Wednesday 10 September 2014

...days like these...






The weeks have divided into a patchwork quilt of days where the house is full of men crossing paths. Chimney sweeps arrive with huge vacuum cleaners and friendly faces. Only interrupted by builders and joiners with tape measures and ideas. They prod bits of wood and scratch their heads, pull strange faces, "umm" and "ahh" and promise to return with quotes for us. More often than not, they don't.  But we are told not to worry, that's the way here and that when we least expect it they'll come back with enthusiasm and tools and won't leave until the job is done. 

There are days where we scrub floors, dust away cobwebs, unpack boxes, stitch curtains, paint furniture or walls and try to restore a modicum of order. New neighbours pop in to say hello and lend helping hands; bring  local magazines, ripe damsons or welcome cards, tell us where we can find the best chickens for the run, or bring tools; a ladder and basket to help with the harvest of our ancient plum tree that looks as though it will fall over at any minute. Then return with jam still warm and more offers to help cook what they can see to be an overwhelming crop. 

Then there are the run-away days. Where we may escape to London for a day or two, or maybe more, go for a walk or explore a local village, find an amazing shop or cafe; then excitedly return home, vowing not to stay away so long next time.

The gutter has been repaired, a chimney swept and lined, wood burner fitted, oil and kiln dried wood ordered for winter  and the boiler fired up. Plum wine is bubbling away in the bathroom where it has been segregated until the demijohns stop exploding like  mini plum volcanoes, kindling from the same old tree crackles in the grate. We've had our first visitors who have happily stayed amidst all the commotion twice as long as we expected and are even now planning their next visit...

...how have your days been?

14 comments:

  1. Hi Debby
    I love how you describe your days in the new house, looking at the photos we imagine the work that you have you.
    My holidays have been very calm, walks, dinners with friends ...
    Happy and sunny week.

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    1. Hi Montse, thank you. Your holiday sounds wonderfully relaxing. I'll come over to catch up.
      dx

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  2. I've missed you, sounds like your life is filled with busy and goodness! Glad you are loving your new home :)

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    1. I've missed you too karen and can't wait to catch up with everyone again.
      debx

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  3. While I've missed you being in this space I knew your were busy making your house a new home and what a home it is going to be Debby. I love all the photos and while I imagine you are tired, I bet you are having a blast! I can't wait to see more as time goes on.

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    1. Me too Tracey. It looks like you've been doing lots of sorting out too. There is lots to do but little by little we are getting the things done that we can do whilst waiting for the builders and just trying to enjoy the wonderful countryside and all our little four legged and winged friends. I'll hopefully share more soon.
      debx

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  4. Your pictures are beautiful! Looks like you're working on some serious home improvements. Good luck with them!

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    1. Thank you. That's kind of you to say. There is lots to do but we are so lucky that any time it gets a little overwhelming we can just step outside the front door and see all that beautiful scenery that reminds me why we are there. It makes it all worth while.
      Have a happy week,
      debx

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  5. Debby, I was so excited to see this post...I've missed you! I knew you were probably busy soaking in all the goodness of you new home, and I'm glad that you are settling. Your photos are beautiful, and I appreciate them greatly...I get a little peek of England each time you post. :) I especially love the one of the old, upstairs window...it makes me want to explore. The last one is great too...I'ms ure you are going to love your fireplace this winter. Thank goodness for all the wood that you had delivered!

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    1. Hi Emily. Thank you, I've missed you too. That little old window is lovely. I spotted it when we took a quick break for some fresh air to escape all the dust from repairs. It was in an old barn. So pretty. You sound like me...I always want to go a bit further to explore. The wood smells amazing. We were like kids with a bag of sweets when it arrived. We have to resist lighting fires every day however warm it is just because we love looking into the fire. Otherwise it will all be gone before winter even begins. We didn't have any open fires in our last house and this just takes me back to my childhood. Toasting bread by the fire with toasting fork or putting potatoes in to bake for a late supper treat. Taking them out all black with cinders on the outside. Then eating with salty butter. Those were the days...
      Take care,
      debx

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  6. You've been busy in the best ways! Good to see you posting again. It all looks so lovely---so worth the effort (even living the dream is work, huh?). Hope you are enjoying that strenuous (yet magical) process of making this place a true home for you and yours.
    Erin

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    1. Thanks Erin. It's all a big adventure but it truly feels like home even though there is a lot to do.
      debx

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  7. So love this blog and every post you write.. xo

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    1. Oh thank you so much Faye. You know that I have exactly the same feeling about yours. Always my happy, cosy place to visit.
      Happy days.
      Debx

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