Leadlight Showdown

Lead light guru, Kay

Today's the day. 3pm. I'm optimistic but a little apprehensive. The experts and I, chief stakeholder, are coming together on site. Kirk and I arrange to meet earlier to look at the window openings. Kirk reassures me he can change anything but the width of the bay windows. We discuss cost: labour plus materials. I've decided to take out two interior windows in bedrooms two and three because there's not enough room once the architraves go in. This will offset the extra costs. We look at the bay window in my room. I'd like it higher so the transom is higher. This will also give a better aspect to the back garden. I will be able to lie in bed  and contemplate the daffodils.

Kay arrives and we wander about but can only go so far without NK. We need Paul to fit in the remaining piece of the puzzles, the sizes of the PVC framing. Having sacrificed the deco lead lights in the living room bay, I'm hoping to put the two smaller ones in the fixed skylight. Kay and Kirik think this will work. They're not exactly sure how, but a few phone calls should sort it. I'm delighted as these are from my old house. 

We go from room to room checking openings against finished glass size against PVC frame. The ensuite lead light which Kay and Tam have designed based on a window from Kate Shepphard's house, is going to work while the main bathroom opening, going against the trend, needs to be a bit smaller. So does the wardrobe window. We're scratching our heads over the dining room leads with the deco fan design when Paul informs us there is a slim line option. Problem solved. But the laundry door is a conundrum. I bought two coloured lead lights at the Pump House which have blue glass and a flower design. They're locally made and unique and neither Kay nor I want to compromise their glory. The solution we come up with is to shorten the door and make it narrower. I can live with squeezing the laundry basket outside but the height looks too low.

I talk to Paul about the lack of communication from NK. We could have sorted dimensions out during the design phase. Would have been more efficient and less stressful. But we end the meeting on a hopeful note. Window Resolution. NK needs to finalise new measurements and Kay and I need to double check them. I promise her a celebration when the fat lady sings.

I get lost in the industrial part of Riccarton going home in rush hour traffic and am well ready for a swim when I get to Taylor's. The car park is full. There's been a southerly change. Surf is up. The air is gloriously cool, so is the sea. A rainbow arches above the water. Auspicious. The wind barrels into incoming waves, spraying a mist of water skywards.

After dark, the wind picks up. Fingers crossed for rain.