Rosie is 2 (almost)

Rosie's birthday is actually tomorrow but we all had family lunch today at the farm. I got her a car just like the one at my house. What I didn't realize was how difficult it would be to put it together. It took me two hours just to get the four wheels on and then I had to go to the lunch. Chloe took over and built the rest of it. Rosie is thrilled. She looks just too cute going around in it.

Kitchen update - The units are in place and some of the appliances but I now await the granite which is due at the end of this week. Because I live alone, it hasn't been too bad making do with sandwiches and food on the hotplate.

A picture

There is no reason for this post except that I think this picture is just too damn cute.

Moving right along

The kitchen chap (Lee - very cute and very left wing) turned up this morning with piles of units and appliances which are now all over both the front and back rooms. That is, except for the ones he installed today. Looking good but no working appliances yet. Maybe by Wednesday but I'm not holding my breath. Pictures in a couple of days when there is something to show.

Ooh la la

The actual laying of the floor was finished yesterday. He will be back today to do the 'beading'. I think that is the edging. Also the toilet in the downstairs loo seems to have disappeared so I'm thinking that he will put that back. Here are pictures of the floor. It's primo.

Getting ready

Here are a few pics of my preparation phase. The best of it is the nice little nest I have made for myself in the front room. I have my comfortable chair in the middle and am surrounded by the television, microwave and electric kettle. The fridge will join the group this morning. I also have a large rubbish bin for the paper plates and ready meal containers. Tomorrow is D (demolition )Day. Actually, the floor people are coming in at the same time so there will be building in the back and destruction in the front. What joy. My cup is about to runneth over.

Chaos

My kitchen remodel and new floors begin on Monday. This means that I started yesterday with the thankless task of removing everything from the kitchen and the big back room. I don't actually have to take the books out, thank god. But everything else that's moveable and breakable has to go to the studio in the back garden. I'm having mostly all new appliances in the kitchen but the fridge stays so it will go in the front room along with the microwave oven and electric kettle and I will be able to eat "ready meals". I'm having a new wood floor throughout the kitchen and back room. The whole process will take about three weeks, including the granite worktops. I'm thrilled to be able to do an expensive job like this but I'm also full of trepidation at the thought of how it will look when it is finished. Pictures to follow.

Dining and Lunching

Two very successful eating occasions. Last night I had seven people for a meal. One of the people was Jane Frances. She is a wonderful guest. She told stories about her parents in law which had all of us on the floor laughing. Nothing unkind, I hasten to add; just anecdotes about the trials and tribulations of growing old.

I had six people for lunch today and it was equally successful. These were neighbours, people I see all the time but I have not had them for a meal before. I was very clever. I had an Italian meal last night and almost exactly the same for lunch today. Essentially one shopping trip and one planning list. This sort of thing is very easy and very impressive. The starter is a plate of antipasti all of which is bought in its bits and pieces. A couple of Italian garlic breads go along with. Then, the pasta. For eight people I use 1000 gms of fresh pasta which is quick cooking and I serve it with tomato or basil pesto. After the pasta is the main course which can be anything. I had chicken both times and I serve it with a Caesar salad. Finally, pudding (dessert) which could be tiramisu but I had apple crumble last night and cheesecake today. Lots of red and white wine and 'Bob's your uncle'. This meal is low on prep but hight on dishes. It's very impressive. The only meal that I do which might be equally impressive is a full on roast beef dinner which involves the meat, the roast potatoes, the Yorkshire pudding and the gravy. Timing is of the essence and my oven is too small.

Little Orphan Annie

Unfortunately LOA has been in full swing the past several days. Last night was a break when I went to the piano recital but she was back with a vengeance today. I've been feeling miserable. I rang Daniel & Michelle this afternoon and got Michelle which was great. She let me go on and on about how bad I am feeling. There isn't much she or anyone could say but she listens and that is more than half the battle. Maybe if Malcolm had ever been willing to listen, I wouldn't be in the place I am now. Maybe if he had been willing to talk about difficult things, he wouldn't have had to turn to the BINSTER for company. What if? What if? No use crying over spilt milk.

I'm starting to gear up for the big kitchen remodel which begins in two weeks time. It's exciting but also very nerve racking. I can think of so many things that might go wrong. I've tried to do lots of preplanning but there is always something that one forgets.

Saturday Night

I went to a Promusica recital last night at Jacqueline du Pre. It was marvellous. It was the recital conclusion of a weeklong series of masterclasses for young pianists. I think the oldest was 24 and the youngest was 12. They all played virtuoso pieces. Of course some were better than others but, on the whole, it was an evening of the best. I have been very remiss about getting out to 'cultural events' so I took myself in hand last evening and went down to St. Hilda's. I was reminded of why I love to live in this city. It was a short bus ride from my house to some of the best music I have heard in a long time.