These really feel like the final weeks, as the job sheet is getting shorter. Rain continues to hamper our best efforts but the guys have managed to dig holes, prepare for gate columns and make a path and shower cubicle down the other side of the house. Sextus has done a very good job on the outside of the house and has moved inside today to do the study area. The kitchen is getting its final, final sanding, as is the TV area.

A few mornings ago Jeff opened up the house to find that the granite fairy had been and left kitchen worktops, just ready to be fitted. It had all gone quiet on the granite front and we were prepared for a bit of a wait, so were pleasantly surprised. The colour has turned out to be a good choice and looks great with the light coloured wood and red walls; thank goodness for that! They must have arrived with it after the guys had clocked off and found a way in, which is quite easy, as we still have no doors on the balconies. This should be rectified by the end of today as Jeff drove halfway down the Island to prise two more doors out of our frustratingly slow window maker. So now we are waiting for the final four doors and one window.

We have had a heavy week socially, as our friend John, from the military sailing school has joined us for two weeks, in between sailing legs out of Antigua. We also had a visit from Tim (who bought our house), which has meant late nights and lots of imbibing. John has been a great help and has put most of the flat pack bedroom furniture together as well as helping Jeff on site.

We did have a break over Easter and sailed down to Soufriere for a night stop. Once again we were accompanied by Foxy. She is not a natural sailor, preferring to sleep, sheltered from the wind. Even at five months old she can hang on until we get her on dry land before she pees but that does mean rowing to shore at least three times a day in whatever weather, so we can see that its not the dream for dogs or owners. Never mind, it’s not long now until she has half an acre to romp around in, chasing mongoose and grubbing around in jungle.