22 December 2013

The year is running out, and we still have so much to do.

The scrolls on the street side was successfully fitted, a full 20 of them. We have another 20 in various stages of completion. We have decided to stop work on the scrolls for now, and to concentrate on the patio door.

Before we get to that, we decided to cut down all the privet trees along the street. Last season we cut and killed the flowering privet, and also cut the flowers from the common privet. This year we decided the other shrubs provide enough privacy, so we cut them all down. Then they were cut into smaller pieces and carted away to the dump. It took 3 loads, because the trailer is so small.

Did I mention the grass had to be cut, and one tyre blew, so it took some time to go to town and buy a replacement.

Then Marike arrived for a visit from SA, so work was seriously delayed.

The deal on the house in Cambridge was finalised, and we went to town on Friday for a shopping spree.

We also filed an application for another grant to rebuild the deck.

The picture does not show it clearly, but we have Christmas lights up.

We wish you all a Christmas in the spirit of Christ, and a happy few days of rest.

15 December 2013

We have got 32 scrolls now, and most of them have got their second coat of pain all around. This coming week I will start putting them up. We also have another 10 scrolls in various stages of completion. They will also be painted in a single batch.

Where did the week go? I must admit that I do not have too much energy now, and progress is slow.

We had a builder here to see the work to be done to rebuild the fireplace of the Cookhouse or "Moody's Cottage". He says he has not got time to quote before the end of December deadline for grant applications.

Similar problem with David, the guy who put up the veranda. We need him to quote for the decks. Seems people have to much work available and are not interested in "small jobs".

We will be scaling down this coming week, plenty of social events coming up.

8 December 2013

We have invited all our friends over for a braai. Just to say thank you for moral and physical support over the year. And also to bring thanks to the Lord for a wonderful year. It happened on Saturday. There was a hint of rain, but didn't materialise. Everybody had a nice time. Thank you once again.

We have been to Cambridge to have a quote done for the removal of Anneke's stuff, since the house is now sold.

Saturday I took some junk to the dump, but there is plenty more.

I nearly forgot to mention, my dropsaw was getting wobbly, bushes worn out from much use. I ordered a replacement bush and got new bearings, and it is as good as new now. Barco contributed a new blade.

We are still working on the scrolls. On Friday we painted 28 finished ones the first side. It will be a lengthy process, but there is safety in numbers. It is much better to do it this way than to paint one at a time. We are hoping to put some up before Christmas, even if it means using cable ties. Then we will see how many Christmas lights we can put up.