(Perspective)
Our roof leaks.
We’ve spent quite a bit of money on it with a firm of builders which I hope never to see again, (of course, they were the only game in town – after 2 years and 20+ attemps to find someone) and it still leaks.
Our chimney is pronounced “Dangerous” , but apparently “listed”, so all that can be done is to have it rebuilt in the exact 1895 style. Of course, there is in fact, no-one, rebuilding chimneys in 1895 style.
The alternative is to apply for explicit planning permission to alter the listed bulding. This is; a/ likely to take a considerable time, b/ quite possibly not be forthcoming, and, c/ probably very expensive if allowed.
Demonstrating that it never rains but it pours -(through our roof), investigations reveal that some other work – prior to our occupancy – seems to have been undertaken without any such permission. This is of course a big no-no. It’s our bulding, so likely our responsibility.
It would be very easy to allow this unhappy tale of building woe to become overwhelming.
These things are merely money and inconvenience.
A good friend took ill on holiday (I could say “exotic” holiday), and was submitted to hospital abroad with a previously unsuspected condition that could easilly have been fatal.
A dear friend sits with her close sister, who’s appallingly rapid decline, has left her with only time to say goodbyes.
A brother in arms must suddenly bury his mother, another, hastens the length of the country to be by his ailing parents bedside.
Really, a few drops of water, and some legal wrangling are matters of little note.
I complain because it’s how I cope, but the reality is, I surely have little to complain of, and more importantly, much to be thankful for, not least, a sense of perspective.
Next week on IaDL : ” …told you that wasn’t safe….”
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 