Another very cold start to the day. Call with the PS this morning. Having explained the ice on the windows I noticed, once again, that look which verges both on intrigue and yet simultaneously despair. He clearly has no idea what to make of me and whether I am interesting or completely mad.

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Having reflected on this possible madness I decided to take another romp around grounds. I have to admit, it was glorious. I fell in love with the house again, it was like being in a daydream.

Much of the snow had partially melted and reformed into the most beautiful crystals. The air was crisp but with a lovely warmth from the sun, which incidentally disappeared the second you stepped into a shadow.

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The only thing missing was some good friends to sit and drink beer with. Well, maybe that and a few operational ski lifts!

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By this point, I’d all but forgotten about how cold the house is. Instead I reflected on how lucky I was to be enjoying such beauty while others were stuck in the dismal, grey rain, unable to go out. London is the best place in the world, but rather lacks lustre when you can’t enjoy any of the wonderful things or friendships that it holds.

Having had enough romance and wonder, I thought it best to return to my more infantile persuasions. I found deer tracks, and some of that famous yellow snow, so of course had to take a picture to share with you!

Since I’ve long been told not to eat yellow snow, I thought instead we would be better served with lunch on the veranda.

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After lunch I have a couple of conference calls. As the evening sets in Matt finds some time to upgrade the paraffin canister filling station. He’s worried that we’ll end up ruining the paint if I keep filling it. Not a bad job and works a treat.

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He’s also made a start on the framing of the wall ready for the new electrical board. I on the other hand had an important call from our consultant Civil and Structural engineer who was keen to have a good look at my crack!

It was very reassuring to hear that the size of my crack was of little concern and nothing to worry about however the review of the basement ceiling/kitchen floor wasn’t quite so positive. It appears that, at least for one half of the room, there has been scant regard for the load placed on the beams. That on top of the drooping tiles in the corner have, it turns out, necessitated that we remove the entire floor back to the joists. At least I got to have a good catch up with Peter, it had been far too long.

Removing and replacing the floor is going to add significant cost and additional time into the programme. As such, I decided that the evening was best spent making space in the dining room for temporary kitchen and starting to clearing the surfaces and cupboards. The armoire does appear a little grandiose for this purpose, but it will serve in a pinch.

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Once it’s done I settle down for a drink and a chat with the kids. Vicky is a bad influence however and kept me up far too late. Saturday was therefore plagued by a rather overwhelming hangover and desire to stay in my somewhat warm bed.

Matt however had taken heed of the surplus of potatoes we had a was wonderful enough to pop to the shops before making a lovely tartiflette for dinner. I am one lucky girl!

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After dinner, we curled up on the sofa for some well needed rest and relaxation before a nice early night.

[8 and 9 January 2021]