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

morning everyone, luckygirl I hope you get that important offer very soon

Another hot one, it is too hot for me so I walk at a slower pace and am doing fewer jobs. It is making me realise that I will have fewer pots outside next year, the plastic troughs that need too much water. I may well just have outdoor ornaments on the plant stands instead

I am off to DDs in 90 minutes and will spend an hour there outside, their garden is also very hot. I am looking forward to seeing the grandchildren. A nice round trip of 80 miles or so

whiff are the men working today?

Craftyone my home improvements guys started yesterday. And work Monday to Friday. They don't even stop for lunch. Enjoy your day out.

Hopefully pop over today or tomorrow but don't like imposing on my daughter even though she will just say I am silly. Having a great time but getting very tired. My grandson is all nana which I love. At least I have them and as my daughter puts always will can't get rid of them. Whirlwind is coming better sign off.

Fingers crossed for Luckygirl so another mover can get underway.
For some reason I have been sitting in an armchair at the back of the garage in the afternoon with my cup of tea and cake, maybe because it is cooler! Gradually it has become a little haven with my books, the dog's bed and a coffee table, so I had the brainwave to have the back opened up with patio doors onto the garden. At the moment it has garage doors onto the lawn which is silly, so by making the area glass it will flood with more light. Quote now accepted and order placed. Unfortunately bifolds were 3 times the price but sliding patio doors will do fine.
River walk planned for today and scallops and fries from the mill takeaway.

Difficult times in the past. At one time, when hubbie lost a job (he was very highly qualified, but had MS), we were told that the interest on the mortgage would not continue to be paid by DSS, as it was 'too high', and we would need to sell and find somewhere else to live. I asked them how a family with eight children, and a disabled, unemployed wage earner was going to be able to buy anything must smaller and never got an answer, and they continued to pay it, realising that it was probably the 'cheaper' option for them. Hubbie had both a professional qualification and a MA in his field. It was his legs that were mainly effected back then, yet employers were so reluctant to employ anyone with a disability.

Hard times, indeed, and this went on for a long time. So, all my children grew up really knowing how to manage money. They all learned and continue to 'cook meals from scratch', never get into any debt (other than mortgage - and even detest those, and cannot get them paid off quick enough). All have good professional qualifications (all had to work their way through Uni), do not think there is much I can teach them about 'tightening belts'.

Have found it much too hot to venture outside the last couple of days, even on to my balcony - just sat inside with all windows open and even the fan on. Last day of that today, suppose once it gets wet and colder we will soon start to moan about that.

I am disturbed at the selfish attitude of many people, not the least those who somehow think that because they live in a seaside town, they have total rights to that area and all I see are moans about visitors daring to come to 'our' beaches. As fear as I know private beaches are illegal in UK (thank goodness). I do not see this 'We are all in it together' attitude, far more of 'I'm alright Jack' - and I do find this upsetting.

For the first time in weeks, I had tears this morning, a feeling of hopelessness - I found myself saying 'I want to go home' - home being, - not a place, but a time, when things were normal.

Looking on my fb this morning, seems as if this week is proving a difficult one for many people, (and I am talking about people on there who are much younger than myself)- probably this weird time just going on and on, and no proper end in sight and, added that, the dreadful scenes in USA. How can a man be murdered by the police in this dreadful manner???

Sorry to moan in this way - will get washed and dressed now and be prepared for my weekly U3A zoom coffee meet-up.

Franbern - you are right to say that lots of us are low this week. In my case, I think it is the realisation that this will go on for a long time and that what we regarded as normal may never return and that this very limited life is what there is. And the scenes from the US, depressingly reminiscent of the 1960s, don’t help.

Morning all, boiling hot here today.

Hugs to you Franbern, hope your coffee morning cheered you. I'm crying at the drop of a hat this week. The video of the policeman's barbarity is truly shocking, as well as Trump's reaction. It's appalling.

I was sorry to read your post Harrysgran, I understand how you feel. I always want to fix my kid's problems and sometimes we just can't. I hope something comes along for him very soon.

Hope your works are going well Whiff. Not sure when I'll get a grandchild, I envy you your whirlwind. I find children fascinating.

Enjoy your visit craftyone, a lot of driving, I wouldn't be up to it.

I had a nice photo of my daughter's sunrise as she sailed into NI this morning, I'm glad we are back in contact.

More paperwork sorting for me today. I have had a lifetime problem of paper clutter, I am trying to make sure the kids can find their way through it when they have to.

Better get dressed and take my doggie out to the village, beach later. Funny you saying that today about locals not liking visitors on their beaches Franbern, I was put out to get to the beach last night and saw bikes where I lock up my dog's pram. How very dare they put their bikes on my gate!
I've been here too long!

I understand completely what Franbern was saying about wanting to be back in a time when things were normal and the sadness in not being able to, while the months whizz by out of our lives for good

I got back at 12 and S*d the `rules` I have no virus, my dd and her family have been ultra careful, hugs all round, they were so pleased to see me and I them. They said that they would love to live near the sea or in the mountains and inwardly I cringed but in reality both children are settled in good schools and both of them are settled in their jobs, I cannot see it happening but for anyone moving to be very close to family, think long and hard.

I bought 2 nice coat hangers from wayfair and they arrived this morning, I put one up already and now have a large scandinavian freestanding coat hanger doing nothing.
www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/umbra-wall-mounted-coat-rack-umba1142.html?piid=25793259

I could not help thinking about the nice people I met on my one saga cruise. They lived for cruising and were widows. They were all in various m`carthy and stone flats, so they could lock up and leave for holidays. Now they are in what must seem like lonely prisons

Franbern much of the attitude towards day trippers going to the beaches at the moment , is that they are parking in the roads as the car parks are closed and using anywhere they can find to go to the toilet, and not just for a wee.
There are no life guards and nobody to clean the beaches of all the rubbish and poo that they are leaving behind, as everything is still closed.

I realised that part of the reason I was feeling so low, was I slept badly as I was stressing about that bathroom re-fit in just a few weeks time. Too soon for me now, have not had the chance to select and order the tiles or flooring, and was feeling I was now being rushed into something.

This morning I sent an email to the company saying that I did not feel that I should be so stressed out about something that was going to cost me thousands of pounds, and I would need to push the date for that back until end of July or early August at least. As soon as I sent that email I felt myself more relaxed,.

Did contact my daughter and she came over and has sat with me also. Did seem so silly to get myself into such a state over this, but was also worried that the Residents cttee might not like workman coming in and out so soon for such a long time (ten working days for this work).

They have not replied to me yet, but they will have to abide by my times, or else just not do the job. It is by no means urgent.

So feeling much better now and hopefully, a good nights sleep tonight will get me back to normal. As I have said before, I a#m usually the glass is half full type of person.

DId you see the queues at Ikea yesterday, now that I really cannot understand. I needed an Ikea unit for my hallway earlier this year. Knew what I wanted, ordered on line, it was delivered right into my flat, and then they arranged for me to have someone come to put it all together. During Lockdown, I wanted some bar chairs, Ikea's were exactly what I wanted and the cheapest. Again, ordered and paid on line, and they were delivered to me. Okay, this time, I had to bring them up (in the lift), from the front entrance foyer to my flat. No need to visit the store at all.

Like many I'm finding this week a bit more challenging I've had the news of my son's redundancy but I've also had a message from a friend who's son is quite poorly and she is spending the next 14 days by his side in hospital I think a lot of us have now come to realisation that things won't just go back to normal today and yesterday I've been guilty of doing very little eating and drinking and basically indulging in my own misery there I've said it but tomorrow is another day

Unfortunately life is so strange for us all at this time. I suppose it if it only affected certain people or certain ages groups it would be easier to cope with. But it's everyone and all over the world. Who would have thought we you see that in our life time. I know since moving in with my daughter, son in law and grandson has done me the world of good my BP has come down . Being able to hug and kiss them has made me feel so much better. I'm lucky they wanted me to stay . I would have waited until it was clear for our lives to sort of normalise but they decided I had waited long enough for my new shower room , bedroom to be re plastered and my new doors fitted. .
My home improvements guys stripped everything out of the old shower room but the toilet as they have been told that someone in the street has a blocked drain and it needs to be fixed. Also the new loft hatch
can't got where originally planned so it will just go in my bedroom by the door. Which is no problem as I am never putting anything up there anyway. They will continue work again tomorrow and said they will work on Saturday as well.

My niece and her boyfriend move into their new house on 13th of this month my brother said July he got the month wrong. My nephew will look after their dogs on the day.

Supposed to rain tomorrow so hopefully it will feel better . As this heat has been to much.

Good Franbern, I like the way you have helped yourself, yet again, not sat back but actually done something about it. Eight weeks wait is much better and you are back in control of your own bathroom

Sorry that you had a slight wobble Franbern but ,knowing you as I do , I’m not at all surprised that you were able to think through the problem and find a solution.
Whiff , enjoy all the cuddles with your grandson and family! I really miss my beloved grandson so much!

Difficult week here too - sudden bouts of tears over loss of OH. But I love the hot weather and am out there every available moment. Hope others with low mood will turn a corner soon. So much in the world that is troubling at present.

On the house............same viewers Thurs and Sat, and heard no more. So I rang agent today and was told that they are very keen indeed to buy and their house is being put on the market with a view to buying mine. I said "But they have not made me an offer yet" and was told they cannot do that till they are in a position to proceed - i.e. have a buyer for their house. Sounds a bit cockeyed to me, as they have no idea what offer I might accept - but I am choosing to presume that if they are keen enough to sell their own house for this one they are not likely to make an offer that I might turn down.

I cannot understand this as I made (and had accepted) an offer on the new-build that I hope to move to before I had a buyer on this place - indeed I still have no definite buyer.

I just have to wait patiently.

luckygirl I had similar, tread carefully as they are not in a position to buy. Accept their offer conditionally, if acceptable but definitely do not take your house off the market until the chain is complete. You will be asked to take your house off the market. Many buyers, no matter how keen, play a long game with sellers. Once they have an offer then they will have a buyer who may not have sold and so the incomplete chain extends. In the meantime sit very tight and do not listen to the EA salespeople who need your fees. Your journey is just beginning and you must be hard

I hope you have a new date for your bathroom Franbern and that you feel happier. We booked ours to be fitted in September so won't be far behind you. It will be nice to hear your observations on the work. Glad to hear your workmen are making progress Whiff despite the odd issue here and there.
That sound promising Luckygirl that you may have people who want your house. If they get theirs out there quickly at a realistic price then you could be home and dry. However, craftyone is right not to take yours off the market until you have an offer from a buyer who has had an offer on theirs and is in a good chain.
Our daughter did her first virtual removals quote yesterday. She is selling a lot of furniture which might mean they can have a smaller lorry. The quotation won't be cheap whatever due to the distance and a lorry being tied up for 2 or 3 days. I have told her to take out the insurance after our fiasco with Pickfords saying in writing they could do our date then saying they couldn't at the last minute without having got back to us. I still have nightmares.
Much cooler here today. The river our dog swims in was starting to get blue green algae from the excessive sunshine so a break from it is advisable for him.

Morning all, happy growers and farmers here as it rained all night.

Glad you have made a decision to postpone Franbern, you need to have time to go round Topps tiles and choose, it's an expensive purchase

Luckygirl, I'm sorry these people weren't proceedable, the EA should not have allowed them to come. During lockdown they are supposed to be enforcing the 'under offer' or cash buyer viewers only criteria. I was very angry to have so many people tramping through my house who weren't in a position to offer - even the auction house agent said someone liked my house so much they were going to go home and put their house on the market? I was furious, far too many non proceedable nosey parkers viewed my house and gave ridiculous feedback. Speak to your EA and ask that they only send you proceedable viewers - and even then be prepared for people to tell whoppers to 'get in'.

A three bed house came up in Fowey yesterday and I would have loved to have bought it, but I'm still thinking family, and not just me. I only need two beds and small bills and hopefully a bungalow.

I went to Wilko yesterday and bought some boxes to put my paperwork in, will be doing that later.

I have been buy location hunting, although it is frustrating my laptop screen is half blocked. I've tentatively gone back to Cornwall because of the Eden Project, I would love to volunteer there. I decided not to pursue Monkey World in Dorset, and the donkey sanctuary in Devon, I will be sending them both a small donation but I'd rather be involved in climate change. As the Eden project is near St Austell I've been looking around there. A nearby village called Par has a beach I can take my dog to, but the flood risk is marked there. My best friend in London rang me with a bungalow she'd found yesterday - unfortunately not suitable, a cul de sac off the highway. I'd be too isolated.

Enjoy your day, hope all your new plants are flourishing.

Ellianne, I'm glad you know about the algae, there was a post on fb about it being toxic.

It's the blue green algae, sorry.
www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/blue-green-algae-and-its-dangers-dogs#:~:text=Sadly%2C%20exposure%20to%20toxic%20blue,swimming%20in%20algae%2Dcontaminated%20water.

Yes, that's it Shandy. Our dog drinks loads and for the past few days his coat was really sticky. I shampooed him and hosed him off thoroughly.

Par sands is a lovely beach. In that area you also have the Lost Gardens Heligan. If you are hooked on Cornwall Shandy and think you will feel comfortable there, then start one of those lists I think Franbern mentioned. Must have, preferred haves etc.

shandy, something is drawing you to that place, so listen to your gut. It happened with me, drawn to RM to look here time after time and I had never seen the area. It seems that this will be your location, where you want to be. Now circle the area and look hard for your property. It seems as though you are almost there. Never discard that intuition

and hey, nothing wrong with a house if the area is nice. Mine is a 4 bed house, with 3 large singles called bedrooms

Well, managed my normal weekly supermarket shop, without the drama of last week. Just got back indoors before it started to rain. We do not need more of that, it has already stopped.

No reply to my email from my bathroom firm. If they do not reply by tomorrow I will send them a postal letter - Surely, they do not think that by ignoring my wishes to delay, they could still go ahead. Will wait until later today.

Heard late last night that my niece slipped over at school and broke her collarbone (I know, from experience how painful this can be). It was she that I was expecting to drive down to collect her mum (my sister-in-law), in a few weeks time, after I have brought her back here for a break. Another arrangement has already been made though.

I did say in an earlier post, that when I was flat hunting last year, none of the EA's would accept any offer from me until they had confirmed with my EA that I had a firm offer on the house I was selling. In fact, one lady who desperately wanted to buy my house, and then lost her own purchaser tried everything to try to get another purchaser herself. She lowered the price (I thought it was vastly over-priced even after that), and put it with every EA in the area. I notice that house is still on the market - still over-priced a year later - so I am pleased that my EA said I should not accept her offer until she had a definite purchaser and insisted I kept my house on the market.

Shandy, you really must be clear that you are NOT buying a family home, but a lovely, comfortable, economic and easy to run home for you and your future. Bungalow would be best. Do not what has been said about Cornwall, absolutely rammed full of people during the summer, etc and no motorways within easy reach.

Not sure what you meant about being isolated in that bungalow in London. If it is in a cul-de-sac that makes it pretty safe for your pets, and also gives you a good opportunity of getting to know the neighbours there.

I agreed to these people viewing even though at that point their house was not on the market, because I could see they were a good bet: local and not wanting to leave the area, but need a bungalow as getting older. I knew that my bungalow exactly fitted the bill and that there is nothing else round here that does, so I waived the rules a bit.

My bungalow will definitely stay on the market at the moment until things are more concrete. But they are just the sort of buyer who is likely to be a goer, especially as it is in the right place for them.

I am not getting excited - long road ahead I know.