The lengths we go to

8th January 2026

Many moons ago, (well before “we fired de work” and then took on the biggest job/ adventure of our lives) we used to come on holiday to Barbados and stay with my parents on the East coast. One year at breakfast Dad introduced us to his new best friend “Winston”.. Dad sat down, on the patio,with his homemade muesli. Within minutes Winston flew in. He settled in on the wall, overlooking Cattlewash beach, tilted his head towards Dad and waited patiently to be served. He would then confidently hop over and peck away at his breakfast. Ever since then all Barbados bullfinches have been known by us as their namesake.

Fast forward to December 2025, Winston and Clemie have moved into the newly refurbished pool chattel. In the light fitting is an advanced clutch of little Winstons. Being responsible landlords we have left them to fledge but now we have the clear up. Having spent a great deal of time refurbishing them last year, the two Richards have a mission on to bird proof the garden bogs. A great deal of maths later, a rummage in the tool box and another trip to the DIY shop, they have the tools and have measured the lengths they need. Then it was discovered that each space was different and bespoke lengths were needed…. It’s going to take a bit longer than we thought. Massive thanks to Richard the second who has taken on this mission.

Meanwhile Winston and Clemmie are house hunting and have spotted a prime location …. The rusty old chandeliers in the dining room …. Very industrious they are ….repeatedly I swept the floor …. in 10 minutes intervals…. as my back was turned ….they were back.

Needs must, until they decide to look elsewhere….

I hated the lights anyway so it’s a good excuse to get a wriggle on with replacing them.

Meanwhile the pest control people are cracking on with the overdue termite treatment of the main house, that job started this morning. With drilling holes to the outside walls and all access required to the cellar and hurricane shelter.

On the subject of all access required, the previous owner has gone to some lengths to block up holes to the outside for all manner of critters. Leaving unsightly expanding foam (which we understand rodents just eat through) and wire wool protruding, often at a jaunty angle from cracks and crevices. With the VIPs arriving in two weeks we decided we had some reinforcement and prettification to do.

To be fair, we can live with it in the outside walls but around the bath … really ….it looks shite. Enter into our armoury Rockite. No bugger is getting through that shit.

Note the cake slice…. You will remember me using it before to block the hole above our bed. A flexible friend, a multi purpose scoop, mixer and shover-in, in one tool, not to mention being good for cakes …. Priceless …..although this particular one is not going back to its former use.

Anyway I must away, there are more lengths of mesh to measure, and I need to find the broom …… Winston has been to his estate agent and left a sample of what he is looking for and a protest at the plastification of his preferred penthouse.