Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Our Blimmin Chimney Saga

Today was a very testing day, stuck on the roof with no way down.

Sometimes I feel the forces are working against us.

Initially we had an issue with the retailer taking our money, and then not being able to supply the logburner but another retailer essentially across the road could.

With that behind us, it has been a matter of having the logburner installed.

First I layed the tile path area.

Then the installer came around to install the burner and flu kit.

First attempt and he couldn't get the metal cap off the top of the chimney, and requested scaffolding.

2nd attempt I put up scaffolding and together we unscrewed the cap and discovered the cap was also glued on. Once the cap was off he got to work cutting out the chimney holes in the ceiling. Well that lasted all of 5 minutes. There was metal on the other side of the ceiling gib. We were both baffled so I called SIT who built the house and asked what was going on.  I was advised there was ceiling gib, the tin plate then ply... and then the SIT guy said good luck and laughing suggested a jigsaw with metal blade.  A simple job was now a big job. The installer said he needs help, and will make a time to come back with a builder mate to help. So he left, and I took down the scaffolding until he was able to return.

Given the issues getting the cap off, only a couple screws where holding it on, as the installer would be back.

Well then we had a Canterbury wind from the South. They are never just a  breeze but always seem to come in the form of a gale.

For the last 3 or so days there had been a lot of talk about snow and I was a bit excited. However I didn't think much about any wind. Today the bitterly cold wind arrived but no snow for us.

One strong gust blew the cap off the chimney... it was hanging by the 2 screws.

I quickly grabbed my drill, screws, ladder and was up on the roof reattaching the cap to the chimney making it weather tight again.

Whilst hard at work fixing the chimney the wind blew my ladder over.

I was stuck.

No way down, in a blustery icy wind, on top of the roof... alone.

I saw the postie, and was hoping he would see me, but he was too far away.

I contemplated jumping as if I could land on the garden bark area that would be a softish landing. But I questioned whether my 92kg could clear 2m and whether my old bones could with stand the impact.

Luckily I had my phone and I called my Uncle Paul who was there within 30 minutes. Thankyou Uncle.

I was frozen, I couldn't tell if it was my Parkinson's or Hypothermia setting in and causing my shakes.  It was a long wait in that bone chilling wind.

So that was my drama for the day, and still no fire so the saga continues.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Parky Update

Well it has been just over 1 year since my Parkinson's diagnosis and it's been and interesting to say the least.

The tremors in my right side get a little out of control at times, as does my balance, thinking, and being so slow. In bed during the night both hands with lock/freeze with the fingers bent in towards the palm. Walking a straight line heal to toe is a challenge.

I can only describe myself as being a slow, drunk sloth with tremors.

The first 2 medications that I was on, ropinirole and pramipexole both had little effect on my Parkinson's but had great negative side effects, out weighing any positive gain.

So now the hospital neurologist has prescribed me Sinemet... a small yellow pill, the most prettiest of the pills I have ever taken.

SINEMET is helpful in improving: 

• muscle stiffness,
• tremors,
• spasms,
• and poor muscle control.

However... the possible side effects:

• dizziness,

• drowsiness,

• blurred vision,

• nausea,

• vomiting,

• dry mouth,

• loss of appetite,

• heartburn,

• diarrhea,

• constipation,

• sneezing,

• stuffy nose,

• cough,

• other cold symptoms,

• muscle pain,

• numbness or tingly feeling,

• trouble sleeping (insomnia or strange dreams),

• skin rash,

• itching,

• and headache.

• greatly increased eye blinking/twitching,

• fainting,

• mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide),

• unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges),

• or worsening of involuntary movements/spasms

So...we will see how this goes. You have to wonder is the remedy worse than the original symptoms.

Day 1, a little nausea but no concerns really. 

Starting  with 1 yellow pill, I am to work up to 3 yellow pills a day over the next 2 weeks.

My daily routine...

Start with blue pill 30 minutes before breakfast for eosinophilic esophagitis.

Pink pill for blood pressure.

Yellow pill for Parkinson's.

Inhaler for eosinophilic esophagitis.

Nasal Spray for sinusitis issue.

Some days are better than others, but I keep reminding myself that it could be a lot worse.  

Just gotta keep on living the dream.

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Gosh The Days Are Short

We're on the final stretch to the shortest day of the year, but I was thinking today, that the days down here in Canterbury are much shorter than up in Auckland.

So Ii had to check...

Currently the sun rises nearly 30 minutes earlier in Auckland and sets 10 minutes later in Auckland. That is nearly 40 minutes more daylight in Auckland.

Hmm I think the real reason as to why the days feel shorter... is that is much colder so I tend to sleep in later as it is too cold to get out of bed!

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - The Big Rain

For the last week we've been receiving warnings about this big rain event. It started raining Friday  night and is supposed to continue through to Monday middayish. So far it's  been steady, and of moderate intensity. We've had heavier rainfall in Kaiwaka but in shorter durations... not over 3 days.

I haven't been too concerned as we have built 950mm above ground level and the requirement was to build 400mm above ground level to ensure we are safe from a 1 in 200 year rainfall event.

Well we are half way through the 1 in 100 year rainfall event and we are watching the creek closely. At a guess the water can still rise 2 more feet before we experience any issues.

I'm not worried about the house but just the sheep. Our land is flat, but we have built up a couple dirt mounds... our "sheep hills" to move the sheep onto in case of widespread flooding.

So fingers crossed the creeks stay within the creek.

Before...

During...

 

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - The Sanding Man

Sorry  for my absence, for the last 2 weeks I've been a little busy working on my benchtops.  

When we started this project I had foolishly allowed just $1000 for our benchtops. I thought this was plenty as we had only spent about $800 on our macrocarpa benchtop in our last house. This time around I was getting quotes for around $2000. As we are at the pointy end of the project and budget we don't have any spare funds.

So I  had to get my thinking cap on. 

I went down to a local building demolition/recycling company to see what they had on hand. Amongst their treasures of yesteryear I came across some recycled rimu tongue and groove flooring. The normal tongue and groove is quiet thin, too thin for benchtops, but they did have 80 x 40 mm tongue and groove which would suit my needs. I think this thicker timber might have been used for walls or perhaps a 2 storey building where the floor is also the ceiling. Either way it was about to be a benchtop.

Benchtop Receipe:

> Strip off the old varnish.

> Sand back to wood.

> Glue & fasten togther.

> Cut benchtop to size.

> More sanding.

> More sanding with fine sandpaper.

> Stain with Danish oil & reapplying upto 5 coats. 

> Fit benchtop to cabinets.

I'm not finished but the island is finished.

All up, Ive spent under $800, but there has been many hours scraping off the varnish and sanding. So much sanding. 

Life Down Wattle Lane v2 - Flushing

Small, satisfying wins....  we have water to the house, hot water too.

Laundry, toilet, bathtub are connected but the kitchen and shower are still a little way off.

Down Wattle Lane v2 - We Have The Power!

Finally we can see the light....

We have power connected to the house!

Things are now progressing, we will be in soon... so soon!

Who would have thought how exciting it is to flick a switch and it actually works!! YAY 😊

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.