Finally we put up the bamboo roof on the arbour.

Originally, I was planning to keep it open so that I could grow a grapevine or wisteria (hence why the structure is so high) but then I realised it’s way too much work for me. I can’t keep going up on ladders to cut it back all the time.

Instead, I opted to cover the roof with bamboo which still allows dappled light through. I wanted a Mediterranean look because I figured if we can’t travel overseas, I may as well make the Mediterranean come to me. 🤣 I’m quite happy with how it’s turned out because it means that during summer, I can use the outdoor space a lot more.

We now have to save up some money for an outdoor lounge and I need to ask around for some free seedlings, plants and flowers that I could put into pots.

I’m trying to do as much as possible without spending any more money as we need to watch where our pennies are going (except for books). Our utility bills and food costs have increased in prices dramatically and I’ve been delaying getting repairs to the house needed for the time being. Last week I sealed our shower myself which was an interesting exercise (thanks YouTube!). The LAST thing I want is to have to return to work to have the funds to do all this. I can do it myself or ask family and friends for help). 🤣

We had a lot of leftover bamboo from the project.

Rather than leave it on the nature strip to have someone take it, I figured I could use it up in some way. Over the weekend I linked it all up with wire to create “bamboo mats”. I could put large pot plants and grow some herbs, spices, greens, etc and it keeps the pots off the ground circulating air flow underneath them. I went to Bunnings today to check the cost of buying potting mix. I may need a lot of bags for what I’m planning to do but methinks it may just be cheaper to buy my greens from the supermarket. I came home undecided and empty handed. Nowadays I’m just questioning every purchase down to the last cent – all expenses are known and factored in. We have more pressing repairs such as fixing another leak in the roof (thanks to the recent earthquake); I need a dishwasher as I wash everything by hand (and I think it wastes more water); our dryer died too (although this isn’t necessary as I use the clothes line).

Anyway, as for the bamboo offcuts? Maybe I’ll do something else with them too. For now, I really have no other idea. Maybe I can make an art installation of sorts or even a tubular pot planter? 🤔

Ideas for summer I guess. In some way, I’m just waiting for the weather to warm up to get my mojo back a bit. I’m becoming too much of a home body. Books, playing with Pud,golf, French, looking after parents is taking my time. Rest of it is trying to stay warm. Winter this year has been exceptionally cold. I can’t remember it being this cold in a long time!

Being outside while pottering about with all this stuff freezes me from inside out. My feet and hands become ice blocks and breathing in the frosty cold air affects my throat and I get a raspy cough.

Argh. The warmer weather and longer days can’t come quick enough so my days can get a little bit of variety in them. 🤣