Ugly DIY (originally published November 2012)
Because I had a minor op last week (ah, don’t worry I’m fine), my parents came to take care of any heavy lifting required in the house. I’m not really meant to do anything more labour intensive than lead a cup of tea, which someone else made, to my lips. It’s like being on a mini break with staff who, just as you warm up to the idea of being waited on, start to hate you a bit. You suspect.
During this period of convalescence, some alarming things have happened between my Dad, some black tape and various broken things in the house. Like this…
That’s a Smeg fridge. Here it was in happier times. It had become a bit tattered and broken in the shelving region, but it is five. Now it’s all patched up with black tape because some sharp edges, which the kids couldn’t reach, ‘were dangerous.’
There’s also been this:
I remember the satisfaction I experienced after painting the new shed. Then later on when the wood started to warp a bit making opening the door a bit harder, I remember realising that I didn’t mind that slight imperfection. The door opens smoothly now, the edges were sanded back to orange then covered in black tape.
Finally, this:
A kettle whose lid sometimes gently lifted when it was boiling. A user became so incensed with this that an innocent Bodum’s arm is now marked with black tape.
I’ve ordered a replacement fridge shelf (from here) and bought black paint – two things that never would have happened without my Dad.*
What would your parents do to your house if you were otherwise detained?
*He’s actually amazing, kind and cutting back a hedge in the garden as we speak. Will this end when I’m, er, grown up?
If you’re lucky it will continue for many years yet. When I was rather frayed after having my first baby my parents came round, sent me to lie down and they set about reupholstering a button backed chair I’d bought in an auction sale. Of course the “baby” now has designs on the chair!
Wow that’s beyond handy, that’s skilled. Has the baby not already got it??
I have to say I was distracted by the very high ratio of water to wine in your fridge door…..
I have to say I was distracted by the very high ratio of water to wine in your fridge door….
I was quite taken by that too Vivienne, not very reflective of the fridge two years on I have to say. And why are both bottles open I wonder?
thanks for the tip re espares, just ordered some bits I’ve been putting off! : )
ps: you’re v v lucky as my parents are lovely but not at all handy!
I think this is the way it goes with parents 🙂 They have their own world and level of commitment when it about their children. I sometime wonder, what a life it would be without them.. I think I fail to imagine!