Finishing off odds jobs 2015

When we arrived at Obachan chi's one Friday evening, I thought our stay would be a cold one, after all it is winter! How wrong was I! The weather is generally warmer in Izu than where we are based in Yokohama. Surprisingly despite the little old farm house being far from seal prove and with air escaping from cracks throughout, we usually always stay warm. However I must add, that we do love our old kerosene heater! We are warm as toast. So what am I trying to say....well working on outdoor jobs is pretty comfortable weather wise in Izu.

So...moving onto my first job. In all honesty I wish I could present an exciting before/after reveal for you to see, but in reality we need to finish off some end of year jobs before welcoming in the new year. We also need to discuss the next job and what the budget will be and how and what we can recycle and then think some more. One thing is for sure, I didn't realize how satisfying it would be to repurpose something. I've got the bug!

                                                     

Returning to Obachan's I was keen to see how the replanting of the bulbs were going and if they were happy growing along the fence line....or not! While the presence of weeds was expected, once I had pulled them away, it revealed that our efforts had paid off. 

Look at all those weeds!

The bulbs were indeed happily growing along the wall as I had hoped. I can't wait to see them in full bloom towards the end of February, early March. And when they are I will definitely share my simple, gardening efforts with you. It's really rewarding when a no cost project produces such satisfaction! 

Our next essential job was to re-attach the blue tarp to the right-hand side of Obachan's roof. We suspect that a recent typhoon had blown it off. Over the years the timber has deteriorated and holes have appeared in the knots of the wood.

                                      

This was not an exciting job, but so necessary because over a decade the water has gotten in and bowed the ceiling.

                                 

So until we can actually change the timber, our bandage up remedy is to cover it over and hope that no more water leaks in through the ceiling. 

Growing in the local area (actually our neighbors down the road) are these sweet persimmons which are now being dried along bamboo sticks by the locals. Winter has come to this peaceful little part of Japan.
I'll be back in the new year to share some discoveries we found at Obachan's, one benefits your health and the other is an antique find.

I'd like to thank you, my loyal followers who check in to see our progress on the little old farmhouse. It truly is a labour of love for us, which also gives back to us with its peaceful setting. Wishing you all an exciting 2016 filled with much happiness, love and good health!