First fit water and power

Pipes and wires are now all in, and insulation in the outer walls. Windows still delayed but due on Monday. Roof tiles go on this week. Our application for funds from the mortgage is STILL being "processed" by the Bank and the bills are piling up on the kitchen table. Generous family and friends have kept the project afloat so far, but now we need the bank to get its finger out.

The space feels like I imagined it would, and we're looking forward to living there.

winter

First snow yesterday, Minus 4 outside this morning, thick frost, blue sky. Second week in November once again; so reliable.

A machine for living in

First fit plumbing has gone in, the roof is on awaiting tiles, roof windows in, insulation and plasterboard about to go up.

Much discussion of bath taps, basins and shower heads has replaced the talk of concrete in just a few short weeks.

We are still awaiting mortgage funds being released; mired in paperwork and needing my urgent phonecalls to be kept at the top of the solicitor's pile of other routine business.

Frustration, anxiety and excitement in equal measures.

Roof

A slow-down last week while roof framing went on and weather deteriorated. Today most of the roof sarking went on, and tomorrow it should be weather-sealed. More photos soon. Snow is on the hills and on its way down...

Monday, with clouds gathering

Monday

Today was an hour earlier all day. Odd.
Slower house progress as all but two of last week's turbo-charged builders have gone off to Valencia or somewhere. The two remaining built the gable ends before it started raining and the sun set in the middle of the afternoon.
More pictures soon.
This evening I cooked indian food with boys from a youth club in Hawick, a job through You Can Cook. A great bunch of young teenagers with real interest, energy and good knowledge of food. 
Drove home through a blizzard of wet leaves.