A very short update.

After what seemed to be a very long wait, but probably wasn't, I moved into my dear little flat on Friday.  It is already beginning to look and feel like home to me, but everything has had to be done in the wrong order in spite of careful planning.   The carpets are going down next Wednesday and the decorating after that!   Never mind, I am in and so pleased to be so.
I couldn't have done it without enormous amounts of help from my wonderful family who have expended so much time and energy on my behalf.  I am a very lucky woman to have them.

Slinking back, feeling ashamed.

I have just spent half an hour trying to upload some photos to my blog, without success.  I think this may have something to do with the fact that it is so long since I posted, that I have forgotten how to do it!

As the photos were only of various parts of the house looking very bare and others beginning to fill up with large packing boxes, I don't think you have missed much.

I don't have a completion date yet for the sale of my house and the purchase of my flat, but hate leaving things till the last minute and am determined to be prepared.

After the suddenness and speed with which this moving business began back in April, and frequent letters and phone calls from house agents and solicitors, the past two or three weeks have been very quiet so I hope they are all busily moving things along.  The recent heatwave was probably a blessing in disguise as it made me stop doing anything for a few days (I love summer but am useless when it is very hot) so I hibernated and had a break from sorting, packing and gardening, all of which has steadily been going on for weeks.   I did get the back lawn cut yesterday and have packed two more boxes today.

I feel I am 'on schedule' so that when I do get the green light, there will be no need to panic.  I can't wait to get moved in, unpack all my toys (fabric, threads, books, craft stuff, etc.) and play!

I didn't get the first flat I hoped for but was lucky enough to find another just round the corner in a similar set up.  It has a second bedroom too which is a bonus and is quite a bit cheaper.  Very handy for Tesco's which is tastefully hidden behind lovely trees, and close to the rest of the town.   I shall get quite a bit more walking in when I move - no need for lifts to the shops and I might even lose a bit of weight!

I shall return with pictures, hopefully, when I have rediscovered my computer skills.

Hello again.

I feel as if I am just coming up for air and have spent a pleasant hour or so in the garden today rediscovering the edges of the lawn.  What a difference that makes to the look of it.

While sorting through my husband's things and disposing of them among the family and further afield, I was amazed at how much there was to do.   I decided to give my own possessions the same treatment.   There have been many journeys to the tip, recycling centre, charity shops, and elsewhere, and the house looks beautifully clear and tidy.  I was almost ashamed at the amount of 'stuff' we had both accumulated during the past 35 years.  It definitely pays to move house more frequently.

I had decided not to make any big decisions for some months, but heard of a small flat in a very nice complex for retired people in our little town.  I went to see it and fell in love with it straight away though the time was not right for me and anyway it was soon snapped up.   However, there is a strong possibility that another will soon be on the market, so fingers crossed.   The flats are so conveniently placed for all amenities and have their own beautiful gardens, and I will still be close to my family.

After all the clearing, tidying and sprucing up, I put the house on the market last week and accepted an offer two days ago!   Things are moving fast but fortunately my purchasers are happy to wait and I am under no pressure.

It will be so good not to have stairs or so much house to care for, and a lovely garden to enjoy without the need to get out and keep it looking good myself.   I thought I would hate leaving my garden but the energy levels are not what they were and it requires ever more effort to keep it looking loved.

I think my wonderful family will have earned a rest once I am resettled.   They have worked so hard clearing the garage, two sheds and carting all the stuff away to charity shops, etc., for me.  I can't thank them enough.

When moving day eventually arrives there will be far less to cope with and the whole event should be much easier.

I'll keep you posted as to how things are going.

Southmead Hospital.

I want to sing the praises of all levels of staff at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, particularly in these very difficult times for the NHS.

My husband spent three weeks there early last year, another week in December and a final fortnight more recently.  He died peacefully this morning having received continuing wonderful care from all levels of staff throughout the year.   The last few days have been made so much easier by their level of dedication and kindness, far beyond the call of duty.

My heart is full.