So it's been quite a while since my last blog - more than 18 months in fact! During which time quite a lot has happened in my life. We are almost the proud owners of a fabulous new house which is almost complete, and I have made an awesome Christmas memory-making trip to New York with my favourite people, to see another favourite person - all family!
Where to begin....? Ok, if you ever build your own home, the first thing that people will tell you is that it is the most stressful thing you will ever do, and that if your relationship survives it you will be amazingly lucky. Well, I don't really know what all the fuss is about! It has actually been a relatively smooth running process, apart from lack of service delivery (endemic in the Cape!), and a strike or two & some shocking service (or lack thereof) by the transferring attorney. So, after waiting for a straightforward & relatively simple transfer of land that took seven (yes, you heard me - 7!) months, we broke ground on 18th April 2013. Our builder informed us that our house would take 3 to 4 months to build, and we are now in our 6th month. Yes, we had the winter weather problems, and a 3 week strike to contend with, but really? So now we are nearing the final stages, the builder tells us he will be done within a week with everything he has to do, so we arrange for the under floor heating to go in 10 days later, and 3 days after that for the flooring to be laid, and finally - the kitchen to be fitted. Now, a week down the line, the plumbing is still not done, the electrician is not finished, the entrance gate has not been installed, and I am wondering what the hell happened to one week!!! This is the part that stresses me - WAITING!!!!
Apart from these irritations the whole process has been totally exciting & fantastic to experience. My partner and I have had no arguments about colours, tiles, design etc and have basically been in agreement about most things - so no domestics there. And now when we stand in that building & look around, we love what has transpired during this project, and honestly love everything about our new home-to-be. Now, if we could just get to move in, life would be perfect!!!
As for our trip to New York, what can I say but I LOVE the big apple. That city has a vibe like no other I have ever experienced - you cannot describe it adequately - you actually have to go & experience it. Needless to say my children fell head over hells in love with NYC too, and are plotting & scheming to live & work there one day. It does help having a sister who lives 20miles from Manhatten - a short & scenic train ride away. And she lives in a really beautiful part of Long Island, namely, Cold Spring Harbor. It's like being in the country when you live in the city, if that makes sense? All the advantages of rural living without all the painful parts. Close to shopping, shows & all the typical NYC landmarks, but away from the everyday rush of city life. It was a holiday of a lifetime & I cannot wait to go back again.
Andrew, you have serious competition my love, as I have totally fallen for NYC!
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