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House and home

Help calm me, house buying and selling stress. Part 3

(997 Posts)
craftyone Mon 30-Dec-19 14:38:59

Links to the first and second threads

www.gransnet.com/forums/house_and_home/1266771-Help-calm-me-house-buying-and-selling-stress-part-2

thread number 3

Whiff Sat 07-Mar-20 11:43:45

Had the results of my echo. Need to have an agitated saline bubble echocardiogram. Might have something wrong. But if I have what they think, I was born with it. Not worried about it as there is nothing I can do and will just have to wait and see. Has anyone had this test done? Off the give the kitchen a clean.

Franbern Sat 07-Mar-20 12:59:22

Popped out briefly - mainly to post a letter - but whilst out trundled round Wilko, Poundstretcher and B&M. All were well stocked with loo rolls, soap and surface cleanser. No signs of people buying up loads of anything. Perhaps the panic as not reached Somerset yet, or it is past and people have so much stocked up they do not need to buy anymore. I will do my normal shop on Monday morning.

craftyone Sat 07-Mar-20 14:18:23

I think it depends on the county Franbern. Somerset is quite laid back about lots of things, I see the old fashioned coping ways here and caring for neighbours. I needed a few things locally today, lots on the shelves and I only bought what I needed, left everything else for others

Lots of people have that fetal development issue whiff, my sister too. She lives with it fine, just gets on with it, like you do

I have put another 5 big bags of compost in the garage and now have a total of 28 bags ready to hoist into action for spring. I did the last (fingers crossed) 2 holes for the obelisks and have continues to order more seeds, won`t need any next year. Ebay sellers are excellent and cheap, early purple sprouting is one I ordered. I only need to put 2 on my garden to feed me for feb through to june next year. I must be self-disciplined and not sow too many of anything

I spoilt myself and have ordered more plug plants, cosmos, marigolds and sweet peas. Anywhere with a bare space will have plants put in this summer. I bought a rhubarb plant in a big pot in the small market here, had excellent full roots, £2.25, I don`t know why I nearly broke my spade trying to dig a piece out of my allotment and it failed (I think)

Slug nematodes will be next, they work very well and at least the birds will be protected

Ellianne Sun 08-Mar-20 09:01:02

There was a little ray of sunshine this morning to welcome my birthday, now its raining again. Our son and dil are taking us to lunch at a favourite country pub of theirs. I'm missing the other grandchildren terribly as it's my first birthday in our new home 200 miles away from them.

Shandy57 Sun 08-Mar-20 09:25:50

Happy birthday bumps to you Ellianne, many happy returns of the day! Can you skype the grandchildren later? xx

Franbern Sun 08-Mar-20 09:40:28

Best wishes for a happy birthday Ellianne. My birthday in June falls on a Saturday and that is the day that my SiL near here is celebrating his 50th birthday - so there will be quite a few of my family coming down for that. If I make it through another year, I will have to really think what best to do for my 80th.
I am the most un-panicking person you can find - went to the local High Street yesterday, shelves in places like Poundstretcher, Wilko all well stocked. Did not buy anything - will do my normal weekly shop tomorrow.
This week I will be travelling to South London for a school gym competition (and then to a friend near that school for an overnight stay/gossip). I do not like or use handgel (it is sticky and nasty in my opinion). Always wash hands regularly the way I was taught by Infection Control at the hospital in which I worked. Still feel that there is far more chance of me catching something like Influenza than anything else - and do not take any specific precautions against that.
No intention of putting my life on hold 'just in case' - so will continue to go to shops, go to gym competitions, travel around and enjoy myself.

Grammaretto Sun 08-Mar-20 09:56:04

Happy Birthday Ellianne. I hope you have a very nice day albeit away from your other DGC.
Our smallest DGC has chicken pox and I've just been sent a photo of a very poxy child. I wish I could do something to help. I thought I might post a small game or toy . They are still a 3 hr drive away and are keeping away from us because DH is having cancer treatment. We've all had the cp though so I don't know why they're worried.

Everyone around here is carrying on as usual but DS2 says they may have to cancel their trip to France in June if this gets worse. France may be in quarantine by then!
They are in NZ and asked their insurers if they would get any compensation.
"in your dreams!" or something to that effect was the reply..

Mythbirtthedragon Sun 08-Mar-20 10:00:44

We have some movement (of sorts) on the Southend house (brief recap, left to DP and his 2 siblings with his brother having a life interest via a trust. As BiL has now died, the house is being sold). I arranged for estate agent visits as I was fed up with DP procrastinating. The fact it hasn’t been touched for over 20 years seems a positive as ‘young people like a project’ which is demonstrated by previous comments. Just got to decide who to go with now; fees very similar, know the area etc. The cat (who still needs rehoming, centres all seem full up) was particularly taken with one of the chaps who unfortunately has just got a dog. Should we trust her instinct or was she just being a contrary tart. Charity shop has said it will take all the books, regardless of condition, as they can get money through recycling not just selling. Hope they’ve got plenty of storage space. Task today is to try and get rid of BiL’s car; basically, it was a dog taxi so going on FB marketplace. We’re getting a bit of aggravation from the energy company who keep sending us estimated bills despite us submitting photos of the meter readings. Guess whose side these are weighted on. Total aside, on the loo roll theme, for Christmas I gave DS (a student) a box of 48 loo rolls, all prettily wrapped from a charity that funds the building of toilets in developing countries. Gave us all a laugh at the time; just hope I don’t have to ask for some. He’ll probably charge me.

Shandy57 Sun 08-Mar-20 10:18:54

Mythbirtthedragon, my experience of EA's is that they over estimated the price I'd get for my house to get my business and it's haunted me ever since. It's a horrible numbers game. If you have time have a look at Rightmove and see what similar houses sold for in the road to get an 'average' that you would be happy to accept. I am sorry the poor cat has to be rehomed. Good luck, I hope it sells quickly.

Whiff, I kept meaning to say good luck with your new test, I am sorry you have another challenge to face, you are a very courageous woman, I could do with some, I'm such a jelly most of the time.

Off to the beach with my dog then back to hoover the haunted house, my handbrake seems to be stuck on the car now as well, good I'm taking it in tomorrow for the exhaust blow out.

Whiff Sun 08-Mar-20 10:19:52

Ellianne happy birthday. Have a lovely lunch.

Mythbirtthedragon when you need to get rid of the furniture you will find charity shops very picky . I found Emmaus are grateful for anything also they take white goods will slight damage as long as they still work. Took a fridge with small dent in door and freezer with a broken handle. Don't know if there is a branch near where the house is. Also found animal charities will take bedding and towels human charities won't as long as they can be washed.

Franbern have fun with your judging and your catch up with your friend. I'm with you not going to worry about this virus. My son in law should be going aboard for work at the end of the month but will have to wait and see if he can go.

Have a good day everyone.

Shandy57 Sun 08-Mar-20 10:24:26

Grammaretto, I'm just not with it this morning, I meant to say you could get shingles? I've never had it but my friend did, extremely painful, she had a patch on her forehead and slept with it uncovered, unfortunately also infected one of her eyes. Hope your GC likes her toy and it distracts her from the itching.

Whiff Sun 08-Mar-20 10:36:39

Shandy57 thank you for those kind words. But don't put yourself down. All that you have gone through since your husband's death has taken courage you are stronger than you think. When I think back to your first posts to your latest ones you have changed such a lot. We never see ourselves as others do. We will never met but I am sure if we did we would be life long friends. If you look at some of your old posts you will see how far you have come. You are a strong resourceful woman be proud of all the obstacles you have over come . Look to the future. You have a wonderful life ahead of you. Enjoy every minute the good and the bad. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Whiff Sun 08-Mar-20 10:41:01

You can't catch shingles from chicken pox. You can only get shingles if you had chicken pox . Shingles is the reactivation of the virus in your blood. Or so I have been told. My son had chicken pox as a child and shingles when he was in his 20's. He was in agony.

MerylStreep Sun 08-Mar-20 10:49:35

Craftyone
Another nematode fan here. I 'sprayed' mine yesterday. I didn't feel like it as the wind was cold, but I ( and you ?) know they work.
I can't understand why people moan about slugs and don't use this wonderful safe product.

craftyone Sun 08-Mar-20 14:32:53

Happy birthday Ellianne flowers and a very safe journey Franbern, if I say that you are a feisty woman, I mean that as a great big complement

It must seem like a lifetime away shandy, the dragging days. Try and arrange some rest days for yourself, you must be all in

I haven`t ordered them yet Merylstreep, yes they work so well, I remember seeing dead small black slugs that normally live underground and do lots of damage. I think my allotment was protected for 2 years after that eradication

I have been sorting a couple of drawers upstairs and prepped my medications kit, just in case I get the virus, living on my own, I can cope if everything is handy. I have had some great chats with dd for the past few days wrt virology and immunology. Really stimulating stuff

midgey Sun 08-Mar-20 14:38:32

Whiff I caught shingles from a child with chicken pox ?

Grammaretto Sun 08-Mar-20 16:07:45

Mythbirtthedragon I hope you find a good agent who is realistic both in their fees and your price. I definitely agree that young people love a project and usually hate the place to be too perfect. My DS and DiL bought a flat which I could have moved into but they pulled nearly everything out and spent the first year making it theirs- especially the kitchen. They are still in it after 10 years or so (they are not so young any more!).

I have read that you can't catch shingles from chicken pox but I know someone who is still recovering from shingles and perhaps it is best to avoid both if your immune system is low.
Sorry you are to have more tests Whiff there is always something to worry about.

I have had an interesting day so far. DH got a puncture in my car and I have had to deal with it while he was the only person at the shop to keep it open. I pumped up the tyre with my foot pump and drove the car to the garage where they said there was glass in it so I'd need a new tyre.
That done, I drove home and handed him the keys to take his ladies singing!! (it's my car but it's our only car) I pay all the bills but we share it. Fair??
My friend came over to see me and she's had a pretty horrible time recently but she's such a good listener, I found myself telling her all my woes and hardly mentioning hers!

Franbern Sun 08-Mar-20 16:42:55

Mythbirthedragon (love to know where you got this name from) - glad something is being sorted out about the legalities on the house in Southend. Yes, people do like 'a project' but then seem to think whatever they intend to spend on that should be taken into account in the price they pay for the house,
Sue Ryder and British Heart Association will both take all electrical items large and small. Animal Charities (as have been said) happy to take duvets, pillows, towels, although last Xmas I did manage to find a charity collecting for local homeless hostel that were delighted to have these - must admit so much prefer them going to human charities than animal ones. Furniture is usually fine, but anything with upholstery needs a fire certificate which means older settees, armchairs, padded dining chairs (which were sold before these came into being) are not acceptable by most charities. Seems daft how difficult it can be getting rid of such items . Went to local Craft Fair today with my daughter, lovely stuff, but dreadfully expensive, did buy a small 'owl' pin cushion, stuffed with broken up walnut shells, so also sharpens pins and needles when pushed in.
Have not heard anything about France and quarantine - my eldest daughter and her daughter are going there over Easter (I will cat and house sit for her - and catch up with friends in London). She was also saying that this could be a good time to look for some cheap holidays abroad, with so many people cancelling their bookings.
Shandy - getting closer to the 25th - must seem each day is like a lifetime, but it is good that you are still having viewings, so plenty of interest, just hope that translates into plenty of people making offers at the auction. I am sure we will all be there on that day for you in spirit and so hoping to hear really good news from you.
Lovely sunny (most of the time) day here - except for when I first went out this morning to go to craft fair, when it started to rain!!! fortunately, only for a short time. Spent the rest of the day at my daughters house and the cake over from my coffee morning last Friday was welcomed by four g.children and all consumed very quickly!!!!
Hope all have had the shingles vaccination. I was always rather concerned about this particular illness which can be so painful. Remember my Dad, big and strong and never ill suffering for years from pain following an attack of shingles.

Whiff Sun 08-Mar-20 17:36:10

Franbern glad you had a good time at the craft fair and with the family. How old do you have to be for the shingles vaccine? I'm 61.

midgey Sun 08-Mar-20 17:40:48

Whiff pretty sure you need to be 70. You are much too young!

Franbern Sun 08-Mar-20 17:40:52

Under NHS you should be offered it when you are 70 yrs old., but think you can get it privately prior to that.

Grammaretto Sun 08-Mar-20 18:40:51

I didn't know about a shingles vaccination. I would qualify!
Thanks.

Shandy57 Mon 09-Mar-20 09:37:16

Sorry I said the wrong thing Grammaretto. I thought if you had already had chickenpox, coming into contact with someone with it could reactivate the virus and you'd get shingles. I've updated myself now. I didn't know there was a vaccine, there are new things happening all the time aren't there! I'm 63 next month, so will have to pay for one, but worth it - as I have psoriasis any wounds turn into patches and it's bad enough as it is now without that to contend with. My poor son had chickenpox at two, and I wasn't disciplined enough with the creams, he has several scars.

I've woken up late so can't take my car in, I doubt the mechanic would be pleased to see me on a Monday morning anyway. I bought my cat a hanging mouse toy which has an electronic squeak, and woke up at 3 am to frantic squeaking and the dog barking! She came downstairs again this morning so is getting more used to the house, it is a shame I have to shut the kitchen door when I go out, but she can still explore the lounge and upstairs. Three more weeks to go, I am sorry she can't go out in the sunshine.

I really appreciated all of your cordless vacuum recommendations, thank you, but I got a great bargain offer of £50 off a shark through moneysavingexpert. Hopefully will be delivered today.

There seems to be a fly infestation here in the bedroom, rather revolting, lots at the window and there were several dead on the carpet when I moved in.

Off to the beach shortly then back to the station to wipe down all the bathrooms and kitchens, tomorrow morning should just be lights on and smelly candle. I've asked the young lady to text me when she leaves. Four viewings at 11 am. I felt upset yesterday when my son asked me when the auction is, but he has been busy preparing for Crufts - he has a miniature long haired dachshund and a very small dog breed I can't spell! Both have won prizes.

Enjoy your day!

Ellianne Mon 09-Mar-20 09:48:39

When is the auction Shandy? ........ Sorry I couldn't resist that one!! Lots of us feel we will be there in spirit.

craftyone Mon 09-Mar-20 12:18:55

cluster flies shandy, look like bluebottles and gather around window and door frames for the winter. At least they eat earthworms and not manure. Its wonderful re more viewings, it would be a dream come true if there were a trio of serious bidders

I am liking the longer days, seems as though winter is almost over. I saw light green on a weeping willow today, it is almost the best time of the year