The carpet in our flat looks as though it belongs in a cheap bedsit in Brixton. If you’re in America this translates as tenement building in the inner city. First off it’s cream and second off there are random rust marks on it that resemble cigarette burns, and large stains that resemble something that doesn’t bear thinking about.
We peeled some of it back in the hall just on the off chance we could get away with staining the concrete and the underlay has melted onto the floor slab. It must be the original carpet.
Thirty years old. In that case perhaps the state of it isn’t as bad as it could be given its age.
We are going to replace it although it goes against everything I believe in when it comes to selling property. Why do up a place to sell it? Why make it look exactly as you’ve always wanted it to look and then get rid of it? Heartbreaking stuff that!
But the estate agent told me,
“Recarpet.” A woman after my own heart, concise with the spoken word.
“Right.” I said.
We chose our carpet. American twist we are told. Only four that meet our demanding criteria in the entire carpet collection of the shop we were in on Bromley High Street. Deep pile, soft and thick. Gentle on the feet.
Aubergine. Dark enough to look warm, dusky enough to give the flat a rosy glow.
We are told, as we progress with our purchase, that it is preferred by all involved that we take up the carpet ourselves,
“It’ll save you L1.00 a square metre,” after our reconnaissance of the underneath of the carpet we thought,
“No thank you. L.90.00 is worth it,” we said.
Apparently they can dispose of the old carpet for us, if we like,
“You mean we can’t just leave it on the side of the road for someone to pick up?” I asked.
“No, you’d get a ticket for doing that!” Said our sales representative, Eion, from bonny Scotland.
Also preferred and really expected of the customer is the removal of the furniture,
“You mean there’s no team to take up the carpet, put it on the side of the road, and move the furniture?” I persist.
“No, just the fitter.” Eion of Gaelic descent replied. Note the singular noun!
This will be an experience and a long day…
Well hello there! My name is Vivienne McNeny.
I am an empty nester exploring life as a Boomer…you could say I'm happily Boomering along!
As a homeschooling Mum I have finally quit the job of role model and mentor to my four children. I do what I want to do, eat when I feel like it, enjoy life with my blue eyed cowboy and clean my house once a month or so whether it needs it or not!
In true English form I write about the emergence of my true identity now that I can no longer hide behind my children as their Mum.
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