...to show you what it looks like now:
The work around the house was finished weeks ago. I took these pictures on the 25th of November.
What remains to do is a proper light above the front door; there is a light, but it only comes on when you press the switch at the top of the letter box, and it is not very bright; when you come in from the street and walk up to the house, you do so in almost complete darkness. I don't mind much, as I know the way of course, but it is not ideal; anyone could stumble or fall. Not that we have many visitors these days, but even for ourselves, proper lighting is a good idea. The two brothers who co-own the house with me have promised to have it done "soon". This was weeks ago, and I'll send them an email to remind them of this issue. (They don't live in the house, so they do not need to negotiate the path leaving or coming home in darkness every day.)
On other news, Christmas cards have been arriving every day - thank you if you are among the senders! I still have one small present to buy, which I have stupidly left rather late to do. From today onwards, all non-essential businesses here are closed. I should still be able to buy what I have in mind for this particular present, but I really could and should have done this weeks ago.
Last night it was on the main news on TV that vaccinating could start as early as next week for a select few (it won't be my turn anytime soon). Funny, isn't it, that the vaccine itself was developed in this country (Tübingen, where CureVac's headquarters are, is only about an hour's drive from my town) but other countries are distributing it first. I know it has all to do with the process of approval which normally can take years (but much of the current situation is hardly what we would have called "normal" this time last year).
Anyway, only six more days to work this year (I finish on the 23rd)! I am well, and so are my nearest and dearest. That is what counts, and I hope the same is true for you.
Our LED floodlight with an automatic IR detector has been really useful. It shines down. I just wish our neighbours would realise they should not be directed beyond their own paths and drives, like the really powerful one just round the corner at the end of our street which shines straight along the road and a row of bedroom windows. They won't do anything about it. You could have a football match in the middle of the night.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that was their plan, Tasker - to hold football matches in the middle of the night. Wouldn't you love the crowds singing you to sleep?
DeleteI don't know but I'm glad we don't live directly opposite.
DeleteIt's always good to get your house in order. The first lockdown we had in the UK gave us time to get the outside in order. The inside could do with a revamp but, as you say, nobody is visiting any time soon plus my daughter, kids and dogs are staying while there house is being "done".
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought that the pandemic would be still with us at the end of 2020?Wishing you a merry Christmas and happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
Many here who have suddenly found themselves with more time on their hands than usual (not me) have had work done in their gardens and on their houses; I have seen a lot of that during my after-work-walks since the end of March.
DeleteFrom all we know, the pandemic will still be with us for quite some time well into 2021.
Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year to you and your loved ones, too, Linda!
Happy to see you have an even sidewalk to negotiate. A little more light would definitely make sense. Hope the brothers get their act together soon. I always carry a very small LED flashlight with me--has come in handy over the years--even in places where I know my way. Others have a flashlight app on their smart phones, but I don't like to add apps to my phone--too many 'fishy' ones out there.
ReplyDeleteMy smart phone has an in-built light that I can use, but I very rarely need it; the path up to my door is familiar enough for me to walk it "blind" if I have to. Still, something could be on the path, a fallen twig from the cherry tree or anything else that is usually not there.
DeleteThe new walkway looks great! Hopefully you will get the new light soon as it is needed for safety.
ReplyDeleteI still have a lot to do for Christmas but one way or another it will get done. I am so happy to hear that you and your loved ones are well. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
It suits the house better than the old one, I think! I will write to the brothers today to remind them; it's not a big job but one that I can't do myself.
DeleteYes, one way or another it will get done, Bonnie - doesn't it always! I hpe you and your loved ones also have a wonderful Christmas!
I have one gift card to buy that I forgot to buy when I was at the grocery store yesterday - aarrgghh! You reminded me when you mentioned you have one left to buy.
ReplyDeleteHope you get your light taken care of.
Merry Christmas to you!
Yesterday I found an unexpected Christmas card in my letter box. Now I have sent all mine and don't have one left to send back, but I can (and will) write a short letter instead and decorate it with Christmas-themed stickers.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you, too!
Meike, I just mailed you a card yesterday and I'm afraid it might not make it in time....but know that it's on the way!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer - I am looking forward to your card, regardless of when it will arrive! Mine might be just in time, I have no idea really how long mail to the US takes these days (I sent all my cards 1 1/2 weeks ago).
DeleteYour new walkway looks great. They did a good job and I know you will enjoy it. I agree you should have better light and hope it arrives soon. Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to you, OK, and your family. Stay safe and be well.
ReplyDeleteIt looks neat and tidy, and the colour of the stones matches the grey of the bottom of the facade better than the old ones.
DeleteMerry Christmas and all the best for the New Year to you and your loved ones, too, dear Jill!
That looks much better and I'm sure safer - hope the light is replaced soon as the winter nights seem so dark.
ReplyDeleteIt's at last feeling like winter here - today a lot of rain but fortunately not snow which would be several inches!
I'm pretty much done for Christmas when it comes to shopping for things - now just have to 'get my skates on' as my dear Mum used to say in England, and start baking!
Stay well - hugs for the holidays to you, O.K., your dear parents and sister too.
Mary and Bob
Now I have an image of you in my mind, wearing skates and baking in your kitchen! :-D
DeleteYesterday was sunny and so mild, I was able to go for a little lunch-time walk in a coat that is not padded, wearing no gloves and no scarf. The birds were behaving like spring! I'm always a little afraid for them when the weather is like this - what will it be like for them when the temperatures drop again to what they "should" be in December.
You and Bob and your loved ones, too; stay safe and well!
Meike X
We have an automatic light but it does not work well as we have to walk in darkness halfway up or down the path before it is activated. Animals, cats, presumably, set it off very easily throughout the night!. I think we need to rethink it!
ReplyDeleteMaybe your automatic light's activating sensor is set too low, so that it detects animals but not tall humans. One of my neighbours has an automatic light at the back of their house (where their front door is), and it often comes on during the night, too, with nobody to be seen. I can only assume that some animal or other was around.
DeleteCan you get motion lights there? You just hitch them on your house and they go on if any movement is detected. And then go off again.
ReplyDeleteThat is the plan, Nan. Most people around here have them at their houses, and I hope we will be among them soon.
Delete