PJ and Monte moving the stove

Monte discovers his new toy

The exciting new development in our build is finally moving our new stove into the kitchen! Our neighbour, Simon, drove the stove up to our house with his tractor. Our friends, PJ and Miranda came over after than, with their heavy-duty dolly, and they moved the stove into position. Weighing 350kg, it was a big effort, but Miranda and PJ’s dolly worked a treat. Thanks, guys!

It’s a beaut stove, all glossy and beautiful, with its own cast iron baking dishes (woohoo!). I am really looking forward to using the beast, but we need to find a certified installer for compliance and insurance purposes. The stove is also a necessity for our solar hot water system. It will be a backup, which I suppose will be important during winter. Once the stove is in we can get the tiling finished in that area. The pressure is on! Exciting as it is!

Matthew and Granma having cuddles on the verandah

At present we have Monte’s parents visiting. It is wonderful having them here. Yesterday Maxine, Monte’s mum, and I drew sketches to plan the furniture layout in the house. It was great fun and I got very excited! Monte and Gordon worked on some limewashing. Today I was able to work at the house all day whilst the children played with Granma! I loved being at the house. Monte and I worked on the rendering of Matthew’s bedroom (only one more room to render, and that will happen tomorrow! With Gordon working on the house as well, there were five of us and lots got done: tiling and rendering being the biggest jobs on the agenda. It’s all happening!

Matthew and Georgia painting the WIR

It’s a family effort, with everybody, including the children, helping out. Painting walls with the children was particularly fun, although messy. We used a 3-in-1 for the first coat: sealer, primer and undercoat. Lots of tiling is being done as well, and we are very grateful for the work of Derek and Sean. With Monte running a business, it is helpful to release some of the pressure of getting the house done.

Tiling in the kitchen

The small box in the wall next to the kitchen window is the “truth window” and I am very excited about lifting the plastic coating to reveal a window that shows the straw in the wall!

Tiling in the living area

Tiling and whitewash in the main bedroom

Monte has been whitewashing the rendered walls. The mixture consists of lime and water, and it is applied to the walls with a limewash brush. The walls don’t take too long – similar to common painting – which is a relief because each rendered wall needs about three coats. The whitewash whitens very quickly and I like the chalky look. We have opted not to use a coloured oxide in the mix this time; perhaps in a few years, when the walls need to be done again, we will put a colour in the wall. For now, we have opted for a specific colour scheme (black, white, wood). The whitewash has its own texture, so with the rendered walls and the round window surrounds, the whitewash adds to the rich texture. Beautiful!

Georgia and Matthew

Beautiful Georgia

Monte and kids at Botanic Gardens

Blowing bubbles on NYE

"I think it's a lizard" - Monte with a blue tongue on New Years Day

Well, I think 2010 promises to be one of our most exciting years yet! Woohoo!