The living room now has a large hole in the chimney breast.
It gapes like an jagged mouth, revealing the orange tongue of the chimney liner covered in duct tape. Everything is covered in a thick layer of brown filth. It stinks of old coal dust and grime.
But the liner’s in, which is the main thing. And no one was killed, maimed or even injured.
Himself could hardly move he was so tired last night, so I made his grub and I went out to rehearsals for Pajama Game, so was able to escape the building site. It was one of those evenings when I was convinced that not only do I have two left feet, but I couldn’t remember the notes either. And as I don’t read music, that doesn’t help. Still, it got me out of the house.
I’ve just discovered that Himself has been cutting aluminium in the kitchen. On the chopping boards. Despair is not a word that I use lightly.
I’m not sure what he’s carving it up for - something to do with the huge amount of work that now has to be done in the living room to repair the hole in the wall, fix the chimney liner to the stove, make a new hearth – and whatever else needs doing. It’s better not to ask, believe me.
Mike’s coming back today and the work should be finished in a couple of days. Well, say the end of the week.
By which time the multi fuel stove will be in service.
The reasoning behind this upheaval is that when the easterly wind blows, our flat is freezing, and that’s with the heating on. So, what with gas prices rising, we felt an alternative or additional form of heating was a good idea.
Actually it was my mother’s idea, in self defence, when she stayed one weekend and was freezing. She is funding this project, bless her, which is forming my next 600 birthday and Christmas presents.
By the weekend we hope everything will be in place. And you can guarantee that we will have the warmest winter on record.
But the best bit of news for our friends next door is that they won’t be smoked out whenever we light the fire. RT you can celebrate – come and share the fire!
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16 comments:
We went through this a few months ago, although we didn't need a hole in the chimney breast. Himself thought he could do it on his own but had to resort to calling for help! I love our stove - it's not very big and it doesn't chuck out huge amounts of heat but it is so cheering to have it in the room!
well, that'll be lovely when it's done, anyway. nothing cozier than a fire.
AOJ - yes it will be very cheering when its done. You just wouldnt believe the chaos!
laurie - I look forward to that very soon. A real fire - bliss.
You'll be toasting your toes in no time. Bet Mollie and Bussie will love it too:-)
That's definately an advantage! ;@)
We'd both love to celebrate with you and share fire!
I'm awfully glad no one was killed, maimed or injured yesterday.
RT
lane - it'll be interesting to see what the animals make of it! I can see a photo op coming up..
RT - I'm also very pleased no one was hurt yesterday. Mind you on Friday they have to do all teh stuff on the roof....
I know that living through all that chaos and mess is a complete nightmare, but it'll be worth it. My kitchen took just under a month to finish...all my belongings were in boxes in the front room, and at times I felt like telling the workmen to just go away (or something like that) and never come back! I'm glad I persevered, though. I hope the rest of the week goes smoothly for you. You'll be as snug as bugs.
Thanks MissU - you have cheered me greatly!
I think it is going to get colder next weekend, you will need your fire then.
It's something to look forward to having done, all right. And even if this winter is warm, think of how nice it will be to know that it's done for next year.
Now buy a nice bottle of wine in anticipation of the job being done.
D'you know, it's funny because I have mentioned in today's blog about my mother's ideas being listened to and taken on board. Apart from the fact they are good ideas, I wouldn't dare not listen!
Crystal xx
Sounds like one of those jobs you wish you'd never started! Still it will be worth it when it's 5 below zero! :)
I always do very badly with a mess. I like everything in its proper place and cleaned up. Luckily, you will have everything back to normal soon. I hope your place will be toasty warm after this.
ellee - thanks for the weather forecast - sounds good for once!
RC - a bottle of wine - now you're talking.
Crystal - mothers know best - sometimes!
Ak - well we had a good hoover and clean up yesterday so it looksa lot better.
Sweet Irene - I'm not overly tidy at all but I hate everything covered in layers of grime. Dust I can deal with - our house is like that most of teh time (!) but I draw teh line at chimney soot!
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