Fireplace!!!!!!

Another milestone and a job that I've been dreading for ages was the fireplace, which had to go in as Lily is booked in next week to have the woodburner fitted.  So as usual, and with much planning, it was left to the last minute!

But . . . it is now practically finished with just a few bits of beading and varnishing left to do and looking pretty nifty if I may say so myself?!

Here are some photos showing the fireplace taking shape.

The Wharf

Graham found a new toy to play with so here's a panoramic view of the wharf with Lily in the foreground.

Still Around

I'm also happy to report that our resident swans are still regularly camped out on the path next to Lily.  Looks like there's only one young one left now, hopefully the other two have found new homes elsewhere on the cut.

A Step In The Right Direction

After spending the whole of last summer launching ourselves into the front of Lily at much cost to our pride and knees, it was very definitely time to build a step.  This was a little project that took way longer than anticipated.  Basically we just needed a box, but this box had to be sturdy enough to take the weight of clumsy men and bouncy toddlers.  So, on the inside our elegant little step looks more like something capable of housing dynamite yet still has room inside to store stuff - satisfyingly multi-purpose!  

Almost Looks Like A Room!

After much collection of rust and dust in hair, copious red oxiding and precarious balancing of ply on heads, the first two sheets of ceiling are up and varnished!  There is still some beading to go up to make it tidy but after the first epic cleaning of the windows and putting up of the curtains we certainly now have our first glimpse of home!