Big push

I worked hard to bring my stripping activities to a conclusion. Just two small windows left after tackling windows and to doors.

I have bled local paint shops dry of stripper, apart from the really expensive stuff. I’ve used about 20l on 10 windows and frames, three external glass doors and frames and one internal door. My consumption of steel wool has also grown considerably.

I finally managed to pay Stefano down at the garage after five visits. His dad at one point said in his rapid fire Italian, ‘You shouldn’t come down specially to pay him.’ I eventually managed to hand over €340 for four all season tyres fitted and the dismantling and relubing of the wiper motor and some expert fiddling with the blower plug.

I bought some extra stripper with the cash I had left over. And a better bottle of wine than the usual.