Coving confessions

We have simmered a little since my last, slightly depressing, post (sorry about that!). The days getting longer and lighter is probably a big factor, but also we had a much needed day off last weekend (grudgingly awarded by Jon) because of the snow!

Things are slowly coming together at the house (although slowly is the operative word).

Jon finished plaster-boarding the attic and upper stairwell, which was a bit of a faff as there were so many shapes and sizes to cut. We don't have cupboard doors yet for the storage areas in the eaves, but this has massively helped seal up the house, as the heat isn't just being sucked out through the roof now. It already feels degrees warmer, even without the heating on.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f1729b_e5aea588bd45478cad67cb1e45561ad6/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Jon also did the electrics, so we now have 4 lovely down-lights brightening up the room, as well as some 5-amp circuits installed for when we finally get round to lamp buying.

I have been doing random odd jobs when I'm not commandeered as Jon's right-hand woman (or rather, his subordinate serf!). As well as tip runs (2 hours a pop at the moment!), I've prepped and painted window ledges and the lounge picture rail and am still chipping away (literally) at the many layers of paint and varnish on the banisters and spindles.

This weekend, we (almost) finished the coving in the lounge. I can honestly say I didn't know what coving was when we bought this house. I then gave it cursory consideration in the early phase of demolition, when Jon confessed to me that the original coving couldn't be saved. I pretended to be sad for camaraderie's sake, but really was rather indifferent. Now I am more than aware of what it is, mainly because of the effort Jon has gone to to get it back.

We used Bath Plasterworks to make the coving and ceiling rose designs. It's surprisingly cheap, although I guess it is only a Plaster of Paris mould. Then to have it fitted would probably have been a days work for someone experienced in putting it in, so around £200. But as we are still trying to save those pennies, we decided to fit it ourselves - small error! Jon has actually now conceded that on this occasion we should have splashed the cash, as he spent a lot longer than a day working on it and is obsessively unhappy with the result. I have tried telling him that people (people being me!) really don't care if the finish is a little rough and no-one is going to be staring up at the ceiling, but it didn't help. Jon is a perfectionist and it would be torment for him if he left it as it is. As such, it's going to take another day at least to sand it back again and make good. Anyone who visits us (when it is COVID-ly acceptable to do so), please comment on how lovely the coving is! And it really does look lovely, not just saying it.

Maisie

Our little snow leopard. She absolutely loved the snow and spent the morning outside with us chasing snowballs, while we built a snowman. She then slept for 6 hours solid...it's a cat's life!