April had just begun, when the construction of the Shelter was finished. Simon organized a party outside for the family and the construction workers to celebrate all the work they had completed. Then the construction workers said goodbye, happily waved after by the family.

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"Wonderful that we're just together again," thought Annerieke, "although I can't help but say that the builders you hired were great guys."

"I couldn't agree more," complemented Huib. "They were cool guys who quietly worked hard and provided a nice atmosphere."

"And now the work starts for us," Lisa said. "Sjaak and I have spent the last few weeks thinking about the layout and searching the Internet for options and ideas. Shall we share our plans with you over coffee tonight?"

"Good idea, I'm curious!" responded Annerieke, after which she started stacking plates. That last one seemed to be a signal for the others. Everyone got moving and helped out. So fifteen minutes later the garden looked tidy again and the dishwasher had started its overtime.

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In the evening over coffee, Lisa gave everyone a copy of their list of ideas.

"I've typed it out in the order I think it would be helpful to implement it that way. I'll go over it point by point first," she said. "After that, I'd like to hear from you if you have any ideas. Okay?" She looked around the group and saw that everyone was nodding at her encouragingly.

"Okay, here we go!

We want to put wooden floors in all the rooms.

For all the walls we'll choose washable wallpaper, creamy white or something similar.

To Elly I'm going to ask if she wants to paint a mural in the central living room. So the wallpaper of that wall must also be smooth enough, no ridges, to be able to paint on it. We were thinking of a painting of a sea, not quite calm, but not too rough either, with a horizon behind it that creates expectation, gives hope.

For the living rooms in the four houses I would love a smaller tapestry. Would you make one, Margreet?"

She saw that Margreet nodded.

"For all the windows we need curtains that you absolutely cannot peep through from the outside. Curtains in a soft color, a pastel shade or something.

For Huib I have a huge order, and I really hope you have time for that... but otherwise you have to say it honestly too... As you can see on the list, I've divided it up:

For all the living rooms, five living rooms a coffee table of the type in our house, a dining table, a wall unit and a kitchen unit.

For all four bedrooms a bed and a wardrobe.

For all four bathrooms a small closet, and a shelf for above the washing machine.

For the central living room: a large pantry.

We've been thinking about a television, a computer, laptop or tablet, and frankly we haven't quite figured that out yet. The choice of these will also influence the shape of the wall units, both in the cottages and in the main living room. Maybe we can think about that later, what is most convenient.

For under the coffee tables we want to look for a cozy rug.

And then the furniture: washing machine, fridge, oven, stove, crockery and cutlery, kettle, coffee machine, a bunch of weckpots as storage jars, mattress, bedding, sofas and maybe individual chairs, chairs for the dining area, contents for the pantry. You name it, I'm sure I've forgotten a lot!

When the most important things are ready inside, Sjaak will start with the gardens. Each house will have its own garden, with a veranda. Can that also be on your list Huib, that veranda?"

Huib grinned at her. "It'll be all right, I just have no idea yet when I can have it ready. Feels oppressive actually, but I want to talk about that later, because I see you have one more point."

"Right, the last point. I think, Sjaak and I have already thought of a lot, but I can imagine that we have overlooked all kinds of things. Therefore we would like to ask you if you would like to spout your ideas to me via email. I want to make an overview per house, and also separately for the central area, and add your ideas to it. Well, that was our overview. Huib, you already had something about the pressure you experienced. Do tell!!

"Thank you, Madam Chairman," he said with a mischievous grin. "Looking at my list of assignments overwhelmed me. The first idea that came to mind was to go house by house. Maybe you could do the shopping for wallpaper, flooring, curtains and all that kind of stuff right away for all the cottages at once, but I would suggest getting the central area and the first cottage ready first. That would take the pressure off a bit for me. And besides that, I'd like to know from you if you want me to use the same wood that I work with the most."

"To that last comment: yes please! It's nice and light. And about the order of work... I think that's a very good idea, not only for you, but for all of us."

Margreet raised her hand: "Who else are all going to help out? I don't suppose Huib will be able to work in the houses, because he has more than enough work in the work shed. I myself will need quite a lot of hours for those four tapestries. In addition, the guesthouse must continue to run, Annerieke has her hands full with that, and so do I... How many people do we need for it? Should we ask people from outside?"

Sjaak responded to her question, "I think it is indeed good that the three of you are basically concentrating on the furniture, the tapestries and the guest house. Simon has offered to help in the evenings and weekends. And I myself, in addition to my daily work as a gardener, certainly have opportunity to work in the Shelter. Lisa and I are thinking about laying that floor together and wallpapering the walls. For the curtains, we already have our eye on the right fabrics, but they have to be sewn after we buy them." Sjaak looked around the circle. "Anyone have an idea?"

Annerieke suggested to ask Janny. "I have no idea if she can do it, but I immediately thought of her when you asked. And furthermore, I just got Alexander in mind. He'd already offered to help with moving, as well as hand-holding services."

Lisa nodded and wrote both names on her list. "I'll call Alexander in a moment to ask if he can help out. And I will make sure, in connection with the curtains, that the sizes of all the windows will be available. Annerieke, will you call Janny and let me know if she likes that sewing job?"

"Fine, shall I also call Elly for that mural?" asked Annerieke.

"Gladly, I think it would be smart for us to lay the floor and go wallpapering in the central area first, then Elly could get to work, if she wants to and has the time for it herself. If that planning works out, we can get to work in the first house while she paints."

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Thus their deliberations continued for a while. They were grateful that they would see and speak each other daily, so that they could keep track on everything. But as a basis, they agreed that every time there was an addition or change to the list, Lisa would forward it via email to everyone, so that it would stay organized for everyone.

To chapter 236. Wooden floor, wallpaper and curtains

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