Toward the end of last winter our heating system (Storage heater) expired. As we are now heading towards a new winter, last weekend I thought I'd better do something about it.

So, I spent Sunday online research prices etc. Monday at 11.30 I placed an order, at 17.05 The carrier called me and asked if I was OK for Wednesday delivery? All going swimmingly.

Tuesday, I had to extract the old heater. I'd never seen so many small screws holding a few bits of tin together. However, things were going to get worse. The heater contained 16 bricks that weighed about 10kg each. Getting them out, and then outside took me over an hour. Apart from the top bracket, everything was removed by close of play, and I went out for a drink.

Wednesday, the new unit arrived about 14.30. All well and good, it came in a massive truck and on a pallet that required a forklift to unload it! - Thankfully the truck had its own forklift. The driver dropped the pallet outside my front door, asked for a signature then bade me farewell. It then started to rain! Fearful of getting things wet, I stripped off the packaging material and got the heater carcass inside, before dragging the bricks in. The bricks were in sealed packs of two and were bl**dy heavy! We spent Wednesday evening in a slightly diminished living room.

Thursday was fitting day. I have never worked so hard in my life, nor gotten into such contortionist positions fitting anything electrical. - And remember I trained on aircraft! At one stage I was lying on my side with my right leg up in the air holding the thing against the wall whilst trying to insert a screw halfway up the unit. - Go only knows what Mrs Rebbonk would have made of it had she seen me! Finally, all done, including humping 16 bricks into place, I treated myself to a couple of pints.

Friday I had to be up before 7.00 to test it. - Economy 7 electricity only lasts until 8.00.

In all, I saved myself about £1000 by not employing an electrician. But I do now remember why they have a 'mate' with them! I'm still aching today; I'm beginning to realise I'm an old f*rt and really am wondering if it was worth it, or if I am really too old for this type of work?

Cripes, Rebbonk, that was one hell of a palaver! Just think of all the things you things you can do with the £1000 you saved.

I'm not allowed to use the money Lex. Mrs Rebbonk has designs on it, but isn't telling me yet as I 'might get a little upset!'

Truthfully, I sweated buckets and from places that I didn't think could sweat.

Interestingly, the dog who is known for giving his advice on everything, (Akitas 'talk' to you) kept well out of the way until Thursday when he decided to play with the cardboard packaging. Then on Friday, just after I'd proven it out he sat in front of it, claiming the new space as his own. He wasn't happy when I moved him on and put the furniture back.

Sounds ominous Rebbonk! I hope it's only a little upsetting.

I'll bet it involves decorating.

No, you're not to old for moving things about, it has probably been some time before you have done such laborious work, granted the bricks were a tad hefty, but I have a little trolly the would have taken care of heavy lifting. We tend sieze up if we don't use all our muscles, etc.. I live quite a sedentary life now, and really feel it if I dig in the garden or general tasks. I used love walking miles, but can't even do that now, without my feet getting cramp. But I do as much as I can.