Saturday - let's start painting

Today we had nearly all day to ourselves and then this evening we were going to our neighbours for supper so what else was a girl to do but get the paint out and start to give the conservatory a bit of a facelift.  It has been some time since we painted the conservatory - it was terracotta and a bit patchy at that so we thought it would be nice to lighten and brighten with some magnolia which was used for painting the outside of the house a couple of years ago.  We have to remember that these were originally the outside walls of the house which we have chosen to encapsulate into a conservatory so they will never be smooth like internal walls - not unless we get a plasterer to skim over them.

It was probably the hottest day of the year today and working up close to the glass roof was like being in a sauna but we decided to just to a small section at a time rather than try and do it all in one go.  It looks cleaner already and I can't wait for the rest of it to be done.  John says he will crack on with it whilst I am at art on Monday bless him.  I blame my neighbour for this sudden spurt in getting decorating done - once you see someone else at it it makes you want to do it for yourself.

We had a very pleasant evening round with Lakis, Argy and Kia.  I can't believe that their three months is nearly up and next Saturday they will be going back to the UK if only for a short while.  Their stay has been fraught - they came with the plan that their courtyard would be patio'd, the pool tiled and all the gubbins working in a new pump house, a new bathroom built and the front patio'd.  It was a tall ask and their builder ended up being the psycho-billy kid throwing tantrums left right and Chelsea.  Earlier this week he walked off the job and then he returned but there was no sign of him today.

It has been a difficult time for them and I think Lakis has appreciated having support from John if only in accompanying him in a drink of Zivania at the end of the day.  This evening we were treated to fabulously cooked lamb with roast potatoes and vegetables and salad.  It was fantastic and we were invited round at 5.30pm for drinks and it was nearly midnight before we trotted back home like the Pied Piper with the cats following on.  Charlie, Boo and Chivers all came with us making themselves at home and then Charlie mooched round to see what Persephone had on offer!

We shall miss the Kiriakides but know they will be back and hopefully then they will be able to enjoy all the refurbishments rather than fret about them.