Staring a new diary now which is here:

http://northlandkaiwakahome.blogspot.co.nz/

Got out into the garden yesterday, prompted by the continued warm weather and the warnings of  a wetter and colder weekend. Plus got bored with the laundry exercise. Once outside I took a closer look at how things are starting to happen in the garden. I bought and planted a flowering cherry last month (Prunus Campanulata 'Felix Jury') in memory of my Mother, her birthday would have been the 1st July. I tend to do this for all those close to me and did the same in my last garden so within a few years it will grow to become a splendid tree.

Decided to cut the grass on a whim as in I wasn't planning to and that set me on a course of starting some maintenance. Fruit trees got pruned and limes were picked and a re-surfaced driveway planned. As I was washing the limes the sheer sunshine colour stood out and I recognised the day as being full of colour. The bright green grass sparkled in the sun with a clear blue sky as a backdrop; the new cherry showing a deep pink for all the bees and an almond tree is flowering in pale pink. Daffodils still going strong and whilst there is a lot of gardening work to do over the coming few years, it has to start somewhere..

Well..the last week has brought unseasonal warm balmy weather and is a reminder that Spring is pretty much here, although I'm sure there is colder weather still to come as Winter sometimes has a sting in it's tail. The last few weeks I've been building a work area (laundry) and fortunately with a friend who is also a plumber this weekend will see all the pipework fixed in both that area and an adjacent shower. I think that will be enough for the moment and I'll wait for the assured warmer weather before I think about the rest of the house..and to be honest building laundries isn't such an entertaining event...:)

Update..well..something new anyway

I created this blog in a self-serving way, which was to help sell my house (privately). That was accomplished. I think I'd now like to re-visit and develop it's value to me. I want  to make it more of a diary of what's happening now and if another reads this? fine by me..I'd like to use it to track what I'm doing to my new home. I bought the house I'm living in now in December 2012 last year although I didn't move in until April 2013. I've been here now for what seems to be ages whereas it's only a few months. It was never my plan nor intent to buy a house or land that needed such huge attention. Famous last words.

So..here I am deep in the frustration and potential money pit of improving a house on a minute budget but I'd have to say it's already rewarding in some respects. Being in the middle of Winter doesn't help my mood. With Summer approaching it will be easier and once some of the rooms have been improved I'll forget the compromised living and then focus on the garden, which is where my real enjoyment will be. So..pictures will be uploaded soon of how the house is now....

Again welcome to my 'blog' essentially a diary of what is now our home but shortly to be sold. This home has had a lot of love and attention and although primarily this site has been created to assist potential buyers to see more it has become a reminder of what has been created: for me it truly is a secluded quiet retreat, full of atmosphere and calm. One that will be missed....

A nice open plan living and dining area (not the kitchen which is separated by a door). So different from the original dark brown windows which were intrusive and light-absorbing.

Choosing a strong colour for the walls was very important. Summer does NOT exist for 12 months as some would like to believe and almost half the year the light can be soft overcast during the other times of the year. The colour was carefully chosen and imported from England; with so much green (planting) in the front courtyard, a burnt darker yellow stops the colour looking acid. Anything brighter mixes with the green to gives a sharp appearance..this one works.

And last Christmas...full of atmosphere, soft light and pleasure..

The colour comes into it's own at night I think..

Stairs to the upper level

The trap door is the access to storage in the attic - now there's stacks of room, with steps that fold down. As for the layout: the bathroom is on the right as is the 3rd bedroom, currently used as a TV room. On the left are the other 2 bedrooms all separated by the landing.