Forwards and occasionally sidewards – everyday musings of life

I awoke this morning to the sight of a wet, glistening deck. We’d finally had our first proper rainfall since late May. With a hosepipe ban currently in place—the first in this area for 50 years—the drought was hopefully beginning to ease, though local gardeners and farmers will undoubtedly be praying for a good deal more.

Coming from an outdoorsy family, the weather features heavily in almost every conversation we have.

“Terrible news about that earthquake in South America, hundreds of lives lost.”
“Gosh, awful… mind you, did you see we had a spot of rain overnight?”

That is usually how the dialogue flows. I’m currently waiting for my Mum to message me with her daily Shaftesbury weather report.

I joke, but I genuinely value being connected to wildlife, nature, and the environment. I’m not a tree-hugger—clearly not, considering I own chainsaws—but I like being outside. I prefer open countryside, walking across rolling hills, and being near water, though I equally enjoy the vibrant energy of exploring a bustling city.

Speaking of energy, the LVT Monks quietly completed their final masterpiece today: our hallway and bathroom. They celebrated the completion by accepting a single cup of white coffee (no sugar). Just the one, mind you. I wasn’t entirely sure if they intended to share it or if one of them had simply broken his solemn vow of caffeine abstinence. Pleased with their work, they slipped away in silence, leaving no trace they had ever been here other than a pristine floor.

That finished flooring marks a massive milestone: the house renovation project is officially complete.

We are immensely grateful to everyone who worked with us along the way. Our architect, who remained calm, professional, and methodical throughout; Graham and his Monster-Energy-fuelled team, who worked tirelessly—often in punishing heat—to complete the structural build; Dusty Dave, who appears to exist permanently in a cloud of brick and cement dust; Ash and his painters, who transformed bare grey plaster into gleaming white walls; and, of course, the Carpet Wrestlers and LVT Monks, who had the glory of laying down the final touches.

Together, they’ve helped build a beautiful home that we absolutely love.

There will always be minor bits and pieces to tinker with around the house, of course. But for now, I’m hoping my toolbox can remain firmly locked away in the shed, gathering dust and quietly rusting in peace.