Catch up for the past couple of days

It has been busy here as we are starting to sort out the kitchen unit wise, starting with the sink.  We have the sink unit base, sink top, taps and cupboard doors and handles. They have all been delivered in the last few days. OH bought two units a large one and a smaller one.  The larger one should have fitted the sink top I had picked out but OH bought home a different one, which without realising it has caused him quite a few headaches as well as a couple of altercations.  

I like the new sink but he had not taken a couple of things into consideration.  I indicated straight away that I thought the sink was one that inserted into a surrounding worktop, which he would not have.  Then he realised that no way was the sink going to fit it in the larger base.  So he tried the smaller one.  This works with this, however, we need worktop.  To save the pennies he has spent and to make the most of what we have, we are now using the smaller unit with a new worktop, which suits the kitchen sink area in my kitchen in any event.  So worktop has been ordered and should be with us next week wherein himself should be able to fit the new sink and sort the washing machine area and the dishwasher area out completely.  We can then focus on the other side of the kitchen.  The units I have chosen are a lot taller than the ones we have at the moment, which should give us a little more storage space which I do need in the kitchen.  In reality this kitchen is far too small but you have to make it work as best as you can.  The larger unit will be used on the other side of the kitchen together with a couple of wide larder units and an extra cupboard where the fridge used to be.

We have also seen some plain white tiles that we like and which I think will be ideal for the kitchen and in being able to keep it clean.  OH liked them and seemed happy with the choice.  Have yet to order these, but a little bit at a time. The worktop we have ordered is a faux stone  

Most of my appliances are stainless steel/anthracite colouring so I have opted for brushed steel handles.  The colour scheme for the kitchen is white, Navy and grey/stainless.  Not my usual choice of colours which is normally traditional pine/wood units but we need new units as the ones that I bought over 20 years ago are now on their way out.  I want the kitchen to be functional but also have gone for simplicity as it needs to be easily cleanable which is why have gone for the tiles.  I want it to look half tidy and smart as well.  This is an old Victorian terrace house with little room and space lost because rooms lead from room to room and also with the chimney stacks still being in situ.  However I do not think that they will ever have proper working fires in them again without an awful lot of money being spent on the house.

I am extremely pleased with the taps we have chosen.  They are a mixer tap with a large hoop centre tap which is ideal for getting a bucket under.  It has white lever ceramic handles which are not easily caught.  The sink is one with a strainer in the bottom and without a plug, but a locking mechanism to keep the water in.

I now have to source some Navy check gingham to make some curtains for the kitchen including a door curtain with an inner fleece curtain.  I have the fleece already.  I have new net for the window as our kitchen window faces next door neighbour's kitchen window and he cannot mind his own business at the best of times.  Will just need a Navy blind to finish it off.

I would like floor tiles but think that these will be the last thing to do.  I have seen some long ceramic floor tiles that look like bleached wood which are a contender but will have to see how that pans out.

I have been pottering around in the house quite a bit but it does not look as though I am getting anywhere fast.  Various jobs have been done but still oh so many more to do.  For the past couple of days we have been eating stew.  I made a scuttle full the other evening and it has served us well on these cold winter days.  Good honest food with no nasties in it. Cooked in the Ninja. We have had various puddings to follow as well including, Strudel, Rice Pudding and treacle sponge custard has accompanied the Strudel and the Treacle sponge.  

I have been to the local shop this evening Co-Op and they have an offer on with fruit trees.  They are marked at £6.99 per tree which is still reasonably cheap.  The offer though is two for £10.  I have come home with two cherry trees a Hildenbergh (I hope I have spelt that properly), and two plum trees Victoria.  I may go back for a couple of pear trees as well.  They were Conference  They will have to go in tubs though for this house at least to start with.  I went to the Butchers the other day and they had some nice hefty and large chickens on offer for £7.99 and we have had that for tea tonight.  I just roasted it with butter and stuck an onion in its cavity to keep it moist. We then just had a pick n mix, cutting slices of it and I had in buns.  OH just cut the meat and ate it in slices.  I think I have given him too much to eat today.  His Breakfast was cheese on toast, his midday meal was another bowl of steaming stew.  So he has not fared too badly.  There have also been copious mugs of tea as well today.  It has been cold and I find tea warming on a day like today.  Weather forecast is saying that temperatures will be down to -1 tonight.

Right had better get a wriggle on.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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