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.