Wind, Woodstoves and 'What?!'


Well, we are finally in and sorting ourselves out. It rained and rained when we moved in, and the wind was howling for days. So much so that Geoff (who has slept through a gas explosion) lost sleep. Rumpole was even hiding under the covers looking fearfully at the window! But he has settled in really well; we didn't really think the cat would survive the move but he's like a new, chilled out version of himself and I am slowly beginning to love him again (holy crap, eh?). We even had a fence panel blow down and some kind soul put it back up- no idea who it was!!!

Then we had a leak in our living room on the chimney breast, which was recently painted. Although having said that, the leak started when the woodstove was being put in, so we need to repaint anyway. We are getting to grips with said woodstove; we have had a few smokeouts and the cost of fuel is a surprise but it gives out a nice heat when it's lit. One thing I learned whilst decorating for Christmas however, is that pewter melts at fairly low temperatures. Here's a hint: don't hang pewter ornaments over your woodstove.

And the reference to 'what?!': unlike our last place, the walls here are actually made of something more substantial than eggshell and not open plan, so lately most of our communication has sounded like this:

Jen, Geoff or Mae: 'Mumble! mumble, mumble mumble mumble?'

Jen, Geoff or Mae: 'What?'

Jen, Geoff or Mae: ' Mumble mumble mumble MUMBLE!'

Jen, Geoff or Mae: 'Hunh?!'

Jen, Geoff or Mae: 'MUMBLE MUMBLE MUMBLE!!!!'

Jen, Geoff or Mae: 'You're going to have to come in here, I can't hear you!!!'

Jen Geoff or Mae: 'Just wondering what time is it?/Do you know where my keys are?/Do you know where my dinosaur is?/etc etc'

But after all that I have to say we all love it. Really, really love it.