unfinished business

I create quiet corners so that calm can return. I spend time planning and preparing dinner, as that is all I have in my control. Last night we had grilled aubergine with steamed fennel and african bean stew. Tonight it will be butternut and chicken curry.

The hound prefers turning a blind eye; she sleeps in her basket which is surrounded by tools, supplies, building materials and folders with lists to tell us what the priorities are. Deadlines are constantly pushed into the future. What was to be done for the end of May is now to be done for the end of September. Who cares? We have all the time in the world.

the dog cannot fall down anymore

see balcony, see tented courtyard below

The balcony railing is finally up after several weeks of planning, discussing, measuring, fitting and thinking about it. There are tools everywhere; in fact, we can start a hardware shop. We visit the hardware shop every day for more tools and materials. We have every drill-bit in the book, every screw imaginable, every hammer and chisel and electric hand-held wood-cutting device. On Saturday afternoon two good wine-drinking buddies helped us to paint the ceiling in the kitchen-dining area so that we can now fit the light fittings there. (Ha! That the ceiling is not painted is no longer an excuse!) We had so much fun painting and then making dinner, we forgot to take a photo of the two painters perched on ladders. As you can imagine, they refused to pose for photos on ladders (or off ladders for that matter) after dinner of wine and food...