DIY patio-ing, rooftop sunset panoramas and almost snorkelling with seagulls

The nicest thing about owning a house is you can do whatever you like with it, and hopefully increase its value in doing so. That’s why one of the first things we did after moving in to our Very First Housie two-and-a-half months ago was to knock some nails in the walls. But of course we have far grander plans than that. And as Husband is quite the MacGyver-type handyman, he’s happy to do it himself instead of paying someone else to do it for him. That’s why I now have the most beautiful light fittings, ceiling fans, bedroom cupboard area, and thanks to last weekend’s efforts, a very strong support structure for a lovely sheltered patio area. But of course, that’s not all we did…

Friday, 6 February 2015: Loadshed roof exploring

Last Friday we were loadshed the moment we got home from work. Luckily the sun was still shining brightly, so Husband used the time to finally get up on the roof to do some exploring. This is what he saw, directly behind us…

Our neighbours to the left and back – these are not townhouses or flats but freestanding homes

Traffic heading toward the setting sun in front of us

To the front and right of us. Note an empty can in top right corner of our garage roof, almost in line with the ‘Parklands – no dumping’ sign. Oh, the irony!

Then he stitched the pics together as a panoramic shot, and this what a variation of what’s all around our housie. Beautiful.

Saturday, 7 February 2015: Breakfast at Melissa’s, lunch at Panama Jacks and first stage of patio beam installation

Leafy shape in my flat white from Melissa-s in Blouberg – our first ever visit to Melissa’s.

Husband ensuring his eggs ben breakfast was well and truly sauced

And for me? A slice of pecan praline cheesecake, thank you very much 😉

Tummies purring, we set off to do our ‘wood’ research, and found the place with the best price. Here I’m sitting in the backseat while the lengths of wood stick out the back of Bluebell – we did tie them down with rope, too. Of course MacGyver-y Husband thought of that

Wood purchased, we left it under the doggies’ care at home while dashing off to meet the parents at Panama Jacks for the last of Husband’s birthday celebrations. Here are dad and me

With Husband and mom facing us

Dad had this for his lunch – 4 crayfishy pieces, with rice and spicy sauce

After lunch we stopped at the beach for a quick dip. I noticed the seagulls were very close to the coming tide

Then his feet got wet. Mr Gull flew off before he could take Husband up on his offer to accompany him snorkelling, though…

The water was absolutely amazing, in colour and temperature. #nofilter

Here is Husband, about to set off on his snorkelling trip, with flippers on his feet. He said he saw little green fish yellow eyes

Then we got home and Husband got to work, putting up the first beam. Looks like he’s standing on air but it’s a trick of the light, he really is on the ladder. Take no notice of the scrubby garden, that’s a project for another weekend.

Sunday, 8 February 2015: Breakfast at Cafe Lacomia, drinks at Captain’s Kitchen

We needed to buy a few more DIY-type things on Sunday morning, so breakfasted at Cafe Lacomia, right inside our nearest Builder’s Warehouse. Here is Husband perusing the menu…

Look at the mini croissant we each got to sample before our breakfast, and the two (yes, two!) little cookies that accompanied my cappuccino. Nice touch.

Odds and ends purchased, we went back home, where Husband finished off the patio roof frame rather fast

Here he is nonchalantly sitting on it, to prove it’s sturdy and can take the weight of my hammock chair

Satisfied with a job well done, we headed to Captain’s Kitchen in Big Bay to wet our whistles.

I went for a coffee milkshake, of course

Mum made wonderful dom pedro things after lupper

Wednesday, 11 February 2015: Nutella hot chocolate at Melissa’s

As luck would have it, I had my second Melissa’s experience this week, when attending a breakfast business meeting at Melissa’s on Kloof Street. This is the Nutella hot chocolate.

Later that day, on my trip home, I snapped this shot – it’s a sight you only get to see from the MyCiti bus lane in Paarden Eiland. Gorgeous cloud-covered mountain

Thursday, 12 February 2015: Refreshing (alcoholic) work lollies

Thursday was the #BizTrends20-15 event, held at the Inner City Ideas Cartel in the CBD. It was a really humid day, so these tequila-lemonade lollies went down a treat!

Friday, 13 February 2015: Office Valentine’s Day celebrations

Our entertainment committee put together the most amazing candlelit brunch, which suited the suddenly-rainy weather. Here’s my selection of eats and flute of Appletizer (though there was sparkling wine on offer, too), on our fake-grass carpet.

Who said red and pink are clashing colours? Divine

Of course we played Bad Cupid – so pleased with what I ended up with – an owlie travel mug, just perfect for someone who loves coffee and owls

That’s all for now, folks – but this is my birthday weekend, so I’m sure there’ll be a cake or two involved – have some for me 😉