Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - The Creek

We have a creek that crosses through the property and my plan for the creek is to clear out the over growth then plant natives and fence it off.

Well the previous owners of the property are subdividing their land next door and have some big diggers onsite. They have very kindly scraped back the creek banks pulling  out the gorse and weeds.

Now we have a bid mess to clean up.

So this winter, we will be ready to plant... given back to mother nature.

I found this little eel, I relocated the little fella tò some deeper water, the creek is very low at the moment.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - PD Deflated

Today I sent off an application to try to access Kiwisaver early, a few forms rather straightforward and all looks good, so fingers crossed. 

I've resigned  to the fact that I'm unemployable now. I've been applying for basic jobs, cleaning or gardening or stocking shelves, simple stuff, all I'm capable of and I can't even get an interview. I disclose that I have Early Onset Parkinson's as I can't hide my shakes. If I didn't disclose my condition then I'd be lieing and would make for an awkward interview.

So fingers crossed I can get hold of my Kiwisaver funds, albeit I'm feeling some regret now. After my cancer and other health issues, I decided in my great wisdom to stop contributing, as I was never going to reach 65 anyways... I still feel that, but kinda wishing now that I should have put more away when I could have. Silly Boy!

Part of the application was getting some notes from the Dr and on the latest report she advised "Ricky suffers early onset Parkinson's disease and has demonstrated rapid deterioration in symptoms that have been resistant to treatments" I have had the feeling that I'm seeing a quick progression with the disease but I wasn't sure until now.

Now I can't get those words out of my head "rapid deterioration".

So this is my dilemma, should I continue with Life Down Wattle Lane v2 and living the lifestyle dream which I love or sell up, again and downsize freeing up cash by purchasing a little unit or flat or apartment to see out the end of my days, I've been thinking about this a bit.  

Do what I love, or do the sensible financial option and downsize.

I'm not eligible for winz and have no income, relying totally on Gary's generosity.

If I get my Kiwisaver I have some more time before I need to make a decision.

I think that is where I am at, just one step at a time, one decision at a time.

 

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Progress Report

I thought I would share a video to show you the progess, there is still a lot to do. A lot of the time we seem to be waiting for others to do their thing.

Plumber

1st plumber approached was interested but then stopped returning my calls. 2nd plumber visited site and said would get back to me in a couple days... 3 weeks later stiĺl no reply. 3rd plumber was expensive, Gary said the cost was for doing a new house and half our job is done. 4th plumber approached is looking promising...  fingers crossed.

Electrician 

We're using the same guy who helped us with the barn. Friendly and fair pricing... but he is busy. The power/phone cable from the barn to house has been laid, but we haven't seen him for 2 weeks now.

Carpet Layer

He quoted the laying, we purchased the carpet, had it cut to his requests, and then I left a message to say we are ready to install... but he has gone cold too... no contact for 2 weeks.

This is a similar trend with contractors, I'm not sure if it is a sign of the times, but a little communication goes a long way. I'm really not a difficult customer... I just want out of the caravan and to get into the house.

So what's next... I need to build a cradle for the bath.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Our Stairway To The Good Life

As we come to the end of the build so is our budget... money is getting tight. So instead of paying a builder to build our deck and entrance I decided to give it a go myself.  I used a DIY instruction sheet on deck building from Placemakers.

I still need to add hand rail, stain the deck, but for now its a job done and off the list. In time we will add a roof/awning of some kind, but still considering the options with that, as it needs to cope with the Canterbury winds.

Feeling Happy :)

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Slow Progress

Slow progress, everything  is happening at a snail pace on the house.

Late Feb the house was finally down and in its foundations... very exciting.