#SoCS - 29/8/20 - More than a hundred....

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “more than a hundred.” Write your post inspired by something you have more than a hundred of in your home right now. Enjoy!

#SoCS is hosted by Linda - here

Pop over to her blog to see how to take part and who else is joining in.

 

Well it's been a while since I did one of these posts but I was up fairly early this morning and decided I would give it a go.  Especially as there are probably more than a hundred thoughts whirling around my head connected to our upcoming move.

 

Did I mention I'm moving house?  Probably done that more than a hundred times too as the process has been dragging on since early this year.  Does house buying usually take this long? No!  Well sometimes it can if the chain breaks down or you discover a major problem with the house you're buying and have to start over.

 

That hasn't happened to us (yet) and we're almost over the final hurdle but that hurdle keeps moving.  The left hand isn't communicating with the right.  Our solicitor tells us one thing, which I believe because she forwarded the e-mail from the other solicitor, but then the buyer says something else!

 

At some point I need to start packing up my house, especially as I definitely have more than a hundred books on my shelves.  Maybe I'll count them as I'm packing, or maybe not.  That might make me start trying to remember what I can about the book.  Probably not a lot! But it will make the packing process take longer.

 

One thing good to come out of the delay in the move is that we'll still be here next weekend and will be able to take part in the annual jumble trail. (Bit like a yard sale.)  We haven't got lots of stuff to get rid of now as we've been doing a lot of clearing out for a while, but I'm sure we can still find some things that don't really need to go to the new house.

 

Hopefully we'll get rid of some of them but if not we have a friend who does car boot sales and will probably take any items we don't want.  He took a load of stuff recently.

 

I was trying to think what else I might have over 100 of.  Definitely not shoes as I find it hard to buy comfortable shoes.  I probably have somewhere close to 100 items of clothing.  Hubby probably has more than 100 records.  Yes vinyl records.  He's very attached to them and getting his hi-fi and speakers set up in the best place in the new house will be his priority when we move it.  Can't wait lol. He's also got more than 100 CDs.

 

Lots of other things have been scaled down.  I've usually got a lot of canned/dried goods plus cleaning materials stocked up in our cellar but I've been whittling them down too.  The freezer is looking pretty empty as well.

 

As for the thoughts flying around my head, well of course lots of those get jotted down and become to do lists.  Thankfully I haven't got over a hundred of those although there might well be over a hundred things to do on the master list.  Have you any idea how many people you need to inform when you move house?  Neither had I until I started making a list.  Oh yes, there are more than a hundred! 

 

 

Friday's Fave Five - 28/8/20

Friday's Fave Five is hosted by Susanne.  To see how to take part and posts from other participants check out her blog: Living to Tell the Story. 

Here are mine:

1)  Time with Rory.  We were invited to lunch last Sunday and then we went for a long walk around the park.  It was mainly around the park as Rory like to be pushed along the road so he can see the buses!  We did spend some time in the park as well but vehicles are his favourite things.  During the week his Mummy often takes him past a building site and he loves watching the diggers etc and the crane going "up and down".  He is talking so well now.  He also got a haircut this week.

2) Two visits with Nathan & his Mummies - we went Friday so they could have some time out together and then stayed until Saturday so we could help sort some of their things out for the baby's room.

We also went on Thursday as they had a prenatal class on Zoom.  Nathan does like to watch out for us once he knows we're on our way!

3)  We finally got our sale contract through to sign so we've done that and returned it to our solicitor.  We hoped to have had some news on exchange and completion dates today but sadly not.  Still at least we have done everything we need to do now.  Apart from packing!

4)  I had a piece of good news today which I'll share when the timing is right.

5)  A hubby who doesn't mind doing the simple things in life - like putting your wife's socks on for her.  My back has been painful since the beginning of the week and although standing and sitting upright is generally ok, bending down is most definitely not!  The evenings have been a bit chilly this week and I've needed socks on but haven't been able to bend down far enough to do them myself.  I hate getting older lol.

So lots of good things but I really wish we had a definite moving date in place.  I also wish my back was easier but I know I just have to be patient on that.  Surprisingly (during these times) we have a quiet weekend ahead.  

Oh just remembered another blessing - Hubby and I actually went out to eat this week at a local pub.  I haven't been there before even though it's nearby.  It's recently been refurbished and has a large outside area.  We actually ate inside as it was quite chilly in the evening but the tables were well spaced, there was good ventilation and orders were taken at the table.  The food was typical pub food and not a great deal of choice but it was nice.  We also benefitted from the "Eat out to help out" scheme which meant it was relatively cheap too.  Hopefully we'll start venturing out a bit more but with all our pregnant DILs we're still being careful and trying to avoid catching this virus!

Have a good weekend all.

 

20 in 20 - Weekly Photo #34 - 23/8/20

Well I know this is 2 in a row but didn't want to be late again in doing this!  These are from my walk this evening.

The burnt areas are already showing signs of recovery.

This tree will probably be a lasting memory of the fires.

I could hear lots of bird noise and spotted all these parakeets!

20 in 20 - Weekly Photo #33 - 16/8/20

Making these kept me busy during this week.  I made 2 sets of these so Hubby and I have matching pairs!

I'm late posting the picture but it was taken during the relevant week.

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 26/8/20

Wednesday's Hodgepodge is hosted by Joyce over at "From this side of the Pond".  Pop over there to see who is playing and how to join in.  If you do join in, remember to visit your neighbour on the Linky List.  Have fun. 

1. The Hodgepodge lands on National Dog Day this year (August 26th). Do you own a dog? Did you have a dog when you were growing up, or maybe some other kind of pet? Would you say you're more of a dog person or a cat person? Neither is okay too : )

We had a dog called Sandy when I was little.  He was a very gentle dog.  When I was in my late teens my parents bought me a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who had a very fancy pedigree name but answered to Smudge!  When I met my now Hubby it was a case of love me love my dog which fortunately he did so Smudge came to live with us until he sadly passed away.  We had a break from pets after that but later we got 2 kittens.  So I'm both a dog and cat persons.  We currently have neither but we do get visits from my son's greyhounds from time to time.

2. Last time you felt 'dog tired'?

Umm now!  I'm suffering with back pain at the moment so it's not helping my already disturbed sleep patterns - moving house often has me waking during the night and then I spend time going over the to do list and the arranging furniture list etc etc.  We're nearly there though.

3. It's said you can't teach an old dog new tricks. When did you last prove this idiom true or prove it wrong?

I think you can teach an old dog new tricks - look at how many older people have got to grips with new technology and coping with a pandemic.  But you need the old dog to want to learn lol

4. A favorite book, television show, or movie featuring a dog. Why did you love it?

I loved the film Marley & Me.  Very funny, very apt and also very sad.

5. Last time you had reason to (literally or figuratively) exclaim 'hot diggity dog'?

I have never made that exclamation!

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

2 steps forward 1 back again this week.  It seems all parties have now signed the relevant contracts for our move but our buyers solicitor is still chasing down some enquiries in relation to the sale of their property so won't discuss exchange or completion dates! We're still hoping for 10th September but unless he agrees the dates by the end of the week it's looking more likely to be the following week!  We thought we were the ones holding things up but apparently not!

A few exclamations spring to mind but not ones I should share here lol.

Friday's Fave Five - 21/8/20

Friday's Fave Five is hosted by Susanne.  To see how to take part and posts from other participants check out her blog: Living to Tell the Story.

Here are my 5 for this week:

1)  We saw Grandson Nathan on Saturday and Rory on Sunday.  Seeing them always brightens up my week.  Just wish we could see Noah more often.

2)  Cake!  We made dinner for Rory and his parents but my DIL brought a lovely cake for dessert.

3)  We seem to be moving forward with the house.  We've tentatively agreed on a completion date but the solicitors still need to finalise contracts so I'm not holding my breath yet.

4)  Productivity:  

I made some masks this week.  Hubby and I both have a set of these so now we have plenty even when some are in the wash.  We haven't really been going out much to places where we've needed them but I'm sure as time goes on we'll be glad of them.

5)  More rain.  Not exactly what we want this time of year but we did need it.  The ground had been so dry there had been several forest fires but now the ground is definitely not dry!  And it's been cooler so much more bearable especially when you're trying to get things done! 

Have a good weekend all.

And some more reviews!

Rewrite the Stars by Emma Heatherington
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

From the moment they meet one December day there’s something between Charlotte Taylor and her brother’s best friend, Tom Farley. But Tom’s already taken and Charlie has to let him go…

It’s another five years before their paths cross again only a secret from the past forces Charlie to make a choice. She promises herself she’ll never look back…

The years pass and Charlie moves on with her life but she can never forget Tom. He’s always there whispering ‘What if?’.

Can Charlie leave the life she has built for one last chance with Tom?  Or is the one that got away not really the one at all…?

I'm surprised that over 60% of reviews here are 4 or 5 *.

For me this was only an ok book. Perhaps because I found the main character weak and dwelling too much on "what if" rather than being thankful for what she had. I persevered with it but it won't encourage me to seek out other books from this author.

Strangers by C.L. Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ursula, Gareth and Alice have never met before. Ursula thinks she killed the love of her life. Gareth’s been receiving strange postcards. And Alice is being stalked. None of them are used to relying on others – but when the three strangers’ lives unexpectedly collide, there’s only one thing for it: they have to stick together. Otherwise, one of them will die.

Three strangers, two secrets, one terrifying evening. This novel will keep you guessing until the end.

I love a good thriller and this book did not disappoint. From the opening scenes to the back stories of the main characters and then the revelations I could not stop turning the pages. 

Half a World Away by Mike Gayle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kerry Hayes is single mum, living on a tough south London estate. She provides for her son by cleaning houses she could never hope to afford. Taken into care as a child, Kerry cannot ever forget her past.

Noah Martineau is a successful barrister with a beautiful wife, daughter and home in fashionable Primrose Hill. Adopted as a child, Noah always looks forward, never back.

When Kerry reaches out to the sibling she lost on the day they were torn apart as children, she sets in motion a chain of events that will have life-changing consequences for them both.

Have your tissue box handy.

Seriously, have tissues to hand as this book will make you cry but it's also uplifting. I couldn't put it down.

Heavenfield by L.J. Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When a man is found dead at the remote church of Heavenfield, DCI Ryan is the only other person for miles around. The police have no weapon, no motive and no other suspects.

Already suspended from Northumbria CID, Ryan must fight to clear his name. But soon, more than his career is at stake when prominent members of the mysterious ‘Circle’ begin to die. Somebody wants Ryan’s name to be next on the coroner’s list and to survive he must unmask the devil who walks among them – before it is too late.

Unfortunately for Ryan, the devil looks just like everybody else…

Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit from LJ Ross, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape. 

Another in the DCI Ryan Mysteries which I enjoyed. Some loose ends from the previous books tied up and nice development of the main characters. Interested to see where the story heads next.

View all my reviews 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 19/8/20

Wednesday's Hodgepodge is hosted by Joyce over at "From this side of the Pond".  Pop over there to see who is playing and how to join in.  If you do join in remember to visit your neighbour on the Linky List.  Have fun.

1. Five years ago this month hubs and I relocated from New Jersey to the Palmetto State. What were you doing five years ago this month?

Relaxing at home and planning for our annual family get together at the end of the month.  Unfortunately that won't be happening this year thanks to the pandemic.  Gatherings of more than 30 people are not permitted and the accommodation is closed. :(

2. What was the last 9-5 job you worked? Tell us about it.

I was a School Business Manager for the primary school that my kids (and their Dad) had attended.  My youngest was in his last term there when I took the job so it didn't cause any issues.  I loved that job but unfortunately new management made it become unbearable so I left in 2015.  I'm a lady of leisure now although not yet retired and of course my family, especially the Grandkids keep me busy.  The job also involved responsibility for Health & Safety and I'm really glad I'm not having to do the endless risk assessments that must be needed at the moment as schools prepare to reopen fully in September.

3. Plead the fifth, high five, take five, it's five o'clock somewhere, or the big 5-0...which number five phrase relates to your life in some way currently? Tell us how.

I think take five.  We're in the throes of moving house and sometimes I just need to "take five" to get away from that lol

4. During this season of spending so much time at home, what distractions get in the way of being your most productive? Or have you been extra productive since this whole thing started?

How much time have you got?  Am I being productive?  On and off.  Am I easily distracted?  Definitely.  The television.  The internet - especially social media.  My phone with it's constant stream of messages - large family whatsapp groups can be very time consuming.  Thank goodness you can turn off any annoying chimes every time a message comes through!  I'm hoping once we get to the point of exchanging contracts on our move this will give me the kick up the backside I feel I need.  And of course once we're in the new house there will be lots to do.  

5. Give us a list here of your top five anything.

Well you get a bonus here - in no particular order these are the books I've given 5* to so far this year.

1. Her Fearful Symmetry - Audrey Niffenegger
2. Saving Missy - Beth Morrey
3. The Other Half of Augusta Hope - Joanna Glen
4. Cilka's Journey - Heather Morris
5. The Book Thief - Marcus Zusak
6. The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides
7. Half a World Away - Mike Gayle

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I checked out the spelling of "throes" earlier just to be sure and was a bit surprised at the meaning - intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change.

I guess moving does mean great change!  It's also definitely intense and a struggle.  Hopefully it won't involve violent pain. 

Book reviews - catching up!

Well I seem to have read quite a few books and not linked the reviews here so I've put a few on this post as I try to catch up!

 

Nothing to Lose by Lee Child
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

From Hope to Despair.

Between two small towns in Colorado, nothing but twelve miles of empty road. All Jack Reacher wants is a cup of coffee.What he gets are four redneck deputies, a vagrancy charge and a trip back to the line.

But Reacher is a big man, and he's in shape.

No job, no address, no baggage. Nothing, except bloody-minded curiosity.

What are the secrets the locals seem so determined to hide?

Jack Reacher books are pure escapism. They're easy to read. They usually have you trying to work out what's going on and usually good triumphs over bad. Hard not to picture Tom Cruise in the title role now that they've made films of a couple of the books though, even if he doesn't live up to the physical attributes of the character. I'm working my way through the series.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As soon as Anne Shirley arrives at the snug white farmhouse called Green Gables, she is sure she wants to stay forever . . . but will the Cuthberts send her back to to the orphanage? Anne knows she's not what they expected—a skinny girl with fiery red hair and a temper to match. If only she can convince them to let her stay, she'll try very hard not to keep rushing headlong into scrapes and blurting out the first thing that comes to her mind. Anne is not like anyone else, the Cuthberts agree; she is special—a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreams of the day when she can call herself Anne of Green Gables.

What a delightful book. Can't believe I never read it as a child.
 

 

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A whirlwind of a novel

It’s Christmas, and for the first time in years the entire Birch family will be under one roof. Even Emma and Andrew’s elder daughter—who is usually off saving the world—will be joining them at Weyfield Hall, their aging country estate. But Olivia, a doctor, is only coming home because she has to. Having just returned from treating an epidemic abroad, she’s been told she must stay in quarantine for a week…and so too should her family.

For the next seven days, the Birches are locked down, cut off from the rest of humanity—and even decent Wi-Fi—and forced into each other’s orbits. Younger, unabashedly frivolous daughter Phoebe is fixated on her upcoming wedding, while Olivia deals with the culture shock of being immersed in first-world problems.

As Andrew sequesters himself in his study writing scathing restaurant reviews and remembering his glory days as a war correspondent, Emma hides a secret that will turn the whole family upside down.

In close proximity, not much can stay hidden for long, and as revelations and long-held tensions come to light, nothing is more shocking than the unexpected guest who’s about to arrive…

A lot happens in the 7 days! I'm sure the odds of all these events happening together must be incredibly high but that's the beauty of fiction. If you can imagine it you can write it. A really good debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

View all my reviews

And it's Monday again..17/8/20

And..... it's Monday again.

Despite the pandemic and restrictions which means we are able to do less and sometimes the days do drag, it also seems that time is also flying by.

On Saturday we saw Grandson Nathan and his Mummies briefly as they'd been house hunting not too far from us.  They's managed to get Nathan's hair cut and he still has some curls!

 

Yesterday we had Grandson Rory and his parents here for dinner.  Rory loves coming here to play and reading Nanny's books!

I also found time to start making some more face masks:

Today we inched a bit nearer to moving - we've tentatively agreed a completion date of the 10th or 11th September.  Hopefully the solicitors can make that happen and our removal company will be able to move us on that date.

I'll feel happier once contracts are exchanged but apparently there are still a couple of queries to resolve but we're still waiting to hear what they are.

Two steps forward one back!

 

 

 

20 in 20 - July Update

Ha another late report!  But here goes:

1. Fill out weekly/daily planner
This is mostly still working although I do end up being a few days behind at times.
✅
2. Garden projects: Get window boxes for front garden plus big planters. Stepping stones for rear garden.
On hold until we have the new garden to work on.  For now it's just maintenance and keeping it tidy.
❌
3. Plan a lunch date/date night with Nick once a month (theatre/cinema/meal/outing)
What's a date night?  Been so long since we had one I've forgotten what it's like lol.
❌
4. Eat at 6 new-to-me restaurants
See above!
❌
5. Complete the A – Z blogging challenge
Done ✅
6. Plan Family weekend for my birthday
Next year?
❌ 
7. Take up an exercise class
Not happening!
❌
8. Plan a road trip/holiday with hubby.
Hopefully one day!
❌
9. Visit the beach
At some point!
❌
10. Complete my reading challenge (52 books for the year)
I managed to read 9 books in July so I'm way ahead of schedule now. Quite a few of these were added to my Kindle app - books are about the only thing I'm spending money on right now! Full details can be found on my Goodreads page here.
✅
11. Keep a gratitude diary
This is a big fail.
❌
12. Blog at least once per week (plus regular memes)
I crept up to 21 posts in July with a few original posts so a better month overall.✅
13. Take a photo each week and blog about it.
I might have been a tad late with some of these but keeping to the plan.✅
14. Read 12 books on my TBR pile.  
Completed!  ✅
15. Finish knitting WIP (blanket of squares)

No change during June. (But I have made 2 out of 3 blankets for the coming Grandchildren.)❌

16. Try out a new recipe or do a bake each month 
Nick has taken over the cooking for the time being.❌
17. Visit/see Noah every month
We didn't manage this in July but we have been in August.  ❌
18. Get damp treatment done in house
At this point in time our house still has a buyer and they are aware that damp treatment is needed.  We reduced our price to reflect that so we won't have to get that work done.
❌
19. Maintain weight
Fluctauated during the month but no overall gain.
✅
20. Be kind to myself. Whilst I think it's good to set myself challenges sometimes life gets in the way or I just have days where I really can't be bothered. I need to accept this and not be hard on myself when things don't go to plan.
Things are definitely not going to plan this year!  But I am being kind to myself.
✅

Well 40%  ✅ in July.  Slightly up on June.  The move is going ahead slowly.  Covid-19 continues to dominate our lives and I think we're all a bit out of sorts with all of that.

Hopefully when we move it will give us a kick start to be more motivated.

Fave Five of the Week - 15/8/20

Well this should have been a Friday's Fave Five post but it's now Saturday.  Yesterday seemed to disappear on me but it's still good to look back on the week and think of (at least) 5 things to be grateful for, especially in these difficult times.

To see posts from others (who were on time!) the links can be found on Susanne's blog: Living to Tell the Story.

1)    Rain!  We have had a heatwave here and it has been unbearable at times.  Especially at night.  But then on Thursday the rain came - lots of it plus thunder and lightening.  Now we're back down to the mid 20s and it is so much more comfortable.  It will also have reduced the risk of more fires on our open spaces.

2)    A quick reacting Fire Service - we had several fires on the open space opposite our house this week but the Fire Service were there quickly each time and dealt with the outbreaks.  It's a shame that often these fires start because of carelessness and people selfishly ignoring simple rules, such as no BBQs but at least they are usually put out quickly even if they have spread quickly.

3)    Some progress on the house front.  Our buyers came for another look last Saturday and they still seem really keen and eager for things to move to exchange and completion.  I'm not sure their solicitor is quite as proactive as ours but hopefully things shouldn't take too much longer.

4)    A catch up with some friends briefly plus visits with Grandsons Nathan  & Rory.

5)    And saving the best for last:

Finally getting to see Grandson Noah and my son and his wife.  

He loved "Chillin' with Grandpa"!  He's grown so much since we saw him in February and he's become a real chatterbox.  His younger sibling is also coming along nicely as are all of the future Grandkids.  I think all the pregnant DILs will be glad of the cooler temps though.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

20 in 20 - Weekly Photo #32 - 9/8/20

It has been so hot here that there is an ongoing fire risk to the open land by our house.

 

This is an area that was destroyed on Monday - our house is behind the tree line towards the right.

This was a little further away but you can see the scorched line to the left of the fire engine which extended quite a way.

This picture was taken from my bedroom window this morning.  Fortunately a passerby had noticed it and the fire service were there very quickly.

We're being promised thunderstorms tomorrow and maybe big enough downpours to cause flash flooding!  This land is so dry though that it would take a lot of constant rain to relieve the threat.

If I was working at home right now I think I'd have to set up my office in our cellar - it's the coolest room in the house.

 

20 in 20 - Weekly Photo #31 - 2/8/20

Well this is well overdue but the photos were taken at the right time!

First a couple of photos taken during our daily walks:

The sky was particularly impressive that night.

And then my favourite of the week:

Look at that smily face!  We hadn't seen Grandson Noah since February and he was a little shy around us at first this weekend but he soon got over that.  He's such a little chatterbox now, although sometimes we needed Mummy or Daddy to translate lol.

 

 I still need to work on my selfies skills!

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 12/8/20

 

Wednesday's Hodgepodge is hosted by Joyce over at "From this side of the Pond".  Pop over there to see who is playing and how to join in.  If you do join in remember to visit your neighbour on the Linky List.  Have fun.

1. August 12th is National Middle Child Day...are you a middle child? If not, where in your family do you fall in terms of birth order? Do you hold true to the typical characteristics of oldest-middle-youngest-only child? (a quick list can be found here) Elaborate.

Well I'm the youngest of 3 but because of the age gaps between me and my two elder brothers I often felt like an only child.  I don't think many of the youngest child traits fit me as well either but some of the only child ones do.

We also have 3 children close in age and while some of the traits listed work for them, others do not.  And of course things change as they mature.

2. Tell us about a time you felt like (or you actually were) in the middle of nowhere.  

There were several times we stopped on our travels around Australia when it felt like that.  The landscape is so vast.  In truth we were never that far from civilisation but it did feel like it. 

3. What's something you're smack in the middle of currently?

Moving house!

4. What's a food you love to eat that has something delicious in the middle?

Lindor chocolates with the lovely filling or profiteroles plus lots of other yummy cakes/desserts.

5. Share a memory from your middle school days, or junior high if that's what your school dubbed kids somewhere between grades 6-8.

Our grades are different here in the UK.  Grade 6 would be top year of primary school, 7-8 would be the first two years of secondary school.  Some areas do have a middle school system but not where I grew up.  One memory is of waiting to see if I'd passed my 11+ exam which would determine which secondary school I went to.  All of us in Grade 6 were brought into the hall and then they read out the names of the pupils that had passed which meant we got to go to the then Grammar school.  If you didn't pass you went on to what was then a Secondary Modern School.  I think we were all in the hall, but maybe it was only those of us that had passed otherwise it's a pretty horrible way to find out your result.  I didn't have to wait long as my name was called out first.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We're edging  closer to moving house - we've signed our purchase contract and sent it back to the solicitor.  Now we have to wait for our buyers' solicitor to sort out their paperwork so we can sign the selling contract.  Then we have to agree a date for exchanging the relevant contracts (when the sales become binding and deposits are paid) and a completion date (when the sales are final and we can move).  Hopefully it will cool down before we have to start packing boxes.  It's been unbearably hot here! (Mid 30s C)

Friday's Fave Five - 7/8/20

Susanne over at Living to Tell the Story is the host for this blog hop.  Pop over to her blog to see who else is taking part and how to join in.

Essentially we pause on Fridays to think of 5 blessings from the previous week.  Here are mine:

1)  Time with Nathan.  We saw him last Friday here and then on Saturday we babysat him so him Mummies could have some time out together.  We're going to try and go more regularly now that we're not restricted quite so much.  Loving his curls.  His Mummies got their hair cut this week but Nathan refused to have his done.  He wasn't impressed with having it done in the garden - he's used to going to a shop where you sit in a car while your hair is being cut lol.

2)  We saw our eldest son!  Matt came down last Saturday and stayed until Sunday.  We hadn't seen him since February so it was lovely to finally get together.  He also managed to visit both his brother and sister while here so a busy weekend for him.

3)  I think we've finally got rid of most of the stuff we don't want to take with us when we move.  I had freecycled a few items and they all got picked up this week and we arranged a bulky collection by the council for some other bits, including an old metal filing cabinet from the cellar.  I'm sure there is probably more that we could jetison but I'm pleased with the progress we've made and we have plenty of space at the new house so we can take our time when we unpack and shed more items as we do.

4)  I got my hair cut again this week.  I'm loving having shorter hair but it does need trimming more regularly.

5)  I also did a bit of shopping after getting my haircut.  The shopping mall felt quite safe - one way systems were in place.  It wasn't very busy and people were wearing masks.  Many shops, especially the ones I used, had hand sanitizer available and restrictions on numbers etc.  I managed to get my DIL (Rory's Mum) a birthday present for Sunday and spent a book voucher I'd received for my birthday.  It almost felt normal.

No more news on the house moving front.  Our buyers are coming tomorrow and bringing a builder with them.  We're hoping that we can start talking about when exchange of contracts can take place so we can get a date for the actual move.  In the meantime my house is very clean and tidy!  And I'm exhausted lol.  It has been so hot the last couple of days.  But at least I wasn't working outside like some poor workmen were today.  They created a cycle path on the opposite side of our road some time ago but, because of lockdown, it hadn't been resurfaced.  Today, probably the hottest day of the year so far (30C+ high 90s F) they decided to tarmac the path.  Those poor men must have been sweltering!

We're set to have several more days of this heat but we're off to Nottingham tomorrow where it will be slightly cooler.  We're going to see Grandson Noah!  Been way too long.

Enjoy the weekend all.