ancora
ancora.
A very important word in Italian.
“still”
as in, “si, stiamo ancora aspettando”.
“yes, we’re still waiting”.
also, non ancora.
“not yet”
as in, “no, non e’ ancora cominciato”.
“no, it hasn’t started yet”.
Very important word to know indeed. I find myself using it more than almost any other adverb these days. It has even more meanings: again, so far, even - a very prolific word.
But although the tangible things of this house haven’t come to fruition as of yet, there are things still moving forward in the background.
These days are when the main quotes from builders are arriving. Splitting the entire project into sections like the general building (groundworks, foundation, walls, roofs, interior finishes), electrical, plumbing (including the eco-water retention system, heating/cooling, and solar panels), and the fixtures (windows, doors, etc) - there is not just one main number I’m having to compare, but several. These are the four main parts that I’m waiting to get final numbers in for, with the main building section being the most important and time-sensitive, since this would mean at least we could start to break ground and get moving while the other parts are finalized.
Just a few days ago the first of the quotes came in from one of the three possible contractors we’ve selected in the area. Things are getting real! Now it’s another waiting game for the other two (hopefully this week) before making the final decision and setting an official start date. Then the other sections of the proposals can still be received, studied, compared, and decided upon even as the land is shaped and foundations are poured.
In the meantime, days are filled with sketching out the room layouts for placement of the kitchen cabinets, island, sinks, etc. Still early for finalizing these, but not too early to start, as it determines at least the details of the electrical and plumbing quotes. Talks have started with possible local artisans to build some custom items (cabinets, marble island, bench…) and we’ve had a couple of meetings regarding the options for the heating / cooling system.
Besides these tasks, which in addition to scrolling through my Pinterest can eat into hours of the day, I’m trying to enjoy the stillness of the quieter winter months. When I’m not traveling as much, and just settling in to a slower daily routine in the countryside.
Back to a meaning of ancora:
still.
trying to be still.
still waiting.
still living.
still dreaming.