was a project. I am just thankful that Stu is very capable and has already saved us a lot of money by labouring for the electricians and preparing the plumbing for the new heating system (boiler and oil tank). He is of course doing the majority of the rest of the house too. From plastering, fitting new kitchen and bathroom to painting and decorating. I, however, am flitting about with a heat gun and orbital sander rescuing any piece of victorian woodwork that looks salvageable. And I am taking all the credit for the kitchen fireplace / hearth / chimney (unless the next stage goes wrong - then it was all Stu). I am also in charge of spend. And as a result I also need to start earning some pennies. And, fingers crossed, it looks like I will be doing just that very soon. The perfect 'job' might well have landed in my lap. Just seven to eight days a month, for six months - working from home the majority of the time (with the occasional trip to the office - in Bonn). Which also means that the rest of the time I can carry on watching Stu do all the hard work in the house. N.B. Just to be clear - I take the pee out of myself all the time. But I am also working hard in the house. I even have tennis elbow to prove it. It's just that Stu is Superman...I can't compete. P.S. Name that tune (page title) Today's photo: Stu even finds time to play ball, frisbee and stick with George
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Living in a project house is not easy. Particularly for me.
I hate having dirty hands (which doesn't mean I don't like 'getting my hands dirty'). I also hate clutter and dust. And things that are in the wrong place. Or things that don't yet have a place. So some days it does get a little too much for me. Today was a very dirty day. Layers of dust settling on everything in the kitchen: plates, cooker, cups, kettle, toaster, table, floor, dogs' beds. Everything. Even so...today was a very good day. Some days I have to shut out the mess...to stop my head getting noisy (and anxious). Today I just rolled up my sleeves, armed myself with a hammer drill, heat gun and sander to tackle the kitchen fireplace head on. It was so worth it. And now that all the dust has been cleaned away...I'm ready for tomorrow - when I plan to start ripping out one side of the original (damp and musty) kitchen cupboards. I've even managed to throw caution to the wind and wear a pair (not the right word as they are not a bloody pair) of odd socks (from a pack of six odd socks that my sister gave me for my birthday). So long as I keep them tucked in my Uggs I'm good... (have to own up..I have made an attempt to 'match' the odd socks...though the colours are all different..two have dots, two have stripes and two have hearts) It looked like we were in for a quiet weekend. No scheduled house guests. No plans. Funny how things change! We rounded off a very busy Saturday (with friends and neighbours (not NDN), two schnauzers and an orange border collie) with a BBQ on the decking. Perfect.
Today's photos are a selection from the weekend and the workshop... The bloody bell didn't work.
George is turning into a devil-cat (cute one though). He caught a blue tit today. He also caught yet another mouse. But that's fine by me. Progress since the last post (blog not B♭ bugle call):
Today's photo: Modelling an easy-wear, easy-wash, just-about-get-away-without-a-bra, non-iron outfit - from my 'Life in Wales' range. Life in Wales - a complete change of lifestyle.
I can hardly remember what I used to do on days off. (Quick pause in typing - just remembered I haven't put the hens to bed.....) Today I mowed the paddock, topped up the water for the neighbour's cows, rounded up sheep, watered neighbour's garden and fruit plants / trees, watered our own garden, collected eggs and put hens to bed (yep...they're still alive). Our neighbours entrusted their valuable livestock, garden, vegetables and fruit to us while they take a much needed and well-earned rest in Austria (and Germany I think). So far we've done marvellously. We've only mislaid one hen. To be honest (and apologies to Helen if you read this) whilst we have done our best to keep their gardens watered - it has been one hell of a battle. They couldn't have picked a worse two weeks to be away. Their tomatoes are practically frying on the vine. And the garden (and fields) look parched. George (hunter-gatherer British Shorthair) is loving life. Though his life nearly ended the other day when he proudly legged it into the lounge with a bloody woodpecker. Panic ensued. We're love our two visiting woodpeckers. George must have known and thought we might want one for tea. Anyway - Stu rescued the poor thing. And George is now the proud owner of a purple collar (only other colour options were red and pink) with a bell. And Mollie is now shit-scared of him. I think the sound of the bell is on a par with loud bangs and fireworks. I had to get dressed this morning with her stuck to my leg. So instead of a woodpecker - tonight's treat was a mole. How cute are they? Such a little sweetie. That again was rescued and returned to next door's garden. Don't want to be accused of removing their property do we? Today's photos include some of Valle Crucis Abbey and this evening's sheep shearing activities... |
DebbieMe, my life, my family and my travels Archives
November 2022
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