We cannot believe just how disorganised we are at the moment. It seems like there is no order, no plan and everything is everywhere. For two people who usually pride themselves in a degree of organisation, we are astounded at the lack of it! I think we have worked so hard on trying to get the new house into shape that we ran out of steam when it came to packing up the old place. So it was a huge relief when we had a visit from someone who has restored more than a bit of order to our lives.
We now have lots of boxes packed up and moved, a large pile of goods ready for the charity shop, furniture flat-packed ready for moving and calmness (or something vaguely near to it) has been restored. Thankyou, dear daughter!!
The main job this weekend has been emptying the loft. Not a task we were looking forward to. How have we acquired so much stuff? Why have we kept so much stuff? Did we really think we might need it some day? It was quite frightening really. However, with the three of us working as a finely-tuned team, we had that loft cleared far quicker than I thought we would. We will have a concerted effort at reducing what we store when we have more time and space (ie at the new house) but it has been a salutary reminder of the burden of keeping stuff for the sake of it.
Now we have the kitchen installed, with just a few bits still to finish off, we have moved everything from this kitchen into the new one. We will, no doubt, spend the next few days trying to find things again; it was all put away in any cupboard with no real plan. Never mind, it will give us something to do for a while!
Tomorrow is looking like a busy day. The builders are coming back to put the finishing touches to the kitchen (we have remembered to replenish the tea-bags and sugar!) and the carpet fitters are coming to fit the bedrooms and bathroom. There is the last of the packing to do and making sure the removal men have a clean run through the flat.
We did have a brief break in the packing (and related stress) on Saturday when we walked to the beach to watch the yachts on the final leg of the annual Round the Island Race. Sadly although the weather was very warm and sunny there wasn't much breeze for sailing, and as the yachts came along past Ryde many of them seemed to have stopped! It must have been very frustrating for them, having set out in good spirits early in the morning for a days' racing, only to end up becalmed on the way home. We found out later that many yachts 'retired' and motored back to Cowes. Can't really blame them.
Sunday, 22 June 2014
Thursday, 19 June 2014
Of cars and garages and kitchens
I've spent far more time in the car these past couple of days than I would have liked, especially as the weather has been very warm indeed. Yesterday was a 'fetching and carrying' day, but much longer than expected due to an over-run appointment. And the traffic! Good grief, it seemed like the whole island had taken to the road. However, we have finally decided on a carpet (and got a very good deal, thankfully) and we are even in a position to have three rooms carpeted on Monday. It will mean a bit more of moving everything around again, but it will be worth it to have the luxury of carpets.
We had a little 'incident' last week when someone backed into our car - an accident, and no-one hurt at all. Just a bit frustrating. Whilst the car has been at the body-shop being repaired, we have been given a courtesy car. Useful for running around but not really ideal for tip-runs! Today I took it back as ours was ready for collection, and on the way to the garage, would you believe it, someone (else) ran into the back of me. I have had more dealings with car-body repair shops in the past few days than in many, many years. I have to say that they were very nice about the whole episode - as they quite rightly pointed out, the courtesy car was going back to the right place to be repaired!
House-wise, we have great progress. The central heating is completely installed and, having been tested this week, has now been signed off and handed over to us. We are really pleased with the work that had been done and feel that the extra expenditure on new radiators was worth it. The kitchen is now looking like a kitchen, albeit after a few hiccups with pipework and sockets, positioning the sink and compromising on tiles. The whole process has been a very big learning curve for N and I. There are questions to be asked and decisions and/or choices to be made all the way through. We have learned that a 'simple' request - "we'd like this here" - often means a series of compromises because of some existing feature, or the design of the units, or the need to deal with cables etc etc. It has been an eye-opener; interesting but actually quite wearing. However, watching the kitchen come together is really exciting and we are delighted with it.
In between all the running around we've been doing, N and I are spending some time cleaning windows and window frames. They were a bit grimy, to be honest, from when the house was left empty and now with a hefty dose of building work going on. I can cope with a bit of dirt, but I'd prefer it to be our dirt! It's been time well spent, and the frames have come up well.
I'm trying not to think too much about the packing which needs to be done very quickly, or the dress which is still in pieces. It will all come together (quite literally, I hope) and everything will be ready in time.
Fingers crossed.
We had a little 'incident' last week when someone backed into our car - an accident, and no-one hurt at all. Just a bit frustrating. Whilst the car has been at the body-shop being repaired, we have been given a courtesy car. Useful for running around but not really ideal for tip-runs! Today I took it back as ours was ready for collection, and on the way to the garage, would you believe it, someone (else) ran into the back of me. I have had more dealings with car-body repair shops in the past few days than in many, many years. I have to say that they were very nice about the whole episode - as they quite rightly pointed out, the courtesy car was going back to the right place to be repaired!
House-wise, we have great progress. The central heating is completely installed and, having been tested this week, has now been signed off and handed over to us. We are really pleased with the work that had been done and feel that the extra expenditure on new radiators was worth it. The kitchen is now looking like a kitchen, albeit after a few hiccups with pipework and sockets, positioning the sink and compromising on tiles. The whole process has been a very big learning curve for N and I. There are questions to be asked and decisions and/or choices to be made all the way through. We have learned that a 'simple' request - "we'd like this here" - often means a series of compromises because of some existing feature, or the design of the units, or the need to deal with cables etc etc. It has been an eye-opener; interesting but actually quite wearing. However, watching the kitchen come together is really exciting and we are delighted with it.
In between all the running around we've been doing, N and I are spending some time cleaning windows and window frames. They were a bit grimy, to be honest, from when the house was left empty and now with a hefty dose of building work going on. I can cope with a bit of dirt, but I'd prefer it to be our dirt! It's been time well spent, and the frames have come up well.
I'm trying not to think too much about the packing which needs to be done very quickly, or the dress which is still in pieces. It will all come together (quite literally, I hope) and everything will be ready in time.
Fingers crossed.
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
A new kitchen
Great excitement yesterday when the kitchen finally arrived. Having been told that we would be the first delivery of the day, then the last delivery, of course it arrived at lunch-time *sigh*. Ah well. The units are now in the lounge whilst the kitchen floor is being replaced - some of the boards were showing signs of a washing machine leak in the past. We have learned that it is better to spend a little bit extra now, rather than have problems later on and regret not doing something now.
The kitchen has been replastered, covering up a multitude of sins (and holes). Electric sockets have been re-sited, and the plumbing for sink and washing machine sorted. What we are finding is really difficult is the constant questions and answer sessions - what do you want to do with this; where do you want that; what are we going to do about this; have you given any thought to that? And so on. So many little decisions to be made and we don't know the current legislation or regulations that we are supposed to be adhering to. It's very baffling.
Anyway, the kitchen units are beginning to be lined up but we now have a problem with a seized stopcock for the outside tap, right in the corner of the kitchen. It's jammed. It needs sorting because it sticks out too far. We need the plumber back again.
And so it continues.
The kitchen has been replastered, covering up a multitude of sins (and holes). Electric sockets have been re-sited, and the plumbing for sink and washing machine sorted. What we are finding is really difficult is the constant questions and answer sessions - what do you want to do with this; where do you want that; what are we going to do about this; have you given any thought to that? And so on. So many little decisions to be made and we don't know the current legislation or regulations that we are supposed to be adhering to. It's very baffling.
Anyway, the kitchen units are beginning to be lined up but we now have a problem with a seized stopcock for the outside tap, right in the corner of the kitchen. It's jammed. It needs sorting because it sticks out too far. We need the plumber back again.
And so it continues.
Monday, 16 June 2014
One box at a time
This week should see the contracted work complete ie central heating and kitchen. Then it will just be down to the two of us to continue painting and decorating. Over the weekend we have done the odd jobs that needed to be finished to allow the workmen to get on with their work this week - the towel-rail wall in the bathroom painted (so the door frame had to be undercoated first); the kitchen walls given a coat of diluted PVA in preparation for the plastering. N has also ploughed on with lining paper in the middle room and I have tried to tidy and sweep up - a losing battle I think!
We've also begun the task of packing up the flat, a job we have been avoiding. But the time has come where we can't put it off any longer, as we have settled on a moving date. So we are starting getting stuff out of the loft. Gosh, why do people have so much stuff in lofts and attics? It's not as though there's really a huge amount that can be 'disposed' of, although we will do our best to move some things on if we can. It's just the accumulation over the years of bits and pieces that 'need' to be kept for various reasons.
Yesterday we were treated to another display by the Red Arrows, we think it must have been at the IW Festival. They are the most spectacular, breath-taking display team in the world (that's a completely unbiased opinion!) and N managed to get a few photos of some of their formations. The wing tips seem to be almost touching. It was terrific.
We've also begun the task of packing up the flat, a job we have been avoiding. But the time has come where we can't put it off any longer, as we have settled on a moving date. So we are starting getting stuff out of the loft. Gosh, why do people have so much stuff in lofts and attics? It's not as though there's really a huge amount that can be 'disposed' of, although we will do our best to move some things on if we can. It's just the accumulation over the years of bits and pieces that 'need' to be kept for various reasons.
Yesterday we were treated to another display by the Red Arrows, we think it must have been at the IW Festival. They are the most spectacular, breath-taking display team in the world (that's a completely unbiased opinion!) and N managed to get a few photos of some of their formations. The wing tips seem to be almost touching. It was terrific.
Friday, 13 June 2014
Is there an end in sight?
Most people decorate one room at a time. Next time, I think that's what we'll do. Not try to tackle a whole house all at the same time. And with a silly time-frame, just to make things interesting. We're not ones to shirk from a challenge but this is becoming quite challenging now =:o
Anyway, enough of the whinge, time to focus on where we've got to. Little bedroom, done. Main bedroom, just a little bit of emulsion and one wall to paper. Guest room, all woodwork painted and lining paper started. Bathroom, sealing coat of emulsion on all new plaster. So lots of progress made. We hope to finish all those rooms, painting and papering, by the end of the weekend. The house is looking so much brighter and fresher with white ceilings and woodwork.
Some preparatory work has started in the kitchen in readiness for the units to be installed next week. It's all a bit of a juggling act, getting the order of work sorted, and it's beginning to take it's toll. So many questions, decisions, details to sort out, and we're both pretty tired. This is when you begin to realise how dependent you are on 'experts'. And new legislation regarding building work and electrics is a minefield - what work do we need paperwork and certification for? It's seriously overloading our weary brains.
However, we chose to put ourselves into this situation and we will work our way through it. We are having a half-day tomorrow, simply because we are so tired we are beginning to make silly mistakes - twice I have opened the wrong tin of paint and only just stopped myself painting a wall the wrong colour.
This weekend the Island is expecting around 50,000 visitors to enjoy the IW Festival, and hopefully the weather will stay dry for all those camping. It's a party atmosphere over the weekend but along with many other locals, we will avoid the area, and the traffic disruption!
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Decorating at last
Finally we feel we are getting somewhere with the house. The plumber and his mate have finished the installation of the bathroom and although it still needs painting and final touches, we are pleased with it. We have reclaimed a couple of rooms that were commandeered for tools (oh so many) by the workmen and it's good to have a couple of days to ourselves before work starts on the kitchen. Yesterday began with a bit of a scramble to find an electrician able to provide the all-important piece of paper for moving the cooker point; again, it was the problem of getting the various bits of work completed in the right order but we are there, I think (and sincerely hope!)
Yesterday we finished decorating our first room. Such a sense of achievement and satisfaction. One down - and several more to go but we are on the way. Today we had a concerted effort with paint and paper. We have applied a base coat of emulsion to some of the new plaster in the bathroom, just to help the 'proper' paint to adhere better as new plaster is so porous. All the woodwork in the main bedroom has now been topcoated, and N has begun papering - that is really exciting. I have painted the ceiling and coving in the dining room.
The house is looking so much lighter and brighter with fresh white paint around. It does make such a difference.
Tomorrow we will tackle more sanding. It's the worst job, especially in this heat, but it has to be done and it's easier when it's just the two of us there. We will take it in turn to do the door frames in the hallway and with a bit of luck we can get the job done by lunch time. Once the dust has settled we can begin vacuuming. The dust filter on the vacuum has been cleaned more times in the past three weeks than in the last three years!
It is nice to have a loo again. I suppose we really ought to put the bathroom door back on ;-o
Yesterday we finished decorating our first room. Such a sense of achievement and satisfaction. One down - and several more to go but we are on the way. Today we had a concerted effort with paint and paper. We have applied a base coat of emulsion to some of the new plaster in the bathroom, just to help the 'proper' paint to adhere better as new plaster is so porous. All the woodwork in the main bedroom has now been topcoated, and N has begun papering - that is really exciting. I have painted the ceiling and coving in the dining room.
The house is looking so much lighter and brighter with fresh white paint around. It does make such a difference.
Tomorrow we will tackle more sanding. It's the worst job, especially in this heat, but it has to be done and it's easier when it's just the two of us there. We will take it in turn to do the door frames in the hallway and with a bit of luck we can get the job done by lunch time. Once the dust has settled we can begin vacuuming. The dust filter on the vacuum has been cleaned more times in the past three weeks than in the last three years!
It is nice to have a loo again. I suppose we really ought to put the bathroom door back on ;-o
Monday, 9 June 2014
Normal service resumed
I haven't mentioned the weather recently, but the temperatures are creeping up. Blue skies and warm sunshine, with just an occasional shower (and thunderstorm) are becoming the norm. We try to eat lunch outside if we can; it makes a break from working indoors and the sun feels good on our aching backs!
The bathroom is now almost fitted with the exception of the shower. For the first time in over two weeks we have a working toilet. I cannot tell you what a joy that is. We might be able to have a cuppa during the day now ;-) Tomorrow the bathroom should be finished and ready for us to do the finishing decorating touches - painting (once the plaster has dried out completely), mirror and cabinet etc.
We have had a day of sanding in the hallway and stripping the remainder of the wallpaper in the kitchen, as per our revised list. We've made good progress. A chat with the builder re the kitchen, another shopping trip for two tiles (and several other odds and ends), the delivery of a 'welcome to your new home pack' (more of that tomorrow) and two more trips to the tip. The amenity site we use, run by the local council, does try to encourage people to recycle as much as possible, and we do our best by recycling metal, wood (that can't be used for anything else), cardboard, rubble/building waste and green waste. The information board at the site indicates that up to 75% of the waste is recycled which is something. I think people are becoming more aware of the need to recycle as much as possible rather than dump everything in landfill sites. We try to do our bit.
We bumped into an ex-colleague on our travels today, and like us, he has found that it is quite possible to have a good life on a reduced income - and still be perfectly happy. Cutting your cloth and living within your means. Money, it seems, does not necessarily equate to happiness. Well, fancy that.
The bathroom is now almost fitted with the exception of the shower. For the first time in over two weeks we have a working toilet. I cannot tell you what a joy that is. We might be able to have a cuppa during the day now ;-) Tomorrow the bathroom should be finished and ready for us to do the finishing decorating touches - painting (once the plaster has dried out completely), mirror and cabinet etc.
We have had a day of sanding in the hallway and stripping the remainder of the wallpaper in the kitchen, as per our revised list. We've made good progress. A chat with the builder re the kitchen, another shopping trip for two tiles (and several other odds and ends), the delivery of a 'welcome to your new home pack' (more of that tomorrow) and two more trips to the tip. The amenity site we use, run by the local council, does try to encourage people to recycle as much as possible, and we do our best by recycling metal, wood (that can't be used for anything else), cardboard, rubble/building waste and green waste. The information board at the site indicates that up to 75% of the waste is recycled which is something. I think people are becoming more aware of the need to recycle as much as possible rather than dump everything in landfill sites. We try to do our bit.
We bumped into an ex-colleague on our travels today, and like us, he has found that it is quite possible to have a good life on a reduced income - and still be perfectly happy. Cutting your cloth and living within your means. Money, it seems, does not necessarily equate to happiness. Well, fancy that.
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