Journal Thursday 2nd October 2025

Afternoon all, not morning for a change. Craig has taken the bulldog shift for the last couple of days, so not had an early morning for a bit. Shelly has taken to a 3.00am wake up call recently, despite us managing to get him outside a little later in the evening for a wee. We’ve also had some weeing in his bed which is new, so in between the loads of washing and the little baths we’re giving him, he’s booked into the vets on Saturday for a little check up. He’s drinking a lot of water relatively speaking, so we’re wondering if his little kidneys might need some help. He’s still as determined and belligerent as ever. He’s currently next door barking his heart out at the window fitters, because it’s finally happening folks, new windows are in progress as we speak.

I’ve been busy the last few days clearing window sills of photos, houseplants, blinds and curtains in readiness. The only problematic thing is the huge monstera in the bathroom has sunk its massive aerial roots into the actual wall. I’m gradually dislodging it, but because it’s so massive, I’m worried to do too much today because it won’t be able to support itself independently and I don’t want it to snap. I’ve ordered some coco poles (sounds like a strippers name), which will get delivered on Saturday, These should give the aerial roots something to grip on to and hopefully some much needed structural support.

The window delivery was slightly delayed so they weren’t with us until just before lunchtime. This means that they’ll definitely need to come back on Monday to finish off. I’m hoping we can do the bathroom window last so I can sort out the Monstera over the weekend.

Meanwhile, I have taken off one large branch, and from it I’ve taken 4 large cuttings, each with a growth node and aerial root. These have been arranged as best I can in a large glass vase with the aerial roots coiled up in the bottom. I’ll change the water every 5 days or so, and hopefully in a few months I’ll have a root ball that’s sufficient enough to re-pot a whole new plant. I have another vase on standby for when I will inevitably need to do the same over the weekend. I cannot see how I can move this plant without at least something snapping off. But, I also cannot resist propagating another plant, it’s a problem, I need help.

During the installation, while removing the shutters on what will be the upstairs bathroom (eventually), the fitters discovered a little family of bats between the shutter and the wall. We’ve re-homed them in a plastic box and sort of fastened this to the rafters of the lean to outside. One of them flew out while we were doing that, but we think the rest might be babies. I’m hoping that the adults can feed the babies in the box temporarily until they can fly by themself. They’re very active, just need them to not draw the attention of any of our cats until they can safely fly off. Will monitor them closely.

In other news, the other fosse man came and emptied the tank. 422 euros and 6.5 cubic mtrs of unpleasantness removed. Then our fosse installation guy came to have a look, and yes you’ve guessed it folks, the drainage pipe is once again compromised so the garden is getting dug up a third time, but with an additional overflow added. He’ll be back next week to do that. Deep joy.

Awesomely though, I fixed the boiler. The hardest bit was as predicted, getting into position at the back of the boiler. Once there I could get the guard off and unscrew the cable that the diode was attached to. All it needed was a swipe with a wet finger. Boiler is now working fine, but I do need to bleed the radiators which always makes me feel like a grown adult.

Enough for now. I’m enjoying a brief moment of silence between drilling and slamming doors.

TTFN,

V x

“Create a highly detailed, high-resolution image featuring a vibrant Monstera plant prominently displayed in a sunlit bathroom setting with new window installations in the background. The Monstera should showcase its large, lush leaves and aerial roots emerging from the wall, intertwined delicately, emphasizing its structural beauty. Soft, warm afternoon light should filter through the new windows, casting gentle shadows and highlighting the plant’s texture. Include a large glass vase filled with cuttings from the Monstera, with aerial roots gracefully coiled inside. Capture the essence of the home renovation process by subtly showing tools and materials related to window installation in the scene. Ensure the focus is sharp, showcasing intricate details of both the plant and the renovation elements”