Middle of January

 We decided - after many conversations, advice and persuasion, to take down the cupboard that used to be at the bottom of the stairs. We had thought that it was hiding some structural beam or similar but actually there wasn't anything of any importance behind there so it came down and instantly the whole room was double the size...well it looked bigger anyway.

The builders were working in the kitchen getting the final foundations and steel sorted and once the building control man had been round to approve the work they filled in all of the holes. We were then left with a more obvious and fixed room structure. the next thing was or the floor to be filled in which I think is called screeting....screeted...something like that. Anyway, once this was dry, we suddenly had a full blown room for a kitchen!! There was a lot of dust, mess , loss of heating and hotwater along the way but....then there is was the kitchen....and all was forgotten (almost!!)

So far this has been the hardest stretch as we have been left without heating and with only the bath tub left for water (so much money spent on bottled water) and with little or no kitchen utensils it has been hard. But I think it is selfish and a bit wrong to complain too much. We are very lucky with what we have and what we will have so loads of dust and few comforts is a small price to pay. I have only once had a melt down once. One night Dave was in charge of food and came home wielding a microwaved macaroni cheese. This was apparently the last straw for me. I was well looked after and soon back to positive proactivity (i think i am anyway!) I dont think Dave will be bringing one of those soon anytime soon!!

During this time I had started to draw the plan for the kitchen Along with a lot of help from my dad (and Pinot Grigio) - who got me started with the drawings (dad not wine) I gradually, after about 37,000 attempts got to grips with it and i think we know how it will look. That is assuming we have measured everything correctly!! I also had to a electricity plan - which quite frankly was all down to mum helping me when i was already at the end of my tether with kitchen planing - and to be honest had no idea I had to made a light and plug socket plan!!

 I thought I would leave you with this picture! We came home on Monday night to find that they had got to work on the bathroom. They have been doing bits and pieces tot he bathroom but things have gone full swing the last two days. Anyway we came home to find that they have moved the soil pipe for the toilet over to where the new toilet will be. In order to ensure that we have some facilities for the evening they have popped the old one in its it place. Anyway.....to make it fit they have had to raise it up somewhat...making this the highest toilet in the world....alright for boys but sightly more interesting for girls!! We had a fantastic fit of giggles when where greeted by this on our return!

And also see this picture - this is al our tiles, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, bath, taps sink..etc etc etc - all arrived in the last week.....just waiting to become part of the house!