Cracking (good time)?

We have had - for some time now - a large crack in our extension.  I suppose if I'm honest within the last 12 months the crack has got larger at the top but I have chosen to ignore it with everything else going on.  Mid January we decided that we really needed to get the crack filled and the kitchen redecorated. 

When we called in our builder, we discovered the crack went through from the outside of the extension wall right through to the inside.  We also discovered another crack by the curtain rail going through from outside to the inside. 

In discussing the nature of the cracks we decided we should consult a Structural Engineer before proceeding with any further work.  Suspicion of subsidence came into the conversation but also a lack of a soak away under the down pipe, directly attached to the corner of the extension, or a broken pipe.

Several phone calls later found us a structural engineer, and he came to see us today (Friday 24th).  His conclusion, after 15 minutes, was the same three scenarios our builder had suggested - but he was considerably more expensive than our builder!  It's been a long time since I felt properly ripped off but this morning I did without a doubt!

I left for work just before nine, leaving D to consider our options on moving forward.  When I returned home at six the demolition had commenced.

This is the drain in question, and we now have to keep digging until we find where the pipe goes.  I am secretly hoping Australia (hugh saving on air fare) !!

I suppose this has been the first time I have questioned our decision to purchase a second property three years ago.  But I know deep down that in a few months time when the repairs have been sorted and the kitchen is finished at the BH the answer will always be Yes!

Spring is coming

I'm only half way through the week and I've had enough!!  Just seem to spend so much time lately going at full pelt - this morning I took time to enjoy my surrounding.  My walk to work involves a short walk through (one of) our local parks. 

Spring flowers - some have made it .... some are still trying hard to arrive .... 

And tonight I have my weekly quilting slot with my friend HW - sooooo cannot wait.

Quilting and DIY

The week has gone quick....the weekend has arrived.  Saturday morning is spent cleaning and tidying.  Saturday afternoon however is material time.  A quilting course is in the diary for next Sat (cannot wait soooooo excited) and material needs to be ironed and cut.  Colour choice for this course is blue (is was red but didn't have enough - work with what you have!!).

Following instruction very carefully ...

I cut my material...

Looks good already and I haven't actually done anything yet!!!  Next week - step by step on what I do  with my prepared fabric - and I promise it won't be a UFO!!

Sunday of course was BH - as it will be for the next few weeks.  A bit of all sorts this weekend.  Some trim was placed. 

Cupboards and furniture was shifted (AGAIN) ....  One new appliance was unboxed.....

More flooring....

C said this was his best cut yet!!

 

Hopefully a fairly restful week as next weekend we have three days of DIY.

Progress at last......

I've had a wonderful but very busy and very tiring few days.  We have just returned from the BH having taken delivery of the kitchen and flooring (at long last).

Early Thursday morning we saw the first delivery van turn up .. and as the boxes started to pile through the front door - I started to feel a bit sick...what had I done.... all these boxes and it was up to us to construct, build and fit.

A few bits..


A few more..


Even more..

And just as the first van was finishing the unloading the second van came...

    

When both vans had gone D and I sat ourselves down with a cup of tea and stared at the boxes - which were in every room in the house!  Ours friends arrived to see the delivery (and after much hearty laughter at the number of boxes) we made a start!!

     

D and C on the flooring and me on the cupboard building...... Much progress was made on the first afternoon and it was decided we had all earned a pint and something to eat at the local.  This turned into a rather long evening and several pints but hay we were on holiday!!

Next morning turned into an afternoon start but again amazing progress was made and the kitchen floor was finished by the end of the second day.  The knees did give out this afternoon with C requested something soft!!







Day three and an afternoon start again.....we haven't really got the hang of this full day thing but we really didn't care as things were going much better than planned.  Today the underlay went down in the hallway and living room.

    

    
Flooring went down in the living room and hallway....


    
And I had more cupboards to build....

This evening we went for food and drinks at ours friends - they have a working kitchen.  Food was excellent with C making Fajitas - ooooh I do love his fajitas.

Day four saw D and C finish the living room.



 
A small celebration at the end of a great few days work!



All the cabinets were completed.

Our final day today was spent moving stuff around so the electricians could do their work - a quick tidy up of tools and the journey home.  I really feel that we have progressed loads this weekend - we have talked about this and planned (and saved) for so long - it's so great to finally see some progress.

Party Time

Well what a weekend....you wait all year for a good party and then two happen the same weekend. 

First event for the weekend was my friends 50th on Saturday.  Lavender Hearts made last week were received with a big smile.  Flowers from all the QQ were received with an even greater smile - can't wait to see the reaction to the main gift!

An excellent party - it so nice to meet the QQ on a none sewing basis - two husbands were able to join us and two young people.  And it was so nice to put some names to faces for the other people in A's life!

Saturday night brought the first of the snow for 2012 -

This did cause a bit of disruption for the second party of the weekend - A Wedding Celebration for R & S in Kingston.  Many people were unable to attend and those that did unfortunately left much earlier than planned.  But....a great evening, great food and great company - that's all you really need!!

With all the cold weather this week there is still some sunshine around!  Off to the BH now to take delivery of the new kitchen and flooring - wish me luck!

Decision Time

This weekend a decision had to be made - if I should carry on with my gift for my friend's 50th or put to one side and produce something small and quick.  The QQ had made a rather late decision of creating a group gift for said friend - the wonderful idea came from CD - so although the gift will not be complete for the party - we are all sure the gift will be received with great joy. 

I had already got some bits together to make my friend L a personal gift during the week - for her birthday yesterday - and decided at the very last minute that I would make some extras - just in a a different material - as a small gift to take to the 50th Birthday Party. 

Although I had an idea for Lavender Hearts - I had no patterns sorted so I did a quick google and this was the first site to come up http://www.myhomemadehappy.com/?p=48

After a mornings works - small gifts were produced for both L and A for birthdays!  Love it when a plan comes together!