September 19th
Revamping the kitchen has started in earnest with most of the units out, the floor tiles up and a temporary kitchen set up in the dining area. A plumber has been to look at the job, plus a few others, and will return the week the the units are being delivered. He pointed out that the isolator valve for the gas hob was for water only – NEVER for gas. I discovered another electrical cock-up on the extractor hood plug, just as well it was on a stationary cable!
The floor tiles came up reasonably well but the old adhesive needed to be removed to give the required 3mm minimum for the new stuff. My trusted 2013 era SDS drill did its bit for a day and then stopped chipping. RIP. So with a Titan replacement and vacuum cleaner pipe gafa-taped on, the remaining lumps and bumps were removed leaving under the dishwasher to be done last.
Once the kitchen units were removed, the original door into the kitchen was revealed from my en-suite as the blocking up job was only half done! At least there is nothing critical in that area with the rebuild. The wall chaser is to have its debut today as the new socket positions and heights have been agreed. It looks like the wiring doesn’t need to be in capping in this day and age as the PVC sheaths are now cement resistant. So perhaps I bad mouthed the builder of the bungalow for what is standard practice; but there again!
Twice this week I have had to rescue a confused wren. The first time it was in the dining room trying to get through the patio doors and the second was from June’s chalet with the door open. After the second release, it sat and recovered for 5 mins while I lay on the ground a few feet away talking to it (it must be an age thing). Anyway, after half dozing, it shook itself and flew away. I’ve noticed over the last week or so that the birds are returning to the garden after being away on their covid free summer break. A tit has returned and has been looking at its box and the blackbird has been pulling up bits of turf around the rose garden. Unfortunately, the moles have also come back with a vengeance. Ah well lets press on with a dust cloud or two.
