Digging ever deeper

 The basement builders are making huge progress. The pit is getting ever deeper.

 Soon the two sides will meet and we will need a crossbridge to get out into the garden. To add to the chaos, Thames Water has hemmed us in from the other side with work in the street renewing their infrastructure. As the house trembles I am never quite sure which side the tremors are emanating from.

 The front garden remains a calm oasis in the midst of this carnage. My roses have put on a wonderful display, as has the philadelphus, and the tree with a name unknown to me.

On Friday we are expecting a camera crew to suprise us during the day, as they will be filming Caia. I had better get out the mops and dusters.

These photos do cheer me up.

Roof matters

The dilemma of the week : whether to install photo-voltaic panels on the roof or integrated panels (these are much more aesthetically pleasing, but we wouldn't be able to fit as many in, and they are not quite as efficient).

Mini-dilemma: whether to install photo-voltaic cells or solar-thermal cells on the smaller bathroom roof.

We are going ahead with a local group scheme organised by Transition Town Re-furb group, which gives us a group discount. The group asked a number of companies to give estimates and have decided to go with local company Joju, who are very helpful, have wonderful computer-generated plans to show you the lay-out, and explain how much money you can expect to save through the Feed in Tarriff scheme.

Here is Chris with Dominic our architect on one of his site visits. 

Dominic looks pleased with the work.

Chris has just been cycling.

Digging in the foundations

A photo for Janek who loves dumper trucks

over the bank holidays

Before Easter, the back of our house was pulled down. This is how our garden looks at the moment.

The shed has been moved.

 The gates put on for delivery vehicles.

 Our new toilet.