Hurrican wrenches hinges from wall

The visiting hurricane managed to cause a spot of damage here yesterday.  Not only did it force the schools to close early, but also it ripped one wooden window shutter off the wall of the villa.

The shutter came away with both of its hinges and a healthy portion of the plaster and concrete from the wall.

Hinge and chunk of wall ripped away

The hole left behind was about two inches deep in the middle.  The wall in that area seemed to be made of pretty rubbishy concrete with decent blocks toward the top.

I made up a batch of "renovation mortar" and patched it in.

Renovation mortar carefully applied

Hopefully the mortar will set and stop the worst of the winter cold and wet getting into the wall.  I'll look at new hinges and rehanging the shutter in the spring.

Better late than never

Today, having had an allotment since 2008, I got the first ever bill.  I don't have a copy of the contract yet, but now I have at least paid for 2009 and 2010.  And just in time for Christmas.

I think 2008 was somehow for free.  How cool is that?