Easter should be weeks away. But, it isn't . Time to panic . Madame Bay rushes around , a paisley turbaned whirl of activity . The bedrooms on the ground floor attacked with vigour and a bottle of Jif . '' The font '' heads off shopping .' Should we buy leg of lamb for lunch ? '. I suggest an ox . Air France choose the Easter Holidays for another strike . Wilf snores happily away oblivious to the activity around him . No sooner does ' the font ' drive off than the builder arrives to discuss a new kitchen. Not any builder but the one with the large, shiny, black , low slung Mercedes estate. The builder everyone says is very busy and has a waiting list for the rest of this year . He looks at the kitchen . '' You'll be needing a new floor " . ' No we won't ' replies Angus, suddenly understanding why the man drives such a large, expensive, car . How many builders wear a suit and tie ?
Two hours later the builder finally goes. He promises to return with a design . Two mind numbing hours of discussing bleached oak work surfaces and uneven floors . Angus asks how much it might cost . Angus listens , swallows, and then asks for the number to be repeated . '' Of course that's without the white goods or fitting " adds the builder . Wilf sleeps through everything . Sensible boy . ' The font ' returns from shopping and asks how the meeting went . ' Swimmingly ' I reply, not altogether truthfully . ' He's suggested bleached oak '.
This morning in the supermarket a bag of caramel flavoured crisps. A taste adventure too far ?. Wilf gets his half croissant at the cafe under the arcades .
I think those crisps just might work, sort of a honey and cheese type situation possibly. I'm sure Wilf would be more than happy to do the taste test. I think Merlin would approve xx
ReplyDeleteFaced with caramel crisps, I think I might come over all Wilf and demand a half croissant.
ReplyDeleteSo did you hire the builder...?
The builders that wear a suit and tie are the ones who I doubt eat caramel flavoured crisps, but I'm sure they enjoy a good croissant.
ReplyDeleteOuch. We are facing the same thing ...there is not a kitchen (to speak of) in the rickety house we're moving to in 6 weeks time. The moving quotes alone nearly caused us to keel over.
ReplyDeleteI think we all know that Wilf prefers his half croissant to the likes of those nasty looking crisps!
Never mind bleached oak, shabby chic is all the rage and sounds a lot cheaper !!
ReplyDeleteI think the Font needs to know your true feelings about the builder---
ReplyDeletecountry cool I hope you opt for! Wilfie looking dashingly lovely - your fans from Southern Italy Susanne, DAisy and Foxiie
Ouch! Renovations are not easy and especially ones that involve the heart of the home! Have an extra caramel crisp, that should calm you down.
ReplyDeleteaha...the low slung Mercedes a *not-so-subtle* proclamation of what was to come... hmmm. Well-worn floors and "vintage" style character are quite endearing in an older kitchen.....no? ... Maybe a new oven? Wilf would understand "Worn to a smooth and appealing patina with Love and Care..." I like Original...when it's possible to keep it. :-) a hug for Wilf! Have Fun.
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't use Jif as a house cleaning agent here in the U.S. That is a brand of peanut butter!
ReplyDeletescary! builders should never look like rich undertakers!
ReplyDeleteminimalist cook that i am... i could easily see the latest in simple hot plate burners set on the counter and a large oven roaster that can be simply set into the open space where the late range used to live.
perhaps on a beautiful old table that just fits into the space.
okay. you can scrape the font off the floor now!
i didn't say gourmet feasts could be cooked on my plan!
love, love, love, and groans on your behalf,
tammy j
I like it as is!
ReplyDeleteI would certainly find another builder, or just replace the monster in the kitchen. 2 much is 2 much!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat
Well, bacon and ice cream were all the rage here last year. The sweet and salty combination of the chips might be better than expected...
ReplyDeleteDid you see euro signs pass before your eyes before you fainted after the builder left? Did you make him sign a contract that says he'll show up to work every day until the job is finished or you don't have to pay? Given how life is there in France, I'd think about it!
Have you been watching "The Little Paris Kitchen" on TV? You can cook delicious food on a two-ring burner that you have to light with a match and doubles as a worktop when you put the lid down, apparently.
ReplyDeleteOn second thoughts........maybe not.
Back on terra firma to rejoice at the resilience of Wilf! My thoughts were with the small polar bear as we cruised around the Caribbean and I had kept my fingers crossed that I would return to find a whole bunch of posts to read through! A very belated happy 11th birthday to a sweet, fine boy! So glad to hear things have kept on and that he's as happy and sweet as ever! Here's to tomorrow!! Keep on going Wilf!
ReplyDeleteWith love from your Canadian pals,
Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker (who were EXTREMELY glad to see their pack again)
UGH! Will the gannets be arriving?
ReplyDeleteCaramel chip? Too early in the morning to even contemplate.
ReplyDeleteBeware of workmen in expensive cars.
XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Wilf understands what is truly necessary.
ReplyDeleteOh my, you have me laughing again. Swimmingly!!! Ha!
ReplyDeleteThat Wilf is such a sensible boy. Did he get any PON fur on the builder's suit?
I saw your earlier post about how far Wilf has outlived (with joy) the predictions of that vet. I beamed.
Hi Angus, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
ReplyDeletehttp://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/
Bleached oak is lovely. Clean, spare, minimalist, elegant. A lasting contribution to a home with a history. You'll cut back on treats to have a treasure. If you do anything less than you want, you will keep re-doing and re-doing until you've spent more than you would have if you'd gotten what you wanted in the first place. VOE ( voice of experience) here.
ReplyDelete