what's next?

well I've had a few fizzers and flops happening in my world since I last blogged. First up, my birthday plans turned into a complete waste of time (nothing worked out!). Then my insurance company tells me that the person who drove into my parked car at the mall is denying liability even though there were witnesses. Now I've heard that the builder in charge of our bach work is in hospital with stomach pains (suspected appendicitus).

Ahh rant + vent over, but I have to wonder what's next?

steady progress

Unbeknownst to us, the builders were able to put in about 3 days work last week. In that time they completed the exterior re-clad and have started to finish up inside.

It will probably be at least another 2 weeks before I can realistically get to the bach (it's hard to be paitent!) as there's so much going on with end of year activities for the children... school trips, a birthday, a ballet recital, parties...

Oh dear, I better get cracking on making my kiwi christmas ornaments before I run out of time!

licorice allsorts

this handmade 100% wool blanket is destined for our room at the bach. It measures 223cm by 182cm and weighs around 2-3 kgs. I love crocheted granny squares especially when they're bright and colourful. Reminds me a lot of licorice allsorts, yummy!

on the inside

Hallway view of kitchen/lounge



Hallway view to new bedrooms

the bach interior is undergoing a major rework (check out the photos above). We still have two bedrooms although now they're both located off a common hallway and the new bathroom/laundry has been relocated. Fingers crossed that the builders finish this week!

retro bach update

last Friday the builders attended a fishing competition and this week they've been working elsewhere. They'll be back on Monday and I'm hopeful that the building work will be finished by Friday next week. The front window has been replaced with a sliding door and that removed window has now been installed around the side as a bedroom window. That's great recycling! The exterior asbestos cladding is being replaced with a marine grade plywood which we'll eventually be painting 'Desert Sand', so the building can blend in with the natural surroundings.

Soifua John

sometimes life speeds by so quickly that I can hardly catch my breath or even think. Today my thoughts are with a volleyball friend who passed away this morning. Tofa Soifua and safe journey John!

yesteryear roses

the heritage roses that we bought online a couple of years ago are now making a spectacular show with the most fragrantly scented blooms. The two roses pictured above are both climbers with deep, glossy green leaves. (Sorry, I've completely forgotten their proper names). These roses would love to climb and ramble in every direction. For now they have to be content with climbing on the fence.

In the foreground of the third photo is our cat Rocky who just insisted on being in the picture...

retro bach progress



there's been plenty of progress on our retro bach since I last posted. The new addition is a welcome replacement to that awful eye sore that we had. The new walls are true and straight plus the floor is level. We've had a major rethink of the interior so there's been a lot happening inside as well (I'll post about that soon). The bach has a new roof on. The front window is to be replaced by a sliding door and the new deck will run right across the front of the bach.

Mr B has been fantastic in ensuring that the builders are kept on track with minimum disruptions. He's made several day trips (that's about 2.5-3hrs each way) with his off-sider, Sydney, to undertake demolition, deliver building materials etc. Great work guys!

It will be another week or so before the building is completed and then we'll get on to the painting and decorating. I'm looking forward to getting back in there to have a good cleanup.

start building

the builders started work last Friday and already the foundations are in, the floor is down and the framing is starting to go up. There's no work today as the weather forecasts predict stormy conditions. However we've been told that they'll be finished by Friday next week. Then it's up to us to do the painting etc. I just can't wait until it's all done!