I posted my Christmas cards this week and even managed to include a newsletter this year. We haven't managed the decorations today, as I may have mentioned, and I've made it clear to Mr Nen I want to do them tomorrow.
Meanwhile, we're expecting a delivery tomorrow between 7am and 7pm so are off to bed with the alarm set for 6.30.
You are probably not old enough.
Possibly not old enough to be invited in for a flu jab on the NHS, either, although from earlier posts on here it seems that they are working their way down the age range to lessen the chance of there being a flu epidemic at the same time as Covid.
You are probably not old enough.
Possibly not old enough to be invited in for a flu jab on the NHS, either . . . ,
Out of curiosity, how old does one need to be for the NHS to recommend a flu shot? Or are you saying they only pay for the shot for people over a certain age.
In the States, the CDC recommends that pretty much everyone over 6 months get one every year. Most insurance plans either cover the cost completely or require only a small co-pay.
I didn't even know there was a pneumonia jab. I've never had a flu jab, and no-one's ever offered me one. I've had what I'd call proper flu only twice, and while I wouldn't wish it on anyone, twice in 58 years isn't bad going.
This gives details of who gets the flu jab - you now qualify if you're over 50 in England, it may be the same in Scotland.
Pneumonia jab is offered to over 65s and younger people with certain health conditions.
I am not over 65 but was hauled in for a pneumonia jab in the first week of Lockdown 1 as I have an underlying medical condition which was initially on all the lists as making me very vulnerable. It also had my workplace putting me out first (when the students went out), insisting on a full-blown risk assessment when I returned in September.
Just remind me never to have a conversation with our Health and Safety Officer about my condition ever again. When I returned the completed (from the H&S point of view after I'd done my share) Risk Assessment as factually incorrect on a number of fronts, I was told "But, my brother has your condition and he said it was OK." Um, no, I explained carefully I have a rare variation that has differences to the classic form of the condition and some of those differences add to my possible vulnerabilities. Plus, you know one person with my condition, you know one person and how they are. That does not make you an expert on the entire spectrum of possibilities within the generic condition.
Mind you, in the meantime, it's all moved from list to list, and I've just concluded I will be Very Careful around other people and it seems to be working.
I also had my flu jab back in September via my workplace, and the NHS systems can't cope with that! I've had 3 letters since telling me off for not booking it via the GP.
Ooh - there's a thought. If I do get round to it, it'll be time to fire up the Praetorius ...
We put up our trees and decorations yesterday, to the sound of Praetorius (only marred by the sound of me singing along to the bits of tunes I recognised!)
Mr S had to take his car to help Miss S, SiL and TIG#1 get their tree - they left #2 with me so he didn't inadvertently get tangled in the tree-netting machine, but the prospect of wrestling child car seats out of the car was just too daunting. That seems to be his role in life - pre-grandchildren, they had two two-seaters and no way of getting anything bigger than a packet of sandwiches into either of them, let alone a tree!
Out of curiosity, how old does one need to be for the NHS to recommend a flu shot? Or are you saying they only pay for the shot for people over a certain age.
In the States, the CDC recommends that pretty much everyone over 6 months get one every year. Most insurance plans either cover the cost completely or require only a small co-pay.
You can usually get the flu jab free on the NHS in England and Wales if you have an underlying condition, are over 65 or very young (baby or primary school age). It is also available to NHS workers and some work places offer. If you are not in one of these groups it is available very cheaply from other sources, under £10 I think.
This year it is being offered more widely and I was called up because they moved into the age 50s group and I am 51.
I’m not sure what the rules are for Scotland where Piglet lives though.
Similar rules for Scotland, so @Piglet wont qualify (except that as she is now working in an NHS facility (yes?) she might, so could ask. Mr Cats, being old (!) got his usual letter calling him in. Here they used the primary school to vaccinate this year, during the October holiday. In other years they have used the church, but this year needed somewhere with an easily organised through-flow, so two doors.
I didn’t get the letter, hit a few weeks later got a phone call asking me to come to the surgery for it. I don’t qualify by age, but when they were using the church I pointed out that I visited as many homes as registered carers, who do get it, so they promptly grabbed my arm and stuck in the needle. This year I am visiting far fewer homes, but they still thought it worth giving it to me. Interestingly the instruction was “If you have a slight fever in the next two days, you don’t need to worry or isolate.”
I'm under 65 too, but have qualified for both pneumonia and flu jabs for forever by dint of inheriting the familial asthma, in my case adult-diagnosed and steroid-controlled. In retrospect undiagnosed and untreated asthma is what made school sport so unfunny. As controlled it's not severe, so I wasn't advised to shield when I checked, although I know other asthmatics who were shielding.
In other news, yesterday I should have got home in time* to get involved in the GirlGuiding online pantomime, but it was on the Book of the Face, of which I'm not a member and I didn't fancy fighting my way through that one and avoiding all the bear traps attempting to force me to sign up to it.
But I did see the Bellowhead reunion concert online as it was aired - apparently in the company of 10,000 others. Twitter trended #bellowhead while it was on - I wasn't playing social media alongside as I was cutting out my daughter's sewing projects for Christmas presents while it was on, with varying success at staying still depending on what was being played. (Those who missed out and want to play, 30 days access still available).
* out walking our daily 10,000 - 15,000 steps Geocaching, because just getting the next cache is incentive to keep going. One was impossible as on a flooded path - the floods starting 40m away at one end, behind a lake the other. We had to give up as finding caches in woods in the dark needs torches and kit we didn't have with us.
In Scotland, at least for this year (because of the dangers of flu+covid together), the flu vaccine is being offered (free) to all who are 55 and over, starting this month.
I already had my jab/jag in October though - for the first time - at my local Boots (£14). No big reaction luckily, just a bit of pain in my arm for a day or so. I will gladly accept the covid vaccination as soon as I can get it!
I had my flu jab in Oct, having been invited by Boots for a free one. No side effects, which has been my experience since non-live vaccines were introduced. My pneumonia vaccine must be due for renewal soon.
Today I reach the age of my mother - a very strange experience. It reminds me of just how young she was when she died, and how much more she could have fitted in. I try to fulfil dreams rather than put them off, but this year of course has slowed this down. So I face the most peculiar birthday - not just for this, but thinking how to celebrate when in Tier 2. At least the new cat has decided that it’s ok to be out & about during the daytime, and that it’s ok not to attack me.
I probably should think about it - I'm 58, so would easily qualify by age. I don't think my new job is frontline enough to qualify, but I work with people who are.
Today's tasks: laundry, bread making, possibly preceded by a trip to Tesco's to get flour - I'm not sure how much I have left.
Pregnant women are also at high risk for flu. From your mentions of midwives, I think your new job involves maternity care? This may make it a good idea for you to get a vaccine (so you can't pass it on to anyone).
It's my understanding that in England anyone over 50 qualifies for a free flu jab.
@daisydaisy , Mr Nen found it a strange experience when he reached the age when he was older than his mother had been when she died - in her 50s. I hope you manage to enjoy your day despite everything. I have a birthday coming up and we are Tier 3 - planning a meal for two Chez Nen and a Zoom with the Nenlets that evening.
We had an adult baptism today via Zoom church of someone who became a Christian during lockdown. We have a tank in church for baptisms, and appear to be using the c of e covid rules on how to conduct them (we’re a Relational Mission charismatic church, what was New Frontiers)
In my experience the NHS doesn't worry about how front line you are as long as they have enough vaccines in stock. I see patients once in a blue moon in my role, but I am still entitled to the flu jab.
Japes, if you tell the GP you have had it at work they can update their records: I have done that when pregnant.
As I understand it, the pregnant ladies who are looked after by my colleagues are all encouraged to get the flu vaccine in the first few months of their pregnancy. I'll find out soon enough if I'm expected to get it. Judging by a chart I saw today, I'm very far down the pecking order for the Covid one - under 60, no underlying conditions and not frontline. If I get it before the summer I'll be surprised.
Laundry has been done (though still to be sorted and put away); shopping has been done (it was a lovely day for an amble); bread has been made; and some of it has been turned into a BACON sarnie and eaten for supper.
Now, a lazy evening followed by an early night ...
There is an important point about the pneumonia shot. There are different germs that cause pneumonia. The pneumonia shot protects only against the most common germ. Some years ago I had a severe case of pneumonia which was not caused by the common germ.
I woke up this morning, sat on the side of my bed, and an icy cold hair grip slipped down onto my neck. But it turned out wasn't a hair grip, it was a drop of water!
My bedroom is part ceiling, part open-up-to-the-roof, but everything is sealed in, & it all looks fairly immaculate. The attic is above my bedroom. I went up there - and everything look fine...except for a little pool of water which was obviously dripping down into my bedroom. It had seemingly appeared from nowhere.
I rang my plumber, a lovely man who amazingly seems to know my water system off by heart. He said there were definitely no pipes up in the attic and nothing that could be leaking. He said that he has noticed very high levels of condensation in his own roof - to the extent that the lining of the roof was quite sodden. He thinks that is the cause of my mysterious pool and drip problem.
I just thought I'd mention it in case anyone else experiences a mysterious little pool of water from nowhere. I'd never heard of roof condensation before.
Quarantine, I’ve forgotten which day - but we are let out into the wild on Thursday!
Tatze has gone for a long walk by the river with my friend. I have doodle zoom soon - always relaxing.
Then I’ll be on to packing for our cottage industry, it can get busy near Christmas. My brother will pick the parcels up for posting. The post office will pick up these days, but they charge 70p per parcel.
I must write my Christmas cards, I’ve been procrastinating that for too long now! The decorations are up 🌲
Christmas cards finished & posted. All gifts posted (if Mr RoS has remembered to go to the post office while he is out on other matters). A couple of parcels for local grandkids still to be wrapped, and a cardigan for baby G to be finished and sent off.
Two orders from the supermarket done, to be delivered between now and Christmas. (I've taken to ordering little and often, as I find the unpacking & putting away hard on my back, especially as they don't send it in bags any more)
Then I need to give the place a going over with vacuum, duster & polish so I can start putting the cards on display (the only decorations going up this year)
He said that he has noticed very high levels of condensation in his own roof - to the extent that the lining of the roof was quite sodden. He thinks that is the cause of my mysterious pool and drip problem.
I just thought I'd mention it in case anyone else experiences a mysterious little pool of water from nowhere. I'd never heard of roof condensation before.
We had a similar problem in my last church (not in the roof) when a long cold snowy patch was followed by a rapid thaw: moist air condensing on cold indoor stonework caused veritable streams of water.
However, roof spaces do need to be ventilated. Our has some air vent ridge tiles, plus a sort of gauze in the soffits to allow some air movement. The latter can get dirty and need cleaning, from the outside: it's ladder work of course. This gives the idea, though I have no idea about 'vent baffles': https://tinyurl.com/y5lo77tr
I woke up this morning, sat on the side of my bed, and an icy cold hair grip slipped down onto my neck. But it turned out wasn't a hair grip, it was a drop of water!
My bedroom is part ceiling, part open-up-to-the-roof, but everything is sealed in, & it all looks fairly immaculate. The attic is above my bedroom. I went up there - and everything look fine...except for a little pool of water which was obviously dripping down into my bedroom. It had seemingly appeared from nowhere.
I rang my plumber, a lovely man who amazingly seems to know my water system off by heart. He said there were definitely no pipes up in the attic and nothing that could be leaking. He said that he has noticed very high levels of condensation in his own roof - to the extent that the lining of the roof was quite sodden. He thinks that is the cause of my mysterious pool and drip problem.
I just thought I'd mention it in case anyone else experiences a mysterious little pool of water from nowhere. I'd never heard of roof condensation before.
When we moved to Intrepid Cottage two and a half years ago, we had to have better ventilation put in the attics - just to lift the felt away from the eaves - and a forced ventilation system too. Otherwise there were concerns that the roof timbers would rot, and we really didn't want that.
In other - but related - news, all our windows are being replaced. It pains me in a way because they were hardwood, but since they were installed they have warped to such an extent that you can nearly put your finger through some of the gaps. Now they will be 'rosewood' on the outside and white inside, which has already made a fantastic difference to how light the rooms are where the new windows have gone in. Unfortunately, although they will undoubtedly be warmer once they're in, they are a d*mned sight colder when they are lying on the lawn leaving enormous holes in the walls! <eeeek>
@Baptist Trainfan
Thank you so much for that. The diagram is useful. My roof is asbestos, and I don't even want to think what extra hassle that is going to create in sorting this out. At least now I have some idea of what is causing the problem.
@The Intrepid Mrs S
It was very helpful to read what you said. This is obviously a 'thing' even if I'd never heard of it before. I will have to contact a company that specialises in this sort of issue.
I woke up this morning, sat on the side of my bed, and an icy cold hair grip slipped down onto my neck. But it turned out wasn't a hair grip, it was a drop of water!
My bedroom is part ceiling, part open-up-to-the-roof, but everything is sealed in, & it all looks fairly immaculate. The attic is above my bedroom. I went up there - and everything look fine...except for a little pool of water which was obviously dripping down into my bedroom. It had seemingly appeared from nowhere.
I rang my plumber, a lovely man who amazingly seems to know my water system off by heart. He said there were definitely no pipes up in the attic and nothing that could be leaking. He said that he has noticed very high levels of condensation in his own roof - to the extent that the lining of the roof was quite sodden. He thinks that is the cause of my mysterious pool and drip problem.
I just thought I'd mention it in case anyone else experiences a mysterious little pool of water from nowhere. I'd never heard of roof condensation before.
There should be vents into the roof space; check that they haven't got blocked.
Thank you for the suggestion. Regrettably the man who last lived here was a cowboy builder, and he turned the attic into his 'music room'. It is all completely sealed - it even has rather glam downlighting. Going by the other disasters I have bumped into since moving here, I strongly suspect there is no ventilation .... I need to contact a roofing company
@caroline444 , we spent a long time sorting out the 'home improvements' the owner of our last house made. We also had the kitchen replaced during a very cold January. This included sapping doors round and we too had gaping holes in the walls. We also all went down with nasty colds and spent a few days feeling absolutely miserable. Our son was eleven at the time and really hated eating microwave meals. This has given him a life-long insistence on using fresh ingredients. Every time he comes home he checks we've been eating enough salad!
Thank you for the suggestion. Regrettably the man who last lived here was a cowboy builder, and he turned the attic into his 'music room'. It is all completely sealed - it even has rather glam downlighting. Going by the other disasters I have bumped into since moving here, I strongly suspect there is no ventilation .... I need to contact a roofing company
You do, but you may be OK. Our bedroom is in the roof (with a small attic above in the apex) and there's no problem. When we did have a problem was when very fine powder snow drifted in under the eaves and then melted - I had to drill a small hole in the ceiling to let it out but it wasn't much!
Thank you for the suggestion. Regrettably the man who last lived here was a cowboy builder, and he turned the attic into his 'music room'. It is all completely sealed - it even has rather glam downlighting. Going by the other disasters I have bumped into since moving here, I strongly suspect there is no ventilation .... I need to contact a roofing company
Oh, poor you!
My place's previous owner suffered from a "friend" who was a cowboy/bodge artist and it took the best part of 20 years to discover all the lunacies and put them right. Bonded polymer render on walls with lime mortar was one special joy, extra power points spurred off a lighting circuit caused massive grief, and pumped waste/soil being sent up over a ceiling ... 😱
Rather than a roofing company I suggest you find a good builder to do a survey because you're likely to have more than just the issue of the sealed roof.
Rather than a roofing company I suggest you find a good builder to do a survey because you're likely to have more than just the issue of the sealed roof.
True, but do make sure he's a busy builder, i.e. doesn't need the work. We were almost convinced to have the entire roof re-lined - until he announced that yes, he could start the work next week!
@Piglet
Yes - he was lethal, to make things worse I think he was actually employed as a builder, so has probably been wreaking havoc on other people's houses too...
@Sarasa
It sounds like you have also been through the mill with a dicey last owner... Plus the kitchen replacement sounded like a major challenge!
Thank you for the tip about trying a builder first. I now have both a roofer and a builder coming to see it on different days - and both are very busy, so it probably won't be until next week at the earliest.
@TheOrganist ..... Gosh, it sounds like you have had experiences very similar to mine! The house looked so modern and sleek when I got it (small but perfectly formed), and it has been one great big disaster after the next. My last venture was replacing the extension he built at the back - it was a really much needed part of the house - but built with chewing gum and odd bits and pieces that he found on building sites where he'd been labouring. Even when I've sorted out the roof, I'm sure I won't have finished rectifying his appalling workmanship. *End of rant....*
Our Christmas decs have been on the landing since the middle of September when we had not 1 but 2 plumbing-related issues in the loft...fortunately the boxes weren’t affected but in order to get access they needed to be moved.
When we put them away after last Christmas we said that we must sort them out...40plus years of our own decorations plus all the decent ones from my parents mean that we have far more than we will ever use.
You might think that it would have been the ideal time to sort them out, as they were accessible and we theoretically had the time, but....
Could I add to the advice to Caroline re potential builders - ask around your local friends and get recommendations. If people have had a good job done, they'll usually be happy to recommend the perpetrator, or conversely to warn you off a duff one.
I'm hoping to get some bits and pieces done to my new place (most notably replacing the heating), and as one of my oldest friends has lived here for years, I'll be picking her brains*.
* I'll probably also pick the brains of local Shippies ...
Better commute today - I was even 10 minutes early! I'm still cross with Lothian Buses though - what's the point of them having screens and announcements saying which stop you're at if they don't switch them on?
I'm getting there though - I'm getting used to the landmarks on the route, so with any luck after a few more journeys it won't matter.
I've also (at least partially) conquered the photocopier.
It’s a dull, murky day today. I’m at my standing desk - I try not to sit down until elevenses, which is a coffee and an apple at 11:30am. Yes, I’m trying to lose weight - I have some Covid Kilos to lose!
If you have conquered the photocopier you are queen of the office!
Agreed. Especially as I wouldn't be surprised if it's an all-singing, all-dancing multi function one that acts as the printer as well. (I had a running battle with the feed tray and scanner on our office one.)
If you have conquered the photocopier you are queen of the office!
Indeed you are! So glad the journey was better, Piglet.
I used to take the bus three times a week when I was working, plus a trip to Wells once a fortnight for a course I've been doing. It makes me sad to see them driving around virtually empty now.
I've done my usual early morning grocery shop, had breakfast and have a few Zoomy things on today. It's also bright and cold here so a walk at some point is also planned.
I spent a more-than-usually-eye-watering amount on the groceries this morning, but it did include a fair few bits for Christmas. When things were normal I was doing at least one top up shop during the week as well as the main one, so I'm probably not spending that much more on groceries; it just feels as though I am.
Five window fitters turned up yesterday, 3 of them before 8 am, and did all the upstairs windows, 8 of them, by 4 in the afternoon. From outside they look just the same, but having white inside, and losing the glazing bars, makes such a difference to how much light you get. But, oh man, was it ever cold! I hid in the kitchen and made cherry bakewell blondies for Christmas so I had an excuse to turn on the oven. Today I feel like Lisa Simpson - 'if anyone wants me, I'll be in my room!'
It will all be worth it...it will all be worth it ... it will all be worth it... (repeat as necessary)
Mmm, cherry bakewell blondies (adds to list of baked goodies...)
I've posted out some parcels, been for a walk and put away the meat and veg deliveries, before doing some work admin. I'm currently prevaricating before doing today's marking (this week's subject is the social factors influencing health).
I may not be quite so jubilant about the photocopier after I've tried to copy labels on it (which I'm heading off to do shortly).
Much better commute this morning (although it was p*ssing with rain, so I got wet); I hardly had to wait for the bus at all - and the announcement screen thingy was working.
I may drop into M&S on the way home and buy a hat (much as I hate them, I hate the way my hair curls if it gets wet even more).
Trouble is, I seem to have a rather large head, and finding a hat that fits is a pain.
So glad the commute was better @Piglet . I'm with you in it, from the comfort of my little study.
If you can do labels on the copier you are an Administrative Goddess as well as a domestic one. I worked at my last place for 12 years and it still used to take me ages.
Battled with the technology to complete all my voluntary WFH tasks today. Fortunately the staff are super helpful. I think I have been given duff equipment and not all configured properly but the IT person is ignoring me.
Comments
Meanwhile, we're expecting a delivery tomorrow between 7am and 7pm so are off to bed with the alarm set for 6.30.
Possibly not old enough to be invited in for a flu jab on the NHS, either, although from earlier posts on here it seems that they are working their way down the age range to lessen the chance of there being a flu epidemic at the same time as Covid.
In the States, the CDC recommends that pretty much everyone over 6 months get one every year. Most insurance plans either cover the cost completely or require only a small co-pay.
This gives details of who gets the flu jab - you now qualify if you're over 50 in England, it may be the same in Scotland.
Pneumonia jab is offered to over 65s and younger people with certain health conditions.
Just remind me never to have a conversation with our Health and Safety Officer about my condition ever again. When I returned the completed (from the H&S point of view after I'd done my share) Risk Assessment as factually incorrect on a number of fronts, I was told "But, my brother has your condition and he said it was OK." Um, no, I explained carefully I have a rare variation that has differences to the classic form of the condition and some of those differences add to my possible vulnerabilities. Plus, you know one person with my condition, you know one person and how they are. That does not make you an expert on the entire spectrum of possibilities within the generic condition.
Mind you, in the meantime, it's all moved from list to list, and I've just concluded I will be Very Careful around other people and it seems to be working.
I also had my flu jab back in September via my workplace, and the NHS systems can't cope with that! I've had 3 letters since telling me off for not booking it via the GP.
We put up our trees and decorations yesterday, to the sound of Praetorius (only marred by the sound of me singing along to the bits of tunes I recognised!)
Mr S had to take his car to help Miss S, SiL and TIG#1 get their tree - they left #2 with me so he didn't inadvertently get tangled in the tree-netting machine, but the prospect of wrestling child car seats out of the car was just too daunting. That seems to be his role in life - pre-grandchildren, they had two two-seaters and no way of getting anything bigger than a packet of sandwiches into either of them, let alone a tree!
This year it is being offered more widely and I was called up because they moved into the age 50s group and I am 51.
I’m not sure what the rules are for Scotland where Piglet lives though.
I didn’t get the letter, hit a few weeks later got a phone call asking me to come to the surgery for it. I don’t qualify by age, but when they were using the church I pointed out that I visited as many homes as registered carers, who do get it, so they promptly grabbed my arm and stuck in the needle. This year I am visiting far fewer homes, but they still thought it worth giving it to me. Interestingly the instruction was “If you have a slight fever in the next two days, you don’t need to worry or isolate.”
In other news, yesterday I should have got home in time* to get involved in the GirlGuiding online pantomime, but it was on the Book of the Face, of which I'm not a member and I didn't fancy fighting my way through that one and avoiding all the bear traps attempting to force me to sign up to it.
But I did see the Bellowhead reunion concert online as it was aired - apparently in the company of 10,000 others. Twitter trended #bellowhead while it was on - I wasn't playing social media alongside as I was cutting out my daughter's sewing projects for Christmas presents while it was on, with varying success at staying still depending on what was being played. (Those who missed out and want to play, 30 days access still available).
* out walking our daily 10,000 - 15,000 steps Geocaching, because just getting the next cache is incentive to keep going. One was impossible as on a flooded path - the floods starting 40m away at one end, behind a lake the other. We had to give up as finding caches in woods in the dark needs torches and kit we didn't have with us.
I already had my jab/jag in October though - for the first time - at my local Boots (£14). No big reaction luckily, just a bit of pain in my arm for a day or so. I will gladly accept the covid vaccination as soon as I can get it!
Today I reach the age of my mother - a very strange experience. It reminds me of just how young she was when she died, and how much more she could have fitted in. I try to fulfil dreams rather than put them off, but this year of course has slowed this down. So I face the most peculiar birthday - not just for this, but thinking how to celebrate when in Tier 2. At least the new cat has decided that it’s ok to be out & about during the daytime, and that it’s ok not to attack me.
Today's tasks: laundry, bread making, possibly preceded by a trip to Tesco's to get flour - I'm not sure how much I have left.
I lead such an exciting life ...
eta: happy birthday, Daisydaisy!
@daisydaisy , Mr Nen found it a strange experience when he reached the age when he was older than his mother had been when she died - in her 50s. I hope you manage to enjoy your day despite everything. I have a birthday coming up and we are Tier 3 - planning a meal for two Chez Nen and a Zoom with the Nenlets that evening.
We had an adult baptism today via Zoom church of someone who became a Christian during lockdown. We have a tank in church for baptisms, and appear to be using the c of e covid rules on how to conduct them (we’re a Relational Mission charismatic church, what was New Frontiers)
Japes, if you tell the GP you have had it at work they can update their records: I have done that when pregnant.
Laundry has been done (though still to be sorted and put away); shopping has been done (it was a lovely day for an amble); bread has been made; and some of it has been turned into a BACON sarnie and eaten for supper.
Now, a lazy evening followed by an early night ...
My bedroom is part ceiling, part open-up-to-the-roof, but everything is sealed in, & it all looks fairly immaculate. The attic is above my bedroom. I went up there - and everything look fine...except for a little pool of water which was obviously dripping down into my bedroom. It had seemingly appeared from nowhere.
I rang my plumber, a lovely man who amazingly seems to know my water system off by heart. He said there were definitely no pipes up in the attic and nothing that could be leaking. He said that he has noticed very high levels of condensation in his own roof - to the extent that the lining of the roof was quite sodden. He thinks that is the cause of my mysterious pool and drip problem.
I just thought I'd mention it in case anyone else experiences a mysterious little pool of water from nowhere. I'd never heard of roof condensation before.
Quarantine, I’ve forgotten which day - but we are let out into the wild on Thursday!
Tatze has gone for a long walk by the river with my friend. I have doodle zoom soon - always relaxing.
Then I’ll be on to packing for our cottage industry, it can get busy near Christmas. My brother will pick the parcels up for posting. The post office will pick up these days, but they charge 70p per parcel.
I must write my Christmas cards, I’ve been procrastinating that for too long now! The decorations are up 🌲
Two orders from the supermarket done, to be delivered between now and Christmas. (I've taken to ordering little and often, as I find the unpacking & putting away hard on my back, especially as they don't send it in bags any more)
Then I need to give the place a going over with vacuum, duster & polish so I can start putting the cards on display (the only decorations going up this year)
However, roof spaces do need to be ventilated. Our has some air vent ridge tiles, plus a sort of gauze in the soffits to allow some air movement. The latter can get dirty and need cleaning, from the outside: it's ladder work of course. This gives the idea, though I have no idea about 'vent baffles': https://tinyurl.com/y5lo77tr
When we moved to Intrepid Cottage two and a half years ago, we had to have better ventilation put in the attics - just to lift the felt away from the eaves - and a forced ventilation system too. Otherwise there were concerns that the roof timbers would rot, and we really didn't want that.
In other - but related - news, all our windows are being replaced. It pains me in a way because they were hardwood, but since they were installed they have warped to such an extent that you can nearly put your finger through some of the gaps. Now they will be 'rosewood' on the outside and white inside, which has already made a fantastic difference to how light the rooms are where the new windows have gone in. Unfortunately, although they will undoubtedly be warmer once they're in, they are a d*mned sight colder when they are lying on the lawn leaving enormous holes in the walls! <eeeek>
Me too! Thank you.
@Baptist Trainfan
Thank you so much for that. The diagram is useful. My roof is asbestos, and I don't even want to think what extra hassle that is going to create in sorting this out. At least now I have some idea of what is causing the problem.
@The Intrepid Mrs S
It was very helpful to read what you said. This is obviously a 'thing' even if I'd never heard of it before. I will have to contact a company that specialises in this sort of issue.
There should be vents into the roof space; check that they haven't got blocked.
Thank you for the suggestion. Regrettably the man who last lived here was a cowboy builder, and he turned the attic into his 'music room'. It is all completely sealed - it even has rather glam downlighting. Going by the other disasters I have bumped into since moving here, I strongly suspect there is no ventilation .... I need to contact a roofing company
My place's previous owner suffered from a "friend" who was a cowboy/bodge artist and it took the best part of 20 years to discover all the lunacies and put them right. Bonded polymer render on walls with lime mortar was one special joy, extra power points spurred off a lighting circuit caused massive grief, and pumped waste/soil being sent up over a ceiling ... 😱
Rather than a roofing company I suggest you find a good builder to do a survey because you're likely to have more than just the issue of the sealed roof.
Good luck!
Yes - he was lethal, to make things worse I think he was actually employed as a builder, so has probably been wreaking havoc on other people's houses too...
@Sarasa
It sounds like you have also been through the mill with a dicey last owner... Plus the kitchen replacement sounded like a major challenge!
@Baptist Trainfan and @TheOrganist and @The Intrepid Mrs S
Thank you for the tip about trying a builder first. I now have both a roofer and a builder coming to see it on different days - and both are very busy, so it probably won't be until next week at the earliest.
@TheOrganist ..... Gosh, it sounds like you have had experiences very similar to mine! The house looked so modern and sleek when I got it (small but perfectly formed), and it has been one great big disaster after the next. My last venture was replacing the extension he built at the back - it was a really much needed part of the house - but built with chewing gum and odd bits and pieces that he found on building sites where he'd been labouring. Even when I've sorted out the roof, I'm sure I won't have finished rectifying his appalling workmanship. *End of rant....*
When we put them away after last Christmas we said that we must sort them out...40plus years of our own decorations plus all the decent ones from my parents mean that we have far more than we will ever use.
You might think that it would have been the ideal time to sort them out, as they were accessible and we theoretically had the time, but....
I'm hoping to get some bits and pieces done to my new place (most notably replacing the heating), and as one of my oldest friends has lived here for years, I'll be picking her brains*.
* I'll probably also pick the brains of local Shippies ...
Better commute today - I was even 10 minutes early! I'm still cross with Lothian Buses though - what's the point of them having screens and announcements saying which stop you're at if they don't switch them on?
I'm getting there though - I'm getting used to the landmarks on the route, so with any luck after a few more journeys it won't matter.
I've also (at least partially) conquered the photocopier.
Agreed. Especially as I wouldn't be surprised if it's an all-singing, all-dancing multi function one that acts as the printer as well. (I had a running battle with the feed tray and scanner on our office one.)
I used to take the bus three times a week when I was working, plus a trip to Wells once a fortnight for a course I've been doing. It makes me sad to see them driving around virtually empty now.
I've done my usual early morning grocery shop, had breakfast and have a few Zoomy things on today. It's also bright and cold here so a walk at some point is also planned.
I spent a more-than-usually-eye-watering amount on the groceries this morning, but it did include a fair few bits for Christmas. When things were normal I was doing at least one top up shop during the week as well as the main one, so I'm probably not spending that much more on groceries; it just feels as though I am.
It will all be worth it...it will all be worth it ... it will all be worth it... (repeat as necessary)
I've posted out some parcels, been for a walk and put away the meat and veg deliveries, before doing some work admin. I'm currently prevaricating before doing today's marking (this week's subject is the social factors influencing health).
Much better commute this morning (although it was p*ssing with rain, so I got wet); I hardly had to wait for the bus at all - and the announcement screen thingy was working.
I may drop into M&S on the way home and buy a hat (much as I hate them, I hate the way my hair curls if it gets wet even more).
Trouble is, I seem to have a rather large head, and finding a hat that fits is a pain.
If you can do labels on the copier you are an Administrative Goddess as well as a domestic one. I worked at my last place for 12 years and it still used to take me ages.