"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it."

Watty1

Hope the plumber can sort easily.

We've been surviving on large pots of a Mexican style soup made in the slow cooker on day one then reheated for 2 days on the hob.   Lots of chilli, onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers, sweetcorn, black beans, peppers and a bit of chicken. Its healthy and so little effort that it is perfect for this weather.  I think 3 days a week for the last 4 weeks at the rate of 1 new batch a week.  It is about all I can cope with

greenbee

The soup sounds fabulous! Although mostly I have courgettes... 

greenbee

Plumber has been today - the bath panel had to have the tiles removed and then be cut up to be removed. He discovered that there was no pipe on the back of the overflow. So he's replaced the overflow and connected it to the waste pipe, and replaced the pop-up waste with a normal one and a plug and chain. The joint between the shower and bath waste is weeping slightly, so he's going to come back next week and fix that. In the meantime, I need to find someone to make (from marine ply), install, and  paint a new removable bath panel. And put loft insulation round the bath

It'll look much nicer with a painted bath panel (tiles were horrible ... unfortunately there are still a few around the bath, but it'll help. I'm debating whether to replace the panel in the other bathroom and check the overflow there at the same time - the pop-up waste has broken anyway, and I'm having to use a rubber plug in it, so the overflow and waste need replacing anyway. I'll see how much this costs!

greenbee

Builder called this morning. He's off on holiday shortly, but will come over during the first week in September to replace both bath panels (I'll try to book the plumber to replace the waste and overflow on the other bath while he's here). He'll also work out then what needs to be done to my walk-in wardrobe and the loft insulation/hatch and plan when to get those done so they're ready for when the decorator is booked. Once I have dates from him I can book the carpet lift/plumber/electrician/new carpet. 

I've chased a friend who had said they could do the garage conversion/ground floor layout design to ask whether they really do have the time. If not I'll need to find someone local to draw up at least outline plans so we can get the doors/windows done before winter.

Septic tank has been given another dose of oxygen treatment. Greenhouse has been opened. A small amount of work has been done. Dog has been walked and is now sighing loudly as he's bored. Everyone has been fed. I'm debating watering the hedge/trees but can't decide whether I should, or whether to leave it to the rain over the weekend. I'm also debating going food shopping as I have some vouchers and need a few bits to go with the courgettes, mangetout and beans!

greenbee

It was still hot after work, so waited until after I'd eaten to take the dog out again. Then did lots of watering with the aim of making space in the water butts. All trees have had a bucket of water, the small water butts on the back of the greenhouse have had their contents transferred to the big one on the front (can't work out why this doesn't fill from the gutter, and I need to do something about it and into watering cans (as well as onto the fruit bushes and rhubarb).

Veg plot and borders have been done via the tap through soaker or sprinkler hose - I'm hoping that giving them some water will mean any rain soaks in rather than running offl 

Pots given a thorough soak with water from the garage water butts and all watering cans filled. 

New water butts behind summerhouse set up (but not connected yet - I did't have the time, patience or brain power) and part filled with water from the IBCs to stabilise them and make room for any rain (seeing as we're due torrential volumes) in the IBCs. If it's not raining tomorrow I'll try to sort out a syphon rather than transferring via buckets. And there's room for one more water butt behind the summerhouse, so I need to source that. 

Dog was unimpressed by the activity. One cat was helping. Other cat hasn't been seen since I spotted her stalking a pigeon at about 6pm. I expect she'll come back when she's hungry/it rains. Other cat is in and says it's bedtime. So does the dog. I'm hoping for a lie-in tomorrow...

dawnybabes

Was just about to suggest you popped loft insulation round the bath whilst you’ve got the side off but see you’ve already thought of that 🤣🤣🤣

greenbee

I’m pretty sure it was @redofromstart who advised me to do it in my last house!

redofromstart

Yes Mr Redo did it for me years ago and it is transformational if you like a long hot soak. 

Watty1

What an excellent idea.  I have some loft insulation in the barn, so, do I  just remove the bath panel and fill the space with insulation?

greenbee

Yep, just shove it round as much of the bath as you can reach. Do check for any weeping joints first, and make sure you know where any isolation valves are and leave them clear. Don't pack it too tight, as air is part of the insulation.