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

Have a good time with your family Ellianne, I hope dd finds the house of her dreams

I had to put a fan into my bedroom last evening, the windows were opened as soon as outside was cooler than inside but no air was moving. I changed my bedding to a sheet and a cotton bedspread, much better.

Its going to be a hot one and I will be in a cave

We viewed a potential new home this afternoon. It was a private viewing but there was no precautions expected by the agent showing us the house. I was a little surprised this was the case. I do wonder whether because our numbers are so low many have become complacent.

The house, although not in our ideal location, was very nice and on a good size block of land with plenty of outside play room - shedding - for husband. However, what is it about agents that they do not listen. We tell them no steps. This guy has shown us a couple of places and the steps have always been an issue so he knows they are pretty much a deal breaker. I asked about steps before we agreed to look at the place and was told "just one step to the third living room" OK I could deal with that. So, what do I see when we arrive 2 steps to the front porch another to the front door. 2 steps to the third living room which the master bedroom is off, 3 steps to the other bedrooms and 2 or 3 steps from the 3 external doors. None of these have hand rails which could be added easily but why not present the property correctly to start. Maybe after I have my knee replaced steps will not be as big a challenge but I still cannot manage them after my hip replacement 8 months ago. I'm not convinced the problem will be resolved readily.

Tomorrow morning I am collecting my new car, that will give me something to play with for the rest of the day. I'm sure there will be many things to learn. I'll need to start with the wipers and blinkers being on opposite sides for a start.

Many of our restrictions will be lifted on 1st June so this means that we can now have 20 people in our homes - not that I have any desire to to so but it does mean we can celebrate grandson's 4th birthday with him and the family on Monday.

Our place in the Lakes has been sold during lockdown, yesterday the buyer asked us to have the premises cleared by tomorrow. We live two hours away and have had to call in favours from friends who live closer. The friend has managed to find a removals firm and storage company who will take care of the furniture for us.
Thankfully I removed all personal stuff in December.
It took thirteen months to sell the property even though it is in a desirable market town on the edge of the National park, I was beginning to lose hope.

Ellianne, hope your D's house hunting goes well today. Have they got a firm offer on their existing property. Just that I remember, when I was looking for flats last year, the EA's here would not even pass on any offer I made until they had confirmed I had an offer on my house.

Sue, I do not think that EA's do not listen ' just that they choose to ignore, hoping that the property they are showing you will overcome your expressed wishes.

On Escape to the Country, I am always confounded by how many of those large houses they show elderly people have so many steps, up to them and in them and for garden, etc. I know architects like these internal different levels, but they are not thinking about people's need, just how it looks. steps anywhere in or around the property can be disastrous if either of you - for any reason - need to use a wheelchair or similar whether on'going or for a short period of time. So, however nice a house is - think very carefully.

A couple of week ago, I was saying to my daughter how fortunate I was at this time of lockdown - but listed the things I missed most - visiting (and being visited by) family and friends, just going for an unarranged mooch around a department store AND days out. I had joined National Trust and we had planned for most weekends in Spring and Summer to do a visit - not too far afield.

Bless her, she has arranged for a day out tomorrow for me. Not too far away, just a short drive - but the only time I have been in a vehicle is for my weekly Sainsbury shop and the trip to A&E. So, we are going off tomorrow, me and her and however many of her children she can persuade for a picnic somewhere else. She can get my scooter easily into the boot of her car - I will give her petrol money and I am so looking forward to it.

Morning all, very sunny here again, my sheets are blowing on the line

Drove past the station yesterday and a car was parked in 'my' drive, ha ha! I will avoid driving past now, I will be turning left instead of right for the foreseeable future

Sorry about your car Franbern, what a fright for you, I'm glad it's all resolved. Enjoy your special day out tomorrow. I had to get petrol in my lunch hour once and parked in the garage to eat my sandwich .... I saw a car reversing out of the space in front of me ... and it kept coming - and coming - and smashed into the front of my car! The car was empty, owner hadn't put the handbrake on properly! I was in a state! I was with Saga then, luckily given a courtesy car while mine was repaired.

Good luck Luckygirl, so sorry you have already had timewasters. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I was excited to see Escape to the Country was in Devon yesterday Ellianne - I hope your DD enjoys her viewings today

I'm sorry your viewing was a waste of time SueH49. Is it worth putting a note through the door of houses in the location you want? Unorthodox but someone might be contemplating selling?

I'm still changing addresses etc, my Paypal account wouldn't accept my new billing address, I've finally done it by removing and readding my card.

Off to get dressed and put my new lipstick on every day in future, brave new me

Enjoy your day whatever you are doing

Bathroom man been and gone. Taken a copy of the Health and Safety guideline, to give to my Flat Residents Cttee. work is planned to start last week of June.

Be so pleased to get this finally done and dusted. Will have just one week to get to Topps Tiles to pick tiles, etc.

Another lovely hot, sunny day. I actually left a couple of windows open in my living room last night. Could never do that in the house - but it is all so safe and secure here on the first floor. The windows in my bedroom have been open for weeks now, it still surprises me how few other of the flat open their window, even during the daytime. I love the fact that the outdoors is indoors most of the time now.

The bathroom man actually went out on to my balcony remarking how lovely it all was.

Harrigran that was short notice they must have decided days ago when they wanted to move in. Don't know what happens to people when they buy your home's politeness seems to go out the window.

SueH49 sorry the house wasn't suitable. Hopefully you will find something soon. At least you can be with your grandson for he's birthday. What date do you have your knee operation?

Ellianne have a good time with your family. Hopefully one of the houses they will like.

Franbern good news about your bathroom man. Have a wonderful outing with your daughter.

Shandy57 the station has gone no looking back. Look to what a wonderful future you have ahead of you. New people to met new challenges. It's scary but exciting all at the same time. An old man and his career stopped for a chat while I was weeding the front garden. He lives at number 27. Been here since August still meeting my neighbours and loving it.

Craftyone love the new thread. Won't always be able to contribute as I don't dress make but will enjoy reading it.

Thoughless people Harrigran, buying and selling seems to bring out the worst in a few

Franbern, sounds as though life is sorted, as much as can be and you sound content

My new rug came and is much better quality than expected for the price, it was from costco online and is 4 x 6. It is light with coloured splodges and is making me feel as though I want to replace the sofa seat covers. Its a big dark brown sofa, exactly the same as shandy sold. Blue or pink would look rather nice. I might see about getting the full works seats with covers, seats need plumping up these days. I am keeping the other rug, have rolled it and it will go tidily in a garage corner, more suitable for winter and stove cleaning etc

I am not doing much today, just tweaks for sewing. Its too hot already and I have to keep energy for watering later, my neighbours garden too

Do any of you have any soft furnishing under your feet in the kitchen? I have a runner along the sink side and am wondering whether to get rid of it

I only have the Karndean flooring in the kitchen. Just a little mat by the door to wipe my feet. I am forever dropping some on the floor. So for me a runner would be a disaster. I would be forever using Dr Beckman.

I found someone to make cushion covers and have sent for fabric samples. I can always put wadding on the cushions if they sag. I might chicken out and go neutral so that my existing cushions match

I've also got Karndean in my kitchen/diner but I felt that it was rather echoey so I've put down a washable runner, just in front of the sink, and a matching door mat in front of the French windows. HugRug have a good selection and most of them are machine washable @ 30 degrees.

Chewbacca all my floors are concrete so no creaking floor boards.

I have a hugrug by the patio door and a long colourful runner along the sink side. I didn`t buy it when I came here, just re-purposed it. It seems to stay pretty clean and has saved a plate or two. I`ll keep it until it gets so that I cannot keep it clean

I have been sorting some minor drawers in my bedroom and have still more to throw out, no clothing. Bits of costume jewellery that no-one would want, something that my husband made that has been irritating me, I had to have it out on a small chest and every time I open the drawers, the small curvy drawers in this object come out so I cannot keep anything in it. It is tall and can fall over. He also made me a small box in the shape of a heart with my initial on the lid and of course I am keeping that. I don`t find it hard to let things go nowadays. I have enough of his carvings to admire every day but I kept the ones that spoke to me

Really I am looking for a small temporary single tooth plate because I suddenly thought that if it the permanent one comes unstuck in my mouth, the teeth each side move closer together and that would mean starting the process all over again and is definitely no emergency.

I found my supporting wristbands, am pleased, immediate relief for me

Thank you everyone. I had a lovely few hours with the grandchildren, (instinctive childcare, I think you call it!). 4 houses viewed, offer made on one, offer accepted. Quick paddle in the sea and ice cream, now halfway back to London. Phew.
Glad everyone is well and finding things to do to keep busy.

oh goodness Ellianne what a full and satisfying day with a good outcome. I bet you are exhausted

Shandy57 - thank you for the good luck wishes. Couple came round - went round together, then separately. It turns out they live nearby and are looking at my place as it is a spacious bungalow and they are getting older, but want to stay in the area. So - I fit their bill - but will have to wait and see. They have yet to sell their place.

Oh fingers crossed Luckygirl.
Great day Elliane!

Ellianne great news. Hope everything goes through ok.

Luckygirl hope you get good news tomorrow.

Spent 3 hours weeding. Had a nap and finished the cross stitch design for my daughter's birthday card. It's a 1920s woman in evening dress. Make card up tomorrow when I get back from the hospital. Saturday will be spent packing as I will be at my daughter's for a couple of weeks. Sunday everywhere will be covered in dust sheets and plastic. Got stuff that sticks to the carpet to protect it from plaster and paint.

Good luck with your echo tomorrow Whiff, I hope nothing hurts you. xx

Good morning everyone,

Very excited to say I collected my new car this morning. A Volvo XC60. It is the first car I have chosen for myself and the first that I have been to buy what I want rather than what I can afford. I'm looking forward to getting out and about in it and exploring all of the features is has.

Franbern I think you are probably right about agents hoping buyers will overlook the brief we give them in the hope that they will get a sale. I also agree with you saying it is important to hold to one's needs rather than be influenced by looks. I still believe we have time on our side as much as we want to be in our own home I think we just have to be patient at this stage.

Whiff I have my knee replacement on the 18th June. Not looking forward to it but it has to be better than the pain I'm in at the present time - doesn't it?

Just shows, that important list of requirements is so important, not having steps is a very fundamental need. Property hunting means dealing with very slick salespeople, it show that the requirements must be firmly fixed in ones mind so as not to get sucked in by sales talk

Whiff, I will be thinking of you today. My sister had an aorta aneurysm scan yesterday, She says the scanner is quite oppressive. Good to get these important checks from time to time

An easy day today, it seems to take 3 days to feel as though my shoulders are mending. I don`t want to undo any good work so no lifting and twisting my arms today, even knitting will be limited. 143 stitches and a lace pattern in dk

I found my precious winter jumpers when I cleared everything out from under my bed. Safe in a lakeland vac pack system. 6 jumpers and 5 were from my spun yarn, mainly merino and cables and so on. The 6th is a loose overtop from woollen sock yarn, knitted sideways. They smell lovely and woolly, moths would have had a field day. Today I will try on again, to enjoy for a few more minutes and then vac the air out for storage, back under the bed

Today I am being taken for a drive and picnic near Wells. Really excited - it is the first time I have been out of WsM since March.

Ellianne, pleased that the house hunting trip was so successful, and you can look forward to having your daughter and family moving close to you - how exciting for all.

Whiff, do hope the hospital scan goes well today and you can get some answers and treatment.

Sue, stick to your lists - you are going to have to live in your choice for a long time. Suppose you will not be able to go house hunting for a few weeks following your operation. That will emphasise how necessary no steps will be. Cannot blame EA's - who are just doing their job - and for a lot of people it works.

Shandy, you must be feeling so much more relaxed. Do not keep going up to The Station - it is nothing to do with you anymore - that was the old you. The new you is looking for a new hometown and a new property.

Craftyone - do take it easy. Soft tissue injuries of any sort can take a very long time to heal properly - more than just a few days. Could I suggest that you get yourself an electric heating pad. These are a wonderful help to ease such pain.

Five years ago today, one of my daughters married her partner of twenty years. Beautiful, big 'white' wedding down in St Leonards near Hastings. She had her four sisters as brides attendants and all five of her nieces as her bridesmaids, her brother and grown up and small nephew as ushers, and their own 6 year old daughter as the Chief bridesmaid. It was a very sunny and happy day.

I have sent them flowers already - I am sure they will be able to celebrate today, just themselves!!!

Have a lovely day out Franbern, I love wells, the outdoor market must be one of the best in somerset. I have a heating pad, will use it later, the pain is almost a memory but I know it would not take much to fire up again. No painkillers yesterday and today

I am very pleased with myself and have sourced 2 new sofa seat cushions, foam with a fibre wrap, they will hold their shape and arrive in 2 weeks. I sourced upholstery samples and have worked out how to make piped covers. A new look to my room soon, definitely lighter and a good project to fill my day

Tomato plants have arrived, mountain magic. I will get seeds next year but they were sold out. I grew ferline from seed and they are very strong and on the point of flowering. I am just soaking them in the shade as it is so hot out

Thank for all your good wishes for my bubble echo. Everything was all marked where to stand and notices everywhere. I put my mask before I left my daughter's car. When I got to the department had ring a bell and give my name. Then was let in . Used gel. And was asked some questions. Because the corridor is narrow it was one patient in as one goes out. Had to sit in the corridor but only for a few minutes. I had take them some Assam tea bags, sugar, instant hot chocolate , home made blueberry jam and marmalade. I had made a cross stitch card. Used plenty of gel on the plastic bag and have it to the young woman . She did tell me her name but I never remember them awful I know. Went into the room Alex was doing the test typical I remember a man's name. Another woman forgot her name as well. Asked if I knew what I was being tested for. So I told them. Really I want to say doh. But I suppose they do have patient who don't research about things being done to the but I always do. Port was put into my right arm. Alex got me in the right position and had a clear picture of my heart. The first woman was training so it was interesting him explaining how you see the images. Once the saline was put in had to do half breath and exaggerated cough twice. Then heard the words that's not what we expected. So had to do the test again. Another injection of saline cough again twice. He looked at me and said we can see the bubbles but not where we thought they would be. Need to do it again but with a contrast in the saline. This time he pressed on my mid drift and I had to push into his hand twice. The result was I haven't got a hole in my heart but seemed to be coming from my lungs. But they got really clear images so it will go to my cardiologist and he will be able to tell me more. May need different tests done or nothing to do. But it looks like I was born with so try not to worry. Told them I don't worry about things I have no control over. Told me I was the ideal patient because I stayed so still they got perfect images. Once dressed had to sit for 10 mins as some patients felt a little light headed. I was fine. Phoned my daughter she was 15 mins away from the hospital. So by the time I got out removed my mask and wiped my stick and hands well with anti bac wipes she was there. Sorry it's a bit of a tale but that's what happened.

My brother and sister in law sent me a light like the one I admired in their garden. It's metal a crest moon with a crackle ball in the middle can't wait to see it lit up. Phoned both of them to say thank and tell them what happened.

My 2 umbra flex shower caddies and toothbrush/ paste holder came. Look lovely. Had 2 caddies as I am having a shower chair fitted. So needed 1 for when I stand up and 1 for when I sit down. That was my son's idea before he decided he doesn't want anything to do with me.

So apart from putting washing out early this morning and hospital only phoned friends to tell them the result as it was easier than texting. Need to pack tomorrow ready for going to my daughter's on Sunday afternoon.

Franbern hope you had a wonderful day at Wells.

SueH49 enjoy playing with your new car.

Craftyone as usual you have been busy. What sort of tomatoes are you growing?

Have a good night everyone.

Glad you are back in one piece Whiff, keep us updated. Don't like the sound of the 'port', you are brave!