February

I've never like February much, it's the month of endless bills and appointments.  This year it's been really busy and life has been made more complicated by flooding - not here on the hills, of course, but all the ways to the other places one might want to go, colds and other minor ailments, and, more pleasantly, the builder suddenly appearing to start the work we want done on the house. We now have a nicely tiled hall - so much easier to keep clean after pram wheels or the influx of 10 members of the U3A.

When M died we said we would refit her old bathroom - scene of many a battle and covered in holes where hand rails had fitted - especially because the shower has leaked onto the hall ceiling.  After the builder had done the hall,  he  estimated about 3 weeks to a month until he could start.  I'd found fixtures and fittings but not ordered  as I was waiting to get H's opinion and he's also been rather busy and beset by the problems of changing computer.   Last week I thought I'd got lots of time to do some more on M's estate paperwork, have coffee with a couple of friends - both met through blogging, and start ordering bathrooms. On the face of it there was only just one day of babysitting.  Of course, plans like that are fated, and although I did get to meet up with both friends, everything else was put on hold whilst I raced up to rural Essex to see my brother who hasn't been well.  On my return, Grandpa having manfully had a babysitting morning on his own, I was met with the news that the bathroom is happening next week, leaving me 10 days to order everything and arrange a skip! February was coming to a rather hectic end

So, now we're in March. Everything is now on order and fingers crossed it'll all arrive as promised.  Compromise came into play - couldn't get the bath we wanted with a hinged, not fixed screen and finding a basin to fit the existing tailor-made unit was a big headache.  We've gone plain white for the wall tiles as we couldn't agree on a colour but the room is very dark and that will look clean and bright.  It will be lovely to have two bathrooms again and as the bedroom isn't in use it should all be quite non-invasive - unlike the hall where we were marooned either in the kitchen or the sittingroom.  Having to stay in all week for deliveries means I might get a good go at the paperwork and that would be one less thing hanging over us.

Meanwhile, thank goodness for drier weather and some sun - Judith and I sat outside in her garden on Saturday morning and my trip to Essex and back was pleasanter for dry roads.  Waiting now for daughter to come and collect her cat who's been here on 'holiday' while they went to in-laws, so nothing will get done once Grand-daughter arrives.  Grandpa has gone to 'blow' an organ for a famous organist so he'll come back exhausted.

Taking advantage of H's absence, I was inspired to change the loose covers on the sofas and armchair in the sitting room.  I hate doing it, it's such a battle, especially the armchair.  I'm pleased to have my nice pale blue covers back and the pink ones are revolving in the washing machine.  I hope they will shrink a little as they'd gone a bit saggy.  I'm now working up the energy to change sheets and disembowel a cupboard that needs to be emptied to access the plumbing for the new bathroom.

 I fear when the new tiles arrive (hopefully later today) they won't be put straight into the garage but left on a pallet at the kerb and will all have to be moved.  This new clause in so many delivery terms stating that delivery men may not enter premises because of  insurance regulations is a new one to me.  The large fragile items have been ordered as 'two men white glove service' (which brings visions of country house footmen) and they should deliver to the room of our choice and unpack and check the condition of everything - an extra cost of course.

Hopefully, by the time I get to do another post, the bathroom will be in progress.  I'm off to scavenge in the fridge for some lunch - shopping has been a bit haphazard the last week or so, but there are always eggs...

EDIT :  I have maligned the poor tile delivery men!   They came on time and put all the tiles in the garage.  'We don't take any notice of the daft insurance nonsense ' they said.   Horrah for common say I.