Thursday, 18 October 2012

Counting down to party time

The grand opening of the roundhouse is scheduled for 9th November and, as always, I may have invited a few too many people. If everyone turns up we should have about 60 for drinks and nibbles. As if this wasn't enough, Janes big 40 party is all set up for the 10th November when we shall have a banquet of sorts/sit down meal for about 30 people.

Having installed the pit grill and fitted the chimney, I had the first fire last night and cooked a mind blowing chilli and garlic flat breads. Although dinner was exceptional, the grill did not perform as wonderfully as I would have liked, leaving the roundhouse smelling like a bonfire. On the brighter side though, because there's always one of those, hopefully the abundance of smoke will have convinced some of the livestock living in the roof that it's time to move out and find a nicer smelling home.

I took advantage of a brief spell of sunshine on Tuesday to get up on the roof and sweep the chimney. I say a brief spell of sunshine because we live in Normandy and, within half an hour of starting, the heavens opened and I got deluged. The adventure to the top of the chimney highlighted yet more work for my list of jobs as there are loose bricks and render as well as missing bricks. Although it won't take long to fix when I get going, it will require a couple of rain and frost free days.

For those of you who don't keep up with our antics on facebbok, you'll be pleased to know that Greg and Viki had their baby yesterday. No more details as yet but I'll keep you posted.


Sunday, 7 October 2012

More fire pit

In between down pours, I have managed to progress the firepit towards looking like a pucker piece of kit. So far I have mounted 3 grills, all of which will be height adjustable, and 1 pan holder. Still got a pot hanger and rotisserie to go then I shall start on the fire base and the chimney.

During yesterday mornings rain, I also had a go at building a foam machine for next years summer parties. Although it was a reasonable success, and a great hit with the kids, it needs a bigger input of air so I have managed to blag a garden blower from Steve and Laura which should do just the trick.

Preparations for Janes party are going well. I finished building one of her presents this morning, got the floor down in the round house and have sorted out guests from as far afield as Greece. I have a fair few other jobs to finish between now and then but am quietly confident, touch wood, that everything will be fine.