God these stairs are difficult - really difficult. Imagine cutting a bit of wood to fit EXACTLY into this corner - and the rise has to be the perfect height etc etc. But we seem to be getting htere.

We are working slightly backwards in that we've ordered the sofa bed and actually bought two terrific wicker chairs (easy to haul out onto the balcony) last week. Sadly, having driven the lady batty and spending about 2 hours in the place chosing fabric, the sofa people then rang and said the fabric firm had gone bust! So now - cunningly - they say the only alternative is MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE. Must remember that ploy when people are chosing diamond rings. So a bit back to the drawing board on that one.
Leg op. on the 15th so hopefully stairs will be in and I'll be able to recuperate on the balcony. Ha! In light of the current weather pattern it will be behind firmly closed doors.

Aha! At last we know why the stairs aren't made - they're too difficult.

This is Mike trying to work out the bottom step. Pencil marks and rubbings out all over the floor, wee architectural books and screeds of paper.

BUT - the lintel is in and the bottom step has been cut. So - onwards and upwards. And we can still manage drinks on the balcony - G & t's up a ladder are no problem to us.