Warmer homes Frustration

 The team assembled early with an extra person today, ready to battle with the big heavy sliding door and window. (Thank you Sean for volunteering).

It was hard work, but went to plan. We did have a few worries about the window but we got it done.

We tried Egyptian style rolling on fence posts.

Then it was turn of the big window. The sashes had to come out first though.

We are really pleased how much better the space is now.

 The frustration came later. We have been trying for two years to sort out grants for solar panels and help with insulating through warmer homes. We have had four surveys and had to spend  money to get an epc certificate.  The last person who came out ir two and a half hours wasn't at all helpful and was actually a bit rude and the result is, no grants. Even though we have nearly finished we can't apply if we are renovating. They could have told us that two years ago, it would have changed our plans.

Some things are sent to try us. We won't give up.

  

Lintel in

 Bruce fed through the 16mm cable for the new extension. It was a tight squeeze but it's in.

We headed to town for Robs heart check. It's all good and his blood pressure is more stable. Nice rainbows enroute.

We left Bruce and Jim putting in the lintel. They did really well as it is mighty heavy.

The breeze blocks have gone in above so it's now ready for the window to go in tomorrow. Exciting

Back to work

 Bright and early we continued in the old kitchen.  Today was all about removing the old window. Luckily it was another lovely day, although oddly we had some sleety hail showers too.

Bruce and Jim worked on chunking out the old breeze blocks and putting the frame in. Jill cleared up some of the rubble and helped shifting pallets.

It was Jills birthday, she celebrated with an afternoon snooze. Last week's trip south had been a bit stressful and tiring.

Smooth as a babys bum!

 Well, we didn't sleep very well on the ferry as it was too calm. We both sleep better with a bit of swell!

It was a beautiful morning with lovely light. Good to be home.

The cats were pleased to see us. Geri was beside herself , until she remembered  she was supposed to be cheesed off with us.

We spent the day emptying the car and chilling.

Aberdeen

 Early start to get some shopping in. It was pretty chilly to start but lovely. Nice view from the Perth Travelodge.

The usual dash round the diy shops ensued leaving enough time for a walk around the river Don mouth and its beach. Very pretty.

A bit if beachcombing gave up some pretty bits of pottery and a few bits of glass ready for some art projects later on. Surprisingly not much glass as it was still sharp!! Back in the sea for a bit more tumbling.

The local beach crows obviously thought Jill was looking for something tasty rather than pottery and got closer and closer.

The Pied Wagtail got nosy too.

It was an early sailing so we left the harbour in daylight which was a nice change.

Homeward bound.

The big drive back

 Received a couple of pictures from Bruce of door preparations. 

Looking good.

Orwell bridge was very busy with wigeon and gulls.

Meeting done we left Ipswich and headed to Norwich to stay with our friend Nick. It was funny seeing our old shop just over the road. It's now a barbers.

Nick likes to give his cacti a cuddle. Only kidding he very kindly gave  Jill Fred to take home. He's a zebra cacti. The cacti, not Nick!

It was really good to catch up and wr left with a super computer chair and a banksy in the boot. Thank you Nick.

Then it was the long drive North. The A1 was horrid but we got back onto Lovely Scotland just as the light faded. We need a new flag, its an embarassment!

Its not only Shetland that has dreich weather

 We stopped briefly at Great Yarmouth beach looking for med gulls but only found drizzle.

( no sign of the containers Bruce!)

Then we drive to Abberton reservoir, one of our old haunts. Never seen so much muddy looking water in the reservoir. Jill did catch up with a few bits and bobs and got another tick. ( if distant) of lesser scaup. 3 at once.

Then it was a rainy walk to The Mandarins in Christchurch Park. Jill had forgotten how bad it gets there with dogs off leads. Knocked over into a big puddle and the jumped on by a 2nd dog. Luckily still raining so coat got a free wash!