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"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013." via Che and Fidel

Oscar:  Just yesterday I commented that despite having four boys, I was fortunate that none had suffered from broken bones. And that very same night you fell off the sofa and broke two bones in your left arm. I'm going to book a permanent room at the hospital.
Charlie:  I'm flat-out keeping up with you on that bike now, and the downhill sections are your favourite part of the ride.
Harry:  I'm glad I kept you back from primary school. Most days I usually find you like this when it's pick-up time from Kindy (pre-school).
Jack:  Despite your often wicked behaviour at home, your teachers having nothing but kind words and praise for you. I'm so proud that you've tried hard this term.

Reno - Week 1

Because Monday was a public holiday, the official kick-off date for our long awaited renovation was last Tuesday, 11 June. Not much has happened during the first week - a temporary power pole was installed into the front yard and because space is a premium over at the West End Cottage, the pole had to be positioned right up against the only tree that is left on-site - a frangipani. The said tree had to lose a couple of it's lower branches to accommodate the pole, but I suppose they will grow back.

And speaking of trees, I've had loads of time to figure out what sort of feature tree to plant beside our back terrace.

There is a space next to the semi-circular masonry wall which forms part of the terrace and is a perfect spot for a specimen tree. I want something that provides some much needed shade during the height of Summer, but it has to be deciduous so that it also allows lots of light and sunshine during Winter and I thought that an advanced frangipani was a good option.

Today I received confirmation that an advanced tree (3.5m high with a canopy of around 4.5 metres) is available.

The variety is called "Lei Rainbow" and the flowers look just like this:

Magnificent would you agree?

Now you might think it a bit premature to be discussing landscaping, but the tree will need to be planted sooner rather than later. In fact while the footings and foundations are being dug, I will arrange for them to dig out a hole for the tree. The tree will need to be planted before the walls are erected - otherwise there will be no chance of a crane getting access to deliver and lower the tree into position. Plus doing it now will give the tree a good 6 months to establish prior to us moving in.

So what's next? The asbestos removal guys are due sometime next week to remove what we think is AC sheets that line the verandah ceilings, bathrooms and soffits at the back of the house. The builder is also doing a bit of demo work and then,

We're Raising the Queenslander...

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"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013." via Che and Fidel

THE WOODCHIP PILE
All:  I've been taking the kids to a local park after school in an attempt to wear them out before going back to the apartment, our temporary abode for a further six months until our house is finished. They love to play on a huge wood chip mound - and when dusk rolls around, it's our cue to go home and prepare dinner.

The Whistle has Finally Blown - we're off

Plans approved - check. Finance approved - check. The builder's contract has been signed so our long awaited renovation is due to commence next week. The bird on that kettle isn't the only one whistling for joy!

A temporary power pole is going in on Tuesday and then a bit of demolition work will occur before the house is raised.

In the meantime I've been having a hard time selecting the bathroom floor tiles - some were too big, some were too small and others weren't quite the right colour. So - I'm getting custom tiles made to measure. I've picked bluestone which is being cut into a 35mm x 30mm hexagon mosaic. I've also decided to put in a skirting tile, so they are also making up a square 98x98mm bluestone tile so that the grout lines will line up with the subway wall tiles. Fussy, I know.

Now the only thing left to select is an oven, and unfortunately both the ones I have in mind have proven difficult to track down. I've managed to find a Smeg pyrolytic oven - the only one in Brisbane is at Winning Appliances at Indooroopilly. As for the AGA, I will have to fly to Sydney or Melbourne to see it as there are no retail outlets in Queensland.

This gorgeous weatherboard house below, located in Williamstown Victoria, was featured in Home Beautiful magazine (circa June 2006) and is probably where I first saw an AGA oven.


This original four-room weatherboard cottage has had a contemporary wing added to the rear (designed by Steve Domoney.) I coveted this house for ages. And now that I think of it, we are using many of the same materials in our renovation (ie blackbutt flooring, bluestone tiles, white painted weatherboards, zincalume roof and possibly even an AGA oven.)

Black Six-Four AGA oven

I've always been fascinated by older-style houses that are combined with contemporary new additions - the perfect mix I think.

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"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week in 2013." via Che and Fidel

PUSHING BUTTONS
Oscar: Sure - the gap between the fridge/freezer doors is the perfect place to store pencils and erasers. Or maybe you're just trying to hide the evidence - I was wondering who was scribbling all over the walls. Perhaps we should put off the reno until after you have all moved out.
Charlie: You too have been up to no good this week. You successfully managed to pull off all the cover plates from the lights switches (which just happen to be made from glass....)
Harry: This week after reading "The Potato People" by Pamela Allen we made our own potato people. We don't have a compost heap, but we did bury them into the brush turkey mound over at the house. The builder is due to turn up in just over a week, so I don't think they will get the chance to grow.
Jack: If I say it's "black" you say it's "white". Why do you go against everything I say of late? You have become so argumentative - perhaps you will make a good lawyer.