Up yer pipe Anglian Water

Thank you IKEA - £3900 saved on our new wardrobes

Darren, our plumber, called me on Monday to say he would like to make the changes demanded by Anglian Water and the infamous sprinkler company. We agreed, so on Tuesday I watched anxiously as Darren (in the garage) attached the bigger diameter black pipe to the smaller blue one installed, and together with his trusty apprentice, they pushed (Darren) and pulled (apprentice in the house). After a couple of hiccups with the pipe snagging it seemed to be going well, although we couldn't understand why, when the house is only 6 metres from the garage, virtually all of the 25 metre reel of pipe was rapidly disappearing, but it wasn't re-appearing in the house. Eventually though, it did, to a great sigh of relief from us all. Darren set about routing the pipe up through the ceiling of the utility room and into the roof void as the sprinkler company had demanded. Because their requirement was so vague from our "friends" at Domestic Sprinklers, Darren left about 6 metres of pipe in the roof void - possibly a slightly "sarcastic" length, but better safe than sorry. All that remains for Darren now is to fit the last radiator in the mezzanine - on order but hitting "works holiday mate" syndrome.
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I can now call Anglian Water to recheck the installation as the shower in the bathroom has the requisite clip to stop us putting the shower head down the toilet, all the rainwater harvesting pipes are now marked "Reclaimed Water", and the outside tap bears the legend "Not drinking water". I've also lagged the pipes in the airing cupboard so the only reason we should now fail the inspection is through petty bureaucracy.
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Having discovered that Domestic Sprinklers required me to supply and fit the pump I contacted our rainwater harvesting company to see if they would do it. Whilst they said they could it turned out that the required pump was not available in the UK and would have to be imported from Italy so it'll take about 3 weeks. Will I be glad when this saga is over!
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I carried on with my trusty pickaxe on Tuesday and Wednesday, clearing more of the compacted hardcore in front of the garage in preparation for the gravel covering. Thursday saw me at Bedford Hospital having a minor operation to remove a ganglion from the middle finger of my left hand - possibly made worse by manual work (which I am NOT used to). This has rather curtailed much more work being done as I have a rather ridiculous "dolly" covering the wound and strict instructions to keep my arm in a sling (some hope of that).
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Friday saw the preparation for the flooring in the bathroom, kitchen and utility room being done by John from a local flooring company. This consisted of sealing the floors in each area and then laying latex (which self-levels to give the required flat surface). John will be back on Monday to lay the Karndean flooring in these areas, as well the sisal carpet in the hall.
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I did collect the oak ramp for the disabled level access on Monday that our local cabinet maker had knocked up. A couple of coats of Sadolin and it matched the front door and frame. Just got to fix it permanently (wink wink) until it has been inspected and then I can throw it away!
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After a couple of visits to Finesse - our friendly soft furnishing emporium - we've decided on all the curtains, blinds, curtain track and poles. What made me think that we had made all the expensive purchase already? When Jan showed me the quote I think I said "how much", but its possible that there was another word in between! Anyway, not wanting to spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar we've gone for it. Finesse offered to do pinch pleats for the price of pencil pleats which is apparently a good deal. (Blank look on the faces of all men reading this - knowing nods from all the ladies). Only trouble is that delivery could well be six weeks - just have to become exhibitionists if they don't arrive before we move I guess.
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John Lewis is now fitting the carpets in the living room, bedroom and guest room on September 3rd, and we have also ordered two sofas from them - delivery should be within 4 weeks we hope.
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DHL delivered our IKEA wardrobes on Thursday and it was rather frustrating seeing the packs on the floor and having trouble doing anything with them due to my "dolly". However, I've had no problems with the finger so far so Jan and I had a go at building them up today (Sunday). As you can see for the picture, we have virtually finished them now - just a couple of shelves and two drawers to finish off. Oh, and it might be easier to open the doors if I put some handles on them! Just think, we were quoted £4,400 by a local cabinet maker for bespoke wardrobes made from painted MDF (sawdust glued together basically). Our IKEA wardrobes cost just £498!
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Jan & Rog