Making Do

The little place you see to the right, behind the old olive tree is the 'penthouse' level of the Hovel . Another two floors are partly cut into the slope below what you can see; the chimney belongs to what used to be a kitchen below the patio in front of the penthouse. The patio floor is now propped up by columns, rain water currently floods through holes and cracks in this; luckily the kitchen floor is solid, and I dug a little soak-away for this water. All under control - the patio will be sealed shortly and a new re-inforced concrete floor laid eventually. The owner fixed a new roof and so the other rooms are dry now. All external surfaces have to be restored to their original appearence. I have a free hand in rebuilding the interior, which will be DBQ - designer-barn quality. There was no water laid on at first, no wiring, but the old meter had not been removed, just disconnected. A cable from a neighbour has served very basic needs over the last two years, and I have nearly finished wiring the place. Connection is expected any moment, the forms filled in, deposit paid. But this is Greece.