Things are moving at a tremendous speed!
On Tuesday night we made the list - texted Alex - who promptly made our offer to No. 11's agent - who then said they had to wait for the other buyers (?) - a few hours later, I get a call from Alex "Congratulations! They accepted your offer!" Big relief, happy, happy, joy, joy - 10 minutes later, I get a call from the Council, "No, your offer has been rejected as you don't have a firm offer on your house!" But we do, I say, call my estate agent - then, "Oh no, your buyer says it's not a firm offer, so we have to withdraw our offer". Crap!
Sigh.
But there was a sliver lining. Minutes later, I got a call from the Council who told us about another property on the same estate, No. 5, that had just become available. It wasn't on the open market yet and we were being offered a chance to look at it, which is how the shared equity scheme works: a house comes up for sale, the owners tell the council, who then offers it to the first people on their list. If they don't want it, it then gets offered to the next people and so on until a buyer is found. If no one on the list can buy it, only then does it go on the open market. It's a great scheme! And I for one, am grateful for it!
I immediately rang the owners and arranged for a viewing the next day. It was for sale for about £9,000 less than No.11 but the layout was the same. The differences were all interior - ie, shiny kitchen, new heating system etc. This house had really warm vibes - the people who lived there were definitely happy. There was a lot of love in the rooms and it really helped that the lady who showed us around was a new mum herself (her bub was about five months old). I loved what they had done to the bathroom - basically removed the bath and had a luxurious shower put in. There were photos of their good times everywhere and the kitchen looked well-used. T'was good, so we told them we wanted it and they were chuffed.
I am now fizzing with ideas for a new kitchen and considering a Japanese style tub to go in the bathroom. None of which would have feasible had we bought No. 11.
So now we just have to let the council know and find a new buyer for ours. Meanwhile, they have to find somewhere new to live!
Today, FBB and I took a moment. I had Plate in the sling1 and the evening was cool and quiet. We leaned against Dead Car 1 and looked at the house that we had spent the last 10 years in, our contemplation reflected in the living room window.
"It's been good," said FBB. "And it's going to be great, babe." I agreed whole-heartedly.
Plate's response was, "Cat!".
1 The cold got Plate on Thursday and by Saturday she was not a happy baby. She was so not happy that we got really worried and got her out to the see the out-of-hours GP at Princess of Wales. Turns out she had an ear infection, really chesty, wheezy cough, and a fever. Antibiotics were prescribed. We hit her with both Neurofen and the banana flavoured 'botics and she slept for three hours this afternoon. She was a bit clingy which it was understandable but much happier today. As for me, I'm still coughing but feeling at least three times better than last Friday.
Sunday 29 April 2012
Thursday 26 April 2012
Love house, lose house, see another one!
What a day. I feel totally wrung out, battered and drained. And it had started so well.
The compressed version: we had to withdraw our offer on the beautiful house. But at the same time, another house in the same estate has come up for sale, for about £9,000 less. We've made an appointment to view. Oh, and now Plate has a cold, the constantly running nose variety.
It's been a day of highs and lows... with the lows augmented by the cold that just won't go away. Sniff. Cough.
As I am crackered, I'll save the details for tomorrow, when hopefully, I shall be a little bit better for some sleep - fully intend to get some extra bedtime tomorrow morning - and I shall have better news on the house front.
In the meantime, faithful readers, whom I value dearly, here is a link to our house sale. The copy isn't great but the pictures are pretty good. And yes, I painted the phoenix on the garage door and believe it or not, there are indeed 3 cars you can see on the driveway. I really must get my camera fixed!
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-37656272.html?premiumA=true
The compressed version: we had to withdraw our offer on the beautiful house. But at the same time, another house in the same estate has come up for sale, for about £9,000 less. We've made an appointment to view. Oh, and now Plate has a cold, the constantly running nose variety.
It's been a day of highs and lows... with the lows augmented by the cold that just won't go away. Sniff. Cough.
As I am crackered, I'll save the details for tomorrow, when hopefully, I shall be a little bit better for some sleep - fully intend to get some extra bedtime tomorrow morning - and I shall have better news on the house front.
In the meantime, faithful readers, whom I value dearly, here is a link to our house sale. The copy isn't great but the pictures are pretty good. And yes, I painted the phoenix on the garage door and believe it or not, there are indeed 3 cars you can see on the driveway. I really must get my camera fixed!
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-37656272.html?premiumA=true
Tuesday 24 April 2012
Good vibrations!
I am sick as a dog, but warm memories and good news is keeping the old tail wagging.
But first, I met up with an old friend, H, on Saturday. It was only for a couple of hours but we had a great time catching up on our lives1. She had also come bearing delectable and delightful gifts: bak chang2, a really beautiful jacket for Plate, a sarong for me3, bak kwa4, a selection of Chinese lanterns5, mosquito coils and a jar of incomparable Tiger Balm.
H herself was looking well- she was all svelte and she looked happy, despite having broken her arm not too long ago. It was really good to see her. And Plate liked her too!
We walked up Cherry Hill, where we paused for breath and Plate had a great time testing how far she could get away from me, stopped for coffee in town6, trundled around Ely market - H was delighted by her finds of authentic homemade sausage roll and pie from our local rare breeds pig farm - and finally strolled down the riverbank back to the station.
A lovely time was had by all!
On Sunday, a nasty cold knocked me for six and Monday was spent pretty much prone. But we managed to get the house into decent shape for SEA and his magic estate agent camera. I think we pulled it off. We just had to get on the City Council's shared equity scheme and then it's down to the SEA, the negotiators and the people who are destined to buy our house.
So FBB and I spent most of today stressing... me at work, him at home. We were emotionally jiggling our leg. (Plate, on the other hand, spent a great deal of it having fun and sleeping.) By 4pm, I crashed and FBB collected the pieces and drove us home. I was glued back together with food, paracetamol and tea, and we swiftly put together a "what-if" pack7 for our interview.
At 6.45pm, we had our interview at the City Council... and walked it! The two lovely ladies loved us! I don't know if it was my copywriting skills8, FBB's charm or Plate's irresistible cuteness that won it for us, but we are on their list! Yippee! Hurdle hurdled, next obstacle: finding a buyer and getting a mortgage, both of which are so nearly there.
I am still sniffly snuffly and my throat is ouchy, but I am filled with happy vibes. Good things are coming!
1 After all, when we last met in 2010, about nine months later, Plate arrived!
2 Rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. They're like little edible pyramids, and deep inside the secret chamber is deliciously seasoned belly of pork, mushrooms, chestnuts and sometimes, a salted egg yolk. "Bak" means meat and "chang" means dumpling. There is a legendary story associated with them and you can read about it here: http://www.deliciousasianfood.com/2008/06/07/teaser-bak-chang-filling/
3 Or FBB if he fancies it.
4 Sheets of sweet barbecued pork. Just thinking about it gets me salivating! Here is a home-made version: http://www.justasdelish.com/homemade-bak-kwa-dried-meat/
5 I plan on holding a little party on 30th of September, traditionally the Mooncake Festival. In Singapore, we have a Lantern and Mooncake Festival. The idea is to come together to celebrate and admire the Mid-Autumn new moon. Will write more about it as the time approaches.
6 Where Plate's enthusiasm for exploration jostled a customer's elbow and spilled his coffee. Oops! Time for sharp exit.
7 Proof I worked in Ely, proof FBB was ill, proof that I could live in England, proof that we were married etc. Plus a mini pity pack for good measure: letters from CAB, creditors, medical stuff etc.
8 We had to submit a form and a supporting letter. I thought I might have overcooked it but it seems not.
But first, I met up with an old friend, H, on Saturday. It was only for a couple of hours but we had a great time catching up on our lives1. She had also come bearing delectable and delightful gifts: bak chang2, a really beautiful jacket for Plate, a sarong for me3, bak kwa4, a selection of Chinese lanterns5, mosquito coils and a jar of incomparable Tiger Balm.
H herself was looking well- she was all svelte and she looked happy, despite having broken her arm not too long ago. It was really good to see her. And Plate liked her too!
We walked up Cherry Hill, where we paused for breath and Plate had a great time testing how far she could get away from me, stopped for coffee in town6, trundled around Ely market - H was delighted by her finds of authentic homemade sausage roll and pie from our local rare breeds pig farm - and finally strolled down the riverbank back to the station.
A lovely time was had by all!
On Sunday, a nasty cold knocked me for six and Monday was spent pretty much prone. But we managed to get the house into decent shape for SEA and his magic estate agent camera. I think we pulled it off. We just had to get on the City Council's shared equity scheme and then it's down to the SEA, the negotiators and the people who are destined to buy our house.
So FBB and I spent most of today stressing... me at work, him at home. We were emotionally jiggling our leg. (Plate, on the other hand, spent a great deal of it having fun and sleeping.) By 4pm, I crashed and FBB collected the pieces and drove us home. I was glued back together with food, paracetamol and tea, and we swiftly put together a "what-if" pack7 for our interview.
At 6.45pm, we had our interview at the City Council... and walked it! The two lovely ladies loved us! I don't know if it was my copywriting skills8, FBB's charm or Plate's irresistible cuteness that won it for us, but we are on their list! Yippee! Hurdle hurdled, next obstacle: finding a buyer and getting a mortgage, both of which are so nearly there.
I am still sniffly snuffly and my throat is ouchy, but I am filled with happy vibes. Good things are coming!
1 After all, when we last met in 2010, about nine months later, Plate arrived!
2 Rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. They're like little edible pyramids, and deep inside the secret chamber is deliciously seasoned belly of pork, mushrooms, chestnuts and sometimes, a salted egg yolk. "Bak" means meat and "chang" means dumpling. There is a legendary story associated with them and you can read about it here: http://www.deliciousasianfood.com/2008/06/07/teaser-bak-chang-filling/
3 Or FBB if he fancies it.
4 Sheets of sweet barbecued pork. Just thinking about it gets me salivating! Here is a home-made version: http://www.justasdelish.com/homemade-bak-kwa-dried-meat/
5 I plan on holding a little party on 30th of September, traditionally the Mooncake Festival. In Singapore, we have a Lantern and Mooncake Festival. The idea is to come together to celebrate and admire the Mid-Autumn new moon. Will write more about it as the time approaches.
6 Where Plate's enthusiasm for exploration jostled a customer's elbow and spilled his coffee. Oops! Time for sharp exit.
7 Proof I worked in Ely, proof FBB was ill, proof that I could live in England, proof that we were married etc. Plus a mini pity pack for good measure: letters from CAB, creditors, medical stuff etc.
8 We had to submit a form and a supporting letter. I thought I might have overcooked it but it seems not.
Friday 20 April 2012
See house, love house. buy house!
We have found a house we both absolutely agree is just simply wonderful! But I am getting ahead of myself.
In my last post, I said our ex-neighbour wanted to have a look at our house. Well, he did and he actually made us a pretty generous offer. In cash! There was a hitch in that he was waiting for his dad to die - it sounds callous, but what he meant was that he was looking after his dad who was terminally ill and won't be ready to move on the offer till he had passed. So there is that, but we can at least say that we have a buyer. And we haven't even started advertising yet!
Since then, we'd seen a house FBB liked but I didn't, and then seen this one which we both adore. It's in town, not in the most salubrious part of it, but it's close to a good friend's, has lovely views and, oh my goodness, it has been exceedingly improved. We would not have to do a thing1!
The kitchen is just simply superb! It has an induction hob, a designer radiator, a breakfast bar, dishwasher, integrated fridge/freezer, and sleek cabinets. The floors are solid wood with none of the creaky, crunchy feel you normally get and the garden is landscaped to within an inch of its life. The shed has electricity (!) and the whole house is heated with an efficient combi boiler (something that was put in by the present owner). The bathroom is elegant with new fittings, with no trace of damp anywhere. The main bedroom has plush carpets and the little second bedroom looks out onto fields. Everything is half the size of what we are used to, but by golly, they are all twice as nice.
It's a shared equity scheme house (apparently subtly different from a shared ownership scheme house) and 25% of it belongs to the local council. So we would need to be approved by them before we can buy it. The good news is, we satisfy their qualifying conditions and just need to pass their interview. If we are accepted, there is more good news. Participating mortgage lenders require that we only provide 5% of the purchase price as a deposit!
I am not publishing a link to it because that would just be silly.
FBB fell in love straight away. I don't think he's quite stopped saying, "Wow!" and is utterly determined that we get it. So we marched into SEA's2 office and told him that we *must* have this house. We have now been referred to Alex who appears to be a Super Mortgage Advisor / Price Negotiator and we have an interview with the local council on Tuesday.
As for that, the bathroom is nearly, nearly done - the bath panel has turned out to be a nightmare - so we have booked the photographer to come on Monday. Tomorrow, we pick up a Rug Doctor3 and cross our fingers we get as much chucked out of the way as possible by then.
Sadly, no mention has been made of the Dead Car Dilemma. I suspect there will be much grinding of gears and dragging of wheels come Monday.
Also, tomorrow, I will be seeing an old friend from the old country4 who will be bringing me some local delights - I can hardly wait!
Also, also, I have picked up all my World Book Night books and they are patiently waiting in their box for me to find them new homes. That will be Sunday's little pleasure for me.
And finally, no more Inspector Montalbano Saturday nights. Will The Bridge be just as riveting? Watch this space!
1 Well, FBB would like to strip off the flowery wallpaper in the bedroom. But I think it may end up staying!
2 Super Estate Agent! Steve from Willie H Brown. Incidentally, it was Alex who told us all about the shared equity stuff. We like them a lot!
3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtEi6ljeikQ&feature=related We can only *hope* we get the results. Our carpets are strangers to deep cleaning.
4 Hmmm. It gained independence in 1965. Was "discovered" in 1819. And up until then was pretty much a collection of idyllic fishing villages. Hardly old I suppose.
In my last post, I said our ex-neighbour wanted to have a look at our house. Well, he did and he actually made us a pretty generous offer. In cash! There was a hitch in that he was waiting for his dad to die - it sounds callous, but what he meant was that he was looking after his dad who was terminally ill and won't be ready to move on the offer till he had passed. So there is that, but we can at least say that we have a buyer. And we haven't even started advertising yet!
Since then, we'd seen a house FBB liked but I didn't, and then seen this one which we both adore. It's in town, not in the most salubrious part of it, but it's close to a good friend's, has lovely views and, oh my goodness, it has been exceedingly improved. We would not have to do a thing1!
The kitchen is just simply superb! It has an induction hob, a designer radiator, a breakfast bar, dishwasher, integrated fridge/freezer, and sleek cabinets. The floors are solid wood with none of the creaky, crunchy feel you normally get and the garden is landscaped to within an inch of its life. The shed has electricity (!) and the whole house is heated with an efficient combi boiler (something that was put in by the present owner). The bathroom is elegant with new fittings, with no trace of damp anywhere. The main bedroom has plush carpets and the little second bedroom looks out onto fields. Everything is half the size of what we are used to, but by golly, they are all twice as nice.
It's a shared equity scheme house (apparently subtly different from a shared ownership scheme house) and 25% of it belongs to the local council. So we would need to be approved by them before we can buy it. The good news is, we satisfy their qualifying conditions and just need to pass their interview. If we are accepted, there is more good news. Participating mortgage lenders require that we only provide 5% of the purchase price as a deposit!
I am not publishing a link to it because that would just be silly.
FBB fell in love straight away. I don't think he's quite stopped saying, "Wow!" and is utterly determined that we get it. So we marched into SEA's2 office and told him that we *must* have this house. We have now been referred to Alex who appears to be a Super Mortgage Advisor / Price Negotiator and we have an interview with the local council on Tuesday.
As for that, the bathroom is nearly, nearly done - the bath panel has turned out to be a nightmare - so we have booked the photographer to come on Monday. Tomorrow, we pick up a Rug Doctor3 and cross our fingers we get as much chucked out of the way as possible by then.
Sadly, no mention has been made of the Dead Car Dilemma. I suspect there will be much grinding of gears and dragging of wheels come Monday.
Also, tomorrow, I will be seeing an old friend from the old country4 who will be bringing me some local delights - I can hardly wait!
Also, also, I have picked up all my World Book Night books and they are patiently waiting in their box for me to find them new homes. That will be Sunday's little pleasure for me.
And finally, no more Inspector Montalbano Saturday nights. Will The Bridge be just as riveting? Watch this space!
1 Well, FBB would like to strip off the flowery wallpaper in the bedroom. But I think it may end up staying!
2 Super Estate Agent! Steve from Willie H Brown. Incidentally, it was Alex who told us all about the shared equity stuff. We like them a lot!
3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtEi6ljeikQ&feature=related We can only *hope* we get the results. Our carpets are strangers to deep cleaning.
4 Hmmm. It gained independence in 1965. Was "discovered" in 1819. And up until then was pretty much a collection of idyllic fishing villages. Hardly old I suppose.
Sunday 15 April 2012
Chimes in the ear and serendipitous meetings
So the last few days I have been laid low by a combination of a swollen eardrum in one ear, fluid in the other ear, engorged glands, an inconsiderate cough and a stuffed nose1, all of which resulted in a bout of labyrinthitis seconds before I was going to try hoicking my daughter on my back2. Luckily it was a very mild attack and I was able to slide carefully to the floor, ring my husband for help and prop myself up against a wall. I thanked my lucky stars it didn't happen while I was bent over with Plate wiggling on my back.
In any case, I was determined to get as much gen as I could about slinging a child on my back as Plate was getting a touch restless being carried in the front. Also, I was convinced I could do more if I had her on my back! As I was incapable of moving my head without falling over, the lovely Victoria demonstrated how to get a child on one's back and sling them in safely with her own bub right in front of me. I was gobsmacked. I had only seen this done by other mums on YouTube3. It was inspiring!
 |
| Plate in my Moby at 5 months |
I did manage to go back to work the next day, armed with Amoxycillin4 and a lie-in. I lasted a good afternoon and then crashed the next day.
The awfulness that engulfed me was quite surprising.
I soon emerged from the pit of snot and grogginess after sleeping longer than I thought5 and ventured out into glorious sunshine, a frosty wind and hail! Gotta love this weather!
In the meantime, how's this for serendipity?
On Thursday, FBB found this house for sale in Ely which was part of a shared equity scheme. He really liked the look of it and arranged for a viewing on Monday.
On Friday, FBB was taking Plate to the car when a big red van stopped next to him - it was our former neighbour Steve! He used to live across the road from us and was instrumental in getting us back into our house when we stupidly went to the pub with no mobile and no house keys. He was a nice bloke and we always got on, and we missed him when he left. Turns out that he's planning on moving back to the village. Of course, FBB told him we're selling so he's going to come see the house on Tuesday!
FBB is quite convinced that it's all going to happen now. We'll love the place in Ely, Steve will love our place and offer to buy it at the price we're asking for, we'll make an offer on the new place... all at once.
No, we haven't got the house on the market yet.But the master bedroom is 99% finished. Just have to paint the doorframe.
Sigh6. I think even sloths would work faster than us.
Aside from that, I am very excited that in a week's time, it will be World Book Night and I have the privilege of being a "giver". The generous people who run the event have given me 24 copies of one of my favourite books of all time TO GIVE AWAY.
So those of you who know me and are within hugging distance, you have a book coming your way!
Right, it's time for mama's bedtime - and the last few chapters of Murakami's 1Q84. What a great read! Surreal and now in the realms of "what-the-hell-is-going-on?" but utterly gripping.
1Courtesy of the virus magnet that is my daughter.
2 Impromptu sling meet / baby-led weaning mass picnic. Check out www.slingsandbabycarriers.co.uk. You can also hire slings if you're not sure which ones are for you. I have every intention of trying them out!
3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHQay2iFHKk I wasn't going to do this but I hope I get advanced enough to do so!
4 Every time I get prescribed antibiotics, I secretly wish they would say, try these Crocodillin! That would be so cool!http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/680840.stm I actually saw the documentary mentioned. The best part was when they had just released the bindings on a croc and the lights went out. The Aussie guide's voice sailing out in the sudden darkness, perfectly deadpan, "Who knocked the lights out? That's not funny, mate."
5 At 8am, I shut my eyes for a second, and it was noon! WTF! I've time-travelled four hours!
6 Don't get me started on the dead cars on the driveway.
Monday 9 April 2012
Look ma - shoes!
Last Saturday, the Plate got her first pair of proper shoes1.
They're called Doodles by Clarks and she seemed to like them. Although I think she really didn't care what they looked like - they fit and she can walk (stagger? caper?) in them. She does have big feet - a whopping 5F. She'd gone up a shoe size in less than four weeks2! If she carries on like this, we may end up buying a new pair of shoes every month!
Saturday was quite eventful actually - I did another class of tai chi, we went shoe shopping after taste testing some hot dogs at the local market3, Plate and I had a snuggly snooze in the afternoon, then we had a surprise visit from our good friends4 the Cottenham Ls, and a planned visit from Big T and Professor Fish. Overall, I think it was a lovely day.
We had planned on doing a little food and paint shopping the next day, but soon discovered that everywhere was shut on Easter Sunday! *doh* But we ended up eating a surprisingly good lunch in a carpark in Cambridge, before heading to the Cottenham Ls for a return visit.
And now, I must dash as I am now yawning, and writing just words rather than sense.
Incidentally, I have started reading IQ84 by Murakami. Hmmm.
And I have no idea why but I have "Knocked Up" on TV. It is a terrible, terrible film. Paul Rudd is great in it though.
1 I must confess, I thought they were called Oodles, which would have been cooler, or better yet, Noodles. And I surprised myself by buying the pink ones. What is going on with me?
2 She was a 4G then and fell over when we put proper shoes on her. This time she tottered around for a few seconds, caromed off the shelves, then she was off!
3 It was a special European market - we tried an "authentic" German bratwurst in an undersized bun and a French sausage in an oversized baguette. FBB and I had to agree to disagree - he liked the wee little french sausage, and I liked the big bad bratwurst. Plate liked them both with gusto!
4... who had gifted us with a travel system, car seat, cot, highchair, walker, door bouncer, a bagful of toys, electric breast pump plus accessories, nappy bag, a bagful of baby clothes and lots of other bits and pieces that we will never, ever be able to repay. "Good friends" is an understatement.
They're called Doodles by Clarks and she seemed to like them. Although I think she really didn't care what they looked like - they fit and she can walk (stagger? caper?) in them. She does have big feet - a whopping 5F. She'd gone up a shoe size in less than four weeks2! If she carries on like this, we may end up buying a new pair of shoes every month!
Saturday was quite eventful actually - I did another class of tai chi, we went shoe shopping after taste testing some hot dogs at the local market3, Plate and I had a snuggly snooze in the afternoon, then we had a surprise visit from our good friends4 the Cottenham Ls, and a planned visit from Big T and Professor Fish. Overall, I think it was a lovely day.
We had planned on doing a little food and paint shopping the next day, but soon discovered that everywhere was shut on Easter Sunday! *doh* But we ended up eating a surprisingly good lunch in a carpark in Cambridge, before heading to the Cottenham Ls for a return visit.
And now, I must dash as I am now yawning, and writing just words rather than sense.
Incidentally, I have started reading IQ84 by Murakami. Hmmm.
And I have no idea why but I have "Knocked Up" on TV. It is a terrible, terrible film. Paul Rudd is great in it though.
1 I must confess, I thought they were called Oodles, which would have been cooler, or better yet, Noodles. And I surprised myself by buying the pink ones. What is going on with me?
2 She was a 4G then and fell over when we put proper shoes on her. This time she tottered around for a few seconds, caromed off the shelves, then she was off!
3 It was a special European market - we tried an "authentic" German bratwurst in an undersized bun and a French sausage in an oversized baguette. FBB and I had to agree to disagree - he liked the wee little french sausage, and I liked the big bad bratwurst. Plate liked them both with gusto!
4... who had gifted us with a travel system, car seat, cot, highchair, walker, door bouncer, a bagful of toys, electric breast pump plus accessories, nappy bag, a bagful of baby clothes and lots of other bits and pieces that we will never, ever be able to repay. "Good friends" is an understatement.
Sunday 1 April 2012
Changing Rooms
I can't believe it's been more than a week since I last wrote! I can only blame a combination of sun, exhaustion and frantic de-cluttering.
Yes, Operation De-clutter has accelerated a little. The DVD and video shelves have stayed off and their contents boxed up and lofted. The living room has been properly crushed by apricots and all that remains to be done is to get rid of the oversized coffee table and sort out my acres of paper, something which I am struggling with. Every time I vanish a pile, smaller and more insidious piles seem to appear to take its place.
To allow the master bedroom to be painted, we have moved our sleeping arrangements into Big T's room1. After much spinning around of mattresses to best fit Plate's cot in, we have discovered that we really enjoy sleeping facing the window. Waking up to azure skies and birds cutting through them turns out to be rather delightful.
Granddad A has begun turning our tobacco-stained bedroom into a soothing symphony of blues2. Unfortunately, the previous occupant had done a rather imperfect job of painting: when he scratched at a paint crack in the wall, the entire section came away. Which led to the realisation that our new feature wall of midnight blue is now gently coming away from the wall also.
There is still much to be done - there are three dead cars on our driveaway that need removing, brown trees and bushes that need care, the upstairs bath panel needs replacing3... and I have just spilled a cup of tea4 all over a paper pile, record shelf and a speaker. I think that is a sign from the universe to give it up tonight and go to bed.
1 Wherever we live, there will always be a Big T's room. Big T is FBB's big brother and will always be welcome wherever we go. For me, if not for him, FBB and I would never have got together.
2 As opposed to a *the* blues which would just be depressing.
3 Which is more complicated than it sounds. We think the previous occupant had put the bath and shower in, because they had to cut out bits of the bath panel to allow the pipes to go through. Something we would have to do with ours. Fun, fun, fun!
4 Not just any tea: Yogi Tea<R> which I had patiently let brew for exactly seven minutes for optimum tea-ness.
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