Alterations to our garages started on 20 September 2010. We decided to convert the 4 big workshops into self-catering accommodation in order to generate an income. The building went well and progressed apace until the rains started around the beginning of November and then things started to go a bit pear-shaped timewise. The heavens really opened in December and soon the place was a mudplug. The poor builders made slow progress and eventually finished just before Christmas - a good 3 weeks late so we lost some December business but were ready - only just - on Christmas eve. I had, in my wisdom, also decided to replace all the front horrible louvre windows on the house with aluminium windows and remove a wall in the kitchen and jack up the roof by 2 bricks in the laundry to make a huge farmhouse kitchen. This turned into a nightmare. I couldn't cook, wash any dishes as I had no sink or dishwasher and we are some distance from restaurants, etc. so for a week it was bedlam. There was dust like I'd never seen, builder's rubble, exposed wires and dripping water all conspired towards m e l t d o w n ..........
My daughter arrived unexpectedly on the 17th (she was only due to arrive on the 18th but heard 'meltdown' in mother's voice and flew down a day early). When she arrived, the first guests were here to check if their room would be available for that night. I don't know who was more worried - them or me!!!!! She took over and we had one room sorted and the guests checked in without a hitch much to my relief. Her boyfriend arrived the following day and they got stuck in and sorted out so much. My son arrived on the 22nd and he jumped in and helped so that when Roger's 2 sons arrived on the 24th, all was ready.
We had a lovely Christmas - 13 adults + our first grandchild which made it very special. My daughter left on Boxing day - yes I bawled :-( - Roger's sons and families left on the 27th and then started the washing and ironing and getting the rooms ready for guests. My son left on the 9th.
I can't believe we're almost back to normal. We've had several guests in which has been very rewarding after all the hard work and we're full for the Midmar Mile weekend. We just need to get the grass to grow in front of the units as the builder's rubble, etc. caused havoc with the grass. Believe it or not, we're now begging for rain again as it's been terribly hot and dry over the last 2 weeks. Hopefully the grass will soon 'knit' and become the lush green carpet it once was.
My biggest joy at the moment is that our website is up and running so please check it out on http://www.enniskerry.co.za/ and let me know what you think. Bookings are open!!!!
Another big joy is that my daughter and her boyfriend have decided that they will soon be quitting the rat race and moving to the Midlands - how blessed can a person be?? For this I can't wait.
That's it for today. Have a good one everybody.
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