it's official. settlement went through successfully today and the keys are being couriered to the lawyers overnight. i'll pick them up tomorrow. maybe then it'll really sink in!

we spent the weekend in dunedin, did the contractual inspection on sunday, saw the vendors in the midst of packing out, got introduced to the wife briefly. that was the second time we were in the house, the first being an open house day we stumbled upon. funny to think that the second time we were in it (and got the chance to see things we'd completely missed the first time, like the second toilet) our roles had changed so much.

had a better look around any way through the house and garden. there is some work to be done to spruce it up and really make it ours. lik's going to take charge of new carpets, re-doing walls, replacing some windows and a general interior design in consultation with a professional. we also want to redo the kitchen and modernise some bits which will add value to the property though currently it's of a good size and construction and location already. the essentials are there and it's exciting to think of all the potential this property has. potential for what? could be anything, that's why it's exciting! and i'm sure lik's going to make it really nice and very us. he's got the design eye so i'm trusting him to lead this endeavour.

whereas in the garden, i think i'll lead the action. there is a good sized garden in the back and beds for planting at the sides and front of the house. there is so much room! no more tiny pots or thinking we won't be around to see this through to harvest. it's really nice to know we'll be in the same place for awhile. so literally and figuratively we can sink some roots in.

i wish this week we were both there getting a feel of the house, grounds, neighbourhood. and doing some work! now's the time to be weeding and preparing the beds, and we're 5 hours away! argh! we even went to order a bed today cos i thought if we could get it delivered asap i could head down there. but we were told it would take weeks. still i was very happy with the saleslady who was very knowledgeable and very friendly and cut us a super deal on a bed frame and mattress. :) very pleased.