There was a hole in the roof, just about where son no. 2 is sitting, now that the Rayburn's flue is no longer needed. We asked our son to come and help to fix it, call it payback for some of the nights I walked the floor with him as a screaming baby!
Almost done!
It looks as though it is time to get oiling those window frames while we are at it.
The heating engineers were here all day yesterday, they will return today and possibly for a couple of hours tomorrow, but I hope not. Please let them be all done and dusted by tea time today. I want to have access to hot water again and I want to have some order and cleanliness restored to my home.
Thank goodness for books, my escape from too many people, too much disorder and chaos.
I find myself doing 'research', surrounding myself with little heaps of quite old recipe books. I suppose you could say I am building a little wall around me, trying to have at least one calming space which is not being invaded by cheerful, whistling workmen, lovely though they are.
I am searching for things which can be made on a girdle, a bakestone, a heavy cast iron plate, or a griddle, depending on where you come from. My younger brother lives on a very handsome narrow boat - you can see his blog in my sidebar - he is interested in trying out some stove top baking.
There are lots of recipes, but when you sift through them, they are variations on drop scones, potato cakes, thin oatcakes, Welsh cakes, crumpets, damper and soda bread. I could have googled the recipes in moments, but handling books soothes me, keeps me happily occupied.
English, Welsh and Scottish books, alongside old recipes of England, the no nonsense Elizabeth David, WI books, a lovely Canadian recipe book, as well as one from Australia...and lots more not in shot.
Call them my chocolate bars of consolation, which is what I would probably have enjoyed when I was younger, or perhaps I would have picked the crust off a loaf of fresh bread.
What consoles you at times of stress?
Yes I do, I tend to shut my eyes and calm myself by going to sleep, tends to help me, but the problem is still there when I open my eyes again
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky - sleep eludes me when I am stressed!
DeleteUnfortunately chocolate is my consolation and it shows in my figure!
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone - we'll know it has become a real problem when you swap from a narrowboat to a widebeam... ;)
DeleteWhen I am stressed I make soup.
ReplyDeleteTherapeutic and useful gets you a gold star.
DeleteI collect vintage patterns, so my go to is is invariably browsing patterns.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds nice - do you collect sewing patterns or knitting patterns? I have a big pile of 60/70/80's knitting and crochet patterns which I would be happy to let you have...not that I am wishing any extra stress on you!!
DeleteOh joy! All of this! And it's one of those things, which are necessary. Will be wonderful, when done. But are a chore to live through. :-) Hugs...
ReplyDeleteThe covers, of those old cook books, look delightful!!! Good way to escape. :-) Build your own "garden wall," and search away.
Oh my, I can see some narrow boat stove top baking posts, coming. From the bro! >,-))))
We are getting there, slowly. They will return tomorrow. When they finally finish there will be the messiest job of all, getting rid of a 4 inch deep enormous concrete plinth - that is going to be noisy and messy. My lovely daughter is going to whisk me away, we are going shopping in Lincoln. :-)
DeleteI really hope he gets around to trying some of them, Luna, he is a good cook so more than capable. His food posts would be rather fun, he always come up with the most wonderfully witty words and exceedingly beautiful photographs.
Books, walking, and oh dear, chocolate!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the shopping in Lincoln whilst all the messy work is being done and I am sure you will find it perfectly cleaned up by the time you return.
They all sound pretty good to me. I am really looking forward to getting away from all of this mayhem! Of course it could well be ten times worse when i get home, but at least it will be free of workmen.
DeleteBooks, chocolate and wine! Plus a good, strong mug of tea!
ReplyDeleteI hate when things are all in a mess so I hope it is all done sooner rather than later so that you can get back to normal.
PS - love your brother's blog - he is a character!
I am glad you like his blog, Margie, he is an incredibly witty writer and definitely a real character!
DeleteSorry about the previous reply and getting the wrong name down - inexcusable, but slightly in my defence, I am tired! The workmen have been here 9 hours today (they had said they would only be a few hours) and still have to return tomorrow. The whole of the house is rather untidy, furniture pulled out, cupboards emptied, loft hatch and ladder down, etc all to facilitate their work - and as for the kitchen and living room, chaos. It is going to be a busy weekend.
No worries - I always say that with my name being "Margaret - and there being so many nicknames" that I answer to anything that sounds vaguely familiar! :-)
DeleteDon't exhaust yourself too much putting it all back together.
We've had four days this week of a crew installing central heat and air in our formerly Amish farmhouse. They are a fine lot of workmen, polite, tidying up at the end of the day, but the racket and disruption are unsettling.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have lived in a number of houses that we were literally building or renovating over our heads. I try to create one corner where I can place my rocking chair, a small stand to hold books and a tea mug. I go outdoors to walk about and collect my sanity, get away from the noise and upheaval. I firmly tell myself that it will all be better--hopefully soon!
You definitely know how to do it in style and comfort! Your home sounds interesting, wonderful that you are able to install such creature comforts and yet still enjoy the beauty of an old place.
DeleteWalking is definitely beneficial, Toby and I do as much as we can, within reason. Yesterday was difficult, today is simply a day for scrubbing and cleaning, getting things put back to where they should be, before we move on to the next stage. Almost there, I just have to dig a little deeper and keep going.