Help calm me. House buying and selling stress. Part 6

So, I have returned from my weekly Sainsbury shop. Cannot believe how quiet and empty it is between 8.00 and 9.00 on Monday mornings. This store has stopped special hours, so this is not just for older people, but for anyone, and I think people may be a little confused. So, to oldies (except me) do not turn up, thinking it is an all-comers time (which it is), and others do not turn up as they think it is only for oldies.

Wonderful for me. Large store, hardly anyone in there, most aisles I have totally to myself. I do; wear a mask whilst inside, but take it off as soon as I leave the store. So, have been, returned home, shopping all unpacked and put away - and I am sitting relaxing with my huge breakfast mug of tea.

Had a wonderful day yesterday - weather was perfect. Enormous park in Southampton, so we made a large picnic area for ourselves, with our own chairs and picnic cloths under a big tree close to the very large children's playground. The only problem was that none of their toilets were open , which is rather silly and parents were having to take their children into the wooded foresty bit for them to 'go'. We stopped off at the very last service station before we arrived, and also stopped there as our first stop on the way home, so managed that way. But does seem silly to open this lovely play area and refreshment booth, but no loos!!!

It was so nice meeting up with my twins and their little girls. All three of the daughters there are involved with education, so you can imagine what a lot of conversation was about!!!

lots of driving for my daughter who took me, but she will need to get used to that journey as her eldest is due to go to the University there in September.

Would have liked a quiet relaxing day today - but am busy. So up early again for Shopping. Then have to collect g.daughter from school at midday. This afternoon I have an opticians appointment and then another g.child is visiting so that I can show them how to join in different coloured yarns in their knitting.

Tomorrow, no need for alarm and can take it easy most of the day.

Although I actually started out on my house selling/flat purchasing process at the end of March last year, and finally moved right at the October - this was largely due to people changing their mind on the purchase.

In fact, the final process - was incredibly quick(although it did not feel like that when I was living through it). House went back on the market (after purchasers pulled out, jut before exchange), in mid-July. New offer accepted (higher amount), four days later. Made my offer on this flat (which I had seen earlier in the year and not gone with - now ten grand cheaper!! )at the beginning of August - and completion was 29th October. So, it can still all be done in three months - (as I said if felt like three year during those months!!).

Surely, the stamp duty holiday must apply only on Completion date - when the property is actually purchased - but it is only for six months - so SHANDY, you really must make sure you do not miss out in this. All the other jobs (garden, linen, cars, etc. etc.) can be done AFTER you have had an offer accepted on a property, when you will only too happy to have things to do to occupy you.

Yes, craftyone, stamp duty is calculated on the day of completion, so all the people need to be moved by the end of March.

Ellianne is the time frame for stamp duty holiday by completion rather than by exchange?

I saterted my buying process for here early november, I completed end of april. Took more than 6 months, sol did some `in depth` questioning to safeguard my interests. I was a cash buyer

Morning all.

Fingers crossed for your daughter Ellianne. I can't understand why it is taking so long, so stressful. Saying that, I had some ridiculous questions from my purchaser's solicitor and wonder if she had even read my forms. I wrote to ask my solicitor for my bill yesterday.

Monday again! Enjoy your day

Just a gentle reminder to anyone entering the buying/selling process to get on with it! My daughter is entering week 8 now in a very short, simple chain and at a time when surely there can't be that many transactions sitting on solicitors' desks. No sign of an exchange date yet? If you want to be in by Christmas, don't hang about!

Craftyone I did the same as you DDs now have a CD with all old family photos on, although I still have all of the originals , 32 albums and counting.......

I bought boxes for each child and sorted the photographs as fairly as I could. Once or twice I have wished I had them but they have given the new owners great pleasure already.

All our earlier photos are from the day when I used to stick them in those albums with cellophane over the pages. The pages themselves are all going a bit yellowy now, so I think it's time to peel the photos out and remount them in something more durable. I like the idea here of writing where, when, who (if I can remember!)
We met for a picnic at the beach yesterday with lovely friends from London. They suddenly realised they had booked their night's hotel rooms for July 2021. Luckily we steered them to a village pub out of town by the river and they secured 3 rooms plus evening meal for 5. Just the sort of booking needed to boost the hospitality industry, and because it was all one family, no social distancing required. I felt like we had done a good deed. Normally the pub would have been fully booked.

It's lovely and sunny here Craftyone. Done some more weeding and washing pegged out. Moving into my bedroom after lunch. My daughter is doing a tip run so can take some of my stuff to. Have a good day.

Shandy57 nice to hear you doing jobs. But have you been looking for your new home? There are places coming on the market everyday. Keep looking and be determined to move as soon as possible. Time goes so quickly I don't want you to be still in rented accommodation come Christmas. You can do it just need to believe in yourself more.

Another lovely day for drying outside and generally just pottering. I am mostly in the garden and have realised just how many winged creatures it now supports. Borage is full of bumble bees, honey bees and young wasps. There are butterflies in and out, especially on verbena bodariensis. I am inwardly making plans for next year

yes photos are a big problem and I feel very grateful for my husband scanning each and every one of our family photos, also touching up the old black and white ones with special paints. I had gone through them and grouped them under headings. He was an architetural photographer after retiring, having won major prizes and having good contacts with the biggest building companies

We ended up with 675 scanned photos on discs. I copied the discs and each AC got one. I have the master here with very few photos in very small albums. Only one box now and nicely tucked underneath my living room wall storage. . It was a massive job, like doing the blurb family books but one step at a time and eventually it was over

Morning all, sunny and warm here again.

My son arrived yesterday soaked to the skin, everything was wet as it rained all night and the tent was a bit leaky, clothes, boots, socks were drenched. He was exhausted and went to bed for an hour. Our dog was so pleased to see him. We had lunch outside, then I drove him to his girlfriend's work to go home - even further than the scary drive! He has approached the taxi company and will be returning to work shortly, thankfully, they do need him. I am worried he hasn't sorted out his tax as he's self employed now, but I'm not going to nag him about it, he's 27 now and his girlfriend should be helping him.

I have boxes and boxes of photos which I must sort, but I'm leaving them until I find my forever home. I did have a quick search through for photos of my husband on father's day, it is hard looking through them all.

I hope you can make that plan of the rooms in your new home to organise your furniture May7, I bought my table with me and it only just fitted in here. Luckily a neighbour asked to borrow it.

I've got tons of those roots to dig out loopylou, the gravel is full of dock, nettle and bramble. I've just cut them down for the moment, too busy. Nice to hear of all you pottering around enjoying the sunshine in your gardens.

I've got horrible jobs to do today. Big form for my IFA, hang the curtains (I've put off bringing the big ladder downstairs), and bring in all the linen I decided not to donate to the charity shop.

Better get dressed, poor dog is waiting, I'm getting later and later in the mornings .

Enjoy your day whatever you are doing

Ah yes, the photos... I have the family collection. My sister was very organised and didn't keep any old toot as she called it . I asked her if I could throw some things away but she said Oh no you keep them.
I have sorted the photos into subject matter . That's all. But it's good to write on the back who people are, the location and date.
Will do that one day.
Great day yesterday. DS came over at lunchtime and helped clear the garden. Then DD and offspring came for dinner. I did a 4 cheese macaroni cheese that shrank to 2 cheese but was still good, and other savouries and a pavlova. Was exhausted afterwards.

I hope Shandy has seen the money in her account and had a final statement. I was caught with selling my brothers flat and had to chase the solicitor for the funds before they closed!

What I am realising in the garden is that cutting down the nettles and brambles is one thing but clearing the soil of roots is another and it's necessary before planting anything. Trying to get rid of two 13RSJs. Might do a Stonehenge and put them on rollers to move to front of house so they can be taken away.

The blackberries are starting to ripen and so are the damsons. Is blackberry jam OK or is it too pippy? Perhaps I should make bramble jelly. Will plant an apple tree so can do blackberry and apple jam.

Have a good day.

Franbern it's lovely to keep family history going. My mom was the one with all the family stories which she told me my brother wasn't interested. I have told my children about the family and the bit I know about their dad's. My dad didn't talk much about his family unfortunately his mom died when he was 3 and his brother 18 months. His father remarried but both his dad and stepmother were not the sort to spare the rod. His step mother was the same with her children apart from my youngest uncle who had downs syndrome . He was born in 1950 but she would never have him put in a home and doted on him. He went to special school and when he left went to a daily workshop where they made things to sell for the charity. Each week they gave them a bit of money which he said was his wages. It wasn't until he was 50 they found out he was born with a hole in his heart. He lived until he was 57 he died a couple of months after my dad. His older sister looked after him after the mother died. He was much loved by us all.

Up early (for me) to get ready, packed lunch and being collected at 8.45 with my scooter. Be good, as the two youngest of those little girls I have not seen (in real life) since Christmas. They were supposed to have had a week in WsM for May half-term, which was obviously cancelled.

Yesterday was lovely weather, and in the afternoon, I decided to trundle down to the Promenade. QWent along there for just over a mile. Very pleased I did, and = for the first time,since I moved at end of October last year - I could actually feel that I was now living in a seaside resort. It was active and busy - not mobbed - but many cafes, restaurants and bars had their outside places full with people happily enjoying the weather etc. Beach had lots of people on it - but such a larege area no=one was at all close to any other family. Ice cream places all had people queuing (well apart), funfair area was operating and I and other people, were watching a new - and horrorfically scary ride (scary to watch, no idea how those in felt - lots of happy screams though). Donkeys are back on the beach. kites were being flown. Children were digging holes in the sand. Atmosphere was really lovely - so pleased I am living here. I stopped to allow another scooter to come up a narrow path and had a nice chat with this lady who was out on it for her first time. Life felt really good!!!

Weather forecast even better today, I packed my sun cream and sun hat. Have a good day everyone

PS: I do agree that photos are somewhat of a problem. I tried to be quite ruthless before I moved, but I still brought an awful lot with me and have one double cupboard in my units crammed full with these albums. Think they will just have to stay put (I do look at them quite often), until I die, and then the children and g.children will have to decide what to do with them. I did scan a few of the particularly old family ones into the computer to go alongside the family story I have been trying to put together and to preserve these as some are well over a hundred years old and very faded and sepia.

On my wall I have a copy of an Evening Standard picture of my G.father with his sweet tricycle that he used in Petticoat Lane market for many many years. At the time of the newspaper story in 1937 he was the longest continuous market holder there, and he continued through the war years and sometime afterwards - even featured on In Town Tonight at sometime.

May7 decluttering is hard and you may find a bit upsetting. When you come across things you had forgotten about or things given to you that hold special memories. It wasn't until I had to start packing that I finally got rid of my late husband's hospital paperwork which was upsetting as I made myself read all paperwork to make sure I didn't get rid of anything important. My children didn't want anything as they had already took what they wanted when they left home. My nephew had a few bits of furniture as he was just setting up home. And my brother needed a new bed for my niece when she stayed with them. Thought I had been ruthless when getting rid of things. But once in my bungalow found I had brought things with me that I didn't need or want. Craftyone's idea of measuring the rooms is a good one. And would help to know what will fit.

Well spent the last night in the spare room. Finally been in my room today. And then the spare being decorated tomorrow. Next weekend the spare bed will be able to be put up. Mattress for it and a new one for mine coming Wednesday.

Have to get in touch with Emmaus tomorrow as they can have the curtains out of the spare room plus the other things I have got for them in the garage. Then finally got rid of all excess stuff. Only taken me nearly a year.

Hopefully my brother , sister in law and nephew will be able to visit soon. With the dog of course.

Enjoy your day out Franbern. It's supposed to be sunny. Well better get going .

Have a good day everyone.

Well today I've decluttered my first drawer. That was difficult. I have accused my husband of being a hoarder but now realise I'm worse. I've just put stuff into pretty boxes and hoarded neatly. Spoke to AC about whether they wanted anything to be told No!!! seriously, if technology can replace it then bin it. So much paper gone in recycle bin today. Thought it would be cathartic but it has just made me feel weird. Hey ho drawer no 2 tomorrow. What to do with thousands of photographs that I never look at

My solicitor was great it was the buyers solicitor who was the problem. Took 3 months longer because she was useless. At one point refused to speak to my solicitor or answer any emails for 10 days. Thank goodness that's in the past. And am happily settled.

Thought my Scouse ear was in. I was weeding the front garden when a window cleaner went by he smile and said something not a clue what he said so I just smiled back. Large bed at the front cleared of weeds extra compost added and planted out. Took me 3 hours. Not because it's huge but because a lot of people went by who I usually talk to. At least it's done now. My washing dried as well.

My last night sleeping in the spare bedroom tonight. My daughter and son in law are moving my bed into it tomorrow. Helped of course by my grandson.

Glad you had a good ride Craftyone.

Made some chocolate drop shortbread for them tomorrow as a treat. Have to test a piece later of course.

I used the sol recommended by my EA and sol was marvellous. No doubt there was a `kickback` to EA but the bills were all subtracted from the final amount put into my bank account. It is important that a sol is appointed that the EA can work with

Back from long ride, no way to avoid this long steep hill coming back but I am going to bite the bullet and so what if I have to walk up that hill, wearing lycra. There were several false endings to lanes, it is full of droves and bridle paths, I turned around 3 times. I need a nice safe surface for my other speedy bike.

Third wash is on and perfect drying day. I got one out before I left, one 3.5 hour wash on while I was out. Sitting now, about to have lunch and with a feverfew tonic with froxen lime

Shand, I assume that your solicitor has sent you the money from your sale. He should have deducted his own costs from that and sent you a detailed bill - should all be totally competed by now. If he has not - then contact him and ask for him to sort this urgently.

Also, if you really feel you are having hearing problems could I respectfully suggest you ask your GP to refer you to audiology for a proper check.Could be something as easy to deal with as blocked ears, could mean you might need some sort of hearing aids. They are so good and small these days, nobody would ever know you are wearing them.

My solicitors was fine, although did seem keen to find any fault possible in my new home, (as he told me, solicitors are now in front line of being sued by home purchasers - so do ensure they need to point out any prospective problems to 'cover their backs').

Major problem was the one used by couple at bottom of our chain -one of those much cheaper on line conveyancing companies). For so much of the time, they were totally unreachable, and caused serious delays nearly causing problems about completion.

I agree, a good solicitor is important, and maytime is right to say it can be beneficial when the solicitor is recommended by the EA. We sold a house very easily in France when the two worked hand in hand, though I think there was more to it than that. After we signed at the solicitor's office we all got taken out for lunch and champagne together, us solicitor, EA. The bill was miraculously paid, by whom I never knew?

Morning all, great to read all your news.

I'm glad you use the beeswax wrappers Franbern, I have always meant to get some.

Talking of solicitors I thank my lucky stars for mine, he's helped me with so much over the twenty years I've known him. I wish he'd send me my final bill for the sale so I can have closure.

I'm looking forward to my son coming this morning, I met him at the bus station yesterday with a sleeping bag, his old school friend had invited him to go camping. He was coming in at 5 pm so I went early to do some food shopping - honestly, I am getting so deaf. I hadn't heard his text saying he'd missed the bus He got in at 6 pm instead.

Have a good day whatever you are doing

Hi May7 A tip that I can give you re moving involves solicitors unless you have a solicitor who you have used for years and are happy with, (I was not).
I asked the estate agent who had handled the sale of my old property if she could tell me the name of the solicitors, who in her opinion, were the ones that seemed to crack on with the work involved and generally completed in the least amount of time.
I used the solicitors that she named and everything did go smoothly and quickly.
Another tip it to gather together all relevant documents now so that you will be ready when asked for them.

We will all be taking packed lunches with us for tomorrows outings. Sometime ago I purchased those bees wax wraps for sandwiches etc. Means I do not use foil or cling film for those, the wraps are washable and reusable. Does concern me greatly how the virus seems to have us all throw out of the window all the concerns about single use plastic, etc. THAT problem has not gone away.