We are now with heat.

Following the purchase of the wood burning stove, a visit from the chimney sweep and arranging for the insertion of the necessary double lined insert chimney tubing. We have put in 2 chimney liners so that we can have a fire in the salon as well as the one now installed in what will be a dining room.

After the snow and then the heavy rain we now know where the roof leaks are. I always knew I would find a use for all those old plastic bowls I kept "for a rainy day". The replacement of the roof is now on the priority list, together with the new front door and back door. The existing ones don't exactly fit anymore having dropped and warped.

Today the sun is shining in a blue sky following a night of windy rain. Some of the early bulbs are beginning to break through in the pots amoung the pansies.

There have been happenings this week. A visit from the architect to consolidate plans. The arrival in the post of the first quotes for work to be done.
We decided on Thursday to invest in a small wood burning stove for the dining room. We will have to have the chimney swept (organised for Monday) and for a metal liner for the chimney which will be done when the roofer is up there working.
In the meantime we are using the fire and a different kind of warmth is slowly permeating the house. What a difference.
We have also painted the walls in both the dining room and the hallway. Just with white paint for the moment to make everything look cleaner and brighter. A definite improvemen, be it only temporary. Plain brilliant white is far too bright for this house.

With the holidays over we were all set to recommence our renovations, but with temperatures well below freezing everything is on hold.
The hole for the water and waste has been filled in and we have a great deal of sand and gravel left over. I'm sure we will find a use for it.
We now have hot water so can shower in our own premises. We just have to be careful as to when we plug in the water heater as our only form of heating is also electric and we have a limited supply. The answer is that during the day we space heat and then water heat during the night. The camper continues to be our night time refuge where it is heated and the bed has an electric blanket.
We have had visits this last week from a couple of electricians to quote for rewiring. Now waiting for their written quotes. Also had a quote for replacement windows and doors. So things are moving be it ever so slow.
The other document received was the architects estimate as to the cost of the project, as seen by his eyes. When we recovered we set about making comparisons and eliminations. A tweek here and there.
Decided against going to the first day of the sales today. We may miss out on some items but the small roads in the village are like glass so better to stay in today and hope that the weather will warm in the next few days.