Angel Whispers

D.I.Y. - S.O.S.

Much as I appreciate a modern home, tastefully decorated with everything in good working order , I have never had much interest in DIY or needed to learn how to do practical tasks involving electrics, plumbing, joinery or decorating. The times they are a changing.

Since I moved I have learned quite a bit and at one stage after tackling cables, sockets micro filters, hubs and splitters I contemplated applying for a position as an engineer, but on the whole I have to conclude any talents I have do not lie in the field of home improvements.

Always willing to try, I decided to set up a basic set of tools for future jobs I might just be able to tackle. I found a set of multicoloured screwdrivers in a local store and thought that would be a good start. The problem now is I can't open the case they are stored in. Maybe I need a screwdriver to complete the task?

Next I purchased a hammer, some nails and picture hooks as all my paintings and framed photos are still stacked up and the bare walls are hardly inspirational. I did manage to hang a calendar on a nail in the kitchen, but fear of wrecking plasterwork or piercing any wires or pipes behind walls has halted my progress.

Many areas need the paintwork altering or touching up so next I treated myself to a set of paintbrushes. I discovered a tin of paint in the outdoor storeroom and thought I might just tackle a few areas on the outside doors. After half an hour I gave up as I couldn't get the lid off the paint.

Returning to the hardware store I studied the huge array of paints available. Terms like matt, gloss, satin, undercoat, acrylic, emulsion, distemper, primer and solvents befuddled my tiny brain, so remembering there's a metal bracket for a hanging basket on the outside wall I decided I'd keep it simple and attempt to paint that with some plain black metal paint.

Home I came clutching my new wares only to discover I can't reach the bracket on the wall.

Looks like the next shopping mission could involve ladders, though I fear the way things are going I may just fall off it.