Too much to do , too little time

11.2.2012

BUILDING NEWS

The bathroom is starting to take shape. Steve has now made the arches and Edd and I have chosen a slab of wood to make the bench top. We also brought the wood to make the toilet door, so Edd has plenty of carpentry to do. I could not do the grouting this week because the only space left to do are the two entry points that everyone uses to go in and out. I suspect that will be my weekend entertainment.

The plumbers came late one afternoon to dig great gouges in the walls and correct their pipe work. The dust was terrible so Edd, Josh, Stevo and I began the terrible task of wheel barrowing scoria onto the roof. Edd made the job a bit faster by loading the wheel barrows with Skiddy but it is still going to be a long job.

We are now worrying about the soil that goes on top of the scoria. That will be much heavier and harder to move. I am thinking that we could then dig the deep litter out of the goat shed and use it to hold the soil in place until the grass grows. I need several strong men to help if we are every to do this.

Last night I dreamt about tiles. I have looked in all the local shops and failed to find any I want. I would like square, ceramic, tiles that look as if they belong to a time things were hand crafted. The present fashions are for highly glossy glass tiles or huge plain ones. I like the new metallic finishes that look like rusty iron but they would be too dark in the bathroom.

This morning I dug around in the undergrowth and found some of the tiles I rescued from the old house. How I wish that I could get the same ones again. They were pretty cheap when I got them but after thirty years I still liked them as much as when I put them up. Looks like I am due to start the big tile hunt.

OTHER NEWS

I have a horrible idea that the goats might come into season early this year. Josh has build a new shed for the big horned billy but the other two need moving to more secure areas where they can exercise in small crofts and receive visiting does. Once again there are just not enough workers here. How much I miss having Wwoofers. It will be so good when we get accommodation again and can get back in that system.

I am now sick of zucchinis. It always happens like this. Every year I look forward to eating them but they arrive so thick and fast that we tire of them very quickly. Cucumbers are more appreciated. They go well in lunchtime sandwiches and salads.

There are several pumpkins growing larger each day and the strawberries and peaches are still available but I have still not got my new grow beds in action so we have not got our winter supplies organised.