This Time I'm Really Going To Do It

Suffolk_lass

Well done @Watty1. I also have visitors shortly (well, tomorrow) so both bathrooms need a blast and DH will push the vacuum and duster around so I don't sneeze too much! A good move on the hair front. We do still define ourselves by how we look to some degree, I think, so money is well spent in this regard!

Watty1

Visitor has gone and my goodness I am tired. House still looks nice though and she helped me think through some renovations that i want to do and how bits can be done MSE style.

After a chat with her I've come up with a plan for the other spare room and I will keep the free sofa bed picked up of Marketplace. 

My goodness she did drink though!  And stay up really late.  One night she went out with another local friend and i was so grateful just to give her the key and go to bed early.    She left early this morning.  Sad to see her go as she lives other end of the country and I do miss her.

As she left the builders arrived to replace the bathroom and bedroom roof windows.  These are my first "big job" The old windows were a mistake when we renovated here.  They were sold as "heritage windows" but are in fact shed windows which look like heritage windows but have no insulation and will be pleased to see them go and new ones fitted. The rooms should be warmer, lighter and the mould that grows around them should finally end.  I had hoped the property would have transferred by the time the work started, but, we are a few days away from transfer but am trying not to worry.

Having friend stay really helped me focus on my mental health.  I really do need sleep so this week early nights planned.  

Watty1

Work on the windows has halted due to the rain.  One is in with the wall repaired but the other two are still in "draft" stage.

Work also delayed by a wasps nest that was uncovered.  I rang a pest control person who charmingly altered his round to fit me in and so that felt like £60 well spent rather than lose the team for half a day.  I'm so excited to see the bedroom window, it is so large compared to what was in the roof before.

Karmacat

Wow yes, wasps nests have got to be dealt with.  But with windows in the "draft" stage, I hope you're watertight in this rain!

Suffolk_lass

If you encounter a ground wasp nest that (for example, is near horses, children or public footpaths) August is the month when they become a nuisance. Beekeepers are often called upon to help with these. The two most popular methods are:

1. At dusk, when the wasps are back in, pour a pint of petrol into the hole and put a brick over the entrance
2. Use the Japanese-sounding ant powder and liberally puff it around the entrance (there might be more than one entrance so be vigilant) and again, at dusk, and the wasps going in and out will take it in to the nest which dies. 

I don't know if they suffer but I do know the petrol is very quick

Humdinger1

Onwards and upwards @Watty1! You are doing brilliantly in making the house your own.  I know you know this, but it's absolutely normal to have regrets, pain and more as you work through the trauma; if you don't have that, you're suppressing healthy reaction and that's worse for your mental health.  You have fab friends in real life too, no? Love Humdinger xx 

Watty1

My new windows are in.   What a difference.  I've always mumbled that the house is so dark but the three windows have transformed my bedroom and the two bathrooms.  I feel like my bedroom is a hotel room rather than my bedroom because it is just so very different.       Still need to pay for a plasterer to finish the job but I love them.  

There may be ways to make the downstairs rooms much lighter now with some neat decorating tricks.  All ideas on that welcomes.

KajiKita

Yaay for the windows 😊

Light colours in fabrics, walls, carpeting and furniture along with mirrors opposite light sources such as windows help a lot for increasing light levels in darker rooms. I would also consider how much furniture you have in the space. 

KK

Watty1

In other news investment in self continuing.  I've sent an email to my doctor pointing out that a recent government restriction on a type of medication means i can only use it for 20 days of the month rather than every day as prescribed and asking for their feedback on a way forwards.  A lovely lady at the pharmacy made a suggestion which I have helpfully passed along so hopefully the doctor will get back to me.  

Also went to see a psychologist privately and considered that a great investment in me.  i was able to discuss some of my mental health issues calmly and without judgement and get some really clear feedback.  She gave me some great advice and some techniques for coping and I felt so much better for seeing her.  The appointment was expensive (£100) but I got a benefit from the session.  Far more so from the counselling the NHS referred me too which I found a tad annoying and unhelpful so discontinued.

 

Suffolk_lass

To lighten up your downstairs, make sure woodwork is white - the reflected light from sills and surrounds is massive and doors suck out light. If you are reluctant, try light throws, cushions and maybe a folded white napkin in a recessed window to see the difference it makes. If you are not keen on eggshell, satin, or gloss finish, you could use a watered down emulsion like old houses with whitewashed beams