The push is on

I can’t believe that is been well over a month since I last did an update to my blog.  What can I say but its been incredibly busy as we’ve all been working hard to get the house ready before Christmas. We’re almost there.  I would be very remise if I didn’t acknowledge all the hard work put into this project by Siana, Allan and the Fiji construction crew. They’ve put in long days and back breaking effort.

I’ve posted lots of photos of the progress on the house over the last 6 weeks below. Currently the roof is complete except for the gutters thanks to Arthur’s cousin Zacharia and nephew Mo who both worked through some blazing hot days. The exterior walls and main floor flooring is installed thanks to Siana, Allan, Titi, Dukai, and Kai, and the upper floor is more than halfway complete. The main floor veranda joists and upper floor veranda bearers are complete thanks to Vili and Tom, and the main floor veranda decking has been started. Last week we had an additional crew in to dig and cement in the posts for the platforms for the two 5000 litre water tanks which will be arriving tomorrow. As well they’ve dug the hole for the septic tank and started digging the septic field. Arthur has completed the rough in plumbing. Yesterday 4 of 8 solar panels were installed but due to some unexpected glitches the whole system will not be installed until next Sunday. The electrical team will be here by Friday to wire the house and hopefully by next Sunday the electrician will be able to connect to a live 2 Kv system and we’ll finally be able to fire up the fridge.

In the midst of all this activity we’ve had time to take a trip to Savusavu to see off Allan as he headed back to Canada. During the three months in Fiji Allan had a chance to see how life is lived away from the resort areas and I’m sure he is taking back many memories  of both good and challenging experiences.  We’ll miss the “big man” and look forward to his next visit. While in Savusavu, we spoilt ourselves with a much deserved break at the Daku Resort in Savusavu and chilled in the dipping pool just in front of our villa – it was heaven. We also had the opportunity to attend the wedding of the daughter of Arthur’s family’s longtime neighbours Suraj and Sera in Labasa. The ladies attending the wedding were dressed in amazing saris only to out done by the bride in traditional red and gold.

Siana headed off on Saturday to Nadi via a stop in Nakasi to meet up with Marc, Kinesi, Ateca, and Ateca’s boyfriend Brendan. They’re all connecting at the Bamboo Backpacker’s Hotel before Siana and Marc carry on to Sigatoka and the rest carry on to Suva. I’ll be heading to Suva to meet everyone and then we’ll all head home next Sunday. Unfortunately Thomas will not be able to join us for Christmas as he is attending a Motorcycle and Small Engine Repair program at BCIT. We’ll all miss him and me especially.

And not forgetting our animals. The kittens are growing quickly and are providing hours of entertainment. Bruno is trying desperately to make friends with the kittens and can’t wait until they’re ready to play with him. For now he’s learning the meaning of  ‘gentle’. Our layer birds were producing about 18 eggs per day but the mongoose have been terrorising the birds and its taken the last several days to figure out how to mongoose proof the chicken coop.  I think we’ve finally solved the problem as the chicken have started to lay again.  We’ve decided to expand our chicken flock and put in an order for 30 more laying birds and 30 more meat birds expecting to receive the chicks in early January. But best laid plans always goes awry – we received the chicks last week just 2 weeks after placing the order.  In the past its taken up to 2 months to get the chicks.

Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. Even though our house may not be ready, we are planning to host Christmas for our extended Fijian and Canadian family. We’re not sure how many people will be coming but we’re looking forward to celebrating with whoever will make it.  For those of you overseas, we wish you peace and joy during the festive season and all the best in the New Year.