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

our world will never be the same again and will hopefully be a whole lot better, I think people will be more appreciative and hopefully there will be far less commercialism, less travel, fewer planes and more working from home. Far far less pollution means that many people will not suffer this year, the sun breaks up the nasty pollutants and it affects people, they call it hay fever but it is not all hay fever. People are starting to garden and to get in touch with the earth and are liking it

Motorhomes are travelling in great numbers from london to the west country. They need to stay away, cornwall has one hospital and they don`t want offcomers to bring their virus, same for the rest of the west country. They are already stripping the shelves that were full

Anyway that is me off my soapbox. It is an RnR day today, lazy start, after wiping a spider off a pir sensor that kept switching my outside light on last night. Archers and knitting and gentle weeding of baby weeds later in the sun. Reading while nibbling 2 pieces of black chocolate. I am loving this isolation, very comfortable doing what I do

Happy mothers day to my friends here, no post yesterday, again. Letters are taking 8-10 days to arrive so from me to you

Thanks Shandy and a Happy Mother's Day from me too.
It's so nice that you can still walk on the beach but not so nice to have a painful eye. Can you bathe it in boric acid solution?

Sorry you aren't able to complete your pretty balcony Franbern

Things are changing quickly aren't they. SueH49 I can hardly keep up with the advice.

As a self employed artist, I have stopped all my classes but opened my studio to a few trusted artist friends who have a key and come in to work away in peace and quiet. I am distancing myself at present but now even they are worried to come, because I am in the older category and DH has his "underlying health conditions". I realise it's a small dilemma and can be solved by each keeping our own towels, cleaning carefully and coming at different times. A bit like an isolation ward.

A plea has been put out on facebook for accommodation and I know we have an empty grannyflat but I think it would be asking for trouble to offer it to a stranger, recently returned from abroad, at this stage.

I hope to speak to my DC and DGC on whatsapp later on.

Morning all, happy Mother's Day to everyone it applies to, especially to those of us who have lost beloved children xx

Great to read all your news.

I've woken up with conjunctivitis in my good eye (had a squint as a child, partially sighted in other). Haven't had it for fifty odd years, definitely under the weather!

Have a good day whatever you are doing xx

Oh my, how quickly things can change.
News has just come through that schools in Victoria will close as of Tuesday. Term 1 holidays were scheduled to commence next week and Term 2 commence after Easter. When (if) they will reopen is not known at this stage. Also most States have closed their borders so there will be no domestic travel outside one's own State. It is likely the remaining 3 States will close their borders early next week also. That is like not being able to go from Oxford to Berkshire (hope I have that right) or any other adjoining Counties. I did go to the supermarket today - although not my usual one - and it was not as busy and there was a lot more stock on the shelves. Woolworths, one of the two major supermarkets here are now closing all stores at 8pm and opening again at 7am in order to give staff the opportunity to restock properly. There are many more restrictions due to come into place over the next few days and these will effectively place much of the country in lock down. Interesting times we live in.

I have the following observations re our move which I think are interesting and somewhat amusing.
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Our Northern Irish friends helped us to move to a street with an Irish name on St. Patricks Day.

The street shares it's name with a long term breeder of Airedale Terriers (which I bred for 30 years) who lived in the same suburb we are now in. They did not have any connection with the street though.

Finally, on meeting one of our new neighbours it transpires that they exhibited a couple of Airedales during the time I was also exhibiting. I did remember them.

It is indeed a small world and interesting times.

My Mum will turn 98 in three weeks time. She is in an Aged Care Facility and they went into lockdown on Tuesday so it is likely that we will not even be able to see her on her birthday.

My balcony, is different to all the other flats. It goes over the flat roof section of the attached Solicitors. So, it is triangular shaped, with a stone four foot high wall surround (not the glass that the other balcony's have). Two long steps go down from the patio doors and window, then it is 13 ft at its longest and 10 ft at it widest. So, plenty of space to put small patio shed, and garden chairs and tables.
My plan had been (originally), for Mothers Day to be taken to nearest big garden centre to purchase pots, compost, plants both real and fake. Obviously, this is not now going to happen - BUT it is only the balcony, so I will just have to put up with it as it is at present. At least, with chairs, I can now sit out there as the weather gets sunny and warm.
Do think it is about time that the government intervened and put an immediate stop to all parking charges at hospitals, the people it seems to be hitting most at present are those people putting themselves onto the front line (the NHS staff).

I think it's wise to put off having a new bathroom fitted or any interior work for that matter. The bathroom company we chose has agreed to fit ours in September all being well. Outside painting would be a good idea especially now the weather is getting better. The workmen would probably be happy not to enter the property for any reason.
It isn't surprising you are feeling the pressure Shandy. You have to find one or two good things to be positive about and focus on them. Not easy at the moment, but your beach sounds like the ideal place to go and let it all out. Take care.
So many parties, weddings etc having to be postponed. There will be no stopping everyone, rightly so, when this is all over. I'm guessing all the VE day celebrations are off too.

I am thinking of a tardis cake Franbern it's good that he'll have 2 birthdays this year. I hope my DGC do too. There are several bd in April.

Your patio/balcony sounds like a tardis. I imagined it quite small but now it has seats and sheds! What next?

I don't know what forum your friend would like Whiff. You don't have to be a grandmother on this but maybe most are parents.
I'm on a Facebook group or two but they aren't the same at all. Could she start one?
I play scrabble online too.

This morning I made the reluctant decision to postpone having my bathroom re-fitted from its present slot last two weeks in April to.......some distant time in the future. Felt so bad letting the local company know - but they were very understanding. I explained that the did not think the Residents Cttee would really like men traipsing in and out of the blds for ten working days. They said that they are still waiting for the government probably to ban them from doing so in anycase.
I had also enquired from the cttee about a tradesman to paint the underside of the balcony above mine - which looks a little shabby. Again, man who does this sort of work in the flats says he is not going into any of our flats at present. Not urgent, just cosmetic - so will also have to wait until later this year.
I have ordered a small patio shed to go out there in which I can put patio furniture/cushions, etc. My daughter will come over to help to put this together for me.
Today was the 10th birthday of her youngest, so, his party cancelled, family meal out - cancelled. Even get a takeaway was difficult today. But he got his cards and pressies - (he is total Dr Who fan) and his Mum made a delicious Tardis Cake. He has been promised a 10 and half birthday treat day later in the year!!!

I know there's Mumsnet as well as gransnet but is there something for single over 50,s. My friend needs online support like I get here. She is 64. Divorce in 1996 didn't have any children. All her friends have families. Just speaking to her and she was very down. Trying to encourage her to read and get a hobby. I need your help so I can help her especially as I live do far away from her since my move.

I hope the bench transaction went well Shandy
What a day you've had!! Is that an anxiety attack? It sounds awful whatever it's called. I hope you have a friend to support you through this next week.
You are strong I know but everyone needs a friend at times like these.

I had a row with DH today. He is being unreasonable IMO. I'm sure he thinks the fact that he has to isolate is all my fault and that I want him to suffer. He has gone out now, I hope just for a brisk walk and not a social encounter.
Is it sundown yet?

You have all been busy bees today!

I've had my first heart pumping can't see/can't breathe panic attack since the first year of my husband's death Luckily wasn't driving as it affects my sight, I was on the beach with the dog. Luckily I was able to count myself out of it, but it has left me feeling a bit drained.

I went up to dust and polish this morning for the two viewings and felt OK, I don't know why it's happened. I saw the neighbour that helped me when my husband died, he lost his wife the following year, we had a nice chat. It was annoying on the beach as the tide was high and it was full of strangers, my beach is normally empty, maybe it was just the anxiety of being too close to people.

I had hoped to dash out to the shops to buy a tv, but the man collecting my GWR bench has just phoned, he'll be here in 30 minutes as he was sent home early from the school he works in.

That greenhouse of yours sounds nice grammaretto, I used to retreat into mine in the 80s, I even set up a watering system. All gone to someone else. Its cosy in a greenhouse in spring

yes, the sun is a magic power, its nice being outside.

I made sauerkraut, two small cabbages, one from this weeks veg box and one from 2 weeks ago and kept in a green bag. I had fogotten about tamping being quite tiring, husband used to do it, he chopped the end off a marble rolling pin, must have been easier than my wooden tamper. It took ages before the liquid came out but it did. The sauerkraut will be packed into a kilner jar and I can keep it 6 months in the fridge. Only one jar worth I am sure, the pot only half filled once tamped down

At last some veg seeds came, mini veg called nemo (caulie) and minicole (cabbage) and purple sprouting broccoli, which is a very good hungry gap vegetable, feb to june next year. All sown, labelled and with a bit of vermiculite on top. Seed sowing is exciting

Just spent hour in the garden cutting stuff down. Pleased that I can see what I have done. My neighbour 2 doors down asked if I needed any shopping. That was kind of them. Ordered my 6 doors and the shower chair. Chilling out for the rest of the day. Hope the sunshine has cheered everyone up.

It is only 95cm tall and a m wide but there are hundreds of bits. I bought the slabs so that is my weight training for the day, It was safe in wickes, had to sign with their pen and made sure to wear my gloves. Got petrol and wore their blue gloves, argh only one other wearing gloves, the pump handles must be full of germs, everyone else had bare hands, idiots. Sainsbury car park looked manic, not an inch to be had, I was glad that I only needed petrol

I finished what I could do today, will do remainder when the glass back arrives. It looks sturdy and all the glass is laid carefully on my dining table. I must do some housework but no rush, can take my time

IKEA for price? or are they still made in a different size to everything else?
I remember having to buy their mattress and their sheets to fit.
Swedish people are tall though so the length will be fine
I couldn't prevent DH from leaving the house this morning. How do I keep such a restless soul down? Our DC keep begging me to keep him at home as he is in all the vulnerable categories.
Good luck with building the greenhouse craftyone.
I bought mine many years ago 2nd hand . In those days it was exchange and mart. When I saw it, it was all in pieces at the end of a garden. I was about to turn tail and said it will still be in bits in my garden but the guy selling said he was a landscape gardener and would deliver it to me and help put it up, which he did. We were left to put in the glass panels which turned out to be very easy once you learn how. I love it. I retreat in there to potter when the weather is too bad for outside - which is often, in the Scottish climate.

I've just checked my ebay furniture listings - no bids, ending in six hours I'm glad I sold the bench, at least .

Morning all, great to read all your news.

Whiff, I am delighted you are able to go to the Walton Centre, I was very impressed by the consultant in the programme and the team there as a whole. It is difficult watching people in pain, I could never be a nurse, I'd be in the toilets crying! A young girl was pregnant and suffered with something called functional neurological disorder, her body would seize and she was in agony. Very luckily she was able to survive the pain of the labour and had the baby naturally - but he was dark purple when he arrived, and not breathing properly, had to be incubated for a while. He recovered, happily.

I had a look around for a wooden bed frame for you as I was going to give my son's bed away - I'll be keeping it now! Quite a nice selection here

www.bedfactorydirect.co.uk/beds/wooden-beds

My son is six foot four, he prefers a bed without an end so he can stretch right out.

I'm not quite sure I understand what is happening. If everyone is supposed to be self isolating, how are we still mixing in food shops? Old lady in the queue behind me yesterday was far too close to me.

Off to polish and dust the station in a minute, and turn the heating on for the viewings. Then the beach with my doggy and picnic food shopping for tomorrow when my son and daughter come.

I am glad my daughter suggested the mechanic collect my car, it's a relief not be getting the bus back, he's coming on Sunday.

Stay warm and well everyone. I hope not to read on here that one of us has it xx

Oopsyadaisy3 thank you. No visitors for a long while do like to plan ahead though. My sister in law is in self isolation as she has MS.

We have bought beds online from Amazon and Wayfair without any problems, Argos are also reliable.
It’s quite a lot of money to spend on an unknown internet site though.
Maybe find one you like then see if a well known Internet site also sell them?
If you are able to get out and shop in store then maybe Ikea?
Good luck, sadly we won’t be having any visitors for a long time!

Any recommendations. I will soon be needing to buy a double for the spare room. I want a pine wooden frame with slatted base and support legs. No more than £150. The cheaper the better that way I can get a dearer mattress. Also recommendations for a mattress not to expensive as it will only be for visitors.
Probably be needing it from end of April.

yes it really is like the worst B movie, people in the background are working flat out so that we don`t grind to a complete halt eg ds at home but 200% dedication, recovering from what might have been covid and running an IT team remotely to make sure that a big bank headquarters up north retains capacity to provide for everyone working from home and for customers.

I feel lucky to have choice, to have warmth and a home and enough money. I believe there is a charity to help people, will look later. This is bringing out the best and the worst in people, I hope the profiteers all get their come-uppance, karma is real

Back to the mini greenhouse. It says to drill into the concrete for 35mm, I woke up reluctant to do that to my actual patio slabs. Another thought, that by some strange method popped into my mind overnight. I have searched online for slabs, I need 38mm thickness and have found 40 x 40, I know I can lift those. Good old wickes click and collect, ordered 6 and a masonry drill and paid by card. I will wear gardening gloves. It will give my car a much needed run anyway. Bil says to put the battery on charge every month while not running much

I am not listening to the news much on tv, just the 3 people briefing. My last delivered paper comes today, I have subscribed online instead, it works out at 1/4 of the price. I am no longer worried about the little shop, he is doing a roaring trade. It has crosswords and so on, good for rainy days, or I might actually do housework

Walton hospital is where two of my siblings were born, I was born in an army hospital, mum hated that, the midwives were very brusque cold russian women. The other 4 were born at home, I remember the midwife with the bicycle and waking up to a new baby

That's so true Shandy that it's stranger than fiction. I am still wondering if it is all some Trumpian fake news!
The auction is very soon. We will all be rooting for you.

It is fun and wonderful talking to the world Ellianne. I had a call from Canada tonight and NZ this morning.

Sad to think that none of our DC will visit this weekend but we will see MiL and take her flowers from the garden.
DGD birthday soon and again we won't see her. I'll need to post a parcel.

The car passed the MOT and had a good service.
I popped out last thing to buy something for tea. I'm the opposite of a hoarder. I am an impulse buyer. I got smoked fish, mushrooms, spinach and a bottle of wine. Hardly any shoppers . Only one checkout was open so there was little social contact. The thing I noticed was that everyone looked sad.

Your move Sue49 sounds magnificent. Well done!
I hope you'll be happy there.

Thanks, not too far from us but it might now have to wait until after Covid 19. We were going to have showers at various friends' houses over the 2 weeks while the job was being done, but that now isn't possible.
Sitting here on my phone tonight I have messages from 3 continents. Family in New Zealand, teacher niece in Hong Kong asking if she can read stories to the grandchildren and French pen friend of 40 years swapping recipes. The world is vast, but also quite small when it comes to shared experiences.
Oh yes and we have Sue here from Aus.

Ellianne they are from a company called Clifton tiles and bathrooms they have 18 centres . They are a contemporary concrete style tile called Artemis having the same style but different colours for floor and walls. They have a wide range of all things for the bath or shower room. My home improvements man recommend them. I saved thousands having my things from them top quality. Have prices to suit every ones pocket.