We even got a chance to get up on the roof and repair as many holes as we could find.
We definitely have the worst looking roof in the village.
I suspect that the neighbours are slightly embarrassed by the extent that we are bringing down the neighbourhood aesthetic.
Am pretty upset Sonja didn't get a pic of me up on the roof. I was sure it looked pretty heroic, but for some reason she seemed busy when I called to have my photo taken.
Will now have to pose for it next week (probably with a knife between my teeth)
We have now finished all the furniture we were planning on building.
All that now remains is building an outside porch, putting in a long drop loo, building a solar (jerry can)shower, building a chicken coop, and establishing and fencing an organic vegetable garden.
We will tackle these slowly over the next two weeks.
I will start with the most easy and fun, say, the chicken coop.
Sonja will advocate for the most urgent and back breaking (the loo)
Dammit.
Below are a selection of the fruits of our labour (as opposed to the kids in the pics are the fruits of my loins)
Here I am working at building a water table and a "builders bum".
This has to be one of the most beautiful workshops you could wish for. If it had a level floor it would be an improvment. It is very difficult to get 90 degree corners under these conditions.
Mila agreeing that the new bunk bed is very comfortable.
Skye and Mila dunking biscuits in hot tea.
Caleb taking a break he definitely didn't earn.
A quick semi family picture taken by Skye. Her mother is taking all the mugs to the scullery. Which consists of an outside plastic tub, and a great view.
Mila having one of her spontaneous moments that she is prone to. Have been unable to beat the joy out our of the kids.
Our bedroom. Bit drab with the flash on. By candle light it is much more warm and cosy.
The kitchen area.
The girls beds
Caleb asleep on his new bed.
Our living area looking through into our bedroom.
Our living area looking through into the kids room.
The new bunk in our living area.
Darling's well done, you have made a beautiful little home. I am so looking forward to my visit.
ReplyDeleteOne thing, where is the tv lounge?Charles, you have built my bedroom on suite for your mother-in-law?...Jokes aside, I am soooo proud of you all. Living your dream.
Hugs Nana
I must say, you have done a fabulous job with the wretched hovel I saw last August! It is very difficult for me to see that it is even the same building. Well done, mate!
ReplyDeleteYour cottage is looking fantastic! I especially love the kids' room - so sweet.
ReplyDeleteJust checking, are the beds on bricks? Watch out for the Tokoloshe!
I love your cozy cottage. And Mila, I love your purple elephant! I left a link to a picture of my cat in acomment to the February 21 entry.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Guys - great job! Well done all of you. Of course Caleb needs a break or two during the day, since he's clearly the one tasked with staying awake and guarding the door to the kids' bedroom at night... a huge responsibility! : )
ReplyDeleteHey Paul - ALL furniture is either on bricks or wood. We have bust another urban myth: Bricks aren't for the Tokelosh. They are vital if you want to sleep in a level bed. The mud and dung floors are really nice when they are fresh. They have a fresh and clean manure smell. But, they are really uneven, and when dry get really dusty, really quickly.
ReplyDeleteI secretly think the uneven floors are a saving grace as our home made furniture is not to straight either.
Thanks Madala
ReplyDeleteAlthough, we had a laugh at how much we managed to hide with the photo's.
It is a lot more cramped and grubby than it looks. More like a caravan then a cottage.
All the best from all of us.
Oh, Gene
ReplyDeleteHave seen some classic long womens pipes being smoked. Will try and negotiate to get one for your collection. They seem to come in three parts that fit into each other.
Thanks Susan
ReplyDeleteThe kids are really loving it here. Caleb and Mila started their first day yesterday in the new early learning centre we are setting up. There are about 20 kids going between the ages of 3 and 6 years. Everything is done in Xhosa, so Mila and Caleb will have to learn quickly. They have about a half hour walk back through the village with Mila stopping at every hut to say hi and to view every insect. Sonja has some classic photo's that we will try and post this evening.
It is nice though not to be living out of plastic boxes any more. It was starting to do our heads in.
Busy digging out new loo. Down to six feet.
All the best
Charles
Hey Ros
ReplyDeleteHope you guys are well
Caleb is so into village life. He goes screaming up and down the hills like a trooper. Barefoot of course.
(Had to stop typing there to go outside and chase away the donkeys who keep polishing off the dogs food. Bloody hell.)
Cheers
Charles
Hi Nana
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you
Lots of love Skye
Hi Louise, we don't have TV, but you can either ly outside in the warm evening air and drink wine and watch shooting stars, or you can get given a poetry evening by the kids.
(go with the stars)
Please don't let Doug say anything critical when he sees our woodworking efforts.
Hi Charles, Sonya and kids. If you ever need any support, we are now based in East London and will be insulted if you don't ask for help when you need it e.g. like looking after the kids when you need to do chores in towm. It looks like you are having a great experience. Contact us direct on andre@andrebok.co.za. Cheers. Andre, Ursula and kids.
ReplyDelete