The painters were back yesterday for their second day. I thought they were close to being done, but it turns out they had to "cut in" the bedroom, which I think just means giving the paint a sharper edge, and they gave everything a second coat and started the front door. We had a scare in the morning when they said the living room wall was too wet to paint -- and indeed, there were water droplets in some areas, which I have never seen before. They insisted the water was coming in from the outside. We have some dampness issues in the living room -- we always have -- but I'm sure what we were seeing was actually condensation from all the humidity in the room. I left the dehumidifier on overnight so it would be drier this morning, and it seems much better.
Also, the tree guy was here and cleared out a huge amount of greenery from the back of the garden. I'll get some photos this morning so you can see what I mean. I think we're going to have him come back and do some more, because he left a huge amount of ivy after cutting its stem, and I don't want all that dead ivy just hanging there. I'd rather pay extra to have him remove it.
So, yes, chaos continues here at home, though the painters say they'll be done today. That would be a mercy.
This was drawn by a boy named Levi in our Lower School library. He brought it to me and said, "How do you like my very friendly dog?" I had to laugh, both at his sarcasm and his artwork. Pretty amazing for a second-grader!
I got a treat yesterday when a book I'd ordered was delivered. It's a collection of UK crisp packets, known to those of us in North America as potato-chip bags, dating from the 1970s to 2000. I read about it in The Guardian and knew I had to have it -- it's just the kind of cultural detritus I love. Apparently the author started collecting the bags in tube tunnels while doing graffiti, which had preserved the decades-old packaging. He wound up with a fascinating assortment of graphic designs involving aliens, cartoon characters, dragons and more, for obscure snacks with crazy names like "Bermuda Triangles" and "Monster Munch."
Speaking of monsters munching, Dave had some leftover lamb chunks from a Chinese meal he'd ordered and we decided to put it out for the foxes. Here's the result. It looks like one fox got all of it -- ate its fill and then carried off a few more pieces for safekeeping, or perhaps to share with a mate. That must have been one happy, contented fox!
(Top photo: Edgware Road, a few weeks ago.)
(Top photo: Edgware Road, a few weeks ago.)
I would very much like to see the new paint when it is all done and the neater garden too once all the dead ivy is gone.
ReplyDeleteThat makes one happy Steve (because of the book) and one happy fox in one day :-)
ReplyDeleteThe dog drawing is really good, maybe that boy has had just such an encounter with a "very friendly" dog.
Your damp problem sounds worrying. If it begins to cause mould to form be careful as the spores are not good for your lungs.
ReplyDeleteA book of crisp packet photos sounds very "out there" !
That’s a very pleased and well-fed fox. Hope the dampness problem is resolved and it‘s not a leak. That’s the second child’s photo I’ve seen today (see Ms.Moon) that I would proudly frame.
ReplyDeleteI see you updated the time stamp on your camera. An hour after you set it out, the fox found and started eating it. After finishing, it came back 40 minutes later to clean up. Then it came back 7 hours later to check for more scraps and 3 hours later to check one last time. That must have been some REALLY good lamb.
ReplyDeleteOkay dude, let's talk ivy! It' something I know about through experience. Vigorous, living ivy clings to whatever it climbs with supreme tenacity. However, once the root stems are severed the ivy gradually loses its grip and dies off. Consequently, after say six months, it becomes much easier to remove. If the tree guy comes back right now, he will have one hell of a job removing that ivy and will probably need to cause unsightly damage to whatever the ivy has been climbing.
ReplyDeleteI love the fox footage. He/she hit the jackpot with that meal!
ReplyDeleteYou have as many issues at home as a homeowner, but you don't have to pay.
ReplyDeleteA book of chip bags proves there's something for everyone!
ReplyDeleteYour foxes look very sleek and healthy, and no doubt grateful for good cuisine.
ReplyDeleteA full fox is a happy fox! Please show your crisp packets! (I have a friend who collects so much vintage packaging she calls it her own packaging museum!) Levi is pretty good for a second grader but what I like most of all is his humour!
ReplyDeleteLove the fox. I'm curious, do you guys wash the spices and sauces off the meat first? If I have leftover meat, sitting in the fridge too long, I wash it off, chop it up small and then throw it in the backyard. It's supposed to be good for a dog's brain to find their food. They seem to enjoy it anyway:) Even the cat gets involved in it if she's outside.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the freshly painted walls.
I can't imagine having water droplets on the walls. We have the opposite problem, no humidity.
Kids' drawings can be so fun. My 3rd grade grandson gave me a wonderful book he wrote for school called My Grandma's House all about his most special place - my home! I've read it over and over and it is something I will treasure forever.
ReplyDeleteNeil has good advice about your ivy. I know nothing about such things!
Okay. That dog picture and the kid's comment is hysterical. I love it when kids start really showing they understand humor.
ReplyDeleteI think YP might have a point about the ivy but what do I know? Not much.
Mr. (or Ms.?) Fox slept well after that meal, I am sure.
"Cutting in" means doing the corners and edges with a brush where the roller won't cover. Painters do an awesome job. My painting is just a mess.
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