And that House

Yeah, so here I am again. Better update on the huts, hey.

We have 1/3 of roof and ceiling done but no walls which will become a problem if that cyclone brews up and comes back at us. Apparently the lift force on a roof only is pretty big. If it starts to blow we will bolt down there and screw on some extra bracing and stuff to try and keep it all square. We do have insurance but I was really hoping never to have to call on it. Thank God we did - it wasn't required but Graeme thought it would be a good idea. So now I rest easy.

This week has been pretty full on. Hot, humid and draining work. Graeme says the hardest part by far is getting the roof on, from then on you work in the shade and can get a lot more done. We haven't used the crane as recommended by Sala because we tried the first few (100kgs each and 4.5 m long, 50mm thick and they flex in the middle like hardiflex) and they seemed to go up okay. Then we tried the ones on the southern side which are much harder because there isn't as much room to move there and also because the walkway along the verandah is not on that side. I still haven't finished oiling those planks... We will probably relent and use the crane for the rest of the southern side as it is just too hard on our backs and energy levels. And that's just my opinion. I'm not perched up on a scaffold or hunched under the sheet holding it in the right place. That's what Al and Ron do. Ben and Graeme lift and carry the sheets and I help manouvre them into place.

The mob have gone out today to have lunch with Ben and Chantelle who have a pool which in my book is a compelling argument for a visit. But I really didn't have it in me and stayed around the house, reading my latest book which I love also. By Amy Tan, who tells stories of the older living generations who moved from China to America. I keep hearing bloody Dulces voice "I read your thing yesterday. You raved on too much."

So, just for you Dulcie, that is all I shall say on the matter. Home for a drink and what Tman calls 'an old fashioned tea' with vegetables.

I will save the hilarious story of cooking the mud crab for next time.