After that, we extended all the ditches to 1.1 metres so that we can pour a 1-metre concrete pad which will finally carry a wall of 20cm and 2 slabs of 40cm.each. This will be angled so that the water drains away and doesnīt come near the house. Well, if you are going to do a job, do it properly. We also had to attend to certain of the kitchen walls internally, but this is almost completed with just a layer of rough caste white cement to go on to give a rustic effect.

Then of course, we have been dealing with the solicitor over the 2 cases we are proceeding with: one against a previous builder, and one against a solar engineer. The QS report on the former is now in (having only taken 6 months), and we can only hope that the Solicitor now moves forward.(and thatīs a big hope).

We are still planning to go to Oz, but have hit a logistical difficulty in that they do not grant 12 month visas. We have been told of an option and the suggestion is that we get a 6 month visa, then fly to New Zealand where we buy a return fare to Oz with a 3 month EVA being put in our passport. We can then extend this visa by 3 months whilst in Oz. Do we need a visa for New Zealand as we would return via NZ and spend some time on the islands?

So there we are! Whether we get to Portugal for the 2 months is now debatable as the weather recently has been less than kind. We are still waiting to have Mr Custard repaired although glad to report that finally the glass and perspex windows are in. We can hardly wait to feel the road beneath our wheels again. Incurable or what?