As I’m writing this its two o’clock in the morning. I’m not having difficulty with sleeping or anything like that, it’s just a new routine that we’ve temporarily trying out.
Sensitivity to the fumes in our workshop, means that standard hours are out of the question for Richard at the moment. We’re really trying to get this sorted, but in the meantime it’s a respirator on at any time it’s realistic, and the night shift, so that the fumes are at their lowest.
I decided to switch my own sleeping pattern after a few days of barely seeing each other, so here I am in the middle of the night.
We definitely have a new found respect for anyone who works nights. My system still feels completely thrown, and my usual speed with multi-tasking has abandoned me completely. When you have one of those realisations that you’ve stared blankly in to the fridge for five minutes, only to remember it was a pen you were looking for, you know it’s time to focus on just one job at a time.
I’ve always been more of an early riser, but for now, I’m learning to stick on some good music, turn it up loud, and enjoy working through the late hours – complete with a big mug of hot chocolate. 
The good news is that progress is being made. Bench building is certainly a little slower than we would like, but Richard has been very determined not to get any further behind. Better still, we’ve stripped the roof of our main barn as we feel it’s going to be essential to get this thoroughly water tight, insulated and with new electrics before the weather starts heading back to the cold. It’s bench building by night, and barn building by day.
With these late nights on my hands, I’ve been doing a lot of video editing, including a short video to share some of our time spent at the barns. I hope to be bringing that one to you later this week.
Whilst my own predicament is quite different, I do sympathise with you – trying to adjust to any kind of issue is difficult and having to do night shifts sounds quite exhausting when you presumably are used to working only during the day!
My own predicament is serious food intolerances, and currently trying to see if I have Coeliac disease which in my situation is quite difficult, and makes me quite unwell, and hard to work (and I work in wood full time too).
I hope you are able to find a solution that works for you for now, and long term solution.
Thanks David, I’m sorry to hear about your difficulties and do hope that you get to the bottom of it soon. For ourselves, the worst part was when we didn’t know the cause, and that created some big worries. We now understand where the problem stems, so can at least look in to some sort of solution.
I wish you all the best for finding your own solution.
Only one word: RESPECT
I look forward to it.
You two are an inspiration. My wife used to work 4PM-Midnight while I worked 7AM-4:30PM (GMT-6, of course), so we only saw each other on weekends. We sort of think that’s what got us through our early childless years. 🙂
Way to go guys, oh yeah did I ever say you guys are crazy. HaHa 😉
No you didn’t, but don’t worry, we’re well aware of it! 😉
You have got it right on your roof project ! Start at the top, and work down, that way you will not have all of your work undone by the leaks through the roof, it means a lot of unseen work, but it is definitely worth doing it that way.
Been there, done that.
Cheers Chris, we’re quite fortunate to have Richard’s old man keeping a watchful eye over us and giving guidance.
Having done my share of night-work Richard, I empathise. But it does have its advantages. If you go to sleep as soon as you get home, when you wake, there’s plenty of daylight left for hobbies. Which in my case was woodwork! And the cocoa does sound tempting. Best of luck.
Thanks John, there’s hope on the horizon then! I think it’s a case of getting our body clock used to it, and then we’ll be able to make the most of things. At the moment we both feel like the walking dead!
Really glad you posted Helen. After the last one, I was a bit concerned how things were going. Good to see Richard smiling on the scaffolding. Lots better than the mental picture I had of him face down in the wood pile.
I can only wish I was there to lend a hand.
Cheers Mike, it means a lot. I think I caught Richard with the sun in his eye, but I just about got away with it looking like a smile!
A bit of a comment on the sensitivity to chemicals. That is a very real problem for many people. One particular ‘bad boy’ is instant glues (Cyanoacrylate) – some folks who have used it for many years without problems develop a severe sensitivity to the fumes. Just catching the slightest wiff will cause a severe reaction. And the problem pops up quick – you go from being ok to not being ok in a heartbeat. Nasty problem and apparently it won’t go away – once you have it, you have for the foreseeable future. The only cure: stay away from it. Hate to be a bad neighbor but I think a quiet conversation with the fiberglass shop might be called for. And while I hate lawyers, …. well, there is that option.
Thanks Bob, we’ve learnt a lot about sensitivity to chemicals in recent weeks and it is very much as you describe. We think the culprit in our case is probably styrene. We’ve been trying to make some headway with getting sorted at the workshop and will certainly update you if we get anywhere.
I agree with Bob, in fact a word with Heath and Safety would be a good starting point and even the Fire Service, after all there could be a reall fire risk. Of course you don’t what to be a bad neighbour but what is he?
Thanks Paul, we have unfortunately had to take a similar view – we definitely don’t wish to be a bad neighbour, but we are trying to get something sorted out.
Cheers.
As i work at Heathrow fixing aircraft, i’ve been a shift worker for many years and currently do two 12 hour days then two 12 hour nights then four off then four days off (but work and sleep for that first day!). I love the fact that i can do stuff at times when most people are at work ie fishing, gardening, woodwork and anything crafty. I hate going to the shops at weekends when everyone and his dog is there as well. Just beware of your biological rhythms dipping around 2 or 3 am as it’s a Health and Safety thing we’re made aware of. Some people get used to it, some people don’t. Sounds like your neighbour thought he could get away with bad practice just because he’s miles from anywhere. Worth having a chat with a local HSE officer? Barn looks great! Now watch your fingers, you’ve been warned!
ps now you’re a nightshift worker, when you’re woken by noisy neighbours, you now have the right to cut your grass at 4am
I feel sorry for you guys. The issue is with the fumes from next door forcing you to work out of hours. Hope your neighbour knows why you are working unsocial hours and appreciates what a tolerant neighbour you are!
Just popped onto the blog to see how the two of you are. Glad to know that Richard seems to be OK, but the change of hours must be tough for you both – hope you get a more congenial solution worked out before too long.