Watching paint dry It was bank holiday weekend in the States too. Memorial Day commemorates American men & women who have lost their lives in combat for their country and it origins were to honour the Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War 140 odd years ago.

So a weekend for relaxing and doing bugger all then, but my first mistake was waking Saturday morning with a dream, a vision..... of new hardwood floors. I thought I would stain my original oak floors a darker walnut colour. Easy, pop down to Home Depot, which for those of you that have never had the pleasure, is like a B&Q on speed. I bought all the bits & bobs I needed - wood stain, brushes and stuff. Then off to work. A nice little bit of DIY to soothe the soul.

And off we went, slapping this stuff on the floor, moving around stacked furniture and the new kitchen because, hello kitchen installment no. 76: it is still not bloody finished yet - 3 week anniversary tomorrow. Er, save your congratulations.

It was looking good as we worked our away around, stretching limbs and muscles and then half done we kicked back and watched it dry. And 34 hours later, er we still are!

Drying time according to the tin is between 4-6 hours and 8 in extreme situations. Well talk about trade bloody descriptions. The apartment is a mess and my parents arrive in a weeks time. Mum, bring your hairdryer.....  ¶ 02:08