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

Just finished our weekly U3A coffee morning (on Zoom). It is nice just to chat with people. In normal times, there are a lot of people who attend this weekly coffee morning in a local hall. No idea when this will be able to resume - probably not this year. Also, there are normally a monthly lecture afternoon, and that is re-starting this week, again on Zoom.

Interesting what Whiff said about worrying about GP. This was one of my main concerns with moving so far - wanted to take my GP surgery with me. But seems to have worked out okay here.

Silly things worried me prior to moving - I was so worried about rubbish - where did I put it - how would I get it there, etc. etc. Very silly - fortunately, my daughter here understood and sorted it all for me, so when I arrived she took me to where I needed to put the rubbish each week and - again - it is all very simple and easy. Indeed, easier than in the house as we have three of those large commercial black rubbish bins in a cupboard which is accessed the the bin men. Nearly all rubbish goes into those, which means that cardboard (made flat) is easy to dispose off, often it was too big for my black bin back at the house. And I do not have any responsibility for cleaning of those bins or the large bin cupboard.

Think we probably worry about these smaller things as a protection against our real worries about the bigger things. It is difficult moving home, and also moving to a new area. I actually had nightmares at times, in which I would be waking up in my new home and saying to myself 'What have I done? WHAT have I done?'. In reality this never happened, and I still wake up each morning thinking how good this move has been.

You mentioned Norfolk, Shandy, and I did tell you about Wroxham. You would have plenty of cash to purchase a nice small house or bungalow with garden there and have loads of amenities on your doorstep.

shandy, do have a complete rest at least today and then you do need to bite that bullet. It is as whiff says `fear of the unknown` I had never even been to the small area in which I live but I saw that there were buses and some shops and U3A and immediately realised that it would not be hard to make friends via U3A. You can see bus stops if you play around with google earth via the EA maps, go bigger and bigger until you see that walking man and the shops are all marked on the google maps

I know it is the area that is baffling you right now, far too easy to stay in your comfort zone and stay local, in fact just a few miles from where you are now is local and then you would be living in dread of bumping into `him` whenever you go shopping

If you still have any vestige of that free spirit of old, then head for norfolk, not for nothing did you mention that area at one time, it must have popped into your head, a sign

Afternoon all, guess what, more questions from the purchaser today, it's a bit late isn't it. Was asking about our self catering 'business' which closed down in 2015. I realised I hadn't heard back from the website company yet to delete my domain name, managed to speak to a nice woman and she said she would do it today, hopefully the ghost site will go when the server refreshes.

I think I told you the purchaser agreed to buy the oil in the tank and I sent in a copy of my February bill where it was 50 p a litre - he's only prepared to pay today's price, which is 20p. He's despicable. At least he's going to pay something. They also asked if I would be leaving the keys with the estate agent, I think I told you the auction house said they'd keep them in their safe for completion. I had to ask them, I'm not impressed with their communication.

Lastly, I've signed the transfer document today, my neighbour kindly witnessed it. That's it now, I'm free.

I've also had the bill from the auction house, I hadn't figured on the VAT, silly me. A huge amount.

My good friend rang me this morning and I feel a bit better.

I have decided where I am going to visit first to see if I'd like living there. My happiest holiday memories are of Cornwall. I would like to live near to the Eden Project, in Cornwall, preferably Fowey, but think that's too expensive, might end up in St Blazey or Par. I'd like to volunteer there in some capacity. When I volunteered at the wildlife centre in SA I realised how I love the company of younger people, and I did 'fit' in OK, they were all great. I'd also like to volunteer for an organisation there called 'Gandys', two brothers who were orphaned in the tsnami, they have opened an orphanage. It is very cut off, but lockdown has shown me I'm happy with my own company and the simple pleasures of life. My kids will be able to get to me easily as the train station is a few miles away - and they could also fly into Newquay. As soon as lockdown is over I'll be going down. Lots of chocolate raisins for the journey, it's nine hours to Par!

Franbern I've just remembered you asked me about the car - I have it as my daughter is still locked down at her rented accomm. I wish the birds would stop poo-ing on it!

sounds like a good plan shandy, you are drawn to the sea, a possible drawback might be tourists, you said you didn`t want a tourist area and everyone wants to see the eden project. As for being an offcomer and cornish are pretty insular these days, I can see you volunteering and mixing

Nice to read all the recent posts. Moving house is a stressful experience but no one here regrets it for one moment. I like the idea of a must have list and a preferred list. Ours was location, walks, shops then number of bedrooms and sociable kitchen/diner.
Cornwall is nice Shandy and the area you mention isn't far from the beautiful Roseland coast. If you visit it in the summer you will see it at its very best but just remember the winter months can be very gloomy. Stick to the coast, inland can be grey and almost primitive. The train journey from up country to Exeter is quick but from then on it takes forever and sometimes the line has to close due to bad weather. Newquay airport has its problems too.
No shortage of properties coming onto the market this week. I'm guessing a lot of people were about to go on over Easter and were delayed by lockdown. Prices seem to be stable, the best bargains will be those that were left hanging around during the first quarter. Good luck.
Barbecue weather here in the south west so off to cook the burgers and pour a glass of rosé.

Shandy I almost hate to tell everyone but Probus is a smashing little village just a few miles out of Truro, wide open roads, small school, a couple of good little local shops and lovely views . Some new building going on there too.
It’s also on a bus route into St.Austell and Truro. 25 minutes to Charlestown with its little harbour ( think Poldark filming)
My DD2 lives nearby, and I would dearly love to go down there too.
The Roseland peninsula is gloomy in Winter and has narrow windy roads, which I can’t cope with, but again amazing views.
The main problem with Cornwall is getting around in the holiday season, DD sits for ages in traffic getting the children to school. But she loves it down there.

Ellianne enjoy your burgers and wine. Do you make your own burgers?

Ups just picked up the cushions I made for my son's boys. Addressed it to his mother in law who lives with them and put in a letter asking her to give them to the boys. Also said sorry to use her as a go between but didn't know if she knows about the email. But said my son had told me not to contact him or his wife. Put in a letter for my grandsons and asked she read it to them. Hopefully she does what I ask. She has lived with them for over 6 years it was supposed to be a temporary arrangement.

Heard from my home improvements guy work starts on the 1st on the shower room etc. So I will be moving in with my daughter and family. At least she will have a bit of time for herself whilst I'm there as nana as my grandson calls me will be his willing slave.

Ellianne just looked on Rightmove Probus looks nice. Shandy57 some nice properties for sale.

Homemade burgers are best with shallots, red peppers, basil, garlic, beaten egg and breadcrumbs. A little burger making machine from Lakeland to press them out.

Oh yum. Pity I don't live nextdoor.

Sorry Oopsyadaisy3 it was you who suggested Probus. Must read the posts more carefully.

After I get a pot of soup on the go I am going to attack the front garden. The parcel I sent will get to my grandsons tomorrow. Bet you any money sparks will fly. If my son gets in touch I'm ready for him. This week I have been able to watch the videos of my grandsons without crying. So I know I am ready to tackle him. Don't know if I said my brother thinks its leading up to them wanting to live in Australia. My daughter in law is Australia by birth. But I don't think Australia will have them.

Then I need to start moving furniture around just a bit each day. So I can group everything together so it's easier to cover everything with plastic and dust sheets. As having the shower room and my room plastered plus the painting is going to be a messy business. But at least the loft has already been done. The ceiling in the shower room is coming down and the one in the square between rooms. The loft hatch will be put in the square and new wooden loft ladder. Having nice lighting and extracter fan put in . Just white ceiling in there. Tiles will be floor to ceiling. My bedroom will be light liac walls ,white ceiling and paint work and the kitchen almond white walls and thing same on the ceiling. There is only a little bit of skirting board and inter door frame which will be white. All my new doors are natural oak. 3 glazed 3 plain all the same design. Can't wait. Once it's all dry I can finally move into my bedroom. Then that's it for inside this year work wise. Just need the large crack in the inside of the garage filled and new garden gate and frame. Then it's just carrying on with the garden.

Phew then just hope lockdown ends this year so I can have visitors to stay.

Have a great day everyone and Shandy57 not long now and you will have the money for your new home.

I like the look of probus too, truro would be very handy and so would the sea.

It sounds like one last big messy hurdle for you whiff, well done you for being so pro-active

So a warm day to come and all I intend to do is sort the freezer and fridge, sort a kitchen drawer and potter until the shade starts to appear at 1.30, which is when I will sit out and carry on spinning. I love to be out in silence, just birds and me. I am looking forward to receiving the pegboards, I want to get on and sort my sewing/hobby room

Thanks Craftyone. I'm lucky enough to have good tradesmen who I can trust with my home when I'm not here. But will be popping in everyday to check on progress. Spinning sounds so relaxing. It must be peaceful and calming. Do you just let your mind drift?

oh yes I do, all I hear is birds and the wheel whirring peacefully

A bedding wash is on now, might as well take advantage of a good drying day. I have put a mist of diluted seaweed over all my plants too, it isn`t sunny yet and am now sorting bank accounts again.

I closed nationwide loyalty saver and left £1 in flexaccount. Any money will now go into ns&i instant saver. My main account is halifax and smile is visa cc and a saver feeder account to pay off visa every month. I have a virgin account with enough in there for a new car or funeral costs, got to be practical. Gone are the days of interest on savings

Morning all, lovely to read your news.

I've just looked at my daughter's instagram, she's uploaded the photos I sent her, very sad. None of her peer group have lost a parent yet. I am really glad she has such a nice group of friends, they all love her She sent me a text yesterday about box sizes craftyone, she's shipping her stuff over in the kite ones I bought, lucky I still have the order email! Double walled!

I hope you get some response from your son Whiff xx

Hope you've had a good shopping trip Franbern. I went to M&S for our picnic on Sunday and bought myself a bag of mixed veg with mini corn - what lovely, lovely veg. Never buying the Tesco one again.

I'm like a cat on a hot tin roof today, I've got the jitters, six days to go. I'm going to go up to the station soon, now I've signed the transfer I'm going to make it my very last day. He'll just have to accept the wood lice, they are always out and about. I need to clear up the soil I tipped out of a huge pot so my neighbour could have it, photograph everything to prove the condition I have left the house in, plus all the instruction leaflets. I have done a basic sheet about bin day etc, I thought he might bother my neighbours if I don't. I'm going to use the date stamp on every photo. I'm going to photograph the meter too and bring the ladder back. I'm sure he will complain about something. I will keep the big gates locked until Monday night, just in case someone tries to pinch the bin.

I've phoned a few estate agents without any luck, looks like they are all out doing viewings!

Have a good day whatever you are doing

I've just realised that hoovering won't use any electricity, it's battery as it's cordless! Doh!

The very important wrapping up day shandy, the new beginning just around the corner

Back from my weekly Sainsbury shop. Do not know if more people have started to go, but - there was a queue outside when I arrive at 8.15 this morning. Did not take long, but in the past few weeks, I have walked straight in at that time. Got everything on my shopping list this week - including dried yeast (first time I have seen that on the shelves for a long time). I will keep two sachets and take the rest to my daughter this afternoon (provided she gives me her recipe for her lovely belgium buns!!)

As today is going to pretty hot, plan is for me to trundle round to her garden (through the side entrance) this afternoon, and be able to see her youngest play in the paddling pool. Late afternoon yesterday, I met them at the beach, could not believe that he actually played in the sea - it must have been freezing!!! But he loved it. Nice meeting up like this, I stay at least two metres away, but we can sit (me on my scooter) and chat and I love watching the dogs playing on the beach - endlessly running after balls being thrown for them.

Popped into Homebase (opposite to Sainsbury) - had intended to go last week, but that was just after I had my last fall. I am now too late for their plants (I was looking for petunias mainly). Never mind. They had a table just inside the store with spray for us to use on the trolleys and gel for out hands.

Shandy, when you first talked about moving you said you wanted to be in easy reach of a motorway and trains. Cornwall does not have any motorway - and from experience I can be difficult getting there and back by road during the summer months when thousands of visitors are on the small roads that serve it. My daughter was supposed to be going there for half-term (hiring a cottage for a week), close to Eden Project. This was all paid for - and they have now agreed to transfer that booking to the same half term in 2021. As her eldest will be at Uni then, I will take what would have been his bedroom there - something to look forward to next year. I love the Eden Project and do like to visit every few years, last time I went,with a friend, was about five years ago.

My daughter teaches English to Learning Skills young people at Weston College (sort of Senco+ for older students) Her contract is annual and she has no idea whether or not she will have a job from September (Her line Manager says they have not been told what funding the College will receive), it is good that the family holiday next year is fully paid, and - obviously - I will give money towards the cost as I am also going with, which will be enough to cover all their spending money there.

Such uncertain times for so many families. I dread to think how the next five or ten years are going to be. Think that this virus will be one of the least of many peoples concerns!!!

Photo from my morning walk.

ha ha Ellianne I was looking for the 'like' button!

Just popped in to say I've just phoned my aunt, who is 83, on the IOW. She was gardening in bare arms and has grazed her arm against her rough plastic shed very very badly, it's bleeding heavily. Her skin is very fragile. I am very cross that she rang an ambulance and was told to make her own way in to A&E. Her neighbour has now come in and is now helping her, she has been told to bring my aunt into the Sandown surgery, in the back of her car - the appointment is at 4.20 pm, she has to try and stop the bleeding until then. The IOW has a huge elderly population and this is the second time my aunt has been let down by the medical services. It's awful being so far away when she needs help and she is very lucky to have such a lovely neighbour.

Ellianne, I like it. Shandy that made me appreciate all the more that I have a handy first aid kit including pads. Fragile skin, oh yes and also on legs, nurse sister in aus says always to keep skin moisturised. She said that the men are the best at following the advice

I am hiding from the heat right now, blinds down and shutters closed on the east side until now and blinds down plus shutters closed on the west side from now. I am very glad I have an escape from the heat, last house I used to lurk in my n facing study. I have plenty of light on either end of my living room and kitchen/diner. Fan is also brought down and on, I will be comfortable all day, will not get too warm to cope

3 freezer drawers emptied, cleaned and sorted, excess frozen veg has gone out to defrost to feed my worms in my compost, eventually to be returned to the earth. No point keeping too much right now, the hungry gap will be at an end in june and I am already picking much salad and furtling for potatoes. Yummy with chopped dill. Shade net. also called debris net, ordered from ebay, the leafy veg needs some shade

Ellianne lovely photo.

Shandy57 sorry about your aunt. Must admit the health care here is excellent far above what I had in the Midlands. In fact just had a phone call from Aintree hospital I have an appointment for my bubble echo on the morning of the 29th. Brilliant didn't expect them to start testing again until at least September. My daughter will drop me off and fetch me once finished.

Franbern glad you had a good shopping trip. Have a lovely time with your family.

Craftyone busy again as usual.

Shandy don’t worry about getting in and out of Cornwall, once you are there you won’t need or want to come out!

or go ‘up country’ as they say.

although it’s easy to avoid the heavy weekend traffic when you are retired and can use the roads to get in and out of Cornwall on any day of the week.

Or just get a canoe and paddle round to Brixham! ?‍♀️

I think once you are in Cornwall you will be so blissed out that the thought of going to Devon wouldn't cross your mind (my mind) unless you could get someone else to do the paddling.
Maybe a saunter across to Padstow, early to avoid the masses or in the Autumn when the tourists have gone.
But I would go to Charlestown, across the harbour and onto the beach, then lunch in Charlie’s.
Sigh.............never going to happen though I’m afraid.