The Wanderers Return

My folks arrived back late yesterday- they called to let me know they'd landed okay, that everything in Crete had gone brilliantly and that they were now back home and the heating, kettle and the toaster had already been kicked into action =) Today they called in on us- firstly to see how we were all doing but also to hand back my camera... some of the shots they took are lovely- altho sadly, there are none taken inside the house - not sure if there was a particular reason for this or they just didn't- still, i hope you get some idea of what they've gotten themselves into with these shots =)

Mum standing in the Front Courtyard, taken from under the Back Porch

Building plans have already been drawn up and authorised- they include plans to pull out this small south facing window- to be replaced with french doors which will lead directly out from the lounge to the garden.

The back porch is large enough to take a table for at least eight people with plenty more room to spare. The door to the left is access to the main house, thro the kitchen, whilst the door on the right is the only access, at present, to the room (lounge) which will eventually have the french doors- an internal archway has been approved and this door might become a much larger window instead.

I can think of far worse views from your back door:

Dad, on the driveway, infront of the side entrance to the property.

This picture is taken from the side driveway of the property. Its been taken looking back up towards the house through the grape vine just past the entrance gates.

Here's the house in it full *ahem* glory... currently its known as 'The Pink House' due to its delicate hue *L .. mum plans to change that once all the building work and tidying up process is complete- "No point white washing it just yet- it'll only get all muckied up" ...i know its not the prettiest to look at from the street.. but all the houses on this road- all 5 of them- are south facing so my parents access their property via a side gate and the entrance to the main building is at the back with the garden all out infront of them =) The two chimneys on the roof are for the old and the new fires. The one in the old kitchen is going to be ripped out and that room will become the Master Suite... the tiny little window that can just be made out on the roadside is the current bathroom which is also going to be gutted to make way for a utility room.. a new full bathroom [including an actual bath *gasps] will be created in the oversized hallway/mezzanine bedroom.

The intention, once settled is to purchase a second property and i spotted this little cutie online a couple of days ago.. there are only 3 rooms in total- kitchen, lounge and bedroom- no loo**, but nothing that can't be dealt with *L ...turns out that whilst my folks were out there they went to view it and think its adorable and perfect for family to stay in- and as a place to rent out during the holiday season ...i think they'll make sure the purchase of their home is complete before they even discuss this further but it wouldn't surprise me if they bought this too.
**correction: there is a loo, its in the corner of a room with a curtain around it *LOL

I know there is a lot of work involved just tidying up the first property before they even let the builders start but they came home with such excitement in their eyes- they KNOW they've done the right thing and with a completion date set for 26th of August they might just be moving in before the years out =)) ...my dad looks 10 years younger already and my mum seems to be appreciating my dad since they started planning this latest trip- he's taken her under his wing, stepped up to the board and taken control - my mum's SO diggin' that!

Word From My Sister...

Nothing much to report:
   - flew to Beijing on a jumbo jet - she crapped herself¹ *L
   - hotels been upgraded to 5* and is the height of swanky
   - ate scorpion for evening meal - tasted like chicken² *LMAO
   - chinese opera tonight - didn't understand it³ =/

¹ - she didn't.. but she was pretty nervous *L
² - she didn't actually say this ;) ..altho it might be true *L
³ - she hasn't said this ...yet!