I was worried about this:
...someone is coming to do something to our balcony this week... all I've been told is that he will come "sometime between Wednesday and Friday". So that's three days of uncertainty.
Logistically, this presents a problem. A problem that is solvable, but still a pain in the butt. Kita spends most of her day in the garden if I'm at home. The garden is secure, but has two gates into it. If these gates are opened, Kita will escape...
Whoever comes to do the balcony must come to the front door first. But I am not entirely sure this message has actually got through and it's likely they will just appear in the garden at some point. After all, it's not our house, is it? And may mean they feel entitled to just come in to do the work.
That potentially means three days waiting anxiously around for someone to arrive. Luckily, Kita should give me fair warning of someone coming to the garden so hopefully I will be able to grab her before the 'escape gate' is opened. Whichever day they come will be somewhat stressful.
Well, it all went very well, thank goodness. Tim contacted the workman and he promised to complete the work on our place first and take heed of my fears for an escaping dog.
At about 0930 on Wednesday morning John, the workman, came to the front door. We had a chat and a cup of tea before he started work.
As he used the back gate to get stuff from the van, Kita was kept indoors for the day. She wasn't happy about it and perched on the back of the sofa for most of the day, whining and crying, which was extremely annoying for me. But at least she was safe and didn't escape.
And our balcony is now winter-safe from leaks.
Thank you Tim and John, much appreciated!