Cleaning up

I have new cleaners starting this week.  After 18 years Kris has decided to retire and while i'm working full time, I need some help.
So if the inside is going to be nice and clean, I thought I would make things look a bit better outside and spent an hour or so with the high pressure hose machine yesterday - it is very good but can't get the rusty iron stains off my concrete.....nothing will do that.

I turned this ....

Into this - can you see that I also painted the timber fence purple?  I won't be able to do the side fence but I still like this.

And then continued on with the rest of the pool surrounds

on Friday, I went through my cupboard of overseas delights.  Every time I go overseas, I put souvenirs in this cupboard and when I look through them, I remember all the happy times.  Anyway, I found these two cushion covers I bought in Jaipure three years ago and put them on the front verandah.  They are so pretty and bright, can't help loving them.

My neighbours across the road are adding a family room and a carport where Alan had his sunroom and garage.  It's great to see that they are doing it in keeping with their cottage and the rest of the street.  I wonder if Mr veryrichbuilder is learning anything from living here - perhaps he'll come to realise that he made a mistake?  He lives in his monolith and is completely separate from the rest of the neighbours.  Everything happens behind his very high concrete walls and the electric sliding gate.

I have replanted some baskets for the front verandah - probably not a good idea as I will be in Melbourne/Tas for 12 days later in the month.