Help calm me, house buying and selling stress. Part 4

Yes, GraanySomerset, this was 1990s so we were very ahead of things. Rabbits and Guinea pigs too! The funniest moment was when my dog dressed up as Rudolph the reindeer to come to the party with Father Christmas. When the presents were being handed out the bloomin dog sneaked off and ate the kids' sandwiches!

When I first got ill 32 years ago my daughter started school while I was in hospital for 3 weeks. l could not see her or our 8 months old son in all that time. No day room attached to the ward. My husband explained our situation to the primary school. And the reception teacher and teacher support were so good not just with my daughter when she got upset but with all the children. Having a cuddle at primary in all the classes helped all the children . It made them feel safe and with that safety they were able to learn better. My daughter always wanted her dad to do hair for her before school. He made sure he sent hair brush and slides with her . As soon as Mrs Knott the teacher support saw the state she was in always did her hair exactly how she
wanted. My daughter used to say don't tell daddy he tried his best. Everyday they phoned him once my mom had fetched her to let him know how she was doing. Because of the schools kindness throughout the years both my children went there it made it made it easier for them. I was sad when years later cuddling and comforting small children became a no no. I know how much the school did for my children and us as a family. And other families over the years who had various problems either health or financial.

When I was a (mature) student teacher capes were fashionable winter wear. On a cold playground duty I always had two or three little ones sheltering under the warm folds. Nobody thought it peculiar then, and neither did I. Sadly, things are radically different now for very good reasons, but it is sad that the actions of the few perverts have changed relationships for ever.

Always the way with everything. Minority spoil it for the majority.

Morning all, its only 5.30 but the birds are very loud this morning. Just checking in and thankful for a good painless sleep at last, I took paracetamol but that was the last dose. It is the shoulder muscle stretching that is doing the trick, stretching and eventually loosening. Powerful muscles, responsible for so many mis-alignments and eventual pain, shoulders, back, sciatica. I re-started the stretches on my inverter, at first I was like a crab and could not reach backwards easily, it took about 30 seconds of wiggling and then I lengthened and could reach the floor behind me. Easier yesterday morning and easy last night. I must remember to do this twice a day, it makes a big difference

Oh dear, nothing much to report, an uneventful life right now, same as most people. I will steam mop my floor today, haha, I never ever thought that cleaning my floor would feature large. I have many audible books, I went through a phase of getting them for my husband and me, about time I opened some of them again. Thank goodness for knitting and a daily cycle ride and a garden for pottering

Morning . Had the most strange dreams last night. All about going shopping with my mom and brother before going to nan and grandad's house. Grandad was at work but we always stayed until he came home. The dreams going into the various shops. The butcher's shop with the 2 large metal bowls full of dripping. One pork with sage leaves on top and a large metal spoon that when dipped into came out with white fat on top and brown thick jelly underneath. And the beef with thyme leaves on top creamy white with just a thin layer of brown jelly underneath. The grocers. With large block of yellow butter and the wooden paddles which were ridged used to pat it into a square and then wrapped in greaseproof paper. The large silver and red slicing machine. For the cooked meats all home cooked except the corned beef which came in large rectangle tin. There used to be large square boxes of mixed broken biscuits brought by the quarter of pound. There was always custard creams, pink wafers, nice, malted milk, digestive, bourbon and if lucky some chocolate ones. They used to make milk lollies in the summer in a narrow cylinder shape. Made from milk and evaporated milk. The shop by the hospital sold raspberry ripple ice cream on a stick. Which was our treat from our dad if mom had to visit someone there. Children were no allowed. This was in Smethwick we moved when I was 6. Old Smethwick not like it is today. Which is an awful place.

My grandparents lived in what they called landlord houses. Row after row of terraces owned that way. No bath rooms . Toilet outside in the yard. My mom was born in that house so where 3 of her siblings . One of her sisters was born in hospital as nan couldn't deliver her at home had to be rushed to hospital. My aunt was 11lb born. Nan had to come home on the bus. Like I said strange dreams.

Normally I'm awake at 5.30 but it was 6.45 this morning. Wonder what my sub conscience is trying to tell me.

Ah well better get up . Going into the front garden again. Then no doubt have a nap this afternoon. Take care everyone.

Morning all, lovely and sunny here again today.

Glad your shoulder is easing craftyone. My daughter's shoulder injury will never fully heal, I fear she will suffer greatly when she is older, I do regret asking her to help me that day (she helped me drag a sledge full of pop bottles to a beach picnic) - years later she fell badly sand boarding in Bolivia and they thought she had broken it.

What a clear dream Whiff, I can see the dripping and butter from your description. Babies were heavier then weren't they - 11lb! Ouch!

I have had to make the sad decision to shut my dog and cat out of the bedroom now, I've no idea why my dog kept clawing at me in bed in the early hours. Good not to be woken up at 3 am, 7.15 for me this morning.

Came downstairs to a box avalanche, luckily just boxes of photos.

Had a good weep at the tv last night, 'one girl'. This isolation is so hard, but better safe than sorry. Beach walk and packing for me today, I did well yesterday, and will have upstairs empty and ready to clean by tomorrow.

I got in touch with the auction house and said I hadn't heard anything about my completion date - they are getting in touch soon. I am working towards the eight weeks, I'm going to try to be finished a few weeks before. I am so grateful to you all for cheering me on, the news about house prices dropping reminds me of the despair my husband and I went through when we were in negative equity in the 80's. Our 'flexible friend' - my Access card, was the only way we could afford food and petrol to get to work. If I hadn't sold at the auction, I think I'd now be facing several more years on the market with my savings being eroded with essential repairs.

Have a good day everyone, it's lovely to have you to chat to .

Back home from my weekly Sainsbury shop and car outing. Sainsburys seems to be getting far fewer people shopping in person now, so many people must be shopping on line. Got there for just before 8.30 and was waved straight in. Could get everything on my shopping list except flour (only bread flour there - no SR or Plain). I have got enough for me for the time being, so will just keep it on my list for future weeks.
I have been told that the reason that this is not in shops is not because there is a shortage of the item, but a shortage of the packs for them. Manufacturers only have the large sack which they use to sell to companies and bakeries. No idea if this just one of those stories that circulate around,. I know both plain and SR can be purchased on line in big sacks of several kg - one of my children purchased one of these, ready for birthday cake baking. Pointless for me to get that sort of amount,.
I did treat myself to a pack of 5 Cadburys Creme eggs, now sitting in my 'fridge, testing me every time I go there. Wonder how long I can keep them in there!!!
Beautiful weather again, will have my usual sunbathe this afternoon.
Today, was the first time, I used a mask going round Sainsbury, more to inspire confidence in others than for me,. Found it very uncomfortable and was glad to take it off as soon as I got back in the car.
Shandy, I have few good memories of the 1980's. I became very ill in 1979 with Ulcerative Colitus - and was battling at home with an increasingly disjointed marriage, and we were struggling with benefits. The doctors were very keen on me having an ileostomy operation - and I could not face it - I felt too young, and with young children it seemed horrific for me. I also hid this illness from my aged parents - but it was a very difficult decade. When one of the twins was selected to represent England at the Junior European Diving Championships being held in Germany, she was the only member of that young team that did not have a parent there with her to cheer her on. She was young enough (14 yrs) to be really angry with me, and I felt so guilty. But there was no way I could afford the time or the money and hubbie would not have looked after the other children had I gone.
It was not until I finally had that operation in 1990, and then had a year to recover from the medical botch that meant I had FOUR operations inside three days and five days in Intensive Care, = but after that year, I realised that I had virtually lost a decade of my life. A really, really bad decade for me and my family. BUT......life did move on and have had lots of many good years since then.
Shandy, lots of time for you to finish sorting things out, but PLEASE do not do any heavy moving of items. Takes just a second to really hurt yourself, and not a good time to need to go to A&E

Did someone mention Cadbury's Creme Eggs?!

That dream of yours whiff, brought back some nice memories. I had a vivid dream 2 nights ago, typical in a train station and could not get to my platform to get home, frustrated round and round, must be related to the lockdown, ie trapped

I had an e mail wrt paying tv licence, so many scams about so I went via age concern website and have arranged a dd, feels so much safer doing that

Some time in the garden today, silly me overlooked 9 marigolds and they were wiped out by frost, I have far too many so am not concerned. Smallest obelisk needed prepping for sweet peas and it did not feel bedded enough ie would blow over when top heavy. Over an hour later I had dug a hole with much effort and removal of stones. It is lower now and safer and covered in hemp pea netting

I regard that as enough work for today, keeping the kitchen clean and tidy is on going, so feet up now, knitting and hoping I can find something half decent to watch

Had my work out in the front garden. Why is it the littlest plants have the longest roots? After 2 days that's half a boarder done. Only can manage 2 hours at a time. With mug if hot chocolate half way through. Talked to a lot of people passing by today. My neighbour has said if there's anything I can't dig up to give him a shout. My seeds from Thompson and Morgan came today. Plants arriving end of the month. Probably won't garden tomorrow. Sainsbury's delivery due between 8-9 in the morning then it's my monthly natter with my old college friend . By then it will be time to put all the shopping away and lunch.

After gardening had a cuppa ,slice of toast and a hours nap. Had my lunch telly and cross stitch to time.

Hope you have all enjoyed the sunshine.

You would be lost without your garden whiff, me too. Its become boring, all this enforced time at home when the highlight of the day is bringing the bins in for me and my neighbours. I must do some work in the house tomorrow, it should be looking like a new pin but it isn`t. I have noticed that I am starting to look for things to nibble during the day, not good, I need to find something that will engross me and take up time to do.

Reading about what you have done in your garden inspired me to get going on my own Craftyone. It was on my list to do this year. Worked can't continue on the inside until we get the all clear.

I am still trying to lose the rest of my weight but over the last 3 weeks put 2lb on. My children are very supportive and said not to worry. As my whole routine has changed. Luckily my measurements have stayed the same.

Speaking to a friend tonight I've been on to her to get some hobbies as ,I fear she may get how I have felt recently when I was overwhelmed by loneliness. She used to go out everyday and did a weekly exercise class and voluntary work. She doesn't read or do any crafts. Like me she has been doing her garden. Next week she should have had her extension start to be built. She has promised me when we talk on Sunday she will have ordered some books and some different hobby kits to try.

Tomorrow after I've spoke to my friend I need to move the lily of the valley to the space I've cleared in the front for it. My Gertrude Jekyll rose is arriving soon and the lily of the valley are in the way of where I want it to go.

Wrote thank you on my dustbins today. As our reuse collections are all going ahead as usual. I would like to think someone says thank to my son who delivers food to Iceland stores and other outlets 5 days a week.

Well better get to sleep. Sweet dreams everyone.

Evening all, I know you won't see this till the morning!

I asked my removal company to give me a quote to remove my larger furniture -

large tv on stand
grand 4 seater leather sofa
cream 3 seater sofa

chest freezer

white triple wardrobe,
white double wardrobe
white eight drawer chest
white six drawer chest,
white superking bed frame
white dressing table

brown wooden dressing table
.
kitchen table (extending)

They've just quoted £620.00 for collection, dismantling, and 'disposal'. I am shocked it is so much. I'm going to wait to hear from my solicitor and ask him to see if the buyer would like it.

Shandy57 you could try someone else but I think there quote would probably be about the same. Some how don't think your buyer will want your things. In fact the way he has been he might insist you get rid of the things. If you don't want them can't you just leave them there or is there a clause in the sales agreement that it has to be empty. When my brother and sister in law brought their house through auction. The house was empty but the loft was full of stuff. The sales agreement stated the house had to be empty but there was no clause to cover the loft. So the seller was able to wriggle out of clearing it. Read through all your paperwork with a fine tooth comb before you act.

I know it's yet another thing for you have to cope with but you can do it. Look how far you have come. You are doing brilliantly.

When we moved into this house almost 31 years ago (never have problems remembering that as DD was 6 days old), it was full of the possessions of the previous owners. When we’d first viewed the house, which we’d been told was unoccupied, it was as if someone had popped out round the corner; coats hanging up, birthday cards on the mantelpiece in the living room and even a couple of cigarette ends in an ashtray. We’d agreed to clear the house as we didn’t want to delay moving in any further. What I couldn’t credit was the amount of personal stuff, letters, photos, diaries, WW1 postcards, school things from the two sons of the people we’d bought from all left behind. There was also an Anderson shelter in the back garden which had been turned into a garden feature and could still be sat in. We knew the couple we’d bought from had been elderly and one of them must have had a long term illness as the back reception had been converted into a bedroom where a couple of oxygen tanks had been left. It was quite an adventure sorting it and helped me settle at the start of my maternity leave. The house (late Victorian) had been in the ownership of the same family since built with the parents leaving it to their daughter, who’d lived there since birth. Fred, her husband, had obviously been a keen DIY person up to about the 50’s, with the result that most of the Victorian fire places had been replaced with tiled hearths and the wooden doors and stairs boarded over. He’d also been a keen recorder of family holidays, with maps marking routes and postcards of where they’d been in his shed in the garden. Most of the furniture and clothes went to charity but it took us about 2 years to get into the basement, as we had a lot of internal modernisation done to the house. Lots of glass dishes, sets of china, ornaments with dates on the stuff as to when it had been last checked, some of it not since the 50s. We had a forwarding address of a care home in Chester which did puzzle us as the son we’d dealt with had been based in Colchester. About 10 years later, I had a phone call from a man identifying himself as the ‘other son’, apologising for leaving so much stuff behind, explaining that they’d had to move their parents out very quickly as his mother was ill, he lived in Chester so that was why they’d moved there and had we come across his box of theatrical brochures from when he had been at school and a keen performer and did we still have them. I did remember them as at the time we wondered if we should offer them to the school for archiving but did have to tell him we had disposed of them. I did send him some photos we’d kept of the house the family had taken over the years, including some which must have had him in. It’s something that does make me wonder about the things I’ve hung onto; I’ve got a batch of papers to go through going back to my university days including letters from people I’m no longer in contact with. Do I move them on myself or, like DP’s family, just leave them in the loft so someone else can do it whenever. (Rhetorical question really).

I would pay up and get rid of them, it will be a big weight off your shoulders shandy. It isn`t a bad price, considering that they are bulky and there are lots of tricky steps. I had to pay extra to move because I had an archway at the last house and they could not have got a big van anywhere close. I was glad to find someone who could do it all

Captain Tom, what a lovely man, he moved in with his daughter 12 years ago, I just saw him on tv and just what we need, a ray of sunshine

Your friend needs a cross stitch whiff and a decent light behind her. I used to love cross stitching

Hi Shandy, sounds a good price for moving all those heavy items and with lots of steps involved. You go with it, pay it over and heave a great sigh of relief that it another problem sorted. It is obviously, at least a two-person job and will take a few hours. When you say 'move' them do you mean to dispose of them also? There would be a charge for that. We have all reminded you on several occasions of the so-called 'hidden' costs of moving home. Disposal of unwanted furniture is one of those.
The one area I am rather puzzled about that you seem quite willing to pay out money is to the former EA's. Yes, I know that the buyer originally came through them, but they were not able to complete his purchase, and when he did buy, it was through a different agency entirely. Cannot see how you owe them anything.
My daughter managed to get me a bag of compost yesterday at her local Tesco. She is going to bring it over today and put it in my garage. Now all I need to get is some nice planters, and I can start getting prepared to have some real flowers on my balcony as well as the faux ones.
Yesterday afternoon had a lovely trundle round local park. So very peaceful, calm and pleasant. Yes, there were a few people actually daring to sit down on some of the benches, but none anywhere near anyone else. Street Warden wandered through and gave a cheery 'Good Afternoon' to me as he passed by some 3-4 metres away.
The sun was lovely, but there was a chilly wind there, made me realise how much of a sun trap my balcony is. The tall wall up one side, stops this sort of wind and when I got back home, I sat there for half an hour - it was really hot.
So, today, my biggest excitement will be moving my car into my garage, from the car park, where it has been since I came back from my shopping yesterday!!!!

Morning friends, glad I've left the heating on at the station still, it was so very cold last night. Overcast today.

The mechanic is coming to collect my daughter's car to fix the tyre later this morning, so useful there is an outside tap here with a hose, I enjoyed washing the car so easily. At the station it involved lots of walking up and downstairs with buckets of water

Thanks for the support over the cost of the clearance, I don't have much choice of companies to approach here as we are so rural, and have just seen on the news the lockdown is extended for three more weeks. I don't think the charities that do it for free are going to be operational in time. It will be a weight off my mind knowing it is organised. How sad for that man Mythbirtthedragon - and to think I was dithering over a duvet set yesterday. I kept it as I remembered Franbern had to buy a new one

I'm going to take my dog to the beach in his pram shortly, then come back and have a sort out of what I've already bought here, I was conscious I hadn't presorted some of it yesterday. I also need to make space in the garage, when I rushed to collect my garden ornaments I just unloaded them at the front. The stairs in the cottage are so narrow with a bend at the top, I've put off taking some of the boxes up, I think I told you I had an avalanche the other morning.

Have a good day. Venice is on the tv, a reminder of happier times for my 60ieth birthday.

One of those good mornings here, when I feel as though I have achieved a lot. Hot chocolate and toast time and then up and at em again.

I have many frozen blackcurrants and they need to be used before my first berries from here. I still have pots of jam so jam will be a last resort.

I found a traybake, no flour, ground almonds etc, like a bakewell and using 200g of blackcurrants. Sounds nice. I made caster sugar and have peeled 200g of almonds, they will be dry by now and I will make ground almonds. Peeling the almonds was faffy but not again because I have managed to source ground almonds online and will freeze them in 200g portions

Whiff I have succumbed and ordered a cross stitch set, 30 mini ornaments for christmas decorations. I`ll probably have to get a little hoop but maybe not as they are small. I also ordered a felt kit, a nordic snowman 8 x 25". I was thinking back to my relaxing days and these kits were most definitely relaxing and satisfying. These both will take me a long time and will be enjoyable

Shandy you are into moving expenses, don`t worry too much about costings for now, it is very essential. The costs do eat into money but just make an invisible allowance when you eventually offer on a home and not to forget that any offer is proviso to leaving carpets and curtains, which will make for a cheaper entry point and that you can change over time

Thanks friends, I'm not feeling very well today, just tired I think. I turned back from the beach walk, I didn't think I'd make it there and back, plus it is so cold. Dog is fed up. Think I might have had too much coffee

I've accepted the clearance quote and hope to agree a date a few weeks in advance of completion so it is safe for them to come to the house.

Franbern, the EA contract said they would expect commission if I sold to someone they'd introduced within six months of leaving them. It is an expense I could have done without, but the other man's bid was £35K less, swings and roundabouts as they say.

I think I might go back to bed and read for a while

yes do listen to your body shandy, you sound all in and need a complete rest today and maybe also tomorrow. I once advised someone I was treating to take time out and read a magazine. I will never forget that she said` it is ok then? you are giving me permission` I know that feeling, that I must push myself each and every day. We are not machines

I have been envying you all able to plant flowers, etc.. Although I do love my faux flowers, I did meant to have some planters with real flowers on my balcony. Got caught with this lockdown and had no planters, no plants, and no compost. It was the last that was really the problem. Last week, as I left Sainsbury with my weekly shop, saw lots of sacks of these in their entrance foyer, but as I had then paid for my shopping thought I could leave it for anóther week. Top of my shopping list this week - but none to be had. They had changed it all for BBQ stuff!!
My daughter, bless her, went to her nearby Tesco and bought me a sack. Then, somehow, managed to get it round to the flats this morning, carrying it -when she was taking two of the children out for exercise. I was able to stand on my balcony, and remotely open the garage on the ground floor, she put this sack into my shopping trolley and, after a little chat - they left. I went down later and wheeled the trolley up to the flat. I had problems just lifitng it out of there!!! So, all I need now is a couple of planters, and then can order some plants.
Gorgeous hot day here again. Think rain is on the way tomorrow though.

I think I would probably pay the money Shandy. worth it for peace of mind and a spine intact.
However I would find out what happens to the stuff? Does it end up in landfill? Such a shame.

There has been a lot of fly-tipping in this area. settees, beds and all sorts.
The council has cancelled their pest control service too which does not bode well except for the rat population....

Some really nice local FB initiatives have sprouted up,
A seed and plant exchange and an exchange, loan or giving site. Toys, clothes etc
I have just advertised the prunings from my living willow bower. I wonder if anyone will want them!

Your house adventure was interesting Mythbirtthedragon
Our last house was like that but the old lady selling was eager that we should have anything we wanted so we kept a lot of it. (and still use it!) The family had been in it since new 1938, so we were only the 2nd owners in 1975.

This house is 1811 but had been converted into an industrial building in the 1950s so most Georgian features have been lost.

We didn't find anything from its heyday as an industrialist's home. Though we studied their family's family tree and have come across all sorts in archives and we got to know some of their descendants. I secretly hope that if we decide to sell the house, that one of that family would want to buy it back.

My Sainsbury's delivery came nice an early . The drive stood well back and had gloves and mask on. Everything was bagged. The substitutes were acceptable same thing different brand . But no teabags or flour. I had ordered eggs but without the flour I didn't need them. He wouldn't take them back but they still refunded me the cost of them . Got some shopping for my daughter she can use the eggs.

Had a lovely chat with my college friend we meet when we were 18 . Both 62 this year.

Then spilt all the meat into portions for the freezer. Got some fruit out of the freezer as I want to make jam tomorrow.

Went into the front garden just for hour today. My new neighbour was there. Think I said it was the daughter of the lady who died. Her flat is on the market but can't move into the bungalow yet as the kitchen / bathroom fitter ripped both out only got new toilet and kitchen sink in then went into lockdown can't get the rest of items for both . Awaiting delivery.

Hope you are feeling better soon Shandy57. Franbern have fun choosing planters and plants. Craftyone those cross stitch will keep you busy.
My friend has promised to order some books and kits today.

Enjoy the rest of your day everyone.