Friday 7 September 2012

A nice quiet life

A nice quiet life would be good, and I  expect my neighbours think the same. It is a month since work started, it seems another fortnight (at least) will be required, everything seems to be complicating expainentially, and the cost seems likely to exceed my worst and wildest imaginings.

Rip Van Winkle had the right idea. Hibernation must have certain advantages.

For now, it seems to be the case that building work increases forgetfulness and confusion in those for whom the work is done. Pessimism certainly increases, as does the cost of living.

Frankly I don't know how people whose renovations take months can stand it. They must have nerves of steel and an extremely healthy bank balance.

A life without sawdust seems a far distant memory. As does a a life where you knew where everything was. Somehow my back wire screen door became locked, and it took time, uncomfortable memory rattling, and considerable aggravation for me to find the key. And I go around sweeping up piles of sawdust and wiping dust off surfaces. When I can find the dustpan and brush, that is.

However the floors are in, and the steps between the three rooms are being constructed. More timber had to be bought, and now it seems that yet another piece must be bought. Silly me, I thought when the original order was placed, that would have been the total required, and the actual cost. I bet that the cost of sanding and sealing the floors will be three times what I expect. The door and window frame to the outside probably needs to be taken off and away to be fixed.

And the upper half of my kaffir lime tree looks exceedingly sick and I do not know how to save it. The lower half is trying to flower. Somehow this condition seems to mirror my own.

3 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

I have always thought that the reputedly Chinese curse 'May you live in interesting times' was a particularly vicious one.
Peace and quiet would be wonderful. I am a touch bothered by you linking your condition to that of your Kaffir Lime, and hope that both can be saved.

Pam said...

Oh dear. Never mind, once everything's back in place you'll hardly remember the chaos. (Convinced...?)

Frances said...

I have never had work done on/in the house without eventually wishing frantically and desperately that the workmen would just get out of the place. Just go.
Although Isabelle may well be correct, and that you'll hardly remember the chaos, I hope that for the sake of your sanity you do remember it, and take heed.
It's hard being on your own through these trials, Persiflage.