finally, major renovations finished

Finally, after council inspector had significantly changed the renovations to be 300% more costly than the approved design, we finally have their sign off.

This means I'm now able to get back to doing normal maintenance on the house.
So I've been up on the roof sorting out some minor leak issues. It's not like it was built wrong in the 1960, it's just that over the last 10 years instead of gentle rain that we had for the last 100+ years, we now get torrential downpours every spring. So while global warming can be a bonus in winter, it's hitting us significantly in spring and summer.
On the plus side of this heat we're having, wife is more understanding when I wear just a skirt at home.
The other side effect of this heat, I'm enjoying being on the water in the kayak for a few hours after work.

Today I had to service daughters car and update it's computer and I had to buy an oil filter remover for the first time after decades of using a trusty leather strap - also first time I've had to update a computer system after a service.

Outings have been 1 hour at a time, got to grab the hours where you can even if you don't always have time to shave.

 

 

Work? this early in the year?

I don't even want to think about it.

But at least I made it out once or twice before mundane becomes the norm.
I did a road trip with the family, got surfing lessons down at "The Mount" (is the any country in the world that doesn't have "The Mount". A great, fun and sun burning day out.

The rest of the photos are just of me, being me (coffee and relaxing)

running around like a blue arsed fly

Holiday - wife thought it meant "renovation time"
I've been running around getting parts to make her wishes come true, but at least I can shop pretty

Playing with the blood pressure monitor while waiting for a script at the chemist

More importantly - I had a surfing lesson today, the first day of 2020 (in boy mode), it was very enjoyable and while I dream of surfing properly even though it's hard work, I'll probably end up with a kayak instead.

Did I mention finally getting a car?

Okay - it's Ford, 2008 version, European with the wipers and indicators on the wrong side.
Day 3 and the engine light is on - external temp sensor showing -17 degrees C, which is about 40 degrees wrong, also a coil on a manifold vacuum controller has open circuited. Hoping to get to the wreckers soon for replacements, good job I enjoy playing with engines.

Having a car (station wagon) has ignited my dream of having a kayak and touring.
It's also meant less interest in having girl time.

BUT I did get out for 6 hours today 😃

First, early morning coffee at 7 am.

 

Coffee took a while as the grinder died and staff had to grab and set up the spare grinder. I wasn't in any hurry.
I visited Mitre 10 hardware, checked out their light fittings for youngest daughter before posing for you in the kitchen area. Found a bathroom mirror I would like to talk the wife into getting.

 

Had brunch with my girlfriend Josie. We have both been too busy to meet up over the last 4 months so it was great to see her again. After brunch we had a meander along one of our lovely beaches, got some sun rays 😀

 

Been one of those weeks

I did manage to buy a car - 2008 Ford Mondeo station wagon.
I still need to add a tow bar and roof rack.
The engine light came on, during my 3rd drive, think I'll be stripping and rebuilding a vacuum pump next weekend if my WD40 hasn't cured it.

But this week, the station wagon has allowed me to purchase some decent sized furniture for my youngest daughters bedroom. So it's been bedroom renovations / update for her room.

I did manage two, 1 hour dress sessions, one on the way to the wreckers to see if they had the correct tow bar for my car.
It was nice at Wild Bean Café at the gas station (after I got petrol) as they called out my name when my coffee was ready.

The second time, wearing what I hoped was my sluttiest skirt - that's my daughters name for it as it's tight, thin and short. The girls working, thought it funny I was taking selfies, but how else would you know I was out relaxing.