Peter and Natasha

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It's a long way to the top if you wanna straw bale

Written by Natasha, on 06-02-2010

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It's hard to believe that we really are on the home stretch now. Since Dylan was born, time seems to have taken on a new dimension, and although we are very close to being able to move in, our priorities have shifted. We are taking extra care to make sure we both get enough rest, and despite being so close to getting our certificate of occupancy, we are pacing ourselves and enjoying this new journey called parenthood!

The last few days have reminded Peter and I of the amazing contribution our friends and family have been, and continue to be, in building our house. Tathra calls our house the house of love, because it has been built by so many people and their love. It's so lovely having visitors drop in as they have been over the last few days. Yesterday my Dad, Logan, and Kirsten, Ivan & Odyan dropped in to say hello, and Tathra and Gilda came to get stuck into some rendering. It was fantastic!

Then today we had Josie & Anthony, and Geoff & Patty come to help build. Patty has filled our freezer with enough meals to last 2 weeks (I am in heaven!), and Geoff, Anthony and Josie quickly became experts in mixing render and cob, and applying the second coat of render to the section of southern external. So suddenly over the last two days, we have almost all the house with a second coat (except one small section on the east and south wall). Wooohooo! Never underestimate the power of the people! The lift it gives us, and the sheer joy of hanging out with friends whilst getting this done, is bloody unreal!

Peter and Kristine also dropped in, and before we knew it we had a great conversation going that caused a very long goodbye, with everyone trying to leave but wanting to stay and yack!

More delicious friends visiting tomorrow, and hopefully some more rendering too! We are finally feeling like we are accomplishing what we have scheduled to do every day, and our planning all of a sudden seems realistic and do-able.

A few weeks to go and we will be in! I can hardly bring myself to type the words. Cross your fingers - no more delays or nasty surpises please!