BYE BYE BRYLEE

 AGAIN!

This morning the guys are moving Brylee 100% into her new flat.

They just need to take her bed and drawers up the stairs in the new flat, and her fridge/freezer from Steve's garage to the new flat's garage.

She can move all her small stuff, clothes, kitchen ware etc, herself.  So, it won't take long at all.

THEN Steve and Stew will put the roofing on the carport and BOOM... that will be done too.

By this evening, my little car will be back in the garage, after having to be on the driveway for the past 3 months, and Stew's car will be under a carport.

Later on today I WILL finish the Christmas present wrapping!  Just 2-3 more things to go.

One more hurdle to get over, and then we can finally sit back and just enjoy our home, and look forward to Christmas.

IF the driveway issues are resolved by Christmas that is.  *sigh*

But. Let's not go there today.  

I want to just enjoy the weekend, spend some quality time with family and put me feet up a bit more.

Well... It's DONE.  All the presents are finally wrapped and under the tree.

And Steve and Stew have started putting the roofing on the carport.

1 pm:  The men have gone to suss out a job for a friend, then they will be back to do the rest of the carport.

It's a super warm day, cloudy and muggy.  I think the pool with be getting jumped into shortly.

4 pm and it's all done, and everyone is in the pool cooling down.   I was first in but got out just now to do an update here.

ABOVE:  My little car is back in the garage.

ABOVE:  And Stew's car is now under the finished carport.  I'm so happy with the carport, and so thankful to Steve for being such a handy, dandy son.

Brylee has unpacked at her new abode, and is now back here enjoying the pool with the rest of the family.

9.10 pm: OMG it's so hot and humid tonight!  We have two fans on us and we are still roasting.

If it keeps up like this I'll be closing all the windows and putting the aircon on!

Or living in the pool. 

It's back to just the two of us... love it.

 We are just sitting here in the family room, feet up, snacking and watching the telly.  

Catch ya tomorrow.

DINNER AT THE LAKE

Last night Stew and I had dinner down by the lake.  It was so lovely.

As was the company:

ABOVE:  We had a gaggle of geese, that one was particularly demanding.  A few Pukeko too.

ABOVE:  I just loved the stance of this little sparrow!  So cheeky.

ABOVE: Quads!  They were right beside us the entire time we were there.  The mother duck was very attentive, and even hissed at me at one point.

ABOVE: And this bird!  OMG so LOUD!  I jumped out of my skin when it shrieked at us.  It's an Australian Coot.  I thought it's feet were amazing!  Helps with propulsion on the water it would seem. 

So, it was an entertaining dinner time. *smiles*

Today I will finish the present wrapping.  I can't believe it's taken so many days to get it all done.

Also, today marks a week since our driveway was done.  And I have asked them to come and discuss the issues we feel need to be resolved.  Twice.

And no show.  So they will be getting another email from us today.

They can't come tonight, as we have Stew's work Christmas 'Do' to attend.

So, probably won't be until next week now.

Meanwhile, we are not prepared to use the driveway AT ALL, in case they try to say we have done damage.

Gosh this just pisses me off so much.

So.  Let's see how today pans out shall we?

 We sent an email to the Asphalt company at 7.10 am this morning.  Told them we were waiting to hear back from them, and we would not be making the final payment until all issues had been discussed and resolved.  

10.45 am:  I went back to bed after the email was sent, and fell asleep again.  That's  not normal.  Anyway, at TEN FIFTEEN Brylee comes into my room and wakes me!

OMG.  I was in a deep sleep.

Seems the asphal man was outside wanting to speak with me.  I told Brylee to say I wasn't home, cos 1.  I was in me nightie and looked a right mess, and 2. I didn't want to talk to him without Stew being here.

So he talked to Brylee.  Just about the water leak.  He is talking about ripping up that area cos he thinks it's a cracked water pipe.  

Seems he's gunna ring me.   GREAT.

Interesting how fast they came back to us after this morning's little email.

Mention non payment and wow, things happen.

I am at The Base, waiting to get a haircut. Meanwhile at home a plumber has turned up to investigate the leak. 

I've  asked  Brylee to take photos for me.

ABOVE:  progress.  But I'm just so annoyed, cos this means there will be a ruddy big PATCH on the new driveway, as well as all the other joins.

Good news, I only had to wait an hour to get 6 inches cut off me hair.  

So.  The plumbers found a damaged water pipe and fixed it.  Then they hosed down the driveway the best they could, and left.

ABOVE:  I literally have NO WORDS to describe my brand new, amazing driveway.

I now need to get myself ready to go out to Stew's work do.  Might be drinking tonight.

P.S.: the plumbers drove on our driveway.  'K' from the asphalt company said we need to as well to help smooth out the joins!

When the plumber moved his van, he left tyre tracks on the asphalt.

So, we are going to drive all over it this weekend, to see what it looks like come Monday, when the asphalt guys come back.

I don't think it's gunna look better at all.

YOU.  CAN'T.  MAKE.  THIS.  SHIT.  UP.

8.50 pm:  And we are home from dinner.  It was at an establishment called Madam Woo.  There was a very small menu, but it was OK.  Afterwards Stew and I had an ice cream at Movenpick.  Now home, full bellies.  Time to check out for the day.

Catch ya tomorrow.

WHO'S FINISHED?

 Is anyone done and dusted when it comes to gift buying/wrapping, and Christmas tree decorations all up?

When I was wrapping presents yesterday I realised I had two 'gaps' in the present pile.

So ... today I will go out and try to find something for those two people.

I already have some little things for them, but just not enough.

All year I've been buying small gifts for everyone, so it wasn't a huge expense at the end of the year.  

Do you do that too?

I always start my Christmas shopping around January.  lol

Surely other people do this too?

ABOVE: Half way done.  Phew.  This year I've really tried to do the present wrapping nicely!  Inside each box or bag is several individually wrapped gifts.  I hope everyone appreciates my efforts.  Usually I literally throw the paper at things and swear ... A LOT.  lol

I was determined to actually make an effort this year.  Last Christmas was dampened by the recent loss of my Mum. This year I wanted to enjoy it.

'Stew' has bought me a few really lovely presents I must say!  lol   Nothing extravagant, just a sprinkling of joy.

Is there anything YOU dream of getting for Christmas?  I know there is NOTHING I dream of any more.  We have everything we need or want.

I think happy experiences with family and friends is all I really want now.

And thankfully, we should have everyone here with us, this Christmas, who love and care for us.

I hope you can say the same.

We've still not heard from the Asphalt company.  Outrageous behaviour I must say.  But, I'm not letting it get to me.  I've had enough stress and battles over carpet and shoddy paint jobs already!  

As someone said 'You couldn't make this shit up!"

I shall just wait until after 6 pm today, and if they don't turn up, I will send them an email again, because tomorrow is the one week deadline to pay the balance owing.  

And they are not getting another damn cent out of us until they resolve the issues with their rushed job.  I noticed tar on our new garage door yesterday.  Wasn't impressed with that either.

2.25 pm:  Oh wow, I didn't realise I'd not been back on here all day.

Well... I went to the Base and found gifts to fill the gaps, then came home and carried on wrapping friggin presents.

Right at the end ... dammit!

One more gap.

So, I will sort that one out tomorrow.

I've still got two people's gifts to wrap, also on my list to do TOMORROW.  Cos I'm damn well over them for today.

There's still water running on the driveway.  No photo today, it just looks the same as previous days.

I'm starting to wonder if they are going to come back?  

Bex is bringing the boys over this afternoon (after school), for a swim.  I might join them, if I can find the energy.

ABOVE: What was I thinking????

She is now named RIO.  Christy you are a pain in the bum... said every so nicely.  And Tracy, you too.

ABOVE:  Bees and lavender... can't get enough of them.

ABOVE:  kids in the pool... and Bex and I joined them.  It was so very refreshing.

8.43 pm:  Stew and I decided to have dinner on our own this evening, so we took off to the lake.  And had KFC burgers and chips for dinner.

We had lots of company, both humans and birds.

It was a delightful place to sit and enjoy dinner and the scenery.

I took 'a few' photos... and will share them tomorrow.

Now that we are home it's back to 'normal'... relaxing in front of the telly, or on YouTube or the computer.  Just chillin'.

Catch ya tomorrow.

A NEW LITTLE FRIEND

 At cards last night, we all took a small gift and did swaps.  I ended up with a cute little Christmas friend:

ABOVE:  I got her from one of the card girls, who actually does make hand stamped jewellery! 

ABOVE:  Me and Suz.

ABOVE:  My view when I came home last night.  So pretty.

ABOVE:  And this is the one in the sunroom, with it's 500 lights!

I really thought we were gunna have to wind some of them around the base, but no.   They all fitted on the tree.  It looks amazing there, reflecting on the ranch sliders.

Today I shall be carrying on with wrapping Christmas presents.

I will be doing that all day.  I have a feeling I will be going out for more paper and ribbon etc later on though.

12.05 pm:  And Brylee and I have been out to The Base.  I got a few more wrapping supplies and not much else.  It wasn't busy at all, which was a big relief.

Once school finishes I am picking it will be diabolical.

ABOVE: Third day in a row.  We never had water coming up and running down our driveway before... so ???

I've sent them an email, and talked to the office manager about needing to see them.  We are still waiting.

Meanwhile the balance of the payment from us is due on Friday, after that it starts accruing interest.  I have no intention of paying interest!

Now... back to my gift wrapping.  I'm not even half way yet!

Hello?  It's been VERY   QUIET  on here the past few days.  Are we all busy?  

2.40 pm:  And I'm done for the day!  Sitting in a stinking hot sewing room wrapping presents for hours.  I have wrapped presents for 11 people, and have 8 to go.

There's a couple of 'gaps' which I will have to go shopping for in the next day or two.

But I can almost see a light at the end of the tunnel.  

Imagine having to buy presents for 19 people! 

I think next Christmas it will have to be for the Grandchildren only, and a lucky dip type thing for adults.

Otherwise ... it's just not sustainable.

What do you do in your family, if it's a big family?

So... I did suggest to Stew that I send another email to the asphalt company, pointing out that we are still waiting for them to come back and talk to us about the issues with the driveway.  AND I wanted to point out that we would not be paying the balance owing until said issues are resolved.

But he said NO.

He said we shall wait until Friday (being a week after 'completion), then if we have not seen or heard from them, we go from there.

I always follow Stew's advice, cos he is pretty much always right.

NOT always, but in matters like this.... he is.

I've had a good afternoon.  I put me feet up so they wouldn't swell too much.  It's a very warm day.  Not blisteringly hot, but certainly warm.

Dinner this evening was beef meatballs in a sweet 'n' sticky sauce, with pasta on the side.  Was rather nice, very filling.

Brylee keeps making me jump outta my skin. I'm not used to having her here again... she walks into the room and I jump in fright! 

Right.  Time to sign off for the day and head off to bed soon.  Catch ya tomorrow.

I'M GETTING THERE

 Last night Stew got the rest of our christmas decorations down from the roof space in the garage. 

So, I could place our Christmas Friends around the house, primarily in the lounge and family room.

ABOVE: There ya go.... most of them are settled for the next 4 weeks.

The only things we couldn't find were the lights for the tree.

So, I'm going to use the 50 metre length of lights I got for outside.  I'm sure Stew wasn't looking forward to putting them up along the guttering anyway.

ABOVE:  Brylee wanted to charge up her Wonderboom Speaker.  And dang!  She has the exact same one as me.  So I 'personalised' mine with doodles.

Today I will do my Christmas tree decorations.

And then, I will make a start of sorting out Christmas presents, and wrapping them.

ABOVE:  Yep, it's a major hate of mine.  Bloody present wrapping does my head in.  I suck at it.  But, no one else puts their hand up, so I do it.

And that's me for now... catch ya later.

ABOVE:  I've just realised that I've got 15 'Christmas Friends', not counting about 5 Santas too!

Whoops.  I think I might have a problem.  

But, if they bring joy... then they are worth it.

We enjoy naming them, and giving them occupations. lol  It's all fun.

ABOVE:  Well... it's back.

I don't think it's a water pipe damaged.  I am not 100% sure where it's coming from.  But one thing is for sure.  We didn't have it before they re-sealed the driveway.

It's 11.40 am, and I've been in me sewing room for the past 3 hours...

ABOVE:  4 down.... dozens to go.  It's taking forever cos inside each of those bags and boxes is several individually wrapped presents.

10.24 pm:   Whoops, forgot to update!  Brylee and I got the larger Christmas Tree decorated finally.  It has 500 lights on it!!!

And it looks amazing.

I went to the final Card Night for 2021, it was a lovely evening.

Home now and just watching Coronation Street before heading off to bed.

Catch ya tomorrow.

NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS

 Today I am sending an email to the asphalt company.  I'm not looking forward to doing this, but it has to be done.

The driveway looks dreadful, there is no getting around it.  It looks semi-decent when it's wet, but when it's dry?  Not at all.

There's just too many issues to let it go.

So, I'll do that soon, and wait and see how long it takes to hear back from them.  Bearing in mind, if they want to be paid, they have to respond.

Steve found a lovely little poem, it goes like this:

Mary had a little skirt,

It split right up the sides,

and everywhere that Mary went,

The boys could see her thighs.

She also had another skirt,

It split right up the front.

She never wore that one.

That really cracked us up.

ABOVE:  Is this the first 'family in the pool' photo collage for the summer?  This was yesterday afternoon. Brace yourself, there will be MORE!  lol

Today?  Brylee and I will be hauling all the Christmas Decorations out of the outdoor cupboard, and bringing them inside.  Then the fun begins!  *smiles*  😊

8.20 am:  The asphalt company replied to my email IMMEDIATELY!  Wow, they didn't do that before, in fact they didn't reply to my email last week at all!

Hmmm.  So apparently the two 'head honchos' will get back to me.  

Yep, I'm sure you will.  Cos I've not paid you.

It's the first day in about 3 weeks that I've not woken up with a crippling lower backache.  Praise be to whoever I can thank for that!

There is nothing better than being able to actually just roll over and get out of bed without pain.

WELL!  I went into my sewing room this morning to drop something off in there, glanced out at my driveway.

And oh hell!  Where is that water coming from?

Out I go.

ABOVE: There's this random little stream of water coming up from under the new asphalt!

ABOVE:  It's just a little leak right?

Then Lacy and Tarsh arrive and go out to look at my MILLION DOLLAR DRIVEWAY.

And as we are looking at the new problem... 

ABOVE: FOUR MORE leaks spring up!!!  FOUR.  

Like, have those asphalters broken a water pipe?  I think so.

So, I ring them and leave a message, saying they need to get around here asap cos we have a rather concerning problem now!

AND I WAIT.

ABOVE:  So, Lacy came around to give me an oar.  It was in a 'to burn' pile at someone's house, so she grabbed it for me. I will be painting it when I get time.

4.25 pm:  Brylee and I went over to Cambridge for a spot of Christmas shopping.  When we arrived home, the water running down the driveway had eased up to hardly anything now.

Weird.  Just bloody weird.

I heard from the lady at the Asphalt Company, neither of the 'boss men' could come today as they are out of town.  

That's fine.  I will just hold on to my money.

I've not been able to decorate our tree today.  The lights for it are up in the roof space in the garage, as is the 2nd, smaller tree.  So I'm patiently waiting for Stew to get home so he can get up there and bring them down.  Also, most of my 'Christmas Friends' are up there as well.

So, more to do tomorrow.  

Right, I better get off me bum and cook dinner.  We are having Spaghetti Bolognaise. 

8.37 pm:  Our dinner was really lovely.

I've fluffed around this evening putting our Christmas Friends around the living rooms.

Brylee and her boyfriend D are hanging out in the lounge, and we are watching the telly in the family room.

Catch ya tomorrow.