Wednesday 10 April 2013

Moving Pipes and Dreaming of Sunshine.

The new boiler has been running really well now for a while and it was time for the inspector to come out and view the quality of work and check if there were any problems. He asked a lot of questions, checked gas meter, temperature of water heated, pipe work and typed away on his report. The system was working perfectly I was told but unfortunately the flue pipe that vents outside would not pass inspection as it was 20mm too close to the window. This means I will have to have another crew in to bore another hole through the wall in order to move it again. Luckily I was allowed to keep the boiler going and they promised to have it done by the end of the week.
 The crew turned up the next day, apologised profusely for the inconvenience and within an hour it was done. I don't think Cicely was too pleased as she was still in bed and the kitchen is just below her room. I now have to wait about two weeks for the inspector to pass the work, so that I can redecorate, as this boiler is a lot smaller than the last one.
  The weather seems to be trying to change. I have seen the sun on more than one occasion, but it is still way too cold for this time of year. The garden looks so unloved at the moment but there is no point in potting up any plants as it is too cold and we have had some thick frosts and freezing fogs the last couple of days. I'm usually working in the garden at this time of year getting a nice early tan.
 Still I have Malta to look forward to and can almost feel hot sun on my skin when I think about it. I'm hoping to find time for some swimming. I used to do a lot of swimming when I first moved to the coast. I would swim from our town to the next as RC and the dogs followed along the beach. One of our dogs, Max, was the worst swimmer and capsized a couple of times trying to follow me in the water. We used to walk miles when we were first together and arthritis willing, I am hoping for some epic walks in Malta. However, I will be avoiding anything that RC refers to as a short cut, as I would like to be back at the hotel before nightfall or the restaurants close.
 I am already thinking of all the preparations for our trip, camping after and anything the kids need while we are away. Once I have made up all my lists I will be lost in organizing heaven much to everyone else's annoyance. It is so nice to look forward to something nice for just us to do. I have constant butterflies, waves of guilt but mostly I am so excited, it's almost like running away together.

10 comments:

  1. Poor Max, his stubby little legs just weren't any good at keeping him upright! He did learn to cope in the end, though, thrashing his tail from side to side to stop himself rolling...

    Ah, Malta is FULL of short cuts...

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  2. Smart not to trust RC's shortcuts... no matter how much he sweet talks you into going "his" way. ;)
    I'm excited for you! The days will fly by, especially with all the planning and "what if" situations you have to cover with the kids. And you're right, if you plan for all the possibilities, you'll totally be able to relax on your trip. I can understand your need for that... my hubby... not so much. He makes fun of me. But whatever. Do what you need to do so you can enjoy every last minute.
    And keep sharing it with us!

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    1. One of the preparations I have insisted on is a good map of Malta. This way any shortcut decisions will be made on an informed and thoroughly researched basis. I can hear RC saying "where's the fun in that?" and "But this looks like a much more scenic route." But I have learned from his previous detours even if his long trek in Malta shows that he has not.

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  3. Good to hear you have heat again, even if the inspection can't be finished just yet.

    No, you're definitely right not to go along on any of RC's short cuts. Who knows where you might end up and if it would be suitable for human travels!

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    1. I intend to take a map with me on our walks and have invested in a large beach type bag to carry supplies. This is just in case I give into RC's persuasive directions and another short cut incident occurs.

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  4. Hey, me and my short cuts are starting to feel victimised here! Hm, that gives me an idea - I might have to take a short cut in my Zombie story - that would be EPIC!

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    1. Aww don't feel victimised, just understand that you were never a navigator or explorer in a previous life. Unless it was someone we have never heard of because they took a short cut and never returned.

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    2. Yeah, I probably tried to sail the North West Passage or something - that is a world-class short-cut!

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  5. 20mm? That's a pretty small gap they have to move. Glad the repair crew was able to sort through the problem and fix it without too much hassle.

    Cannot wait to hear about your Malta travels. I am sure that RC has scoped out some really interesting sights to visit. I am sure he will find a good pizza place for you to sample.

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    1. RC has a whole list of planned outings. Most places seem to have eateries that he wants to try. There are a lot of ruins, archaeological sites and museums to visit too. Something we both love.

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