On the day that Rodney Marsh, legendary Aussie wicket keeper, died, Shane Warne, aged only 52, had a heart attack and died as well. Early today, Warnie tweeted about Rod, 74 who had had a heart attack a few days ago. The world of cricket is in shock. Shane’s sudden death reminded me of Bill who died of a heart attack at 56 back in 2016.
Sudden deaths aside, today was more a celebration for us. Finally, after so long, the cottage has reached completion and is now owned by someone else. I had just about given up hope.
There’s been sleepless nights and frantic letters, there’s been angry exchanges and sarcastic responses, there was even a wicked witch and an evil mastermind. I’ve learned things I didn’t need to learn but, thank Dog, it’s over.
Mirinda has a set of cards with various things written on them. As important things are completed, she ticks the card and moves it to the finished pile. The ‘sell the cottage’ card has been gathering dust for far too long. The tick she decorated the card with was glorious.
It all started in September 2018 when we had accepted an offer only to have it fall through because of a chain collapse, something that still amazes us as Australians. We put the cottage back up as a rental and tried again.
Then in September 2020, we accepted another offer. And it has dragged on ever since. Most of the problems have been to do with the shared septic tank and bringing together four separate and warring parties. Still, it’s over now and we can go out for a celebration meal tomorrow.
In the meanwhilst, and unaware of the tension release occurring inside me, Gardener Dave and Tommy worked their way around the garden.
Tommy’s big job was to steam wash the terrace. While it looks a lot better, it’s not as clean as I get it with a scrubbing brush and a bucket of warm water. Still, he managed to wash off the slimy, slippery stuff which was making life and limb somewhat precarious.
I guess I know what I’ll be doing the next time we get a sunny day.
