More cousins

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Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

And this is Brianna and Ryan.

Get a move on

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Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

Sad events took us back to the states unexpectedly, but we did get to spend time with Deirdre's cousins (Nat's first cousin once removed). This is Connor.

Floor Plan

Floor Plan
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

No more house photos! Here's the floorplan. You tell us what to do with that terribly laid out kitchen. Woodhouse, despite wanting £28000 to renovate it, has no idea. We just need to fit the dining room table in it, no other requirements. That's a fireplace hearth jutting out from the wall. We will undertake reasonable building works.

Red at Last

Red at Last
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

You'll have to bring your own paintbrush. Bob and Mary Kate flew in from Cairo to paint the town (and our front reception room) red.

Our home improvements have slacked off since Bob left.

Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

If you come to stay with us, this is the fantastic presidential suite, with its own bathroom (albeit an old style no-water pressure English tub, and you'll share it with the cats).

But the price is pretty steep.

Unorthodox Work Triangle

Unorthodox Work Triangle
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

For a while we had the fridge in the living room because the delivery guys couldn't get it through the hallway to the kitchen. You can tell that our housekeeping suffered through the move.

They eventually brought enough guys to hoist it over the bannister in the hall that was blocking their way.

Window Treatments

Window Treatments
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

The students took their curtains. This, being England, means it will take months to get proper shutters. Us, being us, means it will take months to order the curtains. In the meantime, we have this classy solution. The neighbors love us.

Cellar Monster

Cellar Monster
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

The old coal cellar. The doors being used as floors originally separated the front and back reception rooms (which are now open to one another). I'm pretty sure Bob Villa is weeping, right now.

Period Feature II

Period Feature II
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

More period features, original to the house, circa 1899.

Period Feature

Period Feature
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

One of the reasons we bought this house, despite its decepit cosmetic (and possibly structural) condition was the wealth of period features, such as this genuine 2003 model Playstation 2.

Smoking Kills

Smoking Kills
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

Secondhand smoke is not so good for cornicing. But it tastes so good.

Entrance Hall

Entrance Hall
Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

One of the things we did when we were not blogging was buying a house. If you want to go short on the London real estate market, now is the time.

[Sarcastic Name for our House TBD] is in Fulham, a mere 400 yards from the old homestead, but on a decidedly dodgier street. It has four beds, two baths, a coal cellar. It had the misfortune of being under hostile occupation by students for at least the past 5 years. Terrifying pictures to follow.

Nearly April

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Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

Why must it be so cold? We're going back to St. Lucia.

We're Back

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Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

Apologies for the long absence. Doug got exiled to a client and we all had a lot going on, including close to a month without access to the internet, thanks to our friends at British Telecom.

Nat is very disappointed in us.

Grandmaster

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Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

Nat contemplates his next move, probably out of that hat.

Someone needs a nap

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Originally uploaded by dyrlac.

It is difficult to drink for four.