I spent six hours completing two tasks. If I'm physically busy, especially in the garden, the kids tend to let me get on. Sometimes
My first task was to even off the floor underneath the washing machine. The floor wasn't tiled under one of the machine's back feet (there used to be a cupboard there) so it shakes, rocks and bangs loudly on it's spin cycle. Also, because of the uneven floor, it could never be pushed right back into the "washing machine" space so it protruded into the kitchen by about a foot. This had become the norm for the past . . . two years? I know, it's amazing what stuff can become the norm. Anyway today as it shook and banged it's way, almost violently, further out into the kitchen I'd just suddenly had enough of it's behaviour. I dragged it out of it's space, tiled the bare patch with some left over "cut off" bits of the original tiles and made sure the floor was even. It then slid all the way back into it's allotted space, leaving it flush with the other appliances. For the first time in it's life it fitted in. Finally I adjusted the front feet until it was rock solid . . then watched it spin quietly and steadily with a satisfied smile.
Second task . . . Five hours. I'll try and keep this short. Twelve years ago when I moved here there was, and still is, this brick built BBQ in the garden minus the grills and trays. I've listened to all the suggestions, knock it down, make some grills and plates for it etc . . . and yes, you guessed, done nothing . . . Until last week when I saw a box of the grills and trays for sale with a picture of my (?) BBQ on the front. "Bricks not supplied" it said. Perfect. Same size. Roughly . . . Within 10mm . . . Yep the plates and grills were 10 mm to wide. Something had to change. I couldn't shorten the metal plates and grills so that left one option. To chip, chisel and scrape away at the mortar and brick on each of the three levels where the "things" slide in until, five hours later, they did just that! Now I know 10mm isn't much but this stuff was solid. None of that sandy mortar that just falls away. Rock hard.So with a few blisters, heavy arms and a BBQ fit for it's first feast, I'm off to bed. I'm looking forward to tomorrow . . . what's all that about eh? It's new to me . . . Nothing's even happening tomorrow, that I know of. I know the Sun will rise and shine . . . So much to do and enjoy.
Hi. I am really enjoying your blog! ... And your positive attitude and great sense of humour! I kept thinking "You go, girl!!!" when I read this post. Way to go, fixing all those things! You must feel great about your accomplishments...today's and with where you have come from. It is amazing what we sometimes let 'become the norm' without even realizing it has become so. Anyway, "You go, girl!" This reader is impressed!
ReplyDeleteShelley in SK
Hi Shelley and thanks for reading and commenting. I must say I did feel so satisfied last night.
DeleteI once stored a king size mattress in my bathroom/washroom (which is tiny) even with it stood up against the wall, it took up half of the floor space!? It was there for over six months . . . What mattress? ;-)
Ha! Serious. You could just jump out of the tub and right into bed! That gives a whole new meaning to a 'bed and bath' department. Take care.
DeleteShelley in SK
It really is amazing what some of us will put up with for an extended period. There must be a dozen such chores around my house to be done - some from 20 years ago! Shameful. But once you put a blind eye to something...well. And other things become a priority. Good for you for getting at these - it must feel so good.
ReplyDeleteSame here Jeannie . . . I've been "decorating" this house for twelve years (?) I really need to grab that bull by both horns and get it sorted! . . . I'm working myself up to it. Bits here and there. If I think of the whole lot it seems impossible. So I don't.
DeleteHoly cow, Lovey! You busted your hump! I'm impressed and I bet you slept like a rock - or I guess in this case a brick. I bet you can't wait to throw some burgers and hot dogs on there! Yummy!
ReplyDeleteI like that . . . "busted my hump" ;-)
DeleteLet's say I didn't bother doing any weights last night.
Had half a plan for a barby this Saturday but we have snow forecast! Snow!? Suppose at least I get to wear my new boots . . . I waited for the spring sale to buy them (for next winter) so I could get them for £80 instead of £160 :-) . . . "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"
I'm just trying to get my own back for "Jambalaye sausage pie, me o my o"
Rock on girlfriend!!!! You are becoming a grown-up! Funny how it took us so long to get there.
ReplyDeleteWish I lived in the UK - I'd drop by for a burger.
Sherry
. . . Some days I really think I might be growing up. It's as though I manifested it by calling the blog "when I grow up" . . . I really had no idea what to call it. Perhaps I'll extend it to "When I grow up and get rich" ;-) (well rich enough to afford decorators, maybe a narrow boat and individual porcelain teeth implants ;-) and . . .)
DeleteThat'd be great if you could just drop by.
Hiya,glad to hear your keeping busy,to put it mildly... I have the same problem with my washing machine,the stompdance at the end of the cycle and the jiggle across the floor.Now i know how to fix it,ta!(6 months later....)And as for the british weather,its no wonder we talk about it so much,winter is back?Never mind,i'm sure the barbeque will come in handy at some point as the weather does another swing into summer,i hope....xxxx
ReplyDelete. . . You didn't think that title was referring to me did you? ;-) . . . No fooling you.
DeleteYep, BBQ ready now we just need the weather back, swimmimng pool and tent up for the kids . . . And hey ho away we go :-)
There are always tasks to do here. I enjoy them, but some days, I just want to do nothing! And that's okay. We have a large place and the gardens take work. And then, there is the boat which takes me away from all the heavy work.
ReplyDelete