The bath is back!

Finally, the bath is back in the renovated bathroom and looks great. It takes up less room than we thought it would so that's a bonus too. Now just need a cupboard to store bathroom 'bits' and we are finished in this room.

Meanwhile, another room is in disarray as our bedroom is renovated. What started as a quick repainting job has turned into a new window being fitted, window-sill replaced and new insulated and sound-proof plasterboard. We've also gone for having one wall papered and the rest painted. Work is in progress and is very nearly finished. We need to be back in our bedroom before lots of visitors arrive at the end of the month, so no mucking around!

The pool is now back in use.

The winter cover is off and the pool vacuumed so now looking pristine and inviting. The water kept very clear and clean over winter. Now for lots of sunshine to heat it up. Still a chilly 18C which even for hardy Kiwi's isn't quite warm enough for a dip.

Just add a bath ...

Almost there with finishing the bathroom. The bath tap is now in place - just the small matter left of lifting a heavy cast iron bath from the cave up the stairs to the bathroom. We've roped in several strong men to help get the bath back to it's rightful place this weekend. Fingers crossed it works.

 We've also put in a lovely new wooden window sill, which needs some protection treatment to be all finished too.

Fruit tree blossom

Both the pear trees have much more blossom this year - we think it's because we've stopped the espalier pruning. They have better shape and it looks as though we'll get a lot more fruit this year too. The wisteria is just about to come out in flower, the plum tree has already blossomed and is now in leaf.

With warmer weather, Shadow and Wellington have now moved from their favourite winter sleeping spots: our bed or in front of the fire. They now command a sofa each in the main lounge or else sit together to watch the village comings and goings. After which, Wellington needs a nap ...

Back to bed ...

After a spell of gorgeous spring weather, we've had a few chillier days (around 16C!). Shadow and Wellington, after spending their days outdoors enjoying the sunshine, are now back curled up on the bed all day. Big softies!

Head for heights ...

The wood facade above our lounge needed re-varnishing. It is south-facing, therefore gets maximum sun and the first job (done by contractors) had faded rapidly - basically after just one summer! Fortunately Merv has a good head for heights and has been up the ladder re-doing the wood. He's finished three coats, which we hope will last a few more years than the previous paint job. Note the sunny, blue, cloudless sky!

Meanwhile, our neighbours across the road are constructing a new building - we're not yet sure what it will be used for, other than it's for wine production. The second floor is just going up. The new building has meant the dogs, which used to be housed opposite our front gate, have now been moved to new kennels at the back of the property. Lovely for us, as we now don't have them barking each time we go to the car. The huge fig tree has also gone - another bonus as sticky fruit won't be falling on Gite Magnolia guests' cars anymore.

Hallway completed

We've put on the skirting tiles, cleaned up and the hallway is now a completely different space. It is seems to have so much more light and space, so were are very pleased with our work! 
From this:

 To this: