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redofromstart

Slow progress, but better than none at all.  The joys of this old house mean that the swaps are not straight forward, but that is also why I went with a specialist company rather than cheap and cheerful locals.  6 done, 14 to go starting again in January as they finish for Christmas today.  At least the money is earning some much needed interest in the meantime.

Really consciously reduced my Christmas effort this year, mostly because I don't have the money to waste but also because I don't actually enjoy it very much.  Never have but I used to make an effort for the children but they are not bothered either.  Still no decorations up (although I am blaming the builders for that) but I did crack and buy worlds smallest fresh turkey yesterday mainly because it'll make it easier to feed visitors.  DS1 then spotted it in the fridge and said 'hurrah' because apparently he loves Christmas dinner.  This was news to me.   Lots of parsnips bought for me.  Possibly my favourite vegetable so I don't care if nobody else likes them.

Todays project is trying to rescue a brass floor lamp that I bought from Laura Ashley many years ago.  It got shoved into the work shop some years ago  and is rusty and filthy as a result.  Mr Google suggested tomato ketchup so I am starting with that as I haven't got any brass0 type stuff.  I do have some pink stuff if the red sauce doesn't work.  Not sure how to sort the actual shade which was cream but is now dusty.  So far I have used a paintbrush to gently take off the thickest layer.

I could head over to local small town which has a B0yes and could supply appropriate cleaner, but I strongly suspect I would regret that decision on the inevitable chaos of the last Saturday before Christmas.  

KajiKita

Are the six so far making a difference in terms of comfort? 

Christmas can be whatever you want it to be 😊

KK

greenbee

Try lemon juice on the brass (but somewhere inconspicuous as a test). I use those sticky clothes brushes for dusty lampshades. Although if it doesn’t make it, send me dimensions and I’ll check my ‘spare lampshade’ cupboard….

redofromstart

The changed windows are making a massive difference @KajiKita. I got them to do the worst ones first so my bedroom and the main sitting room no longer have cross breezes. They do not restart till the second week of January but the damp and render work is done which is a relief. 

Thanks @greenbee I haven't had chance to do any more to it but a visitor did bring me some brasso (I get the best presents!).

busy few days, I pulled a muscle in my shoulder, visited my parents (and have some lovely new plants as a result, and more logs), and lots of clearing/tidying as no builders on site.

our plans today are very low key because that was what I wanted. I hope everyone has an enjoyable day and wish you a Happy Christmas.

KajiKita

Ah, that’s a real quality of life improvement then ❤️😊
Hope with the walls work done the rest of them will go in (relatively!) quickly 😊

Sorry to hear about your shoulder - 🤞 that it eases soon. 

May your day be calm, quiet and peaceful x

KK

Greying_Pilgrim

Merry Christmas back at ya redo.  Low-key sounds perfick 👍

So glad the windows have made an immediate difference.  Truth be told, same here - phew.  It's a relief isn't it ☺️

Greying X

Sun_Addict

Have a lovely low key day. It’s the same here just a day to relax and recharge. 

redofromstart

Thank you - it was suitably low key. In fact I spent most of it tidying. I set out to remove 80% of the 'stuff' from the Snug and, dear reader, I have finally accomplished this.  It feels so much better in there. Shoulder aches but it needed to be finished for us to eat a sit down dinner and for visitors today. 

I have a skip on the drive - it has to be the last one as the drive is being repaired and resealed in a few weeks. Trying to prioritise things that won't go in the household bins. A good friend is coming at the weekend to help with the lifting which will be tricky as I am really rubbish at accepting help.

Buffet stuff to prep, and maybe make something to replace the rocky roads I accidentally spent half of yesterday eating. It's going to be a tricky day and a protective layer of chocolate may help!

debtfreewannabe321

Well done for clearing the snug!
Glad you had the Christmas you wanted 💓

KajiKita

Bravo 👏😊 What will the snug become for you? 

I hope today is easier than you are anticipating …. 🤞

KK