Room for Six

So, it looks like we are in it for the long haul which is why  I have spent the last few hours  researching Gazebos.  I now know everything you need to know about  them. Wind proof, waterproof, pest proof, size, shape, material, construction, in fact I could add it to my Mastermind specialisations.  I have also looked into  patio heaters and so far, I know I need an electric one and it needs to be upright and probably I will require two.  The idea is to create a Covid safe extra room on our patio  so I can enjoy a few friends and family.   

But first priority is the roof, and yesterday’s storm was a stark reminder that it needs to be sorted before winter.  So, I have finally chosen the lucky  builder who gets to scamper around on my roof.  

All very interesting I know  but  in order for me survive what I suspect is going to be a long hard winter I  want to make our home as comfortable as possible.  I am not alone I just spoke with my girlfriend who is busy researching sofas, “If I have to  spend the winter inside then I want to  make it really yummy,” she said.

As for Christmas well I think it is a given that it will not be happening.  The plus side is the money I will save on Christmas will pay for the outside space.

And I am beginning to assemble a list of films and tv programmes that will see me through the cold spell.  Once the chimney has been swept I have visions of curling up in my armchair in front of a roaring open fire and catching up on all the films and tv programmes that I have missed. I have already begun  the new Netflix  intriguing drama  Ratched shades of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. And next on the list is the  much acclaimed Schitts Creek.  

My list so far:

The Gospel According to Mica – Story of Gospel Music in Six Songs BBC4

Cold War  – Pawel Pawlowski’s  inspired by his own parents’ lives. Film 4

The History Boys Adaptation of Alan Bennett’s play. BBC 2 (I never saw it when it was out)

Being Beethoven – 3-part doc about his life BBC4

There She Goes – second series of comedy drama couple bringing up child with severe learning difficulties BBC 2

The Selfish Giant  – loosely based on Oscar Wilde’s story Film 4

The Florida Project  – C4

The Singapore Grip –  ITV

Fill the Void – portrait of a young woman in Tel Aviv’s Orthodox Hasidic community Netflix

Grayson Perry’s Big American Road Trip – C4

The Midwife Catherine Deneuve – Prime

Jackie Natalie Portman plays Jackie Kennedy – BBC

Boyhood –  Film 4

High Rise –  J G Ballard Film 4

12 Years a slave – Film 4

And this is just the tip of the iceberg – think it will keep me going for a while – suggestions are always welcome.

“Let’s be careful out there”