Brick by brick
After the delightful September and October (when the sun seemed to shine most days), the heavy grey skies which greeted us on the first day of November put us on notice with regard to imminent intermittent and continuous precipitation.
Our foreboding about the rain was hardly ill-founded as it was not long before torrents of the wet stuff acted on the bone dry ground to produce a most unpleasant thick and gloopy substance.
However, in between the days of inclement weather, work in November has continued apace (invariably supervised by one or more of our feline friends).
First, a binding agent was spread over the foundations to fill in any cracks.
Next, lorry after lorry delivered more and more materials to the site. We have been astounded at how much of our cash is contained within the ground and with very little to show for it on the surface. (But, as everyone tells us, it has to be done!)
Then, ‘Head Brickie’ Gary and his merry team arrived to start building the sub-structure brick work – the plinth on which the oak frame will sit.
In true ‘Grand Designs’ fashion, there has been the inevitable delay.
It has taken a little longer to cut the oak frame than originally planned. However, the specification for the scaffolding is fairly challenging and it has also proved somewhat difficult to find suitable companies who are willing to tender for the business. Fortunately, we now have three good quotes and we just need to identify which of these are able to start on site next week, because the oak frame is due to arrive in Hambledon on Monday 10 December………………….
CATS CORNER
Hello – (L – R) Moses, Freddie and Layla here once again!
We thought you might like to witness one of our regular ‘Alternative Board’ meetings in action. There is nothing like an extended comfortable snooze to counter any cat-astrophe that might befall us.
We suppose that there has been some small progress with the new build but we cannot see how Mr Rod and SWhoMBO could possibly move in by Christmas (you are all far too much ahead of yourselves – the target move in date is early December 2019! Ed)
Bathtime
Having identified a luxury pink bath for the ‘Hazels New Build’ bathroom during October, we could hardly contain ourselves earlier this week when we noticed that its complimentary twin was now available (and in a most attractive shade of ‘dull’).
Who would have believed that our earlier mention of a potential tub could cause so much excitement among our reading public?
We have lost count of the number of blog groupies who have sent us ablution room pictures accompanied by the caption “Does my bath look big in this?”
However, it is very apparent that most of you are not taking this project seriously enough, clearly demonstrated by the following selection of your contributions:
- We wouldn’t ‘shell out’ for this – the scary ‘tap’ is enough to give one nightmares!
Bat Time
I (Freddie) have been gratified by the number of readers who have commented that my story about Mr Rod and the bat flying round the bedroom is by far their favourite tale, or should that be ‘tail’ (no! – Ed). Whilst I am extremely disappointed to report the absence of further vespertilio moments since, I still derive considerable amusement and much comfort from that happy memory.
You will recall that there is now a bat sculpture hanging up outside the barn. Well, longtime friends Jennie and John (from Compton) took inspiration from that image for Mr Rod’s recent birthday card – I think you will enjoy their sense of humour.
The Barn Over the Road
I was minding my own business exploring the end of the Hazels driveway (we are not really supposed to venture down that far but the age old game of ‘chicken’ remains a compulsive hobby), when I came across a particular structure on our neighbour’s property that could only be described as a cocoon made from plastic and wood.
Discreet enquiries (eavesdropping more like – Ed) have revealed that this ancient barn is being renovated to become a stunning relaxation and entertaining party space for the young cubs who live in the associated house.
This certainly got me musing about what sort of plans Mr Rod and SWhoMBO might have for Hazels Barn once they have moved into Hazels New Build.
Surely it would not be too much to ask or to hope for that Moses, Layla and I could have our own Cat-hedral or Cat-acomb leisure play space………………………?
People Profile
Please allow us to introduce Michael (aka ‘Tonic’) and Carol.
Michael has been a most important member of Mr Rod’s construction team for more than fourteen years (first at KeepSafe Self Storage and currently at CityStore). He has also done sterling work at the Water Tower and at Hazels. Many of you have been most complimentary about the barn conversion – well, Michael is one of the craftsmen responsible for much of that.
His wife Carol retired last year as a school cook to become a freelance ‘Girl Friday’ (or, in her case, a ‘Girl Monday and, Tuesday or Wednesday’). Carol’s philosophy regarding any object (animate or inanimate) is very simple – “paint it, weed it, dig it or burn it”! She is now intimately acquainted with the walls and bannisters in the Young Master’s cottage and has ably proved her green (and smoke) finger credentials in Mr Rod’s garden.
We always appreciate good jokes, and never more so than when they demonstrate our undeniable superiority over our canine rivals. So, we will end our November contribution by sharing this one told to us recently by Michael:
‘Dogs cannot have MRIs, but CATs-can.’ (Loud groan – Ed)
Another Brick in the Wall 