Valerie decided about 20 years ago that we would move to Gairloch after we retired. It took her about 15 years' work to brainwash me into thinking this is where I always wanted to live.
We bought the house knowing that a lot of work needed to be done. Some of it is complete, but, like this website, other work is still ongoing.
Much of the work is being done by builders, and the place is seldom completely our own. Some I am doing, in particular much of the wiring: central heating controls, radio/TV arial feeds, computer network, intercom, sound distribution, special lighting etc.
I often find myself at the top of a ladder or in a difficult part of the loft trying to control several pieces of string and a few cables simultaneously. In principle, I should be able to tie everything together and leave it while I search for the tool I have put down somewhere I was sure at the time it could be easily found. Actually, as soon as I move away everything gives a quick wriggle and comes undone. I found help in Alan Grogono's animated knots page thanks Grog - you done good mate.
The initial major jobs were roof repairs, removing internal partitions, installing another bathroom and double glazing (the latter is ongoing, we have a lot of windows).
The central heating supply and return pipes ran below the dampproof membrane on the bottom floor. This is the indoor swimming pool (just about big enough for a frog, in Spring they tend to wander in if the side door is left open) with half-submerged pipes visible.
It took a while, but we eventually got the pipes moved into the ceiling void.
The ceiling is not yet closed, pending completion of wiring — it really is handy to have it open.
We have had some water penetration in the winter sitting room. Roof fixed, awaiting redecoration.
The strings are there to act as wicks, they do not hold the ceiling up (note must study Indian Rope Trick).
The ceiling is now closed and redecorated (Feb 2005).
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