Southerly: How I Became a Grumpy Old Builder (in Microcosm)
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Deborah, Lilith, bmk, RJW, and Chris W – what very kind people you are! It takes the edge of the fact that Keith Ng has just posted a searing piece of writing that makes my grumpy builder’s grumbling look a bit limp. Our Keith is always a must-read – but did he really have to post something so staggeringly good on the same day as mine?
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David Haywood, in reply to
As a fellow perfectionist I have to say, stunning work on the house, David
Please come and visit any time, Jolisa!
And if you stayed overnight then we could put a plaque in your bedroom, and milk money out of Cornell’s endowment for future maintenance. Surely they’d want a new central heating system in the Gracewood Wing, where one of their loveliest literary alumnae once slept?
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David Haywood, in reply to
Check out the “Expert” video…
Bloody hell, that was funny! Although there were elements of that company that somehow seemed vaguely familiar to me. And what a shame they didn't have an Excellence Manager to oversea the expert and ensure that his work had the appropriate level of excellence.
David: Buddy! I have a couple of real old curly coathangers that would fit perfectly in your house. I’ve decided they wouldn’t suit my house. Is black OK??
You've already given, Ross!
But... ahem... should you wish to give again (in the form of unwanted coathangers) then all donations would be extremely gratefully accepted.
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David Haywood, in reply to
Any chance the retiring of his heavy duty tools could be linked to a return to writing, and work on volume two of his memoirs might be underway?
Your logic is clear evidence of a great brain at work, ChrisW!
Yes, you are entirely correct – I have the manuscript of his second book in my possession and am currently working on the cover (see above). I like the bottom photograph best, but I think the top works better on the front of a book.
I have now made five self-replies in a row, which makes me look convincingly like a looney (if any further evidence was needed).
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Lilith __, in reply to
I like the bottom photograph best
Hunk on a bike. Case closed!
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Ian Dalziel, in reply to
masthead...
...the top (one) works better on the front of a book.
it has a certain je ne sais quoi that reminds me of Lemmy Caution in Godard's Alphaville
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Seriously. Also. And obviously.
Sorry.
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ChrisW, in reply to
I have the manuscript of his second book in my possession and am currently working on the cover (see above).
Great! Looking forward to the book, and any posts you might make on the process and subject matter. Cheers.
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David Haywood, in reply to
Hunk on a bike. Case closed!
He'll be highly delighted by this description! I shall pass it on!
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Steve Barnes, in reply to
I like your towel rail. I am inspired to take my time…
Arrrrrrrgh, she be a fine boat sir, that she be. Will ye be doing Aloft conversion for the power of the wind?
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Bart Janssen, in reply to
Those stairs are a wonder, I can totally understand why each tread was a mission all of its own.
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I am sitting here in awe at all this skill and the beautiful results. Last month I replaced the handles on our kitchen cupboards, used the wrong drill bit and stripped three screws, then had to ring the local Hire-a-Hubby* to fix my mess. That is the extent of my home renovation ability, and my husband is, if possible, even worse. WE ARE NOT YOUR KIND. :)
*He is called Orlando, which I consider the best name for a handyperson of all time.
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Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to
I'm rather impressed that the treads appear to float also. The stairs I mean. I've been privy to the bent wood hand rail he is making as well. The strength is rather comforting too. The dog took to it like a fish out of water which basically she was as she couldn't use the ladder and it became a game to see who got downstairs first when she had to exit outside around the front and in the garage. I had to stumble down the ladder. Happy its relegated to the backside of the house ready to become access to the roof :)
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Bart Janssen, in reply to
bent wood hand rail
Oh my. How is he going to resolve the connection between the handrail and the treads? I love seeing the work of talented people.
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Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to
I am not sure but one idea is steel and one is wood. Guess we have to wait and see.
I get to be in charge of colour, staining and painting. I've managed to paint the house and stain the ceilings. The interior is waiting until the dust settles but one bedroom is finished. -
Brent Jackson, in reply to
I have now made five self-replies in a row, which makes me look convincingly like a looney (if any further evidence was needed).
Sounds more to me like pro-active procrastination ...
Stunning workmanship David. I wish my wood-working skills (or patience) were up to your standards.
And an old wooden house is never finished. We paint a couple of exterior walls each year. It's merely a case of deciding which ones need it most this year.
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David Haywood, in reply to
The boat is booked in with the house moving company, end of this month.
Wow, what an achievement, Steven! I believe the rule of thumb is that one large boat = the labour of building five houses. I take my hat off to you, sir!
South Sea Vagabonds is my favourite non-fiction book (narrowly beating out Raban’s Coasting and Orwell’s Paris & London). I first read it to Bob when he was three years old, and we have revisited it a couple of times since. A very worthy book to have inspired your life.
Did you ever meet Wray? I’d be interested to know what he was like in person.
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David Haywood, in reply to
I did once wade thru the mud to get a close up look at one of his boats, Waihape.
Wow, that's a nice boat!
And the very best of luck with your restoration of Tigerlilly, Steven. I'm guessing a restoration might only be the equivalent of building three houses!
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Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to
We acquired the Mount Cook Airlines catamaran, at $1 per kg
Bargain! I am however confused. The latest boat pic. Is that the Tiger Lily or what is her name ?. Lovely photo too.
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Sofie Bribiesca, in reply to
Glad to know. Our next project is to restore an old boat. One we can take up the Taipa river also. It's wonderful how boats can leave the beach and head up there and a friend is at the end point before the mini waterfall so that's the plan. The fishing is fantastic too.
Here's one t'other restored for a friend a few years back. Ethel is her name
I'd have to go digging to find current images. But She is beautiful. -
The Good Ship Burma Road slips quietly into berth on a dark and stormless night....
;-)
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