I’m typing this in my kitchen where I’m sat at a small table. My kitchen table might emerge from its safe hiding place in the shed this weekend. Tiling commences tomorrow. The joiner will not be involved! I’ve been recommended a tiler and so far he’s very helpful and communicative. Fingers crossed.

I look up and see glimpses of a real kitchen. The lighting makes the world of difference especially on dull dreary days (where’s the sun hiding?) and I was right to ask for 10 ceiling lights contrary to advice doled out by both the electrician and joiner. There are also lights under the cupboards above the worktops where I prepare my food so I don’t need my specs to chop 🤓 It’s a far cry from the plug in table lamps I used for years – the depressing dull glow from the energy saving ceiling bulbs was worse than having no light.

I was also right to choose tall units all the way to the top of the ceiling. I have so much storage space. I’ll keep you posted on my progress in keeping the work surfaces uncluttered. With a compact footstool I can reach the upper cupboards where I stash gear I don’t use very often.

The dishwasher is an absolute luxury. I don’t know how I’ve managed without one for so long.

The energy in my house has changed dramatically since the joiner’s last visit on Monday. He couldn’t wait to get to his next job. I’m so relieved he’s not here. I have pondered at great length about my misjudgment. It’s been a steeeeeeep learning curve. If I ask you to do some work for me, I will ask all manner of questions and I won’t care if I come across as awkward or demanding. And there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

I was told by the joiner and the kitchen shop that my boiler couldn’t be housed in a cupboard. My plumber came to pipe the gas hob and he asked why the boiler wasn’t in a cupboard. I told him what I’d been told. Of course you can put it in a cupboard, he said helpfully. I told my joiner who took me seriously when I told him that’s what my plumber said. He started umming and aahing and got his tape measure out, measured for 5-10 minutes before saying he’d look into it. I had asked more than once about a boiler cupboard, but then when a bloke says it’s doable… I believe that’s bare faced misogyny right there. It’s been unbelievable. This is one of way too many examples when I’ve been dismissed or made to feel like an idiot, most likely because I’m a woman. I actually challenged him about it. He just went off on a tangent. Classic.

I reckon it’ll take another 6 weeks to finish everything, but at least I can use most of the kitchen. This experience has done nothing to inspire my confidence in getting any more work done on my house. I’d love to renovate my living room but there’s too much at stake with my harps in there.