More happenings

I wishfully think that renovations have some form of ending! We continue to work on the houses, more starting than stopping.  There is the usual maintenance and because we have come off a low base of a neglected house and our multitude of jobs continue.

The bathroom in the front house is of the 40 year vintage with sloping floor and toilet that sits up awkwardly against the wall!  We had put a new vanity in with our first lot of renovations but the old shower with the shower curtains was quickly losing its appeal.

The bathroom is gutted and new tiles, shower and toilet installed. We are amazed at the difference and I am able to sit on the toilet without the wall cramping my style!

We have a month before we hire someone to paint the outside of the house.  I paint 5 colours on a piece of wood and take the opinions of family.  The colour coordinator assures me that a few "shades of grey" were the up coming trend.  We choose a blue grey with white trims.  First are the multitude of jobs that have to be done before painting.  Missing fascia boards and holes need to be repaired along with some roofing for the awnings.  A tyre on the corner of an awning (to stop anyone bumping their heads)

is removed as well as some old notices on outside toilets reminding the diners which were the men and woman's.

The rain pours and I am reminded how the house is vulnerable against the elements.  When sunshine returns, the painting begins.  Natalie and I paint the extras like the farmhouse letterbox, a statue and a birdbath.  We admire the colour while Bruce trims the camellias  and shrubs away from the house.

The old mixture of orange, brick red, and green paint will soon be gone.

After 3 weeks, we round the corner slowly and look up at the house, rapt with the colour.

The old outbuilding are now looking as though they need work!  When I comment on this I can feel Bruce's uncomfortable gaze. Everything can be negotiated and I have time on my side.  Just buy the pot of paint I say to myself, pretending I am the patient one.