Z's kitchen is nearly usable

 I spoke too soon about my resignation from all things educational.  For legal reasons, it'll be simpler if I carry on until the end of the school year.  Of course, it's fine - though now I'll have to do the online training.  I'll look it up today and maybe manage some of it this evening.

The auction went really well and was a delightful occasion.  It was just so good to have enthusiastic, friendly people there - one pleasure has always been that knowledgeable people are very happy to explain details to newcomers - and there were more people in the salesroom (and bidding) than has been the case since before Covid.  Prices are not what they were, but that's great for collectors.  

A the fitter, having said he'd come on Tuesday and then that he'd send D on Tuesday afternoon, finally rocked up at 5.30 on Friday, having had a tart reminder that there were things he needed to do before Ed the Corian fitter turned up on Monday morning.  And then there were a couple of minor jobs he hadn't done, one of which Ed did and another that A came to finish later and told me he'd fixed the Corian in place in that spot.  When Scott the decorator came along, turned out that he hadn't.  He'd done half the job but I'd put spices in the drawer he needed to take out and, for no reason I can think of, he didn't ask me to move them. So I did, Scott fixed the worktop and then carried on painting the kitchen.  Shaun the plumber spent a day here doing both his own job and A's.  The electric socket needs to be put in place and then I can use the dishwasher.  I told Steve the electrician that there was no hurry, whenever he has time.  Now Glen the flooring guy is on his second day doing the floor - it's two rooms plus the lobby. Then A needs to do a few finishing touches and remove all the rubbish that's been building up outside over the last two months - no point in removing some of it, it's not in the way.  Finally, the new water softener will be fixed, I think that's the week after next, but I need to phone and check.  Scott will come back and put up some shelves, when I've decided on their height.  

Taking everything out of the study and putting it wherever there was space has finally confused me completely.  I can't find anything any more.  Everything has been moved too many times.  However, one adapts.  I found orzo when I couldn't find pasta and a sieve when I couldn't find a colander.  I know where the plates are, but I have to just wash and reuse two of them, because there's a chest of drawers in front of the cupboard.  I realise that I don't know where I'm going to keep everyday glasses, so they're in a drawer at present.

Unsurprisingly, the kitchen looks bigger, both because it's lighter and because I've moved the dresser out.  And the fridges.  I can't focus on how I like it all until it's finished, I don't want to think about that yet.  I know I love the doorway through to the ex-study.  I don't know what furniture I'm going to have in there yet and I've a horrid feeling that I don't have the exact table that I want. For now, I'll just use what I already have.  

The family - most of them - will come over on Saturday for supper and quiet fireworks.  We don't think it's fair to make a lot of noise when it isn't Bonfire Night, on 5th November.

I'm still doing the auction accounts.  I pride myself on paying everyone within a week of the auction, but I've slipped this time.  I'll get it done by close of play tomorrow.