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

Yes it's going to be hot today. I have loads to do . I am starting to make masks as made one and daughter now wants some for the four of them. It's a pattern that was in the Times and I am using oddments of fabric from my stash and lining them with an old pillow case. I see they are up to £10 each on Etsy
Also have masses of carrot cake to get rid of . Made one for DD birthday but used an 8" tin rather than the 10" specified. Therefore soggy middle. Rapidly did a Mary Berry recipe...... Perfect. Cut out the soggy bit and we are eating it up.
The other thing is I am trying to empty things out and clear all my work surfaces. Would like everything to be white and very light grey. Spending hours looking at Farrow and Ball charts.
Weston Super Mare on the news this morning! Looked wonderful and could visualise Franbern zooming along in her scooter.
After 12, collecting parcel from m&s and Oxfam bookshop may be open. Yeah!

I made 2 x 2lb carrot cakes three days ago, so very soggy after 1 hour 15 minutes baking and they left oil on my wooden chopping board. I binned both of them. I have eaten carrot cake before but these were gross, too much cinnemon and a waste of eggs and walnuts

I have non-slip vinylay on each bathroom floor and it really is non-slip. I had a small mosaic pattern in pale blues, looks nice. My neighbour had a bad fall in his bathroom, on a slippy floor. So much danger of a terrible head injury too, all that hard ceramic such as washbasin

Not sure about the zooming, Loopyloo, I call it trundling. But, yes, the Promenade where that interview took place is one I can get to very quickly Mind you, far too hot today for me to venture out of doors at all. Can keep the flat lovely and cool, lots of big windows - many left open, on their safety catches overnight.

Thursday is my washing day - my kids all laugh at me that actually have one day for that, asking why don't I just do that as I need to. But, I like order in my life, and Thursday is washing day. It is a family joke (I am the only one who does not see it as funny), that I 'diarise' washing!!!

Also later today have to get all my weeks rubbish, etc. down to bins for early collection tomorrow. Must say this is so much easier than it used to be in the house, firstly, I do not need to go outside at all (bins are in a special room off a small gated lobby, off the main lobby, secondly I do not have to wheel bins to front of property and then back again once collected, AND I never have to worry about cleansing of those bins!!

On the Meet-up thread we are trying to get the group for N, Somerset going again. Provisional date for 25th September. Be lovely if that can go ahead, - anyone on here within our area is very welcome to come along. The place we meet is very large and, at our lunch time meeting, we are likely to be the only people there - so very safe.

A letter arrived from my hospital in London (dictated 21st April and typed on 24th April), properly addressed to this address - received it two days ago!!!

Take care everyone, sun is going to literally blistering today. Vitamen D intake is good - but no sunbathing today.

Morning all, great to read all your news.

Already scorching here, I feel guilty I didn't get up earlier to walk my dog.

Have a good day, I hope you've got some lollies in the freezer!

Regarding flooring - I love what used to be called 'cushionfloor' for bathrooms. Sort of vinyl. Only once had ceramic tiles and that was in my old En-suite. Hated them, they were so cold underfoot in winter I had to keep a special pair of slip on mules by that door when I needed to use the facilities during the night. AND, they cracked easily if something hard was dropped on to them. Swore I would NEVER EVER again have these. The very cheap vinyl that had been put down in the bathroom 16 years earlier was so much nicer.

So, am having vinyl floor in both bathroom and my en-suite.

Loopyloo, still hoping that, at some time in the future, I can time a visit to London to be able to attend one of the Redbridge meet-ups to see you all again.

The best carrot cake I made was a Jamie Oliver one but it turned out to be very expensive with so many posh ingredients.

Thank you for all your bathroom advice. I now have 5 different tiles lying on the floor (non slip ones) and on the window sill. At least I have until Monday to decide.

Hope that washing dries quickly.

Hi Craftyone Sorry I'm a bit late in contributing about my take on meters, but I stayed in my daughter's last night and have only just come home.
I too have my utilities with Octopus Energy. It used to be Coop energy but they have passed their business on to Octopus. When I lived in my old house I had no problem with reading the meters monthly and someone would come to check the figures about once a year.
Since I moved to this new house (4 years old) I have had a few problems. Firstly the gas meter is outside the house, and I would need to lay prone to be able to read it. Thank goodness for cameras on phones. I "read" my gas meter every month up until November, and then we started having that awful rain. So much rain went into the box that it became impossible to read as there was so much condensation inside the glass on the meter. I had a heck of a job to try to explain why I could not give a valid reading of my gas usage. I finally asked to have a smart meter installed which was finally installed on the 31st January. They failed to turn up earlier in the month for which I was given £30 compensation.
Everything was fine for the first two months, but now the readings on the meter are totally erratic. I did phone up once to complain but was told that it did not matter if the meter was n't working my end, Octopus would still be able to get correct readings.
To be honest I have n't been able to summon up the energy to complain since then, but it is something on my to do list.
I just want you to be aware Craftyone that having a smart meter installed does not always solve the problem.
Who is to blame for siting the gas meters in such stupid places in the first instance, is it the house builder or the initial utility company?
My electric meter is on the side wall about 3 ft off the ground and is perfectly easy to read. Why could n't they have installed the gas meter in the same place.
I also feel annoyed with Co-op Energy because we were not asked to vote on the proposed merger, I feel that we had a better service re the phones when they were in charge.
Anyway, that's my take on things. I don't thing I have ever posted such a long piece before.

I had a smart meter installed at my last house at my request as my meters were in the cellar and very difficult to reach and see. Unfortunately it did not work most of the time, especially the gas one. They only work if there is a good signal.

I will tell them I cannot access my gas meter, I too have to almost lie prone on the ground outside. They can send someone once a year

Not long after I moved here had a letter from npower who I have both my energy from that they where installing smart meters in all home. Chap who did was lovely. My meters are in the hall cupboard could read the gas but not the electric one. My water meter is on the pavement and that gets read twice a year glad to say not by me. It's down a deep hole. Went to bungalow this morning. Will be all the finished tomorrow. Going over to clean . My home improvements guys are going to put my wardrobe together for me as it's been in 2 pieces since I moved . I have been using the one that will stay in the spare room. My decorator has done a brilliant job and was putting the second coat of clear varnish on my new doors. I had them in unfinished Oak. The varnish has really brought out the beautiful grain. He is painting the outside tomorrow. Only a bit of painting as facias are all uPVC. Bit for rendered brickwork under the one bedroom window. Having it painted white.

I was going for white tiles in my shower room. As that's what I had in my old house. With narrow sliver trim and the odd blue wavy tiles here and there. My tiles are called Artemis white but are a sort of pale grey and slightly darker on the floor. If I can work out how to post a photo of it on here I will. It looks beautiful. So pleased with everything.

whiff and Franbern, not only selling but downsizing, buying and moving far away and now renovations. Wow, you deserve to live in your beautiful homes, you have earned the right and well done for being so pro-active. Nothing fell into your laps you made it happen and by yourselves. Admirable

Meant going over to clean tomorrow. As we where leaving my neighbour from across the road asked if my decorator could give her a quote. So took her in and showed her what I have had done. I know we didn't keep the proper distance apart but she's been like me staying at home for weeks. She loved all I 've had done so far. The decorator was going to pop over to give her a quote. Next week I am going out on the bus. Got my face masks already. Once I am in my bedroom my decorator is going to do the spare bedroom as I am having the same colour already got enough paint left over for it. At least that room won't need replastering. Just cross lined once wall paper is off. The ceiling is artexed which I like and the coving is in good condition so only needs painting.

Then the next thing is a new garden gate and posts. Then that's it for this year. Not bad as I haven't been in a year yet.

Hope everyone is surviving this heat.

Craftyone if it wasn't for this thread think I would have crumbled without it. But hearing everyones stories about moving and sharing their lives it's like having a cosy place to go everyday.

And what an impressive bunch of capable women you all are, getting on with creating your own perfect space. It’s very cheering and encouraging and a useful reminder that if you want change you need to make it happen yourself. Thank you all.

yes and thrice yes granny somerset, I 100% agree with you, either sit in a corner and get old and worry about `what if` or get up and at em and make things happen and be in charge of our own destiny

Phew that was enough of scorching heat, more normal today, I hope

Did not like the weather yesterday. Was not feeling well from when I woke up (don't worry nothing to do with CV), just the first instances of another UTI. This always knocks me out and makes me very sleepy. So, most of yesterday I just sat and dozed and drank gallons of fluid. Did manage to get my washing done, dried and put away. And, rubbish all downstairs. Started to feel a little better in the evening, but still needed a very early night with strong painkillers.

Feel fine today, thank goodness. I have a zoom meeting this morning, together with some other U3A members to discuss setting up a local U3A environmental group, and then one of U3A lectures this afternoon.

Need to pop out late morning to post some letters and go into small sub-post office to send a book to my sister-in-law. This book is by Michael Rosen and is called 'Sad'. He wrote it soon after his son died, and I hope it might help my SiL through her sad time.

My daughter did text me yesterday to say she and 10-year old had gone to beach, and although lots of people, all were social distancing, and there was a little breeze which made it pleasant. No way, could I have considered joining them in that heat. That daughter always feels cold, she loves this weather - tells me she is down to one thinnish duvet at night. Cannot imagine anyone wanting any sort of covering at night at present!!

My bedroom blind has given up the ghost . When it fell down yesterday morning, so did part of the fitting and they were totally broken. As there are some (unlined) drapes on that window I can manage for the next two or three weeks before my new roman blind and drapes are put up.

We have provisional plans for going out on Sunday, to a sort of zoo, did not want it hot for that day, but dry would be good. Have to book in advance under current rules, so will need to make final decision on Saturday whether to chance it.

Must admit I am actually dreading the two weeks that my bathroom fitters will be here. I detest having workmen (people) in my home. Fine when I was working, as I would let the in the morning, and get back just before they left each day. The residents committee does not permit us giving outdoor keys to workmen (this is for security reasons), so, I cannot just go away for that time -and not sure if I would wish to in any case). I will probably go round to my daughters most days and spend the time with her at her house. Be lovely when it is all done.

The only other large job that will still need doing after that, is to make the decision for next year about the floor in the Living Room and Hallway. Carpet or Laminate. Did see some nice laminate when I was in Carpet Right. Will go through a further winter and make me decision next spring.

Morning all, great to read all your news. Scorching here again today.

So worrying to see the amount of people on the news on the south coast beaches, I'm still not comfortable being close to people, it's not over yet. I joined the facebook pages for Exmouth and Broadstairs, they have had an enormous amount of visitors and the locals are very upset at the amount of litter people are leaving behind, just scattered everywhere.

So glad your work is going well Whiff, not long now!

I understand your feelings Franbern, I had the joiner and painter at my house for two weeks. I made them a flask, gave them a cup each, and gave them the biscuit tin so they could help themselves. I drove past the station yesterday by mistake as I was on autopilot - he's taking down all the trees. He'll regret it when the winds come.

Thank you for the book mention, I've just ordered it for my friend's boyfriend, his son would have been 37 this Sunday. Glad I've paid for Amazon Prime again!

I'm investigating Swanage today, and I'll be going down for a look when the kennels get back to me about my dog. My two best friend's like it there, which is a bonus as they may visit! I do want the kids to be able to get to me easily, I'm pleased there is a train from Wareham to Southampton airport

I only have the two bedrooms to sort out and the cottage is under control, and I can relax. I almost know where everything is.

Stay cool and well everyone


My friend's boyfriend's son died Christmas

Wish we could edit

Good morning all, much cooler here today.
Glad you are feeling better this morning Franbern. I have the same thoughts as you about having the bathroom fitters in for 2 weeks but I am hoping our DD will be close by to escape to. We might take a holiday in Cornwall for one of the weeks.
Can't wait to see Whiff's photos. Give us a shout if you need help with that.
I'm trying not to get too het up about all these crowd gatherings on beaches and elsewhere. My concern is that if there is a second lockdown our DD and family won't be able to move. It would be a nightmare if they had to start the process all over again. The kids are booked into the new school for September, so fingers crossed.
Shandy there was trouble at Exmouth beach in the corner where the youngsters often gather. Apparently it was to celebrate the end of GCSEs or not. I can't say I'm surprised because our own kids used to do the same down there on occasions. It all gets blown up in these times. Luckily the beach is the longest in the South West so plenty of room to spread out normally.

When the second wave comes, it is going to be in the Autumn/winter. Unlikely to be due to people on the beaches. First of all they are in the open air, chances of virus transmitting between them is very, very low. Secondly despite some of the clever photos, most of them were not crowded together. Do think they are mad to sit in traffic jams hours at the time, to go and scorch themselves on the beaches, though. Wonder how many are suffering from serious sunburn today.

So, do not worry Ellianne, your daughters move is not likely to be delayed. Even if there are such small lockdowns, they will only be in specific areas, not as previously.

I m must say it was good to see so many shops open again when I went down High Street today - although not toe one where I went specifically to purchase some more Sudoku puzzle books.

Popped into my daughter as I was passing her house, however she was on-line teaching, so I just waved to her and retreated. Sat in their garden for a short while chatting with my son in law.

Much cooler today and I am so very grateful.

Been at the bungalow nearly 2.5 hours now. My home improvements guys put up my curtain pole and put my wardrobe together exactly where I wanted it. They took up all the plastic covering on the carpets. It is great stuff can't remember who recommend it to me on this thread as I brought it from Screwfix in September. Not a drop of plaster or paint got through to the carpets. They hoovered and mopped the kitchen floor. But everywhere is dusty and giving it a thorough clean. Because of the heavy rain earlier my decorator coming tomorrow to paint the outside. He thanked me as my neighbour has given him the job of decorating 2 of her rooms.

I will be here all day cleaning moving back in tomorrow. My Gertrude Jekyll rose is in bloom. I brought it as a bare root plant it's got 20 buds on it. Great colour and smell. Garden needs a good weed but that's a job for a few days next week.

Had my lunch now so going to clean the shower room before I tackle the rest.

Have a good day everyone.

I know who recommended it - and she has the right name - craftyone! Still thanking my lucky stars I joined this group, so many helpful suggestions. I'd have been very stuck if I'd waited for the removal company to supply my boxes!

Just waiting for the hoover battery to recharge, should have some lunch really, but my cracked tooth is giving me gyp this week.

Dentists are taking patients shandy, I hope you have given them a ring

rockitseal came today and the mastic and good job I have a mastic gun but I am not at all skilled. I get into such a mess with mastic. I am doing some preventative work, both neighbours have recently had leaks from their en suite showers through to the kitchen ceilings. One neighbour has sorted his with lots of scraping out and much mastic, it is to do with tile grout btw, he is 100% good with diy. The other is waiting for the builder

I haven`t had the leak but I am much shorter and my shower head probably directs more to centre than walls. I have used rockitseal twice in the past, dh did the cuts and I did the mastic. Now I have to do the cuts, mitres for corners, it would be too much all at once so I am doing it all in steps.

Today I measured for the lengths and cleaned with meths so the mastic sticks. Tomorrow the cheap mitre cutting box will arrive. I did the drawings so I get it all the right way around. I hate mastic but I will get that job done and there will be no leaks, ever

Today the heat is worse here. I thought it would rain but it is so muggy it's awful so am staying in and doing as little as possible.