31st December 2010

Thankfully virtually all the snow has now disappeared and I'm not freezing my gentleman's bits while trying to do things.  Also on a bonus side; my sister, Les (chief brew maker); her husband, Al (plumber & all-rounder) are here to help all the way from Australia.

As far as the footings are concerned, they are all now completely dug out on the final bit of digging I did hit a snag which was a concrete slab which took some time to break through using and Screwfix special SDS drill (and broke the handle and bit while doing it).  With a bit of perseverance and manly muscle power it has now gone.  While I was getting stuck into that Al mixed and poured about 2 tonne of cement into the footings.  As well as making some fine brews and snacks, Les managed to clean 3 old bricks ready to re-use.  Here is a pic of the site at the moment.

Also this morning, to make it easier for water and to get the new 25mm mains sorted - Al connected it up.  It did take a hell of a lot of rooting around and digging to find the pipes etc but he sorted it all.  We have taken note of the meter and will check tomorrow - if the last two digits on the water meter isn’t 85 we have a leak somewhere.  Below is a pic of his connection.