Actual physical work has begun on the two floors of 59 Hunter St. Despite the fact that I can hardly get through the front door because it has a hideous lock and despite the fact that there is still some dispute between us and the owners of the seven storey building next door (AMP Strata) who claim that repairing the wall is not their responsibility because it is a party wall (therefore, we "own" the 0.23 of the surface of the entire wall) - work has started on our new abode. Our solicitor is presently working on this!!! Owing to the rain, more water is leaking into the top floor. It is pretty stuffy up there and I can't wait to have those fake 80's windows knocked out so we can get some air flow through the place. Mr Parsons and the NCC might not be happy that we are "destroying the fabric of the streetscape", but the removal of those windows will make all the difference.
It has been fun to meet up with the "old team": Steve, whose gammy hip makes him grit his teeth every time he walks through the front door and climbs those stairs; Greg, claiming he is "old" at 30 but still showing great form in demolishing unwanted gyprock; John (Perc) who finds hard jobs interesting but wishes they were all easier; Bobby who patiently listens while I hum-and-ha about the positioning of the tea towel hanger. Haven't seen Regis yet but there are plenty of pipe problems awaiting him!. It feels really comfortable and there are lots of laughs.
We have bought most of the "appliances" which are sitting in warehouses around the country. Today we ordered a custom made table from a really interesting tradesman at Eraring. The table will be made from Tasmanian Blackwood and will have pedestal legs which will allow it to be placed against the wall. It is an interesting design: wait until you see it! Meanwhile, I am sort of sorting stuff at Stockton. (Does anyone want a 2004 Subaru station wagon - 4 brand new tyres?)
It has taken nearly twelve months to get to this stage. Luckily, we were able to rent-back the Stocko house but the lease runs out on 15th December. So, by anyone's calculations, we are cutting things fine. We are hopeful that out landlords won't mind if we have to extend the lease but I have been awaiting a reply for a couple of weeks now. EeeeK!!
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