Help calm me. house buying and selling stress. Part 5

all jobs done and tidied, lunch eaten so am now settling with catherine cookson, the round tower on 20, just starting

Afternoon all

My son arrived about 10.15 am, I'd made a flask of coffee and put the garden chairs up in the porch. He walked round the house with our dog and came back and we had a good chat whilst we ate our picnic early. The rainbow cake tasted of nothing and the icing was horrid, I don't recommend it. He's very sad the house is sold too, but understands it is too big and expensive for me on my own and the house stopped being 'home' when his Dad died.

The one thing he'd never done is look at the cellar which runs the full length of the house, so we rolled up the very heavy carpet together and unscrewed the trap door - no wonder the house is so cold. Looks about eight foot deep, I remember being scared the children might try and go down there when they were little, my husband screwed it all down.

My son then helped me get the cast iron sign I was going to leave behind, I had taken the wheel barrow down and between us we got it in my car. Wheelbarrow OK!

The wreath arrived and we took it to the cemetery then had a walk on the beach. He had to leave at 3 ish to collect his girlfriend and it was funny not giving him the normal hug goodbye.

He'd made me an apple and cinnamon cake and Ive just had a huge piece, so 'appley' it's lovely!

I'm going to start being positive about this new chapter.

I finally do believe I have made the right decision. I did feel it was rather special owning such an unusual house, but I'd rather live somewhere less unusual and have some friends. It's been as isolating as a lighthouse.

I think it highly possible I might have been left sitting in this cottage for years, paying two sets of bills and spending out huge amounts on essential repairs up at the station, waiting for the 'right buyer' to come along willing to pay the 'right' amount.

It's all over in 9 days.

Do you like the wreath? I wore my hippy rainbow cardigan too

Lovely wreath!

oh I do like the wreath shandy and I love that you have had such a nice day and that your son was thoughtful enough to come down and that you had such a good chat. It sounds very much as though you have turned the corner in more ways than one

Shandy57 the wreath is beautiful. So glad you had a good time with your son. How lovely he made a cake for you. Now is your time. Look for a home you want and only consider your needs and your pets of course. Don't look at anything that will be to big.

What I put on my list was 2 bed bungalow, small garden, living room , nice size kitchen and preferably a shower room but I could easily change it if it was a bathroom. Didn't need a garage as I could have a garden shed. Nice area. Near bus route, doctors and shops . Hopefully nice neighbours.

Luckily I got 2 bed bungalow, small garden back and front , shower room , good size kitchen, living room with large french doors same size windows either side with small window at the top which open, drive way and separate garage. Bus stop at the end of the road ,doctors shops etc all on bus routes. Great neighbours, quiet area, garden not over looked. 10 mins by car to my daughter's and 30 mins away from my son. Health care far better than I got in the Midlands plus free bus pass.

So far I had a new garage roof,new chimney, whole bungalow and back of garage repointed, new side garage door and new window in the garage. New front door. Kitchen of my dreams. Roof rodent proofed. All old insulation and wood boards taken out of the loft. New carpets in bedrooms and living room. Karndean flooring in kitchen and hallway. And starting next month new shower room fitted, loft hatch moved into little square between rooms, my bedroom re plastered walls a ceiling. Then kitchen, bedroom painted and
shower room ceiling painted. 6 new doors fitted.

What's on your list ? And what are you willing to do and more importantly what you don't want and what you won't do. Have fun deciding and then start looking.

Thank you Made by a lovely local girl I met 19 years ago, I think she is very talented.

I did ask my son for his key today, very final. We did have a good chat and he is sending the photos of the wreath/him outside with our dog on the steps to his sister. She did text me today but we still haven't spoken on the phone. Reminds me, new battery or not, I need to take her car out for a drive tomorrow.

Feeling a bit drained now and have a stomach ache, honestly, I do think I might eat until I burst one day!

morning all, another nice day by the look of it. I have nothing on my list for this morning, I might do a kitchen cupboard, little and often is easiest

whiff, I was exhausted reading your long list. Well done you on being so pro-active

Shandy57 how are you feeling today ?Hope you stomach is better. Drive carefully if you still don't feel 100%.

Franbern are you fully recovered from your fall?

Read back all I've done since I moved here gave myself a shock. I haven't been here a year yet. Now wonder it's been non stop. But all the things I've had done and doing are things that won't need doing again in my life time.

Forgot to say cleared all the back garden and started replanting and made a little start on the front. The only other thing I need to do this year is get a new garden gate and frame. As it's only an internal door and frame someone put on and it's rotting.

New purchase for inside once work done next month will be 2 sets bedroom curtains, double bed and mattress and new king size mattress for my bed. Double flat sheets and new duvet covers for my bed. My old king size duvet will go on the spare bed and my covers will be used on that. Decorating the second bedroom ,living room and hall can wait until next year.

My son was going to put up my new curtain poles for me but as he doesn't want anything to do with me . If my daughter or son in law can't do it I will ask my home improvements guys to do them.

Sounds like I am bragging but I'm not. It's the first time I've made a list of all that I have done. Know other movers have also been busy getting their new homes as they want them.
Have a good day everyone it's going to heat up this week.

Morning all, bit rainy/sunny here today.

Monday again!

I feel a bit better today, just very sniffly with this hayfever.

I'm amazed at how much you've achieved in a short time Whiff, and you are certainly not bragging! My friend sent me a duvet set from Wayfair, it's very modern. I always bought my linen from Just Linen, they have fantastic sales. Have I forgotten - have you settled with Pickfords now?

No particular plans today, I'll just do my normal morning check at the station and beach walk. I'm sorry for my robin, he appears as soon as I drive up.

Enjoy your day

Well done whiff. We moved last July into a two bedroom house. Didn’t quite realise how much work there was to do until we had the keys. The day we completed, I went to fill a bucket of hot water to start cleaning only to find the boiler had packed in ! That was a Friday called an engineer, he couldn’t come until Monday where upon he condemned it, no choice but to have a new one. We managed for 10 days until we had the new one fitted. Since then we’ve had a new kitchen( complete nightmare as it was measured incorrectly so had to wait 6 weeks) A new ground floor cloakroom. New internal doors and front door. Decorated and New carpets throughout, laminate kitchen, hallway and downstairs loo. New curtain rails, all curtains and blinds. Certainly don’t want to move again, it was a nightmare! I carried on working part time. My mum was very ill in hospital at the same time, so was visiting every day, being an only one, whilst trying to keep everything going. Grandchildren to care for two some of the summer school holidays too. Thank goodness I had my DH my my side.
Sorry if I’m going on bit. Just wanted to write it all down, still can’t believe how we did it, just goes to show what your capable of when you have no choice. Just the garden to tackle now hopefully starting next week.
Was so looking forward to this year, husband retired last year and we didn’t have a holiday with everything going on. But at least we’re all well and trying to look forward ? Good look to everyone in their new homes and the best of luck to Shandy when she begins her new chapter.

Sorry did use paragraphs, but when i went back to check my spellings they had disappeared ☹️

As I wrote previously I read this thread every day but have rarely posted on it. I thought I would give my experiences on moving home last year and my take on what I was looking for when I moved house, albeit in the same town.

I previously lived in an old Victorian terraced house in an older part of the town, which I had maintained to a good standard, new kitchen, bathroom etc, new boiler, electric re-wiring which meant that I had spent some money on it.

I realised that I was n't getting any younger, did not drive, so having to be near a bus route was must. Also, although I loved my garden and found it invaluable after the sudden death of my husband some years ago, I was no longer able to garden as just working out there for 15 minutes left my back in bits.
I decided to look for a new build house as it would be far easier to clean and maintain, also the insulation in these houses would mean lower heating bills. I finally bought a house that was 4 years old, that was south facing. This again is something to consider as the warmth of the sun, even in the winter, means that the living room is warm even when the heating is off. I also now have a plethora of toilets, cloakroom, bathroom and en-suite. My old house only had a downstairs bathroom and toilet.
The garden is much smaller and my son-in-law took up the lawn and put artificial grass down, as I would have been unable to mow it due to my back problems. I now have patio roses in pots and some herbs but am looking to increase the variety of flowers slowly. At least the garden now looks tidy all year long.
I also had shelving installed in various places and the attic partly boarded complete with a ladder so that I had more storage space, although I too had got rid of loads of stuff prior to moving.
These are just some pointers for you to think about Shandy, I am glad I made the move last year before all this virus business started.

Maytime it sounds like you made a good move. I love new builds, I’ve had 4 in the last 43 years we’ve been married. This house is 18 years old and even though it’s 2 bedrooms their both en suite and a downstairs cloakroom. It’s also has the lounge at the rear with south facing garden, so gets very warm, I’m just looking at the moment for a fan, I’m going to need one !
Enjoy your new home, I’m just starting to settle down and relax a bit now as there’s not much cleaning or maintaining to do.

Before I started flat hunting, I made two lists - the first being a 'Must Have', and the second being 'Would Prefer'. First list covered such things as balcony (needed my own outdoor space), two bedrooms, en-suite and second bathroom, large living room, near buses, shops, etc. etc.#
I only looked into purpose built blocks of flats. There are some lovely flats made up from well divided very large houses, but was warned that these can lead to problems re. maintenance.
I think I viewed flats in every purpose built block in WsM. Took me a long time, put offers in and then withdrew them over the course of time of three different flats - which did not quite meet my specifications.
So glad I settled on this one, which does meet those - was one of the best things I have done for myself for years!!
My hip and leg are slowly recovering - still painful at times, if I stand still for a few minutes (eg: teeth cleaning or washing up), it goes into a painful spasm. But I am now able to walk around the flat most of the time without using the trolley.
My daughter in London telephoned me last night. She sounded quite down - unusual for her. She is now working from home -Shielded - which she hates. She went to work all the way through the high peak in London, only got her letter quite late and is really missing going into work,. I have arranged from a large bouquet and chocs to be delivered to her tomorrow. Feel so helpless so far away.
I am using (wasting) lots of time with various things, jigsaw - current one is so difficult I almost decided to give it up - then thought I cannot let it beat me - so spend about two hours late afternoon each day finding at a least 20 more pieces to fit. Also doing an interesting and totally useless Futurelearn course on line on Medicine and medical practices in ancient Greece and Rome.
Go out for a daily trundle around, watch too much television and knit. The days pass - but not as I had planned for them to do so. This week should have been having a friend from Essex visiting and going to see the Sand sculptures on the beach, and then getting ready for the following week visit from my youngest daughter and family.
One of the things I miss most is people visiting me.
My balcony is looking pretty now - yesterday I put in the hedgehug wildflower seed bomb and look forward to seeing that bloom. As soon as my daughter can bring one of her teenagers with here she will put together the small patio shed that is still waiting in the spare bedroom to be assembled on the balcony.
Was nice yesterday to see the beach more used by families - such a large beach area, no problems with them being close to one another - only problem was that only one food shop had opened and there was a long queue there for fish & chips and ice creams, and people were then sitting around a little bit too close to each other eating these. There was plenty of room if they had moved further away - but most seemed to think that they needed to stay close by the shop.
My balcony is a great sun trap - I do have to be careful as I am subject to BCC's, and did get some strange looking marks on my arms and legs as they tanned (like reverse freckles). Looked them up and it appears as if it is a warning to me to be careful about sun on my aged skin!!! Will start to use protection each time I go out there now.
Have a good week everybody.
Shandy, WHY do you need to run around in your daughters car? Surely, this is her responsibility.

Franbern love hearing about your flat, it is something I would want if I lived on my own. I had a small balcony in my previous house, just off the kitchen i loved it, it’s the only thing I miss.
Hope your daughter is okay it’s awful when you can’t physically see them, the gifts will cheer her up, lucky girl.
You’ve given me an idea with the wild flowers, I’m not able to put anything in my garden borders yet as I’m waiting to have new fencing put up hopefully in the next week or two, do you think wild flowers would be a good idea to get me through this year ?

Shandy57 hope you find time to start deciding where you want to live etc. Time goes by so quickly. Don't put it off any longer. My daughter spent 5 hours twice filling in all the forms and pasting Pickford's email and our replies to the Ombudsman only for the site to crash each time. With me not being well in October, November and December she only did it in January and again February. But have told her to forget it. If they would have accepted paper forms I could have done it but they insisted it done online. I can fill in forms but pasting etc is just beyond me. She was upset each time because of all the time she had spent and felt like she had let me down. Don't want her to feel like that especially as she has been worried about me. But luckily this anti seizure tablets I'm on are helping a lot. And at the moment feeling really well.

Franbern glad you are slowly getting better. Like me you put a lot of though into what you wanted and needed not just for now but for getting older. Your balcony sounds like it is as big as some of the gardens in what was called starter homes. Do they still have those?

Katyj wow you have done a lot in your home. Luckily a new boiler had been fitted in 2013 and the windows were new. Also the previous owner had all the bungalow and garage rewired with 30 year wiring. All the jobs I'm having done are things that won't need doing again in my lifetime.

Maytime2 sorry missed you out. My bungalow came with artificial lawn and I love it. My old house had to large lawns and because it was real grass and uneven I fell a few times. At least here it's perfectly flat. Which makes it so easy to walk on. Glad you love your new home.

very nice to have lots of posts to read and a big welcome to anyone popping in

Nothing to do today? it turned into a lot because I wanted to secure some bags of compost to finish my container plantings. Round trip of 12 miles but ok because it charges my battery, this time the bags were all 50 and 60 litres, hefty work lifting them. It is all diy now that people don`t lift stuff into customer cars.

More garden work and just sat down for 5 before prepping lunch. I haven`t stopped since I got up at 6.15 but being outside in short sleeves is very nice

Whiff, give yourself a hug pat on the back, that is an immense amount to have sorted and done but yourself and all after having sold, packed up and moved also by yourself. We are strong, hidden sometimes but it is there

nosy me, masses of billowing very black smoke seemed to come from the town. The builders persuaded me to get on my bike and see, so I went and thankfully it was on the roads/fields not town. I find out that one of our builders is a fireman [grin} ooh, why did I go weak at the knees (only kidding)

Just Aesop you add the “Just kidding “ craftyone or I might have been tempted to make a comment re hoses!???

Mentioning firemen. Many years ago the fire department by my old home was putting in free smoke alarms. This was after my kids had left home. So they got to me apply . Didn't think I would get them done. A fire engine complete with fire crew pulled up outside my house. 2 fireman came in. I thought they would just fit the smoke alarms. But they wanted to check if I had any escape routes incase of fire up stairs. Didn't realise they would do that. There was a clothes airer in my bedroom with a weeks supply of knickers bras and tights drying in my bedroom. I was a size 32 in those days . One red faced fireman. Felt sorry for him as I don't get embarrassed about anything. They were both very handsome my daughter was jealous.

haha, nice to have a giggle

silly o`clock, I was getting too warm to stay in bed. I am off out today, to a garden centre for container plants. I feel as though I am spreading my wings and I like it

Morning Craftyone. I wanted to go in the front garden today but it's raining. So just potter in the house. Should have decided to make Tomato chutney today instead of doing it yesterday. Have a lovely time a the garden centre. You may get some bargains as they may be over stocked with plants. I can see you coming back with all your car filled to the brim with plants . Then having fun putting them all in.

Morning all

I woke up late and the side of my face felt funny, was worried I might have Bell's palsy through all the stress. Rushed into the bathroom and face is OK luckily, think I was sleeping on it as my pillow had slipped. My crown is bothering me, I hope I don't have to have it removed and live on rice pudding!

Enjoy the garden centre craftyone. I dropped a gift off at my neighbour's yesterday, they were out. I was pleased to see they had planted up the pots I gave them, and had put in a frame at the back of each one to support climbers.

I hope I get good neighbours when I move. I think I've already told you my station neighbour is my solicitor, I am sorry they will have to live next door to this buyer. I hope he doesn't upset them. The neighbours here are very nice, the herbalist had left me a jar of wildflowers when I got back on Sunday. Just difficult they are so aware of my dog barking.

I'm not feeling good mentally this morning and am going to take it easy today. My daughter had asked for photos of her with her Dad so I found some, photographed them on my phone then sent them through messenger. So very sad, sorry craftyone but it is the 'if onlys' getting to me.

I bought masks and thermometer strips for me and the kids yesterday and posted theirs.

I am going to try and be positive, the buyer has granted me my freedom and I need to make the most of it.

Have a good day whatever you are doing

Shandy57 sorry you are having a hard day I well remember that feeling. I think most of us movers felt that way at times. It's the fear of the unknown. I always loved my bungalow and the area. But was worried in case I had made a mistake. I was worried the neighbours would be awful, worried I wouldn't get a good GP. Worried that I won't find my way about. So may more worries. But my neighbours are great. But I do live in a road with just bungalows mainly 2 bed and a few 3 bed. GP excellent choosen for the simple reason the bus stop is opposite. But all the GP'S I've seen, nurses and receptions are lovely. Joining the sit fit, craft class and U3A I have made new friends. It's no easy thing you are doing. Especially on your own. But thanks to Craftyone you have us here for you.

But you must make some decisions soon. Like where you want to live and what your new home is to be. Sorry but you can't put it off any longer. If you need our help just ask. We live all over the country. If it's Norfolk you want then you must decide on areas. Sure some one on here knows which are the good areas. We can help look at properties you like on Rightmove. Whatever you need we can help.