Living in the ‘muddie’.

Once the mud brick walls were finished, the frames for the gables were nailed in place and the process of measuring, cutting and screwing down the second hand corro began.

Chris and Holly spent quite a while on this ladder adjusting the framing for the skylights. Two builders on a single ladder is still legal in Araluen.

 

Skilled crafts-people were engaged to fill cavities with wet earth i.e. mud was slapped into holes.

Trenches were dug for rain water pipes to the tank.

Shovels were used at critical places to avoid breaking the existing pipes – usually.  Hmmm!

The final piece in the jigsaw was glued into place. It had been kept in a ‘special place’ from when the posts were notched a little too vigorously resulting in the dislodgement of a tiny but nonetheless visually important wedge of timber. Only those who climb a ladder will ever notice but Chris would know if it wasn’t there – and would not sleep well.

And then began the Big Move….

Still a bit of a work site.

The only real way to transport a fridge in Araluen. Thanks, Red!

Good friends to help and Rob’s painting fits perfectly. Well done, Lorraine!

Chris insisted on putting my loom up. He was right. It would have sat in its boxes if he hadn’t done it….bit like the whole house really.

Trees were planted and the first guests arrived. Thanks Kathleen and Anna!

Dear friends of 37 years! Was great to have you Ken and Shelley!

Greg has the office / reading room he has always wanted,

and he has a beautiful view.

A bathroom.

The only wall big enough to fit another of Rob’s paintings. Eventually it will be on the wall!

A kitchen. Small but very efficient.

Our first House Concert. The builders at their ‘proper jobs’.

Mother’s day. Family and friends.

Aunty Holly!

Billie is happy and so are we!

Its winter now and we have been in the house for five months. It is a delightful space. Warm and cosy, light and airy with views from every window and door.

Details still to finish include trim around doors and windows, painting, lots of gaps to fill and eventually a verandah on the south, paving and pergolas.

Now for the garden……