First Steps to a New Mantelpiece!

I am determined to have a new mantelpiece to put my birthday cards on! We have a little over six weeks so do you think I have a chance? We have found a piece of wood (don't know what type!) and had it cut to size. I have arranged for someone to sand and polish it but first we need to get everything measured by the guy making the brackets and so we are waiting patiently for him!Wish me luck!!!!

In the meantime, I woke up to this:
so there's another little job that needs doing!!!!

Oh joy!