Building Extravaganza

We have a lot of catching up to do.  The building works were really steaming along at the end of last year, and with the warmer weather and lots of rain the garden and paddocks quickly get out of control.  More about the garden and weather in future posts.  Now for a building works update...

Scaffold up, roof goes on.

Most of the scaffold removed, first floor windows and cladding installed.

Looking from the North 

Hard to believe the entire staircase is in the back of this ute.

But it was.  And it is beautiful.  Made out of Victorian Ash which is very light, and has become a light honey colour with the application of a few coats of clear varnish.

Ian and Wills put on a big push to get the walls and ceiling in the stairwell finished in time for the staircase to be installed in late November.  The next big push was to be ready for the kitchen & pantry cabinets to be installed in mid December. 

Kitchen cupboards being installed - there were five guys, and three light truck loads of cabinets - a big kitchen.

And you might not think the pantry is a big deal, but have a look at it.  Marvellous.

Michelle had a big smile on her face the whole time the kitchen & pantry cabinets were being installed.  So the cabinet maker was in no doubt that his client was very happy with his work.
Granite benchtops being installed in mid January, this needed four guys.  Another big milestone for the project (yes, Michelle was smiling then too).

Mostly finished kitchen.  Just need power, water, floor, appliances, you know - minor details.  Can't wait !!

As I type the electrician is here, and Ian is working on the frame for the spa in the ensuite, ready for the wetseal guy to do his thing this coming weekend.  Then tiling, painting and we'll be just about moved in.

Country Show Success

A short post this time.  We are very proud to share with our readers the recent successes at the Nimbin and Bangalow Shows.

Ian with entries for Nimbin show

Not expecting much, but thinking it was a bit of fun, we entered some produce, preserves and alcohol in the Nimbin show.  Michelle won first prize for her peas, and Ian won two first prizes - one for stout and the other for Davidson Plum Gin.  Sorry, no photo of the stout or the gin, Ian drank it all.  Interestingly, the only prize Michelle received was a blue card, while Ian received a blue card $20 gift voucher and can of brew mix for each of his winning entries.  Just goes to show there is no incentive to grow veges.

Then for a bit more fun Michelle entered some preserves and a novelty knitted tea cosy in the Bangalow show.  Michelle expected absolutely nothing from this.  The tea cosy was knitted from a free pattern found online for Michelle's own amusement and for herself. It's the only tea cosy she has ever made (to date).  The Bangalow show is known in the area as the show to enter needlework and craft items.  And it has a different theme each year, and last year's theme was "Bees", so it seemed silly not to enter the tea cosy.  Lo and behold - first prize!!  Still can't believe it.

And a nice blue ribbon to go with the prize card.  Nice.