Saturday, October 18, 2014

The river of time…

…is running even faster than the stream behind the house after the rain of the past couple of weeks. I can’t believe it’s a whole fortnight since I last posted. You must all think I’ve fallen off the planet or got trapped behind the last pieces of furniture still waiting in the garage for us to have the time and energy to bring them the final few yards into the house.

Thanks to the sterling efforts of DH and my wonderful brother-in-law, the van with the magic tailgate was very fully utilised on Move Friday and by the time we had to return it, our capacious garage closely resembled a second-hand furniture warehouse. Sadly the weather hasn’t been very willing to co-operate and we’ve had a week of frequent and heavy showers, which we’ve had to dodge almost every time we decided to bring in another item or two.

Despite this, the fable of the tortoise and the hare has proved true yet again and we’ve slowly but surely moved all but a couple of very heavy items to their proper places. These will have to wait until half-term, which begins a week today, and the visit of DD and her husband and two strapping sons, who have rashly promised to help.

Only then, when the dresser is finally in place, will I be able to unpack the last of the boxes and put the living-room properly to rights.  Nevertheless, in spite of the residual chaos, the new house is already starting to feel like home, and the car and the very small campervan no longer twitch as they pass the turning which leads up the hill to our old house.

As for DH and me, we’re tired, aching and dotted with scratches, cuts and bruises from the unaccustomed manhandling of awkward pieces of furniture, yet there is a real sense of achievement at the end of every day. We’re definitely going to enjoy living in this house.






48 comments:

  1. So glad things are settling down a bit and you and DH are beginning to feel like home in your new place. The pictures you posted are beautiful... especially that first large one. That would make a beautiful screen saver. I think you probably made a smart move with what I've heard about this year's approaching winter. I heard on one of the weather stations (for what that's worth) that it may be as bad, if not worse than last year... and I'm just not looking forward to that. With the Ebola ruckus going on here in Dallas as well as the start of flu season, this is one winter that I hope will pass quickly...

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    1. Thanks, Rian. it's good to be feeling a bit more settled, though there's still a lot of sorting out to be done. Feel free to take the picture as a screen-saver if you want to and if you need a higher resolution version, just email me and I'll send it.

      I hadn't heard about the long-range winter forecast. If we get the same kind of winter as last year here in the UK, it will be exceptionally wet and windy, rather than cold and snowy. I do hope the forecaster is wrong for your sake.

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  2. What wonderful photos - I am glad it is starting to feel a bit like home, and I am sure you will cherish the time you spend there.

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    1. Thanks, Catriona. Glad you like them. Yes, the first strangeness is wearing off as we gradually get our familiar things around us and having a family visit will certainly make it seem much more like home. :-)

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  3. How wonderful that you are finally in, and 'almost' settled. It looks absolutely beautiful. Sorry the weather has not been agreeable, but perhaps you need a bit of time to rest up, and heal.

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    1. The weather is typical of October (rain, then sun) Bonnie, so we shouldn't be surprised, but after the gorgeously warm and dry September we had, it seems very damp. The view is from the riverbank beyond the garden hedge and really is lovely, whatever the weather. :-)

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  4. The water pictures are beautiful. Your new home sounds lovely too. It's hard to believe that half term is just round the corner. It will be great for you to see your daughter and family as well as all the willing hands. I love it when my family calls by. My big son and his partner called unexpectedly today, it was lovely to see them. Yes - that's definitely what turns a house into a home.

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    1. Thanks, Molly. The river is a great temptation for the camera because it changes so much. Yes, half-term is almost here and emails are flying to and fro between DD and me as we finalise details.It was probabl;y a bit rash to arrange a visit so soon after moving, but it's really concentrated my mind on what is essential. :-)

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  5. Lovely pictures Perpetua. If the house is even half as lovely as its surroundings you must be truly delighted.
    Every happiness in your new home. X

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    1. Thanks, Ray. Glad you like them, The house is modern, which is a big change for us, but we're starting to get settled and sorted out and I may even get time to have a good look at the garden before too long. :-)

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  6. That little river is lovely...
    this latest ex-hurricane to hit us brought 25mm of rain to this region,,,
    much less than the UK and Ireland...
    but our millstream is now running muddy again...
    all the wheat, barley, rape and sunflower fields have recently been readied...
    and in some cases sown with next years crops...
    and that always allows a muddy run-off into the ditches and then the river systems.
    If they hadn't ploughed right up to the watercourses, things would be much better...
    ho hum!

    Glad to read that you are settling in and have made a "good move"...
    even if necessary...
    I have a glass of organic grape Touraine red beside me as I type...
    first bottle opened in a week, too...
    despite the now proven health benny-fits of a small glass or two a day...
    I have raised it to you in a wish that you start to have some reasonably predictable...
    r'laxing and 'njoy'ble times in your three venues for the foreseeable....
    although nothing is foreseeable...
    else we'd all put money on the winning dog!!
    Have a good life in the new house, all the same...
    and don't go looking at what the new owners are doing to the house on the hill...
    it is theirs now!!

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    1. Yes, it' really is a lovely little river, a tributary of the river Severn which it joins about 4 miles downstream.We've come off lightly where rain is concerned compared to some places - mainly heavy and frequent showers rather than long periods of rain, though I gather it's going to be rather unpleasant overnight with the remains of the hurricane reaching us.At least around here it's almost all pasture, not arable, so not so much mud in the streams.

      Thanks for the toast and good wishes. I've been enjoying the odd glass of red too, in my case a rich, robust Corbieres, of which I bring back a good supply each autumn. :-) We'll be making a visit to the northern outpost b efore the end of the year, so watch this space. As for the house up the hill, no new owners as yet as there is work to be done on it and the rest of DH's hoard to be cleared...

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  7. Hari OM
    Oh those body aches and sleeping on the feet sensations of moving home... totally understand that and also the satisfaction. My goodness but that is grand view right enough! Rest up, dust off and the rest will fall into place in its own (ahem) flow of time.... YAM xx &*>

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    1. Yes, you've done your own share of moving home recently, Yam, and over a hugely greater distance. It's a lovely view, but only from beyond the garden hedge.From the house we see the hedge and the trees beyond, but the river is a hidden treasure. :-)

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  8. The satisfaction of a job well done [in your case a flit completed] while leaving you and your DH tired/weary, once the family move the final items you can sit down and relax, and begin your new life in your new home. What a lovely stream you have to gaze upon! Are there fish in it? I imagine an interesting 'river life', creatures and birds abound. Perfect!!

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    1. As it happens, Shirley, we've now managed to move all but one of the heavy items, leaving that for our son-in-law's help. Much satisfaction was felt today when we got the dresser into place. :-) The stream is gorgeous and I often pop down to the riverbank to see what it looks like today, as it isn't visible from the house itself. I've yet to see any fish, but that doesn't mean there aren't any.

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  9. I just love that river at the bottom of your garden. Pleased to hear you are starting to settle into your new home. Obviously a good move.

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    1. So do we, Susan. Today it was in full spate after last night's very heavy rain. Yes, it's been a good move and order is emerging from chaos. :-)

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  10. That river is going to give you and the family a lot of pleasure in the years to come....and thank goodness for a few strong arms and backs to move the heaviest items of furniture.
    I wish you many happy years in your new home.

    Your description of furniture removals reminds me of when I was in my teens helping my mother to move a wooden cupboard upstairs....the stairs were steep and had a turn where it was least desired...the cupboard was solid oak...and we had a few nasty moments but had to stop for hysterics when my mother, after one last attempt of the cupboard to seize control said to me - a la Laurel and Hardy moving the piano - You do your work and I shall do mine!
    We weren't the best of friends but that moment united us in laughter.

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    1. Thanks, Helen. Yes, the river is a joy, even when it's running fast and muddy as it is today after the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo passed over us. As the leaves fall from the trees we can also see the view beyond the opposite bank rather better.

      As it turned out, the strong arms will only be needed for one item of furniture, as DH and I have managed to move all the others. We've had several moments reminiscent of your lovely story, as our staircase has a turn with a half-landing which has made getting some of the beds and chests of drawers upstairs very interesting, with us not quite sure whether to laugh or cry...

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  11. Whew! How nice to have the hard part behind you. Now all you have to do is move those last couple of pieces, unpack the china, hang the pictures and voila! you're home. Yea!

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    1. Yes, the worst is almost over, thanks, Vic, especially after today when we managed to get all but the biggest item of furniture into the house. That will have to wait for more help at the weekend. The china will be unpacked and washed over the next couple of days, but the pictures may have to wait for a little while as i'm running our of time before our visitors arrive. :-)

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  12. I'm so happy for you, Perpetua, and know you will be happy there. Your stream is incredibly beautiful, especially with the yellow tree hanging over it. I hope the aches and pains settle soon, and you have lovely times in that garden. I smiled about the car twitching the wrong direction; when we last moved, 10 years ago, to the other side of the city, I was concerned for quite some time that I would have a 'blank' moment, and go back to the other house!

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    1. Thanks, Patricia, I'm sure we shall be. The stream is gorgeous and of course the autumn leaves enhance its beauty. We're having a very colourful autumn this year.

      Now that almost all the furniture is in place we're feeling much better and the house feels more like home with every passing day. Now i'm trying to get tidy, ready for the family invasion at the weekend. :-)

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  13. Beautiful photos P. and I am so pleased that everything feels right so quickly....get that dresser sorted and all will be well. Jx

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    1. Thanks, Janice. As you know, it's easy to get lovely photos when the scenery is lovely. :-) With a lot of effort and great satisfaction, we managed to get the dresser in place today and I'm about to start washing its contents before putting them back where they belong.

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  14. Lovely photos of the stream. So glad the move has gone well - despite the aches and pains and that you are settling in nicely. :-)
    As for blogging - we too are guilty as charged -- I'm finally catching up with reading posts today [and managed to get a post up our blog] having been 'away' for too long.

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    1. Glad you like them. Yes, it's all gone surprisingly well and I'm sure all the exercise has been good for us both. :-)
      I'm hopelessly behind with reading and commenting on blogs, but will gradually catch up given time...

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  15. Beautiful photos. Hope you get fully sorted soon.

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    1. Thanks, Nancy. We're getting more sorted with every day that passes, I'm glad to say.

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  16. That river looks just right for a coracle. Next project?

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    1. Not for me, I'm afraid. I prefer to look at water rather than trust myself to it. :-) Actually, any coracle would probably get swept away just now, as the water is very fast and high.

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  17. You must be relieved the worst is over!! It looks a lovely spot and it sounds like you're already happily ensconced. Hopefully you won't have to do this again for a very long time, if ever! :)

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    1. We are indeed, Sarah. Yes, it's a lovely spot, especially given that we're in a tiny estate at the edge of the village. It will take a while for us to find a place for everything, but we're getting there. I certainly don't intend to move again if I can help it!

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  18. It all looks just wonderful. Congratulations on a decision well made and having the bravery to actually make the move!

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    1. Thanks, Broad. It's a very nice house in a lovely situation, so the decision wasn't as hard to make as it might have been, given how long we'd lived in our old house up in the hills. But I'm still glad the worst is over. :-)

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  19. It's lovely to hear that you've settled in well and that you can call it home already. I hope that both of your aches and pains subside soon and you can start to enjoy life in your new home. I love the stream and can't wait see more of your garden in the forthcoming months. Patricia x

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    1. The aches and pains have subsided thanks, Patricia, and I'm sure all the exercise has been good for us. Most of the unpacking is finished, but I've been too busy even to start exploring the garden, other than quick looks at the river when it hasn't been raining. Now we're looking forward to having our first visitors at the weekend.

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  20. Well done you. It looks beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, DB. It is and I'm looking forward to seeing the changes the seasons will bring. We have trees too, of which more anon...

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  21. I'm always amazed at how our weather is comparable, Perpetua. Lots of rain here as well, only we're not moving furniture and boxes in. Good to know you are settling in and house is becoming home. Take the time to rest - and best wishes in your new home.

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    1. Oh, gosh, the river of time has run away with me even more, Penny. I can't believe how long it's taken me to respond to your comment! Blame my madness in agreeing to welcome family visitors only a couple of weeks after we moved in. I'm glad to report that all but the two heaviest items are now in place and I'm sure our strapping son-in-law and eldest grandson will soon make short work of those once they've unpacked tomorrow. :-) Yes, this new place is gradually becoming home.

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  22. It's so good to hear from you and to know that your new abode is feeling like home! I am sure you're very tired from all the furniture placement and simple adjustments being made, but you're definitely showing signs of resilience in making a new house your home. And I'm sure I would just love that beautiful stream. I would want to open all the doors and windows and hear it at all times. I'm glad you are doing well…won't it be wonderful when there is no more furniture moving. :-)

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    1. Oh, my ears and whiskers, I'm late! So sorry to have taken so long to reply to your comment, Debra, but the last few days have been utterly mad as I made the final push to get the house tidy enough for our family visitors. Somehow DH and I found the energy and strength to move all but the two heaviest items, which we've left until aid arrives tomorrow in the form of our son-in-law and eldest grandson.
      The stream is lovely to look at, but is very quiet and tranquil except after very heavy rain, so can't usually be heard from the house - at least not with my ageing hearing. ;)

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  23. Isn't it a great feeling when you have almost everything unpacked, and can look around and breathe a huge sigh of relief? Now you get to experience the fun of your first year in your new place. There are always discoveries to be made in each season, even if the new house is quite close to your old house.

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    1. It's a wonderful feeling, Kristie. I must admit to a great feeling of pride when I looked around the house this afternoon before DH arrived back with his mother and saw how nice everything was looking after a final 24 hours of very hard work cleaning and tidying. I'm really looking forward to seeing the house in all seasons after moving in during a very colourful autumn.

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  24. I hope the visit of DD & family enables you to shift the last items of furniture so you can do all the final bits of sorting out of your belongings. I wondered whether you'd found any long lost items in the process of packing up & moving? I know I did when emptying a Rectory in which I'd lived for over 15 years :-) May your new abode soon feel like home. The stream at the bottom of the garden does look delightful.

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    1. DH and i are actually feeling rather pleased with ourselves, Ricky, in that we somehow managed to move all but the two very heaviest items in the course of the week and just about all the unpacking has been done. I haven't found anything that we'd actually lost, though I am about to unpack a box of pictures and photos which never got unpacked after we moved back to wales as I didn't have any suitable places to hang them. The new house has lots of inviting picture hooks on many of its walls. :-) Mind you, once we start to go through DH's 'stuff', heaven only knows what we'll discover!

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