My house in a prior life

I found this picture on the internet. It used to be called B&B locksmiths.

Getting there, slowly

I was Johnny on the Spot about buying the house and even quicker about selling this one but now things are in the hands of the paper pushers. Surveys have been done on both houses. Cripley Road will need a few things doing but on the whole it appears to be in good shape for an old house. Of course it's not old like this one and I haven't heard anything from my buyers about things they think I should do. I remain convinced that moving is right for me. A fresh start will be a good thing and it will be better than good to be closer to Rachel and the family. I spoke to the solicitor last week and asked him for an estimate of possible closure and moving. He said eight weeks. When I stopped moaning and groaning, he explained that these things take time. So I'm looking at end of July. This too will pass.

New House

On site with Harry and Alison

Alison and Harry came up last Saturday to see the new house. Alison thought it was great, a positive response which pleased me enormously. She and Rachel both like it and it was a pleasure for me to sit with them and talk about room use and furniture placement. I am trying very hard not to jump the gun but, in my head, I'm living there. Surveys are scheduled for both houses for next week. A lot depends on the outcome so I am hoping for the best. Stay tuned.

First viewing

People came round yesterday afternoon to look at the house. They were a youngish couple with a seven year old boy who ran around the garden in circles enjoying the freedom of a good gallop. They loved it but I don't hold out hopes because the house would be too small. Anyway, it's a start. I suggested an open house to my agent but that just never happens, apparently. I love the British in most ways but marketing isn't their strong point.

More of the new me

This is the link to the property I am hoping to buy but first I have to sell my house.
http://www.findaproperty.com/for-sale/property-11217119
I think most of my followers have seen it but just in case.
My house went on the market today and now I just cross my fingers and hope for the best. It is a huge decision and, of course, I am mucho nervous. There are many things I will miss about Old Headington not the least of which is my neighbours on either side. I couldn't be living beside two better people than Diana and Kathleen. But I think it is time for a change and I am keen to be nearer the farm, Rachel and the family. Maybe Charlie will give me a job in the asparagus shed! I will update as soon as there is anything to report.

After the funeral but still dressed up

The boys in the family rented black suits for the funeral

Adam in his 

Chloe and Adam resting

Rosie in her black dress and Charles in his suit

Charlie

Rachel

Funeral

Shay's funeral was on Wednesday. It was a fitting sendoff for a wonderful man. The little stone church at the end of Binsey Lane was full to bursting with friends and family and many more were standing outside under umbrellas. It rained on and off, mostly on, for all the day. Had the day been fine, my plan was to park at the farm and walk down Binsey Lane to the church but I had to abandon that idea. Rachel had warned me to arrive early if I wanted to be inside and in a seat for the service. She was right. The service itself was simple and appropriate. Rachel and Charlie each read a poem and one of Shay's old friends delivered the eulogy, a beautiful tribute to this much loved man. Then we went out to the churchyard for the burial. Shay's wife, Barbara, died 14 years ago and was buried in the churchyard and now Shay rests beside her. I was doing fine until they lowered the coffin and then I lost it. He had a very good life and a good end to that life but it is the end of an era. We stood in the rain under our umbrellas and cried and then we went back to the farm to celebrate his life.