Help calm me, house buying and selling stress part 2

some progress for you today mosaics, hope they are able to stabilise that window. He sounds like a keen young man

I found the laptop and it is charging up, windows 7. I have used m/s money since it first came out x years ago, luckily bought it on a cd. Today it told me to update it with bills etc, not used it for at least 8 months. I`ll wipe all the incomings and outgoings later and input all the data again. Mosaics I like m/s money a lot, was a time when I didn`t know if I was coming or going apart from that programme, it was especially useful after dh retired and I had to get used to a very different money flow. I just need to get back to stability, now that I have finished buying and I know what my bills are

pre-cancerous cells, dd had the procedure done too, was very successful. Thankfully your test be over by the time you read this

Morning everyone, I'm up with the alarm this morning as the joiner asked me to be available from 8 am, he's coming with his scaffolder friend.

So glad everything went well Sazzl, I was glad the weather was kind to you. A bottle of Prosecco, how nice! Enjoy your new goods shopping . Wishing you every happiness, I am glad your dog has somewhere safe and secure to have her pups.

Craftyone, have you ever looked at You Need a Budget - abbreviated normally to YNAB? I did a trial and quite liked it, but I'm hopeless and inconsistent, and stopped using it when the free trial ran out. I've got scary amounts to pay out at the moment and only sat down and added it all up yesterday. Luckily my aunt has helped me out, so three bills are paid. Enjoy your carving group this morning.

Different routine for me this morning, one of those horribly personal routine check ups at the doctors at 10.45. Haven't had one for years, thought they'd forgotten about me. When we moved up here in 1999 I had lots of routine things done - and was shocked to find I did have precancerous cells. I had to have an op within the first few months we were here, I remember the children's faces in the hospital I was lucky my late husband had BUPA through his job and I was able to be seen so quickly. I was so sorry for Jade Goody - and the people whose results were incorrectly analysed.

Have a good day all. First time I've seen the sun rise for ages!

I am very glad it was clean sazzl, makes a big difference

Carving in a group this morning and later I must try and find my old computer, it has microsoft money on it which is no longer produced but can be bought on ebay. It needs old windows to work so I stopped the computer trying to connect to the internet. All I used that laptop for where m/s money and for watching dvds on my lap. I need to take myself in hand and give myself a good talking to about my bills. I used to have everything on m/s money and knew in advance how much had to go out and was coming in. Its almost as though I mentally don`t care any more, not good. I need another lightbulb to go on

Sazzl glad to hear everything going well. Hope the people left you all the instruction manuals for things they left in the house e.g. boiler. Didn't have any for here. My daughter and son had to look things up on internet for the burglar alarm and boiler. When Homeserve came to do the boiler health check and service the engineer showed me how to put on the heating and he set it so that I wouldn't have to alter it on the boiler. I know you will be a frenzy of activity over the coming months but try to rest when you can. Have fun in your new home. All the best to you both. [Flowers].

Well we had the keys at 2pm so started moving boxes from storage container into our new home. Everything was very clean and they did leave the woodburner after saying they were definately taking it!
Found a nice bottle of Prosseco left for us too same as we did for the couple who bought our house.
Staying tonight in the caravan as our mattress arrives tomorrow, and also a washing machine.
OH has booked a man and van to move heavy things from storage tomorrow so will be settled then. Need to buy a fridge freezer tomorrow and some dining chairs. Also curtains and track for the lounge as they took those.
All the best to everyone xxx

sazzl I have not forgotten about your move today, I hope you are at least partly settled now for the night and that the actual move was good. Congratulations on getting it done and dusted

Ellianne, yes I think we all like to help, its part of our old fashioned ways, when people pulled together. Congratulations on your remarriage

I spoke to my dd tonight, just the general chit chat, she said about her father in law who has got diagnosed dementia, he only retired 2 years ago froma very high powered executive job, flying all over the world and drinking expensive wines daily. He has been on a plateau and has suddenly become worse and starting an aggressive stage, his wife is not coping and is becoming very forgetful, more so than a normal older person. 2 of their ACs are in the middle east, high powered banking, that leaves my son in law here. No-one knows if there is any power of attorney for anything. It sends a shiver down my back, knowing the worry that my sil is starting to go through. The parents obviously never thought it would happen to them. They have a big (posh) house and a very big garden. Downsizing never occurred to them and soon my sil will have to pick up the pieces. The wife has no idea about the finances so paperwork will be in a bad mess anyway. Dying tidy is the last good deed we can do for our nearest and dearest

craftyone yes, it's a good natured thread with lots of encouragement and good advice. (Note to make new will now we're settled). We got remarried in France under their laws to start a new company so I don't want Brexit causing us any problems!!
I love the way it extends beyond the move but then bounces back to a new person just starting out as I was 6 months ago.

Whiff, they have no idea, it was tenacity that made you get through the stress of moving and now you have had time to re-charge

Ellianne, do you mean the thread? Yes it is long now but we have become friends and there is no nastiness so the thread is a natural place to turn to if we need a bit of support in any which way. We will not finish as long as there is anyone selling and buying, who wants some support along that most stressful road and beyond. Anyone who needs us is very welcome to join us

Ellianne knowing that Pickfords want me to give up makes me more determined not to. Stubborn moi ! Sorry you didn't get anywhere with your removals company.

craftyone I was wondering did you actually start the very first post on this thread? It seems to be continuing forever!! He he!!

Hope your move went well sazzl. It's a dry day here in Devon for you but very cold.
Whiff I admire your tenacity with Pickfords. We gave up in the end trying to get anything from our removal breakages. They make it far too difficult which is what they want. The IKEA alcohol free mulled wine sounds good, I might buy some.
mosaicwarts hang on in there, you're jumping the biggest hurdles now, things will get better ..... until you get close to exchange with all its issues!

an attorney signature can be witnessed by their spouse. I checked with my solicitor and yes of course it is cheaper online and can be done but like I said belt and braces for me and to help my dd

Just think of this imaginary case: someone becoming confused, someone else filling in the online forms in the guise of that person, and potentially also being the attorney and being witnessed by someone unscrupulous, all in all it only takes one attorney and two witnesses. It would not be difficult to `scam` someone eg done by a carer or a gold digger. Online was fine when it was me and my husband of very many years but not now, online is not good enough imo. Once this lpa is registered then no-one could manipulate my wishes which will be set in stone

The 'on-line' LPA I am planning to use is actually one provided by the Government and although the forms are filled in on line they are then printed off and signed along with a form to be signed by someone independent who knows the donor well, to state they fully understand the consequences of the LPA. It then goes off to the Government Department who ensure that it meets all legal requirements and only then will it be approved and registered. All signatures must be witnessed by people who are not named as attorneys or related to them. The Government site provides extensive information on completion of the forms and examples of wording not to use. This info may be of use to those who do not want to go to the additional expense of using a Solicitor

Sazzle - hope all goes well for you today!

Best wishes for your move today Sazzl! I remember moving in here, the steps nearly killed me - and stupidly I wore a maxi skirt and kept tripping. Wishing you much happiness in your new home

whiff, you are truly onto the next and happy stage and I love it when children say to spend money on yourself. I am expecting some ikea storage containers this week, 80 mile round trip so I ordered online

scaredykatt yes I know about online downloaded lpa, both husband and I did the epa that way. Now by myself, I decided to update everything thoroughly the legal way, the ts are all crossed. All carefully wrapped up properly with no slipups. Same with my will. While there I was asked if I wanted my attorney to make the desion about end of life care, I said yes and I have told my attorney I don`t want cpr when old and fragile and would not want to live in a vegetal state

These important documents are best done through a solicitor, unless you are still part of a married couple and I say married because being a spouse gives automatic rights on a death. Using a solicitor was not for ease of doing it, in fact it was harder, the solicitor asks many questions they need to be sure that the person involved is fully mentally sound, hence any interview with the solicitor being one to one with no other influence present and only then will the solicitor sign

In a court of law, I can see that (online) influence being disputed by certain parties and I have seen in the media various fraudulent cases of withdrawal of funds. It really would not be difficult to coerce someone to filling in online forms, perhaps when mental deterioration has started. Anyone can witness hence witnesses could be involved in deceit or scam. Hence the belt and braces of a solicitor. An attorney can be anyone even outside the family hence the scope for mal-administration

My lpa and will are with the same local solicitor, so my attorney could just go and speak to her if it was ever necessary. The last thing that I woud want is for the court of protrction to step in, everything I do now has to be to make it easier for my dd who is the primary executor and attorney, my son is back up for both

Craftyone I have a named person at Pickfords . She has been bombarded with emails etc since this whole thing started. Also have a named person at BAR I am dealing with. She is ringing me today with an update. Thank you for your continued support.

Mosaicwarts fingers crossed all your DIY will be sorted out soon before the worst of the winter comes. Glad you have had the sales memorandum. Hope everything goes through for you.

I have homemade soup everyday for lunch when I am home. It's my what ever soup. It all depends on what veg I've got in. The other week I had only got leeks and courgettes it was delicious. I always blend my soups and make enough to last 6-7 days.

Happy move day Sazzl.

Had a great time at IKEA. They were giving out samples of alcohol free mulled wine it was delicious, brought a bottle. Along with a trolley full of things plus a storage foot stool.
Hadn't spend much money on things in my old house since my husband died but had promised myself things when I moved. My children said about time.

Off to get my new specs later today. Have a good day.

Just a quick message. I also have LPA on my to do list and wanted to let you know that it is quite possible to set this up yourself without using a solicitor - the government help site is extremely helpful also this article explains it all - www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/power-of-attorney/
I know some will want to use a solicitor for ease of doing it but I did want to point out that it’s not necessary to use one if you are fairly confident filling in forms.

I haven't bought a butternut squash for a few years now, I nearly hari karied myself with the knife trying to cut it, had such a shock. Knife slipped and I stabbed myself just above my navel, not too deep, luckily. I've got a lower kitchen table now and a pvc apron for protection, but wasn't that keen on them anyway.

I've come on to say I've had two good things happen today. I received my 'Memorandum of Sale' from the EA, for what it's worth! Buyer is from my part of the world, it surprised me.

Second piece of good news is that the young joiner did come round. The bad news is the scaffolding is going to cost about £400, but the job only £300. I'd pay anything not to have the glass fall out, I really don't know what I'd do if it did, we get such high winds at the north end and I don't know what I'd stick in the 'hole'!. He's promised to come as quickly as he can. Whether he does or not is another matter.

Daughter is home in a taxi at 10 ish - I've put hot water bottles in her bed, and she's ordered a pasta with cheese as the airport food was yuk. I'm having a lie in tomorrow, I do feel tired lately.

Off to watch First Dates, I find it fascinating xx

I put sweet potato and butternut into the same group for me. I have a butternut in the fridge but I do think it is also too sweet. I bought a red pepper and some ginger to spice it up, think I will turn that bundle into a soup next week. I saw something on tv the other day, we older ones need to eat much more protein and more carbs, not just the 5+ a day. I stopped buying sweet potatoes and won`t be getting more butternuts. Btw those lakeland green bags are simply brilliant for fridge storage of fresh veg, I bought some sprouts today, popped them into a bag and know fine well they will still be good in 2 weeks. I rinse the bags in between uses and they last for a long time

Thank you for your support Whiff, I do so regret getting the survey done for myself in the first place as it definitely increases my anxiety. I do think it is wrong to include refitting the kitchen and bathroom in the 'guesstimate' of cost for the works - who knows what a new buyer will choose? We have from Howdens to Smallbones as a price range. Is there anyone more expensive than Smallbones nowadays, I'm twenty years behind the kitchen buying times! My late husband's Dad was a joiner, he recommended Magnet as they were already built so less time taken. It's still in perfect condition, but 'old fashioned' nowadays. Luckily, granite is timeless!

I am terribly sorry you have suffered so with Pickfords Whiff, so upsetting for you. I hope you've cheered yourself up with a few lovely kitchen knick knacks. I love Ikea! I haven't been there for over fifteen years, our nearest one is a white knuckle thirty five mile drive away.

I like the thought of you powering up the road on your bike craftyone. I should do my lpa too, but can't face it at the moment, my solicitor did suggest it.

I can smell your soup from here, I want some! I'm going off to find the recipe, I'm getting bored with our regular menu. I did the sweet potato slow cooker soup recipe from the BBC site last Christmas Day, was too sickly - had gallons of it and we weren't keen. We always go to the beach on Christmas Day along with thousands of other people, nice to come back to a soup.

Enjoy your day everyone, not quite sure what I want to do with mine

pickfords customer service is truly shocking, I hope you are dealing with a named operative whiff ie bombarding that one person

Been out on my bike to get a few things and pay a cheque to the solicitor, she has the lpa forms back and now has to register it and then I get the big bill but tbh it is nice to get the loose ends tied up. I still haven`t finished tidying my dying tidy file. I have to be in the right mood for that. I can`t see me doing much more than reading, spinning and watching a film today

Oh yes I used my new tefal soup maker yesterday, I had a head of brocolli that I needed to use. I make soup with it plus celery, onion and carrot and marigold stock and some cashew nuts to thicken. It was honestly one of the best soups I have ever tasted, it was creamy and thick and I have been out to get another brocolli head because my vegan son is coming this weekend. I have enough soup in the fridge for another 2 days. I am immensely impressed with the gadget

Mosaicwarts know it's not easy but try not to worry about the survey. One of my buyers who pulled out not through the survey had a full one done. The surveyor was very nice and told me a couple of things needs thicker insulation and glazing would probably need replacing in future years. But more importantly he told me there was no damp or any rot anywhere. I had a full survey done on the bungalow so I knew about the garage roof, chimney, side garage door and garage window . All have been replaced insulation being done next year when I have a new shower room fitted. A mortgage survey is not worth the money. My buyers had one done he was in and out in 10 mins only looked around counted the bedrooms asked if the boiler worked and asked a couple of questions.

Sazzl fingers crossed you have a dry day for your move into your new home tomorrow. Hope everything arrives in one piece.

My saga with Pickfords continues. I've contacted BAR which Pickfords are a member they are contacting them on my behalf. Hopefully that gets things moving. My daughter has email the guardian consumer page and tweeted about Pickfords appalling customer service. Our patience is at an end. It will be 13 weeks since my things arrived and 8 since a manager from them came to see us.

Off to Ikea to get some things for the kitchen.

Have a good day everyone. Keep warm.

ahh, so the proper survey and he will have to pay over a thousand for that. It will have been very obvious to him about the work required so it will only be the belt and braces for him to avoid nasty surprises. I doubt he would pull out on that survey, he will be expecting a lot of work and will have factored that in already. Next step for him after that will be him getting a builder in for a quote and I believe it will go ahead at that stage. It is still very much a go-er

The more I think about it, the more I think a caravan will give you breathing space as well as being able to have your dd and dog with you. Having to get a bricks and mortar home in a hurry would be more stressful than selling. I saw that caravan in devon on page 2 or 3 and thought wow, there must be others similar