Sunday, July 06, 2025

SUNDAY. MORE JOBS


Seeing as we got the 'big' job finished yesterday, today we just have small, odd jobs to get done.

ABOVE: The three Keter Sheds in place.  We also got all the shed stuff out of the garage and into the sheds, with room to spare.

ABOVE: All of the taller stuff that won't fit in the sheds is now leaning up against the house. I am hoping there's no complaint about OUR stuff being there, on OUR property.   


 

Saturday, July 05, 2025

PUZZLED

 

Yesterday I was sorting through the three big boxes of plastics, and not often used kitchen gadgets.  And I was like, where the hell are all our plastic boxes?

ABOVE:  I found masses of LIDS... with no corresponding bottoms?  I'm at a loss to know where they might be.

I'm hoping they didn't get put up in the attic by mistake... cos that would mean 'someone' getting up there to check.  Grrrrr.

I have a fairly impressive list of things to get done this weekend.  The biggest one is getting the two extra Keter sheds assembled, and all the stuff that's to go in them, IN THEM, and out of the garage.

-There's also raising the headboard.

-Putting the Hold Backs on the walls, to hold back the curtains.

-And maybe we will get our weather vane up as well?

Some of that is going to be 'weather dependant', cos obviously ya don't want to be out in the rain.

*sigh*...


I.  COULD.  THROTTLE.  COCO.  She decided to wake up at 5.30 am, and go in and out the dog door a gazillion times. It makes an annoying flapping noise every time she goes in and out. 
WHY?  Like, WHY was it necessary to go in and out for over an hour? In the end Stew let her into the house, and she promptly went to sleep again. Meantime, I'm wide awake and cross as hell.
BTW, it's no warmer in the house compared to the garage, and she has a hot pod in bed with her 24/7.

So YEAH, so much for getting a sleep in.

ABOVE:  I reckon this little hanger rack will look PERFECT somewhere in our new bathroom.  It was hidden behind a door in our last home.

ABOVE:  I took myself off for a little walk this morning, down to the river.  It took me 90 seconds.  We have had so much rain, I wanted to see how high the river was.


ABOVE: She's HIGH!  If she rises another half a meter,  water will be on the path.

ABOVE:  Meanwhile, back at home... his nibs is very reluctantly putting the two new Keter sheds together.  
Less said.

Well, the second shed is done.  Then we went off to Chartwell Square for lunch.

ABOVE: The mall was very busy again.
We had our favourite, a kebab.   I am going to try making Tabbouleh one day soon.  It's so nice in a kebab.
 
ABOVE: When we left the mall it was fair PISSING DOWN.  Torrential in fact.  So making up the third shed is on hold for now...


5.10 pm ... we have been working hard all afternoon.  Happy to say all three Keter Sheds are up, and full of the garage stuff.
Photo tomorrow.
We are now preparing to head out and have showers.  Then Stew is going to the pub to watch Rugby with the boys, and I will join him later.  MUCH later, like in the dying minutes of the game.  

9.02 pm... just home from the pub.  I got there with 20 minutes left to play.  It was not my cuppa tea at all.  And it wasn't very busy in the pub, which surprised me (and Stew).  Clearly people are more comfortable watching the games at  home.
So anyway, the day is done and we are off to bed soon.  
Catch ya tomorrow.

Friday, July 04, 2025

LET IT RAIN

 


The day I've been waiting for ... my bathroom gets some colour.  Did I tell you what colour I chose?

MIGHT BE PALE BLUE.  Like seriously, is anyone even surprised? 😂😄😉

ABOVE:  I'm sure you are all sick to death of seeing my freakin 'almost' bathroom!  But tough titties... I like documenting the progress.

That's how it looked when the painter left yesterday.  Give it a few hours and we might have another photo... with COLOUR!

That dark thing on the wall is a set-in-the-wall cupboard, and it has two mirrored doors that go on the front.  Very old fashioned, but we love it.  They are so handy above the vanity.

So what am I doing today, besides watching the painter do his thing?

Five eighths of F all really.  I can hardly move in the house right now, which is really frustrating.  I need to get sewing asap, I have Scrappy Doll orders for the next Tamahere Market.  Luckily, it's still two weeks away, so I should be able to get some made in another week or so.... ONCE the sheds are assembled, and all that shed shit is out of my sewing space.  Here's hoping Stew can get them made Saturday or Sunday.

At the pub last night, I commented on a friend's GORGEOUS LONG FINGERNAILS.  She told me she takes Centrum Women 50+, and Berrocca every day, and she attributes that to having strong nails and hair that grows fast.

Well my hair grows fast, but me nails are hopeless. Soft and crack at the slightest knock.  So I'm gunna go and get me some Centrum and Berrocca.

And that is my grand plan for ... a couple of hours at least. 

Catch ya later.

8.45 am: waiting for the painter to arrive, so I can let him in.  Then I can go out and about.  Waiting......
And the man arrived, and I can now hear him rolling on the paint.  I am not going to look until it's finished.  

I spent some time tidying up and covering up things out the back, so they don't get wet.
  

ABOVE: it's a bit of a bugger having NOWHERE to store all the taller things now our shed is gone.
But oh well, up against our brick wall will have to suffice.  Shame it doesn't look as nice as our lovely wood shed.

ABOVE:  I am now sorting out all my mosaic tiles and glass domes... they were starting to be a right mess in the bottom of me mosaic box.  And the only place I have to do it?  On top of boxes. 😖😕😒

I am backtracking on getting those supplements for now.  I'm worried I will overdose myself with Magnesium or something else.  I already take a Multi-Vitamin and Magnesium daily.  I will ask my Doctor next time I see him if I should take anything else.
Better safe than sorry.

Lacy and Keera called in to visit.  We ended up going to Chartwell Square for a wander and lunch.
It was super busy there, but Lacy coped so well and didn't have an anxiety attack.  


ABOVE:  Lacy in her hi-vis sweater.  Can't miss her in a crowd.
Once we arrived home, the painter had finished in the bathroom.  He had to put three coats of the blue on, as it is so light in colour, the sealer was showing through.

ABOVE:  I am very pleased with it, I didn't want a bright/loud blue in such a little room.  Once the white vanity and shower are in, and the black accents as well, I think it will all come together nicely.
The girls have gone home now, and it's back to just me and Coco.  We now have 3 days off having people here doing stuff.
We had a huge downpour this afternoon... so glad we have cancelled attending the Morrinsville Market tomorrow.
We can just enjoy the weekend, doing odd jobs instead.
8.52 pm:  Well... another Friday night in doors, watching telly.  Keeping warm.  Looking forward to bed.  Another day tomorrow, when we can actually SLEEP IN.
That will be bliss.

Thursday, July 03, 2025

LOOKS GOOD


I have not shown you the new headboard yet have I?
Well... I'm happy to say I love it, and it matches our wardrobe doors perfectly as well.
On the weekend, Stew is going to raise it up a bit.


ABOVE:  I have not sanded the patches yet, or painted that back wall.  I just can't be arsed right now.

This morning I am going over to Cambridge for mosaics. After that I have a lunch meeting, before coming home.

ABOVE:  While I'm out, we have a painter coming in to do ... THE BATHROOM!  It's all ready for painting.
I managed to find a painter via the bathroom Renovation Company.  I'm so happy I don't have to do it now.
I don't think my arms would have forgiven me somehow. 😃😂😅


1.40 pm:  HI.   I've had a lovely morning doing mosaics, then going to a friend's birthday lunch.  It was a surprise for her, so even nicer.  

ABOVE:  I got quite a bit done on my mosaic rock today... I will possibly finish it next week.
Then it will be on to my next project.  
The painter is still here, putting on the sealer, and filling all the little nail holes in the skirting boards etc.
Tomorrow he will be putting the coloured paint on the wall.  I'm excited to see that happen.
Once he's done tomorrow, we have a 3 day break from having tradies here.  THAT will be wonderful.  Much as I appreciate them being here working... I miss my privacy.
I am now going to make myself a kebab for a late lunch, as I didn't have anything to eat at the birthday luncheon.  

ABOVE: All the sealer is on, and he's done the white skirtings etc, and now he's almost finished the ceiling.  Then he will go home, and come back tomorrow to put the wall paint on.
Where the shower liner goes is staying green/gib board only, so the liner can adhere to the wall there. If it was painted, the glue would not work and hold the liner on.
I am surprised how much work is involved in just this little room!
If I'd done it, we would still be doing it next week!
It's bloody awful outside, just so wet and miserable. But not stormy.  Hopefully it doesn't get any worse, some parts of New Zealand have been hammered by bad weather already, and sure in hell don't need any more.
I spoke too soon. It's now 6.15 pm, and it's fair pissing down. I drove to Steve n Bexs after dropping Stew at the pub. The roads are already flooded in places. My driveway is like a river. What fun. 

8.20 pm:  Just in from the pub and visiting the kids.  A very nice evening.  It has stopped raining for now, thank goodness.
Time to relax and later on, watch Coronation Street. 
Catch ya tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 02, 2025

WEDNESDAY - LET'S BE HAPPY


I have decided to be happy today.
Nothing that's going on 'in the background' can be changed by my mood, so let's have a good day.
The first thing I'm happy about...

ABOVE: When our shed became an issue for the neighbours, management bought some lovely big pittosporums. They were to form a hedge, so the neighbours couldn't see the shed.  Clearly, that wasn't good enough for them.
Now the shed is gone, but we get to keep the trees, they will form a lovely privacy hedge FOR US.  Win win.
By the end of today, the bathroom walls and ceiling will be ready for painting.  Once I get that done, the rest of the room can get finished.
Shower and vanity in, rails up and so on.
I just hope I've made the right choices with colours, fittings etc.  I've never done a total bathroom remodel before.
Let's get on with the day... the gib stopper is due around 8 am, and probably the bathroom reno guys as well.

I was given the time frame (finally) for the bathroom reno.
It should be done by Friday next week.
Then all we have to do is build the cupboard in the corner.

10.36 am:  Whoop, a very productive morning.
The gib stopper has finished.  The reno guy came and will put up the architraves etc.  I can paint tomorrow.


ABOVE:  Spot the difference.
I'm so happy with the curtains, and I only have one set to go.  But I can't get into the spare bedroom to do them, so they can WAIT.
Lacy and Keera have arrived, and we are off to the supermarket and Mitre 10 together.

ABOVE: So we get to Mitre 10, and I see the Triton Hearing Test Caravan parked out the front.  And I tell Keera to go over there, cos we need to check and see if her ears are actually painted on.  lol
The bloke inside thought that was funny, so did I.

ABOVE: While we were out, those arrived.
The two new Keter sheds.

ABOVE:  And look at that, my ever changing lounge room view.  😂😖😆
I hope the next thing coming into my lounge is the new lounge suite.  NOT due until the end of August, even beginning of September. Bummer.
But, good things take time.

ABOVE:  I made us Kebabs for lunch, they were freakin' lovely.  Keera and I had ours heated up in the sandwich press, while Lacy had hers cold.
And now the girls are gone, and it's just me and the bathroom reno guy, who's putting on the new skirting boards etc.
7.40 pm:  I got some really good news from the Bathroom Reno guy this afternoon.  More on that tomorrow.
After he left I had a nap, until Coco decided I'd rested enough by barking at me!  Little tart.
I think I got about an hour.
Better than nothing I suppose.  If I decide to try for a Nana Nap again, I'll be locking that little tart in the garage!
Stew arrived home, and we headed down to the pool complex.  Stew did 20 minutes in the gym while I did lengths.
Then a nice soak in the hot tub, followed by a shower and hair wash.
Home, and now we are just chilling out till bedtime.
Catch ya tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 01, 2025

HEADBOARD

 


THIS MORNING OUR NEW HEADBOARD IS ARRIVING.  And I still have not painted behind our bed.  I had hoped to have it done before the headboard arrived.  But oh well, it's not a big problem in the grand scheme of things.

The Gib Stop man is coming back after lunch to do a second coat of plaster.  Then I presume tomorrow he will come and sand it all.  After that, I can paint the room.

So, it looks like we won't have a functioning bathroom until next week at the earliest.  It isn't too bad not having a bathroom, but only due to being able to use the community centre here for our showers.

This morning I am going to put poly filla in the holes in our bedroom wall, and the lounge.  First step in re-painting the interior of the house.


ABOVE: The village maintenance men wasted no time in starting to take the shed apart!

They got the roof off late yesterday, and are coming back today to take the rest apart.  They are going to use it in their 'workshop' area, and are very happy to have it.

I'm just relieved the damn shed saga is over, and we can move on from it.

Right, I'm getting up and heading out to the mall.  I need to pick up me prescription and a few bits 'n' bobs.


Oh dear, another day where I forgot to update earlier.
So, I went out and managed to get my prescription, and some Hold Backs for the curtains.
I couldn't believe how expensive they were!


ABOVE:  I got the last 4 sets at Spotlight.  I would have liked 4 black sets, but oh well.  I will get Stew to instal them on the weekend.

On my way home, I called in to visit with Bex and the kids.  It's school holidays, so the boys were home.

ABOVE:  I cannot believe how spoilt Marley is!  There she is, all wrapped up in a baby blanket, on Archer's lap.

The gib stop man arrived early, so I had to hot foot it home earlier than expected.
He's now done for the day, coming back tomorrow to sand it all.
Dang, I just remembered I need to buy some new paint brushes.  I'll do that tomorrow I think.  
I have people here taking the shed apart...



ABOVE: And there ya go, the Village now has a beautiful wooden shed.
And in a few days our new Keter sheds will arrive, and most of the shed stuff can get the hell out of my 'sewing room', AKA the garage. 😌😊

ABOVE:  my ever changing view in the lounge.  *sigh*
Is the end in sight?  I bloody hope so.
It is now 2.10 pm, and I feel wrung out.  There's a few 'things' going on in the background that I'm not going to talk about on here... just know my stress levels are almost maxed out.  
I can't wait until all that's going on is over.
I had several months with not ONE headache.
Now?
Had one every day for about a week.
At least the shed issue is DONE and OVER WITH.
I'm so glad today is over.
It's been a right shitty day to be honest.
Too much going on for my brain.
I have just felt like crying on and off all day.
Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day.