We've moved!

Great to be back. It seems an absolute age since I was last able to post a message but now, thanks to the hard work of my bro-in-law on Saturday, we're back up and running. During our internet free time it was lovely to see Katie and Ben amusing themselves with good old fashioned play, rather than asking to go on the PC to fill their spare time. Things will be different from now on - (she says!).

Anyway, the actual moving day went very smoothly. Leading up to the move was a little touch-and-go and we were rather nervous that things would fall through as had happened previously. Our buyer promised she would purchase our house whether she'd get to look at any documentation (stuck on the desk of the previous buyer's solicitor) prior to completion or not (now isn't that just stuff of dreams!) and as she was off on holiday she really wanted things signed, sealed and delivered before she flew out of the country. Can't remember how much lead up I posted before, but basically, I had my mobile secured to my ear during most of a HE group visit to Stanwick Lakes on the Friday before our move trying to secure a removal firm for the following Friday (11th) to be suddenly told that our buyer would pull out if we didn't complete and move out on the Wednesday (9th) (as if a couple of days really made any difference!) We kind of knew she was bluffing but didn't want to take any chances. Back on the phone to find a removal company for the Wednesday (having been told that Friday was the only day any of the 5/6 available companies could do). By pure chance, one company had just had a cancellation for the Wednesday and I grabbed if with both hands and paid my dosh there and then! Buyer was very happy, naturally - she said her tenants were ready to move in asap. Needless to say P and I have been back to the house several times to pick up mail and it seems no one has yet moved in - typical. So, we all went to sign new contracts on Tuesday morning and held our breath until 3 p.m. on the Wednesday for exchange then completion and then move. Phew - all done now and the nightmare seems to be fading fast.

No more rabbiting, here's some piccies.


Taken from the side of the garden looking down the lane.

I love this view, sitting in the living room and seeing all the different greens outside. Love the wooden duck too, thank you sis and bro-in-law and family. The duck looks out on all the other ducks and geese that live over the road and visit us regularly for bread! He's also a spitting image of the long necked duck I posted about from our visit to Sacrewell Farm (see previous post).

Kitchen, which is in the conservatory so either really hot or freezing cold - but it's lovely and bright during the day and has wonderful lighting during the evening so we like it.

We have three, and possibly another two, working fires in this house and have tested out the three downstairs ones during this really cold wintery spell. P is having to keep on top of the coal and wood chopping to fuel them.

Scots Pines apparently from Sandringham were planted in the garden in the 70's along with some Silver Birches and Hazel Trees which all have preservation orders - Katie's in her element, she adores trees.

A good sized swimming pool in much need of repair. We've no idea of how to look after it, all the different chemicals, pumps, etc., and will need to save our pennies a bit before even contemplating updating this toy. We found loads of frogs in and around the area hopping about as we checked it all out!

We have an active RAF practise bombing range very close to us - sounds terrible but actually we all love planes and are fascinated by this new regular attraction. However, the day we ventured out onto the sea bank to watch the air show, no planes or 'copters turned up - just our luck. This pic shows the village across one of the numerous farmers' fields taken from the sea bank.

Allie has settled well and has made new feline friends very quickly - no fighting here, just nose to nose kissing.

Billy has settled well too and adores his new freedom in the large run the previous owners left for him. Katie has been patiently teaching him to jump on command - from the photo she took it looks like it may be working (more like pure luck I reckon).