Summer's almost over

We've had the last swim in the pool for this year - the water a lovely, 'refreshing' 20C - always quite a sad moment realising summer is definitely over. Packed away the sun umbrella, deck chairs and sun loungers. 

Today we put on the winter pool cover and cleaned the terrace tiles - mainly because we are about to go away for a few weeks. Temperatures have still been in the mid-high 20C so still warm enough for swimming. Washed all the pool towels before they get packed away for winter too.

Also,

Oh I forgot to mention; the large radiator right next to the fire will be removed too. A bit superfluous now. It will be put at the other end of the room as when we don't have a fire in winter, we'll still need some heat in the lounge.

Fireplace almost done ...

The chimney has been plastered, the original mantelpiece and surrounds reused and new tiles fitted around the wood burner. Which means all there is left to do is some painting, grouting the tiles and finding some slate to put in front of the wood burner. And then we can start on the kitchen.