20th August – On the Level

Whilst the builders are working their way through the massive 'to do' list we left them last week, we have arranged a 'landscaper' to come and start work on the exterior.  For those up north, a landscaper down here means a bloke with a digger or a bloke with access to large quantities of concrete.  First off the blocks is the bloke with the digger who has levelled our back garden in preparation for the turf, retaining walls and fence.  We have recalculated what we need and therefore need to submit a new planning application for more retaining walls.  In the meantime, we'll just do 1 side of the garden for which we already have planning consent.

We also skipped down to Bunnings (UK translation: B&Q) and bought ourselves some paint, brushes and other stuff.  It was good fun to be able to go shopping for the house after a 2.5 year halt on our DIY talent. Well, what we lack in talent, we make up for in enthusiasm.  It's all very exciting.
I'm having the most fun planning the kids rooms.  Hopefully we will get our keys this week.  The builder is attempting to repair a couple of gashes in our stacker doors but I'm not convinced it will look good as new and if it doesn't, I will be demanding the parts are replaced. I'm trying not to let this stifle my joy at the prospect of having our own home here in Oz.

Might have to pack a couple of boxes soon....