Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. Things have been a tad busy here (and yes that understatement is my English heritage coming to the fore). Just a few photos this week. The banksia rose and snowball tree along our back fence and the back deck - which is a haven of peace for much of the year.
I have really, really appreciated the support and the warmth of your comments on my last post. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
So far only one glitch has raised its ugly head. For unknown reasons the powerpoint for the bathroom has been installed inside the new shaving cupboard. WTF? And of course we only noticed it after the relevant tradies had left for the day - leaving no contact details. It will be resolved next week. Whether they realise it or not.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. Things have been a tad busy here (and yes that understatement is my English heritage coming to the fore). Just a few photos this week. The banksia rose and snowball tree along our back fence and the back deck - which is a haven of peace for much of the year.
I have really, really appreciated the support and the warmth of your comments on my last post. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
So far only one glitch has raised its ugly head. For unknown reasons the powerpoint for the bathroom has been installed inside the new shaving cupboard. WTF? And of course we only noticed it after the relevant tradies had left for the day - leaving no contact details. It will be resolved next week. Whether they realise it or not.
You get 'em! Make them fix it.
ReplyDeleteThat is a really nice place to hang outside. Wish we had an area like that.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: The back deck is lovely. Messy, crowded - but lovely.
DeleteI really hope you are practicing self-care and taking care of yourself. xo
ReplyDeleteDid you do before and after pictures of your bathroom?
ditchingthedog: I am so tired that tears keep rolling down my face. But am ignoring things which 'have to be done'. Unless they do. And I am taking photos at each step of the way. At the moment it has stopped looking like a disaster and is just empty, bare and unfinished...
DeleteWell, that sucks. They will definitely need to fix THAT at no extra cost to you. I agree with ditchingthedog: I'm hoping you are doing due diligence and taking care of yourself! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I hope they realise the silliness of that placement too. But am not holding my breath. Some self care is happening. And today will be quiet before the noise and chaos erupt again tomorrow.
DeleteGreat to see your post EC ~ but what's this?? I think your theme this week could have been bathrooms, or tradies :). Take care xx
ReplyDeleteCarol in Cairns: This is a G rated blog - no posts (or not many) about tradies from me...
DeleteI was looking at old photos and there I was, in the middle of my destroyed bathroom, a huge hole where the tub had been removed and I was holding Beau in one arm and a screwdriver (the tool, not the drink) in the other hand. I have NO idea what I was getting ready to attack. God, the work I put into that house that now belongs to someone else.
ReplyDeleteYou've got to hold onto your sanity through the renovations and the pain, lethargy, and lack of health. And that's near impossible.
lotta joy: Sanity has left the building. Like Elvis I hope it stops in again.
DeleteDestroyed bathroom? Yup. They have taken it down to the bones, and carved into them as well. Now the rebuilding starts again.
of all the photos you have ever posted that one of the deck is my favourite!
ReplyDelete.....unless i missed one with a hot tradie?
it's gonna be worth it, just breathe :)
kylie: No hot tradies to be seen here. Yet anyway. And we love our deck too.
DeleteBreathing, breathing, breathing...
I hear that the next modern trend is to have the power points in the ceiling! It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Probably better not to otherwise you'd be driven crazy! (Please note...my tongue is firmly in my cheek...which still allows for easy operation of my keyboard)!!
ReplyDeleteEC, your back area looks like such a wonderful haven. I think you should spend all your time out there while the tradesmen are inside installing your bathroom sink upside down and shower head coming up from the floor! ;)
Have as relaxed a week as you can...sharing the cupboard with Jewel must look like an excellent option by now...you never know...you might find a power point or two in there! Best wishes to The Skinny One and cuddles for the furry ones. :)
Lee: Even the deck isn't a haven at the moment. The noise and the dust reach it very easily. But it will be again. And at the moment joining Jewel has a lot of charm. I don't think there are any power points there. Yet.
DeletePowerpoint has been installed INSIDE the new shaving cupboard? WTF indeed. Honestly .... Take a deep breath, EC. Or alternately, a large scotch. Or better still, both ...
ReplyDeleteThat canopy of green over your deck looks positively heavenly. A private oasis.
Oh, I didn't think you'd post today. Glad you did :)
Wendy: No work is happening on the weekend. Or not on our bathroom anyway, so I thought I would stop in at least briefly. Scotch is not my drink of choice but a bucket of red wine has charm.
DeleteThat middle photo looks like something out of a fairy tale.
ReplyDeleteUm...power point??? you mean electrical outlet? slight language barrier here lol.
Delores: No princesses live here - but there is a resident witch so the fairy tale works for me.
DeleteElectrical outlet is right. I hadn't realised that power point was going to cause language difficulties.
I'm trying not to swamp you with "stuff" so will just pop my head above the parapet here...to say that my poor, neglected R.banksia is alive! I think I'll dig it up and pot it.But first, I shall show it your photo.As encouragement.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: Our back yard is obviously the perfect spot for the banksias. Both of them need severe pruning each year. And come back weighed down with blooms. And birds. And bugs. Bliss.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear things aren't quite as planned - isn't always the way? Keep telling yourself 'it will be worth it' over and over again. I agree with lots of the comments above - do make sure you are taking extra good care of yourself too.
Try and have a good rest of the weekend.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. I am telling myself it will be worth it. And it will.
DeleteA great weekend to you too.
I got a powerpoint inside a cupboard too never been used, can't remember why it was installed.
ReplyDeleteLove your spot up the back lovely place to sit and relax or share a meal in the shade.
Merle............
Merlesworld: It is a lovely spot. One of our 'additions' to the home.
DeleteI just checked out your former blog sometime I miss things, I will be doing the same thing in a few years, bathroom are dangerous places as we get older
ReplyDeleteMerle........
Merlesworld: Bathrooms are very dangerous places, and this one was tired and dangerous.
DeleteSuch a pretty area for you to sit. I would love that. Hope you can get that powerpoint fixed without too much hassle. Always the way isn't it, always something?
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I am still amazed that anyone could think it was a good idea...
Deletenever leave workers alone as they always make the wrong and sometimes strange choices in decision making. omg
ReplyDeleteI love vine covered patios and those are so lovely. I miss my wisteria patio I had in California, the flower grew above and the petals fell on the patio and if you sat under the patio you could hear the bumble bees and mason bees above humming as they visited each blossom.
Hope you are doing better
Linda Starr: I had no idea that they were doing it. Sigh.
DeleteOur pergola had a white wisteria over it as well as the banksia rose. The wisteria died, but the banksia is thriving. And I too listen to the bees, and the birds. And smile.
Ooooh! Memory...we had a wisteria covered front porch in Holsworthy, NSW, we put the old lounge suite out there when a new one was delivered, such a heavenly shady spot in the summer.
DeleteRiver: That sounds absolutely blissful.
DeleteI am glad you have that beautiful oasis to restore your balance while chaos and frustration go on inside. Wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Even this oasis isn't peaceful at the moment - but will be again. Thank you - and have a great week.
DeleteHow did the snowball tree get such a silly name as guelder rose. They are a fun tree.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I refuse to think of it as a guelder rose. It is a snowball tree - and an annual joy.
DeleteLove our outdoor deck space, that looks so peaceful and shaded, I can imagine spending lots of hours sitting there with a book and a cuppa. Thanks for sharing, your garden is truly inspirational (much like you are too).
ReplyDeleteTradies, know all about those blighters after having our bathroom done just over 12 months ago. I will say though, loving my new bathroom now.
I'm sure you too will love your new bathroom once the troublesome tradies are gone. xxx
Kakka: Tradies are a law unto themselves aren't they? And it will be bliss to have a morning shower without wondering whether this is the time that I go base over apex.
DeleteAnymore it seems we have to watch all people in all things to get ANYTHING right. I guess it must be worldwide problem and no just this country! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBookie: Tradies know best. Always. Or so they believe.
DeleteWhy inside, to be hidden? Wow. I can think of things that could be hidden. Like the toilet. Push a button, out it pops. Or rises up from the floor! Push it again, it vanishes. Now that'd be something to hide. I love that patio. Reminds me of a hidden garden, secret and private, for all kinds of goings on, alone or with one other cherished friend, for secrets and jokes and lounging and napping with a book open across one's lap and a cat across an arm of a chair.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I haven't the remotest idea why they decided on that spot. And it has meant that they had to cut a hole in the back of the shaving cabinet as well. So it wasn't even easier for them.
DeleteA hidden toilet has charm - except for when it inevitably got stuck in its hideaway.
Books, a cuppa, the cats, and peace on that deck. Soon.
EC, that sounds like they misplaced the outlet, either by accident (measured wrong) or on purpose (ran out of wire) and couldn't be bothered to make it right. That is just incredible. And they should replace your cabinet as well as fixing the location of the outlet. Cripes.
Deletejenny_o: Negotiations will commence at start of business tomorrow. And I want it resolved before the walls are tiled.
DeleteYour back yard looks like a little bit of heaven to me.
ReplyDeleteHad to put on my thinking cap for a minute over power point. I kinda like it.
Not where it's located, however.
Hope your renovation ends soon.
Joanne Noragon: We are about a third of the way through. Unless it gets extended. Shudder.
DeleteGood luck with getting that fixed. It seems you have a wonderful place right at home to find some peace, which you probably need after this ordeal.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Before the tradies arrive and after they leave I do find peace. And all this weekend we have been commenting how quiet it is. Not only do the tradies bang, crash and thump they have a radio on the whole time as well.
DeleteMy heart goes out to you, my dear EC.
ReplyDeleteP. S. What a beautiful area you have created in your back yard. So green and leafy.
Deletejenny_o: Thank you. And we are pleased with the deck. Our bedroom opens onto it, and because the yard is private we don't draw the bedroom curtains. Lovely to wake to. Or would be if I woke after dawn.
DeleteI want your back deck. :) :)
ReplyDeleteIn my street, a few houses down from me, is a front fence covered in yellow banksia rose, I keep meaning to take photos, as this year it has flowered so profusely as to be almost completely covered in blooms. it is just past its peak now, and I still don't have a photo. I grew snowball trees once in my Sydney (Glenfield) home, cuttings were given to me by a neighbour, so I planted them along the property line as a fence, since there was no actual fence.
There may be some sort of new law about power point placements in bathrooms, to minimise chances of electrocution, inside a cupboard it wouldn't get wet presumably. I hope you get it sorted satisfactorily.
River: The yellow banksia rose along the back fence blazes each year. There is a white one over the pergola which I understand looks spectacular from the roof.
DeleteWe wondered about regulations abour power point placements. Mind you, it does mean that we can never charge the electric toothbrush unless the cabinet door is open. Sigh. And the toothbrush is about a millimetre too high to fit in the cabinet.
Yes, maybe River is right on this. I found several websites indicating that there are stringent regulations about placement of power points in Australia. Seems to be way more restrictive than, for example, what was done when our house (in Canada) was built in 1988. Over-regulation, maybe? I don't remember hearing of anyone being electrocuted at the bathroom sink around here! Well, good luck with the tradesmen in the morning :)
Deletejenny_o: River was right. It was regulations but after a phone call this morning a compromise has been reached and the power point no longer sits in the shaving cabinet. Yay. And yay for a business which listens. And responds.
DeleteA small mercy to be thankful for ...
DeleteOr as my father would say, it's better than a kick in the pants :)
That's a lovely sitting area! I hope it provides a little cool spot for you on those HOT summer days.
ReplyDeleteAmazing isn't it, how some people can keep a job...power point in the cabinet...go figure.
Karen: It does provide a cool spot - and also protects the kitchen and our bedroom from the very worst of the heat.
DeleteI do hope River is wrong and that it isn't a new (and silly) regulation about where power points can be located.
Your back garden looks like a "secret garden" to me. I love it. Hope the tradesmen get this point inside your cupboard sorted tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: The back garden is, like all of our gardens, a bit of a jungle. And I like it that way.
DeleteFingers and toes crossed that the tradies and I can come to an amicable agreement.
Keep those fingernails whilst you're gripping the ceiling dear, it'll be over soon, honest guv. And as for the back deck, WOW. I love it! So beautiful a place to go and read, I envy you that abut I'm glad you have it and no-ones tearing that down. x
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: I don't jump well. Given my druthers you would find me velcroed to the carpet under the bed. But we are one-third done now. Yay.
DeleteI have always yearned for a place with such lovely trellises to hide in.
ReplyDeleteGrannie Annie: I am very, very glad that we added the deck - and grew things over the pergola. And under the pergola. And around the pergola.
DeleteYou bet your blipping bippy they'll correct that power blunder!!!! How absurd of them!
ReplyDeleteWell, on to more pleasant things... I love the trellis over your patio. :) So shady and peaceful looking.
River Fairchild: It is peaceful. And needless to say the cats love it too. Jewel runs up the support poles and prances along the top in vain attempt to sneak up on the birds.
DeleteSuch a beautiful serenity deck. Going things go well this week with the renov. They can be so challenging!
ReplyDeleteAnd that would be hoping... Not going. Fat thumbs. No coffee. Lazy in bed typing. ;)
DeleteThings Are Looking U.P: It is several hours after you posted this so I hope (assume) you have had your coffee. In a few hours the workies will appear and things will begin again. Not needless to say anyone who can address the power issue.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place to find peace!
ReplyDeleteLisa: It is. One of my better ideas.
DeleteYes a beautiful, peaceful garden ... a wonderful place for you to escape now and then. I keep forgetting that you are experiencing Spring as we have started to get colder and colder. Glad you are feeling well enough to come talk to us ... miss you when you aren't around. A power switch in the shaving cabinet ... are you kidding or should I say are they kidding? That is just crazy enough to make me laugh out loud though I know you probably aren't laughing at this point ... but you should be. I bet you don't know anyone else that has such a thing:) So good to hear from you EC ... Be well!
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Andrea Priebe: It was wonderful to have a few days without the tradies. In a few hours it will begin again - but we have got through the first third...
DeleteSue,
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS photos. OMGOSH, that is your back yard? I wish I were there to bring you Choc. Chip Cookies and some hugs. xx
My Inner Chick: That is indeed our back jungle. Or some of it. Hugs.
DeleteWhat a GORGEOUS layout there with the vines! I can totally imagine how peaceful it would be with a cup of tea and a good book.
ReplyDeleteRaquel Somatra: It is usually very peaceful. And positively blissful.
DeleteThat looks like a love peaceful spot. I can imagine sitting out there with a glass of wine and a book *sigh*
ReplyDeletemshatch: How nice to see that other readers see the charm of my haven.
DeleteI adore your haven and see why you covet it...glad to hear things are OK.
ReplyDeleteDonna@LivingFromHappiness: It really is an oasis of calm. Which I need - not only now, but often.
DeleteThe banksia rose and viburnum are among my favourites also.
ReplyDeleteYour lovely shaded nook looks like a wonderful haven indeed.
Wishing you good health and strength, dear EC xx
Vicki: Thank you so much. Kiln problems all sorted? I do hope so.
DeleteWell, at the risk of a jinx... so far, so good... keeping everything crossed :)
DeleteA bisque firing ended just this morning. I was up at 5am to ensure it reached final temp correctly.
Now, if it will continue its future firings up to December's end without any hitches or glitches, I will toast the kiln gods on Christmas eve with much gratitude :)
You're in my prayers, dearheart;
ReplyDeletemay all the wrinkles be smoothed,
with a side of happy surprises.
peace, friend,
Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: Today a wrinkle was smoothed. And it only took a phone call (and an email). Big relief.
DeleteI hope your world is treating you kindly too.
Even though I don't understand what it means that the powerpoint is in the shaving cupboard, it does not sound good. However, the fact that it will be fixed in the coming week, does sound good. Hang in there. I'm glad there weren't more glitches.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: I am sorry - I had no idea that power points were not a universally accepted English term. Electrical outlets. And they had installed the bathrooms only electrical outlets inside the shaving cabinet. Which has now been rectified.
DeleteDear EC, what a fabulous garden you have. So sorry I didn't comment on your last post but my iPad just wouldn't let me! Anyway, my thoughts are with you and the SP and I hope the tradies are okay now. What a pain they can be. Just keep breathing my dear and know how many of your blogging friends are sending love.
ReplyDeleteCarol: Thank you. Today we have made huge strides in the right direction.
DeleteYour definition of power point makes a great deal more sense to me than the computerized slide presentation (also called powerpoint) on insurance enrollment I suffered through on Thursday. Beautiful photos of a beautiful garden --my compliments and admiration.
ReplyDeleteGeo.: A compliment like that coming from a real gardener is very, very welcome. Thank you.
DeleteI love the pictures! What a wonderful little oasis. I just wish everything else could be calm at the moment.
ReplyDelete"Whether they realize it or not"… Oh, yeah. The f***s better indeed replace the cabinet too. What morons.
Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): It has now been fixed. Another electrical outlet has been installed - where it can be used.
DeleteWow I really love your outdoor space! I need to catch up on your posts to see what happened though!
ReplyDeleteOptimistic Existentialist: We love our outdoor space too. It is very close to the homes of our neighbours - who are virtually invisible.
DeleteTotally lovely! You go, girlfriend - make them fix it right!
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: This battle has been won. I suspect there will be others, but this one has been won.
DeleteI love that last, cryptic line. Remind me never to get on your bad side! Searching for magnets for you ;)
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: It is done. And I didn't even need to be unpleasant. Persistent, but not unpleasant. Which was a win in itself. I really don't like confrontation and will avoid it if I can. And continue with it when I decide it is necessary.
Deletei could spend some time savouring the view from your deck -- now, if the tradesfolk could fix the electrical box, that would be wonderful!
ReplyDeletedaisyfae: The power point issue has been resolved. So another delight has popped up. Today the bathroom tiling was to start. The tiles were delivered around lunch time - about four hours late. The tiler is a no show.
DeleteIsn't that the way it goes (with discovering big things after the fact). I see in the above comment it's fixed now, so hurrah! Hope your tile shows up soon. ;)
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: The tiler appeared, and left again. He will be a very busy boy next week.
Delete...and may God help them, those poor sods. When they have to face you, and correct their errors.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: I am not really a dragon lady. Or not often...
DeleteLove that tangle of green in the last photo.
ReplyDeleteI see that you got the power thing straightened out - good job! I hope the tiler shows up today. Seems as if things are progressing.
Lynn: Our gardens (front and back) are jungles. Lots and lots and lots of plants. There are straight lines as himself is a fan but I plant things behind, in front and between his lines so they are invisible.
DeleteSlow progress is being made. Very slow.
Sorry I am running this late this week. Please put it down to age and not lack of interest.
ReplyDeleteYour outdoors is soooooo green and I love all of it. I can just imagine sitting out there and relaxing.
You have just the right climate I think even though you do get hot days sometimes you don't get the continual heatwaves we in Perth have to tolerate and I've heard it's going to be a stinker this coming summer.
There's always some time of glitch with home renovations and the like. Our new kitchen cupboards are lovely as are the vinyl and carpet but the cabinetmakers threw away the covers of the two twin three point plugs on the wall. I rang the owner of the business weeks back and got the "OK I'll look into it" reply. Still nothing and it spoils the look of the lovely tiles I have put in (and paid for myself). Am going to have Phil ring him next week. Maybe he'll take more notice of a man than a woman (hopefully).
Thanks for sharing your lovely back garden.
Mimsie: You are always welcome - but there is no time deadline. Good luck with wrestling with the cabinet makers. And yes, sadly they do often take more notice of a man. Which infuriates me.
DeleteDear Sue, that yard is one to muse in. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee: And muse I do.
Delete