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

Morning all, must have been cold in the night, the kitchen door glass is all condensation, a reminder of my old house which will be fully 'condensed' this morning. If I had a morning viewing I had to go round and do every pane.

So frustrating the batteries have gone in my Barclays on line banking gadget and I can't find the glasses screwdriver set., it's a teeny screw. Where an earth could they be in my many boxes! Have to buy a new set methinks.

Have a good weekend everyone, I am not packing until my dog goes to the kennels on Sunday, he does get upset as soon as the backpack comes out.

Don't talk about animals and packing! On the very day we were due to move to France our cat didn't show up at feeding time to be crated. He did it on purpose because he was never usually late for breakfast. Missed the ferry!! Loads more paperwork and expense!!

Last spring I kept seeing the compost in Sainsbury' every week until I planned to purchase a sack my- it disappeared that week. Eventually, mu daughter go me a sack at Tescos.

Just finished using that up on my patio pots , and have noticed past few weeks Sainsbury had them back again for Autumn. They were definitely still there when I shopped on Monday. Went down there today - all gone - no more until next Spring!!! Think they have it in for me.

Did an extra shop there ready for weekend. Will not go next Monday. Went direct from there to The Range for compost. Why does not anyone sell it in smaller quantities. Managed to get sack into car, and at home, managed to wrestle it into my shopping trolley to bring up to my flat.

Nice seeing my daughter for her usual weekly tea with me yesterday. She is back at work - very happy about that and did seem a great deal better .

Shandy I am sorry your area is once again in Lockdown - I find it difficult to understand the purpose of this - yes, it may flatten the curve of the numbers infected whilst it is in place, but that will then increase very quickly when lockdown ceases again. At lease you are escaping to Devon for a short while next week. Hope you are lining up a good number of viewings in Exmouth.

My eldest daughter will 50 yrs old in mid-October, Her original plans for going to Paris for the weekend have long since been cancelled, but she then arranged for herself and sisters, sisters-in-law and close friends (total of 12 of them to have a weekend at a Spa Hotel. Does not look very hopeful for this go ahead now.

I know that these are all very minor and small problems when you look around the world and see dreadful events occurring in so many countries - do have to get it in proportion.

Sorry you are getting cold weather up in Northumberland - it is very mild down here, during the night as well. Windows are left open all the time, and cannot even cope with my thin coverlet over my sheet at night.

Hope everybody will have a pleasant weekend.

My son and his wife are well on their way to me. Fortunate it is this weekend, as Warrington, where they live, goes into Lockdown on Tuesday, and they would not be permitted to travel here. They are well on their way here now.

I am slowly exploring WsM on my scooter. Had a lovely 90 minute trundle around in the glorious warm sunshine this afternoon, found some gorgeous houses - not sure of their value here, but back in Chingford/Loughton/Woodford, they would sell well into six figures.

Have a wonderful time Franbern with your family.

New rules have been put into place here. So will only go out if I really need to . Went shopping yesterday so am well stocked. As I am feeling better if the weather is ok will go into the garden for a few hours. It was very sunny yesterday but bitter cold. Also need to sort out this weekend what birthday cards and Christmas cards I need to make. So will be going through my cross stitch magazines for ideas. Make sure I have all materials and order any I need. Then it's get making. Also think of ideas for Christmas presents and start buying. Not so many to get this year sadly. As there is no point as my son would only send them back unopened with another vile letter.

My brother and sister in law went to Scotland for 2 weeks yesterday. They phoned me as they where driving round Loch Lomond . They both need the holiday. Hopefully I will have one in a few years time. Haven't had a holiday since 2005. Only went away then because I promised my husband I would. 4 days in York. Did at lot of firsts during those 4 days. But did enjoy it up to a point.

Hope you get your dog to the kennels ok tomorrow Shandy57. Have you got someone looking after your cat again?

Have you got any Christmas projects lined up Craftyone? Did you make some scandi decoration last year? I remember you made something out of wood but can't remember what it was.

Have a lovely day whatever you are all up to.

Morning all, sunny today but coldish. There are two robins in the garden, such a lovely song. My old cat hardly goes out now because of the semi-feral cat here, so I've put some grated cheese on top of the fence posts for them.

Have a great weekend Franbern, I'm glad they've come before the restrictions. I hope your brother and SIL enjoy their holiday Whiff, have you been to Scotland? I've only been to Edinburgh for the Fringe.

My dog wasn't very well after kennels and I feel bad taking him tomorrow, I think I'm going to investigate home boarding for him for my next trip. My neighbour is cat sitting this time for free, I gave her my huge stone Buddha head garden ornament.

I've now got a few viewings for Tuesday, thanks for the heads up for the ground floor flat Ellianne, it's the only one I really like the look of. I phoned to check the length of the lease as a girl on moneysavingexpert inherited her Mother's house - only to find there are only 12 years left on the lease. I hadn't understood the impact being leasehold has - the house reverts to the owner once the lease expires. Poor girl has to go through a lot of complicated legal hoops to buy the leasehold, perhaps at a cost of £50K, apparently it's going to auction. I'll be very careful, luckily my solicitor is fantastic.

Have to go, cat keeps clawing at my dressing gown, breakfast time!

Bon voyage Shandy. We're all behind you on your trip, good luck!

Just to whet your appetite Shandy.

Good morning Best of luck shandy, I hope you will have good news for us when you get back. Whiff I have done no christmas planning yet, all my indoor crafting has been put to one side until autumn and it will be lovely to hibernate with in a couple of months time. Franbern, enjoy the time with your family, lovely weather this weekend

I have almost finished my next project. Dismantled and tipped a large old outdoor storage box and laid 8 paving slabs onto soil for a base for my new keter `store it out max` I went to wickes to fetch it and have put it together. I already have one at the other end, this new one is hidden from view. It is such a big space inside that I have ordered a couple of `small` sets of metal shelving from amazon for inside the keter. I shall store all my gardening accessories in there, tubs of this and that, netting and my karcher etc. Project garage reconfig is going according to plan, will be taking some things out of the garage next week for the keter

I had my toast and coffee and will be waiting a bit for it to go down, I want to go cycling today.

Covid is sending shivers down my back this week, it is definitely ramping up and nightingales are prepared. I will as always try to ignore it on the media and carry on as `new` normal. Two brothers and one sister, all on the wirral and warrington are out and about this weekend before lockdown on tuesday. I am personally very glad to have a packed freezer and food stores, I cannot see this getting less media attention until spring and I don`t want to be swept along with the hype

I am carrying on my usual precautions as they seem to be working.

We had many holidays in Scotland. Last time we stayed in a caravan was in Musselborough after that we stayed in cottages. South of Edinburgh. Used them as our base. Have been to the Black Isle and saw wild dolphins. That time we stayed over night in a b&b just for the one night. Been to Fort William and surrounding area. Went to the island of Arran and played crazy golf on a cliff top. Love to know how many balls ended up in the sea. Travelled to the east coast from our base. Our last Scottish holiday was 2003 also our last holiday with our son as he was 16. We told the children once they where 16 they didn't have to go on holiday with us if they didn't want to. Little did we know it would be my husband's last holiday. We stayed in Gifford that time.

Had many Irish holidays and been all over. Stayed in cottages there But never went to northern Ireland. Had great times many happy memories.

Travel safely Shandy57.

Going into the garden know but will wrap up as it's a cold wind.

Thanks Ellianne, the tourist office only sent me a small booklet, not much use, just full of advertising. The Cyprus Road flat has been reduced from £285 ... I'm very curious. It increasingly makes sense to me to live within walking distance of town, I really don't want to be sitting in traffic/searching for parking.

I'm all over the place today and can't relax, just nerves. I must load up my Kindle with books, such a useful gadget as I can go on-line with it too. I took books last time and my backpack bag weighed too much to carry for long, I'm going much lighter this time.

Great to read about your adventures Whiff, I look forward to exploring Scotland when I've moved, I hope to do coach trips

Off for my second walk, tides are high again so will be doing the beach walk tonight again.

Have just looked on right move at Exmouth and it looks lovely and you can buy small houses for under £200,000.!
Wow, I might just bear that in mind when DGC no longer need me.
And the your flat looks great, Shandy.

Another project called my attention today. I did go cycling first, it is always lovely and I have enough puff to get up hills now. Most car drivers are very good but not all, a few are far too fast and too close (on purpose) probably unfit younger people, the older ones are generally good

This time my project concerns the side area of the garden, I never did the rock clearing properly. The area is from the new keter to the front fence and is trapezium shaped, widest bit by the fence and almost 5m long. It is to the left of my veggie raised beds and I needed something to keep the soil back and something to plant in that portion. I have a cheap path by the beds just covered in weed fabric and it gets covered in bits of soil

I have ordered 2 more grey recycled rubber edging, it is very substantial and the only edging used in the garden, it all matches and I already have 2 available. I am no-where near finished, I did string line first and hacked away at where the edging is going, I have done a half and taken out endless rocks and stones, the builder kindly said I could dump them on his last plot. I need to do that before he fences it off.

I do like to have a project outside, I will prep the rest of the border line tomorrow and spend the rest of the week prising out stones from the soil within that boundary. I have 2 flourishing rhubarb in there and will need to move them in winter, I have decided to make the whole area into an asparagus bed and that needs to be compost-rich and very free draining but once prepped I will only need to keep mulching to keep weeds down. I have ordered 2 x 5 crowns early and late varieties, they will arrive in march. I have never grown asparagus before so very much fingers crossed, once in they will never be moved

Its a bit limbo-ish at the moment, we are waiting for shandy to have a very happy result

I been busy in my garden as well Craftyone. Sorted out the remaining bed in the front garden. Topped it up with 75l of compost. My bulbs and my free plant arrived from JD Parker's today. Put the plant in one of the concrete planters that used to by the front door. Promised my grandson he could help plant the bulbs so will wait until he comes next. I have brought him a pair of garden gloves they are cute with dinosaurs on. Did more weeding. Time flies when I am in the garden.
The new garage door has made a difference already. It's not drafty in there. Once the charity things have been collected I will give it a good sort out and put things where I want. Looking forward to that. But will take my time doing it.

Watched a film last night it was sc fi with Scarlett Johansson called Under the skin. What a waste of time. Kept hoping it would get better. Very little dialogue or music. She was an alien but no explanation of why she was doing what she was. I assumed the bikers where aliens but no reason why they were there. I won't spoil by saying she dies on the end because she wanted to be more human. Well that's what I thought. I like a film etc that has beginning, middle and end. Even if you have to decide on the ending yourself. But this film made no sense. Usually she is in good films. Watched Lucy a while ago and that was very good. Rant over.

Have a good evening.

I think that projects are how we are going to survive the next months, whiff has the right idea and anyway moving 75l of compost is heavy muscle-building work, good for us. Outdoor projects for me into october and hopefully some of november, then into hibernation mode with lots of lovely indoor crafty projects

Afternoon all, is is misty and foggy where you are? Reminds me of Peter Kay as it's that 'fine rain'. Choc I left out for the oil man is soaked, hope he doesn't mind - strange he's not been yet, was told it would be here by the 21st.

I've just got back from a very, very busy beach, you'd never know we are locked down. I have to be at kennels between 4 - 5 pm so will walk my dog one more time.

For anyone looking for a winter project my aunt is enjoying these 'crystal' art pictures. She used to make and paint plastic kits - all of Henry VIII's wives plus Henry used to be in the hall cupboard - when she was young, I do think you need great patience! craftbuddyltd.co.uk/products/arts-crafts/crystal-art-kits/anne-stokes-crystal-art/

Thanks for the good luck wishes, I really don't feel up to seven hours on a train tomorrow, must make sure every minute down there is used wisely. Will report back soon!

Good luck Shandy, our thought are with you, take your check list of questions to ask whilst you are there.

Sunny here today, but cooler, we are having the roof Scraped and treated this week, so much moss that is blocking the gutters and the down pipes that ‘Something has to be done’ so it’s being done from tomorrow, hopefully, so we’ve had to move all pots etc away from the house and tables and chairs too. Good job DH was able to do it as they are so heavy.
Let’s hope the chaps arrive!

Went into the garden at 11 only when I decided I was to tired to do more did I realise it was 2.30. I lose all track of time when I out there. Back garden all weeded and 110 bulbs planted. Got 65 to plant in the front but will wait until my daughter comes as I said my grandson could help Nannie plant some bulbs. Definitely a nap shortly.

Have a safe trip Shandy tomorrow.

Had a wonderful day yesterday. So excited seeing them. Have not seen my son since the day I moved in and not seen my lovely daughter in law for much longer.
With my daughter here, we had a long gossipy chat in the morning, made lunch and then we went for a long walk (me on scooter) all around WsM, had afternoon tea high up in Weston Woods, lovely warm sunshine throughout.
In the evening we had a marvellous meal, made up to five with my son-in-law at a very local gorgeous restaurant which served vegan etc. food for my vegetarian and lactose intolerant DiL.
They popped by to say Farewell before they left this morning, and I have just received a text to say they are safely home in Cheshire.
Even warmer sunshine today, I am finishing off putting in the spring bulbs into patio pots.

Shandy - good luck with your trip to Exmouth.

niece is waiting for test result, teacher, she lost sense of taste before the weekend, friday I think. Her husband has tested positive and is short of breath, They both feel rubbish. He was sent home from work, someone at work had it. Massive spike is coming. Special school, opp school where my son in law works,has had to close. Dorset. Those nightingales are going to be needed

Franbern, a lovely day for all of you

Whiff me too, I was out all day today, very physically hard work

Night all, I'm worried I'll oversleep for my alarm call, so off to bed to read.

Thanks so much for the good wishes, I've just had part of my train picnic for tea, couldn't resist, philadelphia and grape bagel.

Best wishes to your family craftyone, fingers crossed it's just a cold bug.

Take care everyone, I'll see you soon!

Craftyone hope your niece and her husband will soon recover. Very worrying time for you.

Tighter restrictions start here tomorrow. But I won't go out unless I really have to. Just take all the precautions I have all the way through so far. Read there may be a shortage of delivery slots. So went on Sainsbury's site yesterday and booked for the 30th as by then I would have needed to order anyway. But just ordered my usual amount of things. All that panic buying during lockdown was so silly.

Don't need to garden today. But will give the bungalow a good clean.

Have a good day everyone.

Whiff, they both live near chester.

I am trying to get a refund for my ocado smart pass, I unfortunately paid for a year upfront and there are no deliveries available. I only had 2 orders so far and am not impressed with slot availability or standard of fresh foods

Its going to be another lovely day down here and I am just going to be pottering, no heavy work, I was aching for hours yesterday and have a blister on a hand from thumping the crowbar into the ground. Not aching today

Haircut on wednesday, I was letting it grow but am going back to short, I hope she can sort it this week. I have a photo from when my last hairdresser did it. It used to cost heaps and this hairdresser is 1/4 the price. Short is better for cycling and also for warm weather work

Have a good day everyone, especially shandy

Today looks to be the last of the summer sunshine, so it's back to the beach again. I went to Lyme Regis at the weekend and walked along The Cobb, (funny to be somewhere so dangerous with zero health and safety railings!). Had a lovely meal in a restaurant where ingredients are foraged.
So pleased you had the best weekend with your family Franbern. I'm guessing your son and DiL are so happy to see you settled.
Hope your niece and husband will be ok craftyone. Our friends from The Wirral were down here this weekend, they are just outside the restriction area.
Whiff, every time I read you are busy! Enjoy making those Christmas cards. I did a course once in France on card framing and photo mounting, I might get the box of bits out and try making some Christmas cards for family.
Shandy, hope the journey isn't too tiresome. Devon is warm for a couple of days, so get yourself down to the seafront straightaway (walkable from the station). Good luck.
Have a nice day all on this thread.