The ‘Moving Home’ experience is quite something, especially in December. The weather was kind (meaning no rain or snow) but by the time we arrived at our new abode it was very dark and cold. The day started off at 6am with panic because there is sooooo much to do. We only knew at 5.15pm the previous day that we were going to move the following day. We had suggested to Solicitors that we would like to exchange and move on the same day but thought we would know at least a few days before. Anyway, there we were panicking to take down bed and box up the few remaining things which you thought would only take about an hour. Ha! More like 4 hours. The fridge was still full, the computer still to be boxed up……last minute pots in the garden you had forgotten…..oh…. the list is endless. Then you have to clean the house before you move……………..windows, ledges, paintwork, floors, bathroom and finally the hall way ….as you leave the property! The keys have to go to the Estate Agent……you have to say goodbye to the neighbours (who all came out to say Goodbye….…..yes there were tears…….not mine but theirs…..bless! Don’t get me wrong…… it was hard to say goodbye to my dear old neighbours Gladys (next door) and Geoff (2 doors away) ……both in their 80’s….They both said when I told them, a couple of days before, that I was waiting for a date to move……”does that mean you won’t be here for Christmas?” . “Yes” I said……but we will pop in and see you. We left a Card for the new owners of our old house to give any post to Gladys or Geoff as it too, at least, 5 days for post to be redirected! So we would be back to collect post from them and have a cup of tea! We popped in to see them Christmas Eve….so that was nice and will continue to pop in……as they are very interesting people.
So the experience of your home being torn apart and removal men flinging and dissecting your furniture to drains not working when we arrived at the new property (ie not being able to run any water or flush the toilet!...oh yes………..for nearly 3 days! ……so a trip to Leeds Castle toilets …..only 3.8 miles away….was inevitable….and yes….we only go to the best!!!). There were boxes and boxes and more boxes …..in a heap! There were good bits though……..the excitement……the dreams……….getting the keys to the new property……..and then going through the door to a Bungalow that had been empty for about l year with old carpets …old décor…..dust and more dust. OMG! It’s time to hit the bottle!
A few weeks in our new abode we have…..Signed with our new GP Surgery and can go to 4 different surgeries within a 4 mile radius and see any of the doctors there (different huh!)….the receptionist did laugh when we registered as new patients…….”you live where”?.....”Kingswood, I said”…….she laughed (or shall we say sniggered) and said……”Oh Kingswood always gets snowed in…make sure you have some extra food in!”……(still laughing as she handed me the joining forms). Oh well, we will see. We have met some of the neighbours……..met the Gas man…..met Southern Water re drains (yes, they are fine now)……..Met the ‘Meet and Greet’ team at the Council Offices and sorted out with one person in 5 minutes, our ‘Older Persons Pass’, our Council Tax and a few other things…….met an Electrician………met the Plumber who is going to make our bathroom white (instead of Avocado Green) and he may also do the new gas boiler (if the price is right)………..we’ve found B&Q and the local Amenity Tip, (in fact we have been there hundreds of times)…..……but also have found lots of lovely things like…..Farmers Markets that sell fresh eggs and produce……..found a great place to get a Christmas Tree, cut down fresh that morning, with a free Santa grotto and free mulled wine…..…..and some fabulous country pubs! Haven’t had the pleasure of the ‘local Village hall’….. yet……but…… will do soon as you can do Yoga and Badminton there and with Coffee mornings and WI meetings.... it should be a hoot! I certainly intend to join in and have some fun.
Oh- I haven’t mentioned that we have no land line or Internet yet!! Got to wait 6 weeks for that! Yes 6 weeks! By the time I decided to ‘pull out’ from my provider…..Christmas is upon us and ‘everything closes down for that’! So decided to stay with what we have signed up to and will pull out later, which I intend to do.
We have already took out carpets and curtains and have stripped old wallpaper from one room, which actually came off remarkably easy, so we have one environmentally friendly room!
So moving to the country is a bit crazy………………………………………………..but…… I LOVE IT!!!!
New Year Resolutions:
To empty and get rid of all the boxes in the house!
Not to swear so much, especially when decorating!
To do more painting!
To lay a patio
To lay a new driveway
To try not to enjoy myself so much when leaving home driving down a pretty country lane
To be careful of running over some pheasants!
Last of all to try all the food in the pubs in the area
Wish me luck!
Update:
On second skip! Might have a third one! What's in it I hear you asking........rubble, concrete from old patio, conifer trees that take up half the garden and some stuff found in the garage and concrete from a 23 metre trench that has to be dug to get gas to property. Meeting more neighbours (by the skip)...everyone seems very friendly. John been playing cards in village hall with locals ( I didn't go!) but will attend yoga /keep fit classes....but at the moment got enough to keep me fit!
HAVE A HAPPY 2012!
