And Relax

New Year’s Eve, laundry on the line and no plans for the rest of the day. 

Full Workout

The new kitchen got a full workout today and it was fantastic!  Stuff everywhere and still plenty of room for things like 3 recipe books layed out separately. There is still a little bit of piling up going on though, some habits are hard to break.

Ribbons and Bows

There’s more than just trees and tinsel going up, even some of the bus stops are getting a festive makeover. 

No Tree?

No problem. On a construction site (specifically the one next to work) a Christmas tree would be all kinds of a safety hazard. Next best thing? Decorate the brand spanking, newly installed, pink topped base isolator. 

And as much of a closeup as I could get. If you squint you can see the tinsel, silver at the top and gold at the bottom. 

Tinsel and Trees

It’s been slowly building over the last few weeks but this week all restraint has crumbled, there’s tinsel and trees everywhere. 

At work,

At the supermarket (although you can’t see the lights, these look much more impressive at night)

Even at the gym

Slow News Week

I really can’t tell you what I’ve been up to this week. It has passed in a haze of catch up emails and meetings. My photos aren’t much help either, the only thing I’ve documented this week is a stonking great bruise on my leg, which I will not share, because the massage therapist wanted to see the results of his work. For the record red/black was what he was hoping for and what was delivered plus my right side is now a little more flexible (yay!).  So, after all that, here’s where we find ourselves…

Off the Grid

I spent most of this week at the annual Māori librarians hui. The hui move around the country but are always held on marae so each one is different depending on where we are. This year we were in Aohanga which might not even be on the map and is definitely off the communications map with no mobile coverage. After three long years of COVID disruptions it was all about reconnecting so, while there were some presentations, it was mostly time and activities that allowed us to just be together. 

And sheep. The marae is on a working station so sheep were also part of the rhythm of the day. 

Last Job Done

 And I’m pretty sure I have the flashest plumbing on emergency water tanks ever.  Just look at that beautiful copper outlet and tap! A little bit of landscaping (aka bags of pebbles) to tidy it up and that’s it  

Final inspection is Monday so here’s hoping for the final tick. 

Cranes

A couple of weeks ago I posted about the big crane going up on the construction site next to work. We’ll, I finally managed to get a photo of them both in situ. 

This is taken from the observation deck and while not perfect is the best publicly accessible spot. From work we get great views looking down but not looking up and these are way taller than us. 

Space!

So. Much. Space.

In previous years doing the Christmas cakes has involved co-opting every available surface to juggle 3 large bowls, 2 baking tins, assorted other necessities and propped up somewhere, the recipe. 

Not this year! All spread out and still heaps of working room!

First Full Test

It’s the Labour Day long weekend so that means Christmas cakes and that means the first full on use of the kitchen!

Fruit prep today and baking tomorrow. 

Geeking Out

This is my first non-renovation post in months but still construction related. The new building going up next door at work was a magnet for construction geeks this week as a second monster crane was installed. Roads were closed and a staggering amount of yellow framework was carefully lifted and connected. 

I haven’t had a chance to get a photo of the finished product but will share when I do. 

Drains

Electrical bits and bobs are all sorted and progress this week has mainly been on drainage. Not super photogenic and ultimately hidden but important to get right. 

Before and after along the back…

and down the side

Tick of Approval

We are almost there!  All the appliances are in, the oven, kitchen sink and dishwasher are all functional, just some electrical bits and bobs, the splash backs and outside plumbing to go. 

Most importantly Huia has regained her preferred vantage point so big ticks all round.  

Firsts

This weekend has seen lost of firsts. First shower in my new bathroom, first load of dishes done in a (laundry) sink and first box of things unpacked. Weather permitting it will also see the first load of laundry. 

All this means that bathroom and laundry are complete. Oven and sink still need to be finished in the kitchen but cupboards are filling up and it’s nice buttering my toast looking out the new window. 

To top things off the old 3 tulip light fitting in the living room has been replaced and I now have arty patterns on the ceiling when the lights are on. 

And We’re Back

It’s been a big week with lots of progress. Flooring went down on Monday

And by Friday the kitchen looked like this…

Plus the bathroom is all fitted out, not connected up yet but looking great. 

All Quiet

A very quiet week on the building front but I know the painters have been in to do some touch ups. 

Floor prep has also been done so next week is shaping up to be super busy. 

Colour!

At first I didn’t notice it because of the light then spotted the contrast with the ceiling. 

Then on Thursday the colour really kicked in!

Paint

Still raining but still lots of inside jobs to do. This week was week one of painting. Everything is prepped and undercoated, next week colour!

Plaster

It’s been a full on couple of weeks. I was in Taupō last weekend with cousins and had a wonderful time that included a visit to the thermal park at Orakei Korako and two soaks in mineral hot pools. 

On the home front, despite record breaking rain, tradies of all sorts have been super busy. My walls are gibed and plastered and my bath is in. Next week brings the painter and the return of the electrician. 

As you can see the end of day inspection of progress is taken very seriously by the supervisor. 

Pipes

This week pipes and insulation went in and I’m quite liking the abstract art effect. 

W

Today’s post is brought to you by the letter W. 

Weatherboards

Window 

Weathertight (mostly)

Wires

And of course Weather which has continued to be horrendous, except for yesterday which meant a super productive day for everyone. Window installed, roof on and because I was working from home, a big load of laundry done. 

Secret Codes

Despite atrocious weather (130km/hr wind gusts!) building has continued and yesterday brought the plumber. I now have an ‘approved’ layout for bathroom and laundry all planned out on floor and wall frames. 

Camping

With a week of awful weather predicted my builders asked if it was ok to do ‘inside’ work. I said of course so from Tuesday this has been my bathroom 

I’m all set up with a portaloo in the back yard, a table and tub in the hall and the key to my lovely neighbour’s for a shower. 

All those festivals have been great practice!

Progress

I can now stand in my new kitchen!  Gone are the old walls and floor. In their place arethe slab, framing and a temporary roof. 

And I’m going back to the original plans to find out what was originally here, a door and window currently hidden behind the bathroom wall.