New Tiles for the Terrace

Ian and Kevin have done a great job the terrace looks really good.

Birthday flowers from my friends.

Sharing

This is the first time Shula and Sky have shared a basket. They quite often sit together on the sofa but have never shared a basket before.

Very noisy

The builders spent the last two days chopping the rendering off next door it has bee very noisy. Hopefully it will be quiet today although I expect they will have the cement mixer going.

Car covered

Not very elegant but at least it kept the car safe from cement.

Cement machine

Early Thursday morning this cement machine turned up and by 8am they were spraying the roof with cement. Fortunately I was able to cover my cars before they started.

En suite

Some time ago Ken and I decided to update our house and put an ensuite in. We were not going to do it straight away but do it when we were back next summer, however, our friend Bob talked us into doing it straight away and offered to project manage it. So far Kevin the plumber has run the pipe work in, Roland the builder has cut a new doorway into our bedroom and blocked up the door to the landing. Today Gary the plasterer has made a start on the plastering. Apart from the ensuite we are having the ceilings skimmed, wood paneling removed from the lounge and dining room walls, and all the rooms redecorated. Also a new fireplace and all new oak doors and oak floors. It will be a major renovation and bring the house up to date. After it is all finished I will have the front drive done and also renew the woodwork on the front of the house and replace it with plastic.

Stressful day Sunday

Yesterday was not a good day. First I spoke to my friend Elaine on the phone and she told me her husband Geoff has only a matter of weeks to live.

Later Terry from across the road came to tell me his wife Jean had just gone up to bed as she wasn't feeling well and she was making a funny noise and he couldn't wake her up. I went across and she was unconscious. I called an ambulance and they came within 5 minutes, they took her to the hospital but there was nothing they could do. I managed to contact her daughter in St Albans and she drove down straight away. She was able to see Jean before they turned the ventilator off. It was such a shock as we had gone to the pub at lunch time with Terry and Jean and she seemed fine.

This morning I received an email from Spain to say another friend Joyce had passed away. Although it was expected it is still very sad and after all the bad news of yesterday something I didn't want to hear.

First catastrophe

Ken went to hose the car today as we have had to do every day since building next door commenced and noticed cement splashes all down the left side. They did not come off so he was very upset. I rang the property owner and she immediately came round. The builder came to look and said they could clean the car with a soft cloth and at this moment there is a guy cleaning it. I explained Ken would be in the UK for a month but we needed a screen erected that would protect our cars from further damage which she agreed. At least we are talking and she is aware of the disruption it is causing us. They will be living there as their first home so don't want to fall out with the neighbours.

It had already been a stressful day as Shula had been biting her leg so we had a visit to the vet. Both dogs annual vaccinations were due next week so we thought combine all the visits in one. Should have put Shula up first but we didn't so Sky had all her vaccines then Shula had to have an injection and the vet did not want to do the vaccine so she has to go next month. Live and learn. Poor old Shula is walking round with a big plastic collar. Not what I want but I can not be with her every where.

Wall Foundations

Today the builders dug a tench along the front wall with the digger. A lorry arrived to take the digger away so it looks for the moment that all the digging is finished. An hour or so later a cement mixer arrived to fill the trench with cement, it will be interesting to see what sort of wall they build.

Before he went I spoke to the digger driver to ask if the whole pool was to be 2 meters deep, he said it was. I said I was very surprised as the owners have a young child and I think a pool with no shallow end is very dangerous. The digger driver agreed with me but just shrugged. Well I suppose it is up to the owners to have whatever pool they want but I certainly would not want a pool that was 2 meters all over. My pool is 12 meters in length and has steps down to one meter then a flat bit leading to a slope then a 2 meter depth to the end. I find if we have children round they swim up and down then tend to play in the shallow end or sit in the water on the steps. I certainly would be very nervous with a pool with no shallow end.

Front Wall Next Door

Yesterday the builders demolished the front wall of the house next door. 

They have also finished digging the swimming pool which looks as if the whole thing is going to be 2 meters deep.

Progress next door

The digger which was removed last Friday was delivered back today and is digging the swimming pool. The guy building the supporting column seems like a class bricklayer. Despite what they say about Spanish workers these guys are all working hard. It has been noisy and dusty we have got to hose the car down again tonight before we go out but it is all very interesting. Ken and I have agreed whatever we will not let it get us down. Let's face it, we can't change it, so live with it.

Bath day

Sky drying off after her bath. I thought I would let her out to dry in the sun but she immediately went to roll in the soil. Shula is sulking on the bed. Neither of my dogs like water, just as well I suppose as we have a swimming pool in the garden.

Update

The people next door appeared today to check progress. I spoke to them they seem very nice. They said they were as shocked as we were that the builder had removed the hedge as it was not on the plans. They will either replace the hedge or build a big wall but I expect that will not be until the job is completed.

Building work next door

The builders arrived two days ago to start work next door. We had no idea this was going to happen I am not sure how the planning laws are here in Spain but it would appear they don't have to post a prior notice of intent, so no consideration for the neighbours. 

Tommy Cat

Tommy died yesterday 

In the garden

Shula and Sky arrived midnight Saturday and were really happy to see us. They slept on the bed.

Sunday we took them to the Cock and Bottle with us and Sky was good in the car, hope it lasts.

They seem really happy and love running up and down the stairs and exploring the garden.

Shula and Shy on their way to the UK

Will miss Shula and Sky tonight they have already been collected for their trip to the UK. Ken and I are leaving early tomorrow morning. The guys from the pet courier were really nice and assured me they would take care of them, especially Sky as they could see she was really nervous.

Well one thing, I will have more room in the bed but not sure I will be able to sleep. I am really looking forward to Saturday when they are due to arrive in Ferndown. Apparently the couriers will send photos and progress reports but I don't think I will be really happy until I have them back save and sound.