…though minus the appliances. It looks great. It may be a bit too green for some, but we think it will look fine after the floor is covered, walls painted and furniture brought in. The green is actually more subdued than these photos suggest (particularly the last photo).

It all happened today, installed by two very pleasant and efficient young men from Pete’s Kitchens: Terry Waitere and Adam Saunders. To the robust radio accompaniment of The Breeze radio station. It was a change from Bruce’s favourite station, Newztalk ZB, but by the end of the day I’d heard enough big ballads and pop songs from the ’70s and ’80s. It was a bit of a nostalgia trip: I played a fair few of the songs myself when I was in the James Cook Hotel resident band.

First cupboard in position.

Sorting out levels: Adam Saunders (left) and Terry Waitere.

Terry placing the second cupboard. Note the very long yellow level.

Adam at work.

Nearly finished.

Complete except for one cupboard door that was taken away to be tweaked. On the left hand side is the refrigerator compartment, with a microwave holder beside it. There’s a space for the electric range, and another space on the window wall for the dishwasher. The tall structures on the right are a pantry and laundry cupboard (which will have a washer, drier and tub).

On Monday the hot water will be connected. The concrete floor will be ground smooth and sealed, ready for vinyl laying on Wednesday. Hopefully by the end of the week we’ll have most of the appliances in place and working: new electric range, dishwasher, microwave and clothes washer. These are all new, but we’ll be adding our Wellington house’s refrigerator and clothes drier.

#*