Menotopperatin; Slow, Slow...

Matthew, from the Glasgow Transit Centre (Ford Dealership - Evans Halshaw), called me yesterday, wondering if I would like to join in a workshop event on ownership and management of an electric vehicle. With a bit more warning, I might have made the trip in. But I am a bit busy, really...

Though, given it is only a week before I set off on the first big van trip, you'd think I'd have put a bit more effort in! Seriously, though, despite actually loving this heatwave, it does make working inside The Grey less than comfortable. Also, as mentioned, my spine can only cope with about 90 mins to two hours at a go. Then I missed a couple of days due to researching different lining options and other bits and pieces required to help me in this task. There has been some progress, though...

This was the state of play on Wednesday arvo...

...and this was the situation last evening. 
I know it doesn't look much, but all that measuring and cutting and trimming and sticking...
and, in the end, this amounts to about six hours of actual work.
Told you I was slow.

The cladding is due to arrive on Monday; after looking at all sorts of interesting options, I've settled for the dead boring soffit lightweight tongue and groove stuff. It is going to be the quickest and easiest option to manage myself and can be applied with 'no more nails', so no screwdrivers or drills required. Not averse to those tools, but again, time, time...

Along the top, just below that black wire facing, are bolt-fixing holes. I will apply a wood stabiliser on top of the cladding, to which I can then affix furniture and shelves or suchlike. There are also very strong tie-down loops in strategic places, which I will use to secure furniture.

And, no, I will not be building furniture (though that is a skill I do possess...) Instead, my intention is to utilise some cabinets I inherited from Dad's place. They are 1960's teak of that timeless style that is hugely popular now. I am in two minds about whether I will keep them as that golden wood or will wrap them in a lighter-toned vinyl (potential sacrilege, I know, but practicalities, people, practicalities!) I will also be placing some sets of drawers. To start with, I am only going to use my "Z" bed and spare mattress.

If you look closely at the first image above, you can see the 'power on board' outlet panel. (Lower right, beside the wheel arch.) Utilising the engine battery, I will be able to cook and run a refrigerator (12v) as well as extra lights, a fan in the summer and a heater in the winter. There is a monitor that ensures the engine is never so depleted that one cannot drive to the nearest charge point if required! 

Anyway, that's enough of that for now. What else distracted me on those two non-work days? Why, the Strawberry Moon, natch. The Gopika's first image had me thinking about an alien invasion! It came about because I clicked through the double-glazing. Opening the window allowed for the second image. Still not brilliant, for the colour was way more intense pinky-orange than comes across here. Did you gaze upon this summer delight?