Build update

Today was beautiful but this week has been an environmental water bomb! Rain has deluged the whole country; people have drowned, houses have vanished over cliffs and the river outside the new offices broke its banks and flooded the road. For those who parked on the wrong end of the flood, it was interesting :)

The builders have, in view of the conditions, made big strides this week. The roof covering is almost completed That's not the finished roof because it expects another 'skin' on top of the visible one but it means the building is now almost covered and work can commence on the insides. The finish date is estimated at end-September which, according to all New Zealanders, is fast, but, according to my recollection of Canadian builders, is really drawn out. Whatever.

It looks HUGE! Good grief, what have I commissioned? And there was a lot of dripping from the covering on the steel beam across the living/dining room. I'll follow up on that.

The last image is of the river which goes under the road as you turn off onto the land. Very nice.

Build update

Minor but important differences over the past week The roof has started!

The last image is of a gap in the corner of the kitchen. I'll ask about that when i see the building people tomorrow. I have to decide kitchen colours. How about black units with white or light grey work tops, grey floor tiles and stainless steel 'whiteware' - fridge, cooker, dishwasher etc.?

Build Update

Now we are cookin'!

Look at these. Walls, windows, space, corners, nooks, crannies, cupboard space, plumbing holes, it's all taking shape.

The weather was appalling and i got totaly soaked wandering around but, hey, that's life.

Bay of Islands (2)

The weather was awful in Wellington while I was in Northland but I could have got sunburned up there. No wonder everyone wants to retire there.

Here are a few random shots; a train, some food at BlueWater restaurant, the restaurant at BlueWater restaurant, a shot of the ferry landing dock and bay and some ferns.

The fishy food was good but I have no idea why it all had to be battered and deep fried. We accompanied it with a pretty ordinary Huntaway Pinot Gris.

Waitangi

Waitangi is where the first treaty was signed between Maori and Pakeha

It's a very pleasant place and has been upkept very well. We spent a few hours there looking at the various bits and pieces. There's not a huge amount of historical stuff but there's sufficient. The war canoe, Waka, is carved from three trees and needs at least 75 people to man it. Why the dead pig is on display though is beyond me.