The day of rest

Not that I'm a traditionalist in that regard or anything - in fact I had intended to make a start knocking out the old fireplace today - but as it happened I didn't feel like it. Back to work tomorrow after being off sick for two weeks, so I wanted to make the most of my last day of freedom.

We did pop over to the fireplace place to place (!) the order though, after waiting in for a guy who was coming to collect a spare bed we no longer needed. Long live Manchester Freecycle - finding good homes for your unwanted tat without resorting to landfill!

Here's the one we've chosen. The Bedford mantel in light oak, with an arch inset, gas fire, and a matt black quarry tiled hearth. We had decided on a slate hearth, but on reflection (i.e. after being warned how easily slate scratches) we revised our decision. The quarry tiles look almost as nice as the slate, and are much harder wearing.

We had a small worry about heat output, since this model doesn't come with a hot box option, but it is a 3.9kw fire, so I reckon we'll be warm enough once it gets going. And "get going" is what I now need to do. Have to have the old one knocked out and the room replastered before we can arrange a date for fitting.