Watty's Awakening

savingholmes

We all have days when we want to run away. Is there anything that makes things feel better?

Watty1

Having a "day off" has helped enormously.  I rode the Charming Cob then went out to lunch at the most gorgeous community cafe set in a derelict railway building. The food was delicious and cheap then a lovely long walk with WattyDog over the very muddy fields.  Back to see builders finishing up for the day.

The new bathroom is coming on nicely although there have been a lot of challenges - my chosen shower does not fit (he is going to see if it can be altered) and the toilet had to be moved along so everything fits in.   Lots of decisions to be made as we go along but getting there.  The electrician comes Monday to move the lights and also to sort out why the extractor fans do not work and the builders will be back Monday to finish off. I know it is a bank holiday but entirely their choice to work it.  The decorator starts Tuesday.

I'm wishing I had had the floor re done as well now. I thought it was fine until the new bathroom went in but It sort of looks grubby and old compared to the new bathroom.  I'm wondering how to fix that.  It is tiled.  Can I have someone lay some kind of vinyl on tiles?  Maybe it will clean up. I also wondered about asking if the grout can be whitened.  

Watty1

I have interviewed google whilst I could not sleep and looked at the floor in daylight and actually it will be fine. It just needs a really good clean.  Relief!

Off to ride this morning then not sure what I will do with the rest of the day but will make a plan when I get back.  Feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything again so am grateful that the sun is shining and I am grateful it is a a Saturday and I can take some time out to ride my horse.

Watty1

Lovely ride yesterday round the local area. Daffodils, baby lambs and two waterfalls.  After I had been out for an hour I patted my lovely cob and said life doesn't get much better than this.

Afternoon trip to look for possible curtain material as I'm thinking of replacing curtains and blinds downstairs as part of making it completely different and found something i think will be lovely but need to get a sample of the fabric as was very bright blue and red.  Lovely evening meal that the VNM cooked then feeling very tired I went to bed very early.  

A chat with a friend about how I was feeling reminded me of two things (1) everyone hates having builders in (2) I need to go back to writing my gratitudes and achievements down each evening because I really do have a lot in my life to be thankful for and to enjoy and I need to celebrate that.

Ramouth

Having building work done is totally stressful and exhausting!  It’s all the micro-decisions you have to make I think.  Especially when you are already tired from real life.  It will be worth it once you have come through it.  

Your ride sounds so lovely - being out in nature at this time of year really makes feel the potential and hope of new life iykwim?  Like I have become a bit dormant over winter and now it’s time to spring into new growth and enthusiasm (she says while still wearing pj’s after noon!)

Watty1

@Ramouth  Yes, the micro decisions, that is exactly it.     An electrician is coming out later as the reason the extractor fans do not work has been figured out and it turns out they have never been venting properly anyway and would no longer pass building regulations.     That is to be fixed later today.

Watty1

Yesterday was an "afternoon tea" in the garden with 5 of my girl friends to celebrate my birthday which is later in the week.   Everyone bought something and there is now a lot of food left over in the fridge so sandwiches for lunch today and tomorrow    There is a lot of sweet stuff too like cakes and so on but a lot of it was too sweet for me but the VNM who is on holiday this week has assured me he will help out and eat it up.

Present from the girls was a gift voucher for the garden so I think this afternoon I might go to a garden centre and buy some plants.  The one border i have finished looks lovely with its spring flowering plants, i just need to add a few bits for later in the year and so I can probably finish that off.  The border under the laurel hedging needs clearing and some interesting rocks added.  I've tried various things and nothing really thrives there so I'm thinking of membrane and having fun with rocks and stones,  Which leaves one that is partly planted up and one that needs re-doing completely after the trauma of the last few years.

Humdinger1

Happy birthday @Watty1!  You are rightly adored on this board and IRL love Humdinger xx 

Watty1

I did go to a garden centre but not one I could use my voucher. This was a small family one the gardener that sometimes comes suggested as he thought the plants were well priced and well cared for.   I think I have enough plants for the driveway border for £65, all ever green and all should do well in the poor sandy soil.  Mainly different cotoneasters as the one I have there is 10 years old and has grown beautifully whilst everything else has given up.  Hopefully one evening next week I can get them in  Gardener suggested as the existing one loved the soil, make a feature of it and just add more.    The one I have is also a great weed suppressant,. 

That just leaves the corner that many people drive over just because they can['t manage the narrow lane and I think it is time to embrace that and just add something people can drive over without harming it or themselves. Some kind of cheap gravel or stones or chippings of some kind.  Suggestions welcome

KajiKita

Repetition and bulk of one plant is a classic garden design trick and cotoneaster is very architectural. Having a clematis scrambling over them in time as they start linking together could look very pretty. 

What’s in or the current surface of the corner that everyone drives over atm?

KK