Oh the stress

I mentioned in my last post that things have been a little hectic here in the penthouse as we prepare to leave on Monday to drive out to Italy for what was to be an indefinite time.  
We arranged early last week to have two new radiators fitted, a steel and chrome towel radiator in our bathroom and a swanky brushed steel long thin one in the hall.  The plumbers arrived on Tuesday, I had expected with a screwdriver and maybe a spanner, no they carried mountains of kit into the penthouse and quickly covered the floors in dust sheets (there was a clue there).  I had no idea the work would involve emptying out our bedroom fitted wardrobes, most of the utility room and the hall cupboards to gain access to the walls.  We ended up with clothes everywhere, which as it turned out wasn't such a bad thing as eventually everything got a good sort into take/leave/chuck out piles.  
To add to the fun Mr FF decided whilst the guys where here and because they were so hard working, efficient and respectful, it would be a good idea for them to do some cabling networking stuff that I just don't understand.  Cue more drilling of walls, climbing about in the loft, the work took 4 days and only on Saturday were we able to think about cleaning, putting things back, getting sorted.

 

The new radiators are smart and stylish though I think I might move away the large gold framed print next to the hall one.   Our en suite seems so much bigger now and because that radiator is duel fuel, ie has an electric element as well as being connected to the central heating we are never without warm dry towels. 

Meantime I heard that the little pink cardy was a bit tight on Amelia and she kindly said her little sister Esme could have it, so I felt I had to knit a bigger one.  It was all going so well until I got to the yoke and the pattern went haywire, if there's one thing I hate more than knitting on a circular needle it's unpicking on one.   This cardy may become known as the Italian job, if it ever does get finished.
To further add to the fun I foolishly embarked on a new library book during the week but didn't make the progress I expected.  It had to returned by 5 pm on Saturday, by Friday night I had 200 pages to read but fortunately I woke at 6.30 the next morning and phew finished it.
Weeks ago I booked in for a hair cut and a facial in our pre holiday week, I asked my hairdresser to give me a cut that might last maybe 3 months and she did her best.  The facial was lovely but I was so uptight it was rather wasted on me.  I plan to have another when I get back as I should be more receptive then.
Then of course there's been the Tour de Yorkshire to follow.

I wouldn't let the boys pass by without giving them a cheer and Ilkley turned out in force offering a sprint down the main street which we watched and a mountain stage up to the Cow and Calf rocks.

At least we now know that we are coming back in about 3 months as Mr FF has a couple of dental appointments so the packing doesn't have to be so comprehensive.  We hope that if we get some good design ideas while we are in Italy we will get the guys to come back maybe next year to refit our second bathroom, the one with the horrid black bath,  now that will be fun up on the third floor won't it.   I thought it was going to be so easy living in and going away from a lock up and leave, dream on Mrs FF.