A vine, one at a time

Once we felt we had the drainage a little under control and had revealed the exterior face of Oba chan chi's, we had a great urge to rescue the poor farm house inside. You see time goes by quicker than we think and before we knew it we had a ceiling of vines criss-crossing in all directions across the ceiling! 

The state we found it in not so long ago

Oh! what fun that was peeling this hideous vine piece by piece off a sinking ceiling. Especially fun with the dried out pieces which would just not budge! 
This photograph doesn't do the vine justice, because it was pretty much attached to most of the ceiling. It seems that it had started growing from under the house, so weed killer to the rescue. This room is the extension that Oba chan built on many, many years ago. Let's just say it wasn't built with quality materials, looking at the board that has been used for the ceiling and walls. However, she built it with the idea of having her family and friends visit for the company and to enjoy her little place that she called home.
I regret we didn't take an "after" photograph. When we visit again I will update the progress in this room, but we are a long way off from making any major changes just yet... slow steps for now. 

Just to give you an idea, this is the ceiling before creepy crawly vine started its handy work 8 years ago. This is the room from a slightly different  angle. Look at those curtains, they practically fell apart as I tried to pulled them across the track. I won't be missing those. The idea is to remove the ceiling, walls and floor, which has old tatami mats on it at the moment covered over by old carpet. The sliding doors to the left hand side may be used for another area of the house, as they have been crudely affixed to a basic frame to make a cupboard.

Honestly, as I initially began to peel off the vine I secretly felt blessed with my height, but this only lasted for a short while. It was neck breaking, time consuming work, but I can't complain because when we look back on the work we are accomplishing with each visit we feel we are saving this little farm house....and it feels good. The plan is to give it a good old clean up inside, so we can sleep in the main part of the house and save on accommodation.

It's time for another onsen!