This was a weekend of all steps forward. As an added bonus, I also had friends staying. Whilst it’s hardly resort-style with us all on airbeds with sleeping bags, I really appreciate them making the trek and seeing the Convent during its different stages.

After many many months of my tumbled down fence post Cementa, it was finally fixed. And what a difference! It gives me a good idea of how it will look when the whole of the galavised iron fence comes down sometime in the future. It’s also a treat to get a working driveway gate back and gives me more area to plant climbers on – Atomic Blonde climbing rose quickly found a home and the Crepuscule which was already there was readjusted after losing its old climbing frame.

In an additional win, I used some of the old timbers to rebuild and enlarge the original pumpkin patch. Fuelled with success from my first Summer, I want to plant more pumpkins, zucchini and cucumbers. The first two take up so much space that I really don’t want to sacrifice in the veg beds, so this seemed like a great idea. The mesh wiring from the verandah makes a great climbing frame as well. It’s rewarding to be able to reuse materials where possible.

The other big advancement was the demolition of the enclosure for the back verandah, which gives me a lovely protected balcony/verandah/porch off the back bedroom and lounge with fantastic views. The original verandah was an eyesore, but this is even better than expected.

The painters will be starting within the next week with both the interior and exterior getting the attention it so badly deserves. Then come the floors …