Thanks for the links, and the reminders of some remarkable stories!

I'd like to look back in a year's time with the building work done, but unless I grasp the nettle soon, and get some prices in, I'll still be in the same state. (Part of me is a bit scared about what it's going to cost, and the VAT (GST by another name) increases next week!) I have decided that the building work has to come first, and any other bits and pieces will be done with whatever cash nis left (if anything).

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm off to a murder mystery party tonight, despite a streaming cold, courtesy of Freya!

Andrea