Some years ago, when we bought our house, it needed doing up.
While waiting for the craftsmen's estimates (I should say ' hoping for ' their estimates), we thought there were things we could do ourselves.
We were looking forward to farewelling the kitchen tiled floor. It was old-fashioned, cracked and stained, so removing it would be our first step into the handymen's world.
We didn't leave anything up to chance.
After raiding the nearby DIY shop, we came back home with the tiler's perfect outfit : thick overalls, kneepads, heavy duty gloves, safety goggles, and even earplugs (a pneumatic drill music has nothing to do with a lullaby !).
We had bought and rented so many tools that the kitchen quickly looked like a hardware store !
An umpteenth glance at the video " How to remove the tile like a pro ", and we launched the scraping,chipping and drilling challenge .
A couple of hours later, we were washed out, sore all over, dust-covered , and our white tongues proved that our dust masks were not good value for money !
To crown it all, we were awfully thirsty, and as we were not living in the house yet, no drink to be found in the cupboards ! The previous owners had just left cobwebs, and as if to taunt us, an empty bottle-rack !
It was nearly 7pm, so if we wanted to quench our thirst, we had to rush downtown. So, we hopped into our car and off we went !
In the provinces when the shops close at 7, it means the shop assistants are outside at 7, and it's no use shaking the door.
We were left high and dry.
Before withering for ever, the only thing to be done was to pay a visit to the local pub.
I'm not that keen on beer, but asking for still water or ice tea in that place would be a bit cheeky, so I thought draught beer would do.
As soon as we stepped in, the bartender shouted :
" Welcome to Mardi Gras party , and, please, a storm of applause for our couple of craftsmen ! Thanks for coming ! In half-an-hour the best costume will be awarded a beertender ! In the meantime have fun and enjoy your beer ! ".
The place had a soft lighting, and we could just guess the customers' figures, but sure it was crowded, cause we were cheered loudly !
A bit embarrassed, we ordered our drinks and sat down.
We were sipping our beer, when a customer came to our table and said :
" Congrats ! Dressing up as craftsmen ! What a brainwave ! But, how did you manage for the dust, the cement stains and the goggle marks on your faces ? ".
Before I could say Jack Robinson, Dearhubby who is always quick on the draw, replied :
" You know, it was not that difficult ! We are tilers. We have just started our own business, and tonight we are celebrating our first contract ! ".
I nearly chocked ! Jeez, my favourite prankster was back !
A last gulp of beer, then I stood up, and to show Dearhubby I could be a pranskter myself, I said :
" Sorry, but I have to leave you, cause of urgent estimates to post, but my husband will tell you more about our activities and give you our business card. See you some day ".
Dearhubby looked flabbergasted. I gave him a little wink and left !
For once, in the pranks category, the student had surpassed the master .
It was nearly 7pm, so if we wanted to quench our thirst, we had to rush downtown. So, we hopped into our car and off we went !
In the provinces when the shops close at 7, it means the shop assistants are outside at 7, and it's no use shaking the door.
We were left high and dry.
Before withering for ever, the only thing to be done was to pay a visit to the local pub.
I'm not that keen on beer, but asking for still water or ice tea in that place would be a bit cheeky, so I thought draught beer would do.
As soon as we stepped in, the bartender shouted :
" Welcome to Mardi Gras party , and, please, a storm of applause for our couple of craftsmen ! Thanks for coming ! In half-an-hour the best costume will be awarded a beertender ! In the meantime have fun and enjoy your beer ! ".
The place had a soft lighting, and we could just guess the customers' figures, but sure it was crowded, cause we were cheered loudly !
A bit embarrassed, we ordered our drinks and sat down.
We were sipping our beer, when a customer came to our table and said :
" Congrats ! Dressing up as craftsmen ! What a brainwave ! But, how did you manage for the dust, the cement stains and the goggle marks on your faces ? ".
Before I could say Jack Robinson, Dearhubby who is always quick on the draw, replied :
" You know, it was not that difficult ! We are tilers. We have just started our own business, and tonight we are celebrating our first contract ! ".
I nearly chocked ! Jeez, my favourite prankster was back !
A last gulp of beer, then I stood up, and to show Dearhubby I could be a pranskter myself, I said :
" Sorry, but I have to leave you, cause of urgent estimates to post, but my husband will tell you more about our activities and give you our business card. See you some day ".
Dearhubby looked flabbergasted. I gave him a little wink and left !
For once, in the pranks category, the student had surpassed the master .
