Hurry up and wait

Credit to Tom Lane for the photo.

Something is finally happening!

Oh yes, despite the slightly sceptical look on Odin’s face, the house is on the market… 

It has been over a year since G and I came to the conclusion that we needed to return to the U.K., but it couldn’t happen overnight, naturally. We needed to decide where, as one thing we were sure of was that we couldn’t go back to the same place. It’s far too expensive and busy (that’s why we left in the first place!), but we also wanted to discover somewhere new. We love birds and nature, I’m something of a history nerd (so is G, to be fair), and we both love the coast.

All this considered, and after a couple of scouting-out trips, we have settled on the East Riding of Yorkshire. It’s affordable, handy for Bempton Cliffs, Flamborough Head and Spurn Point, full of delightful little towns and villages, and best of all, the people are really friendly. Where I grew up you were a foreigner until you’d been there fifty years! oh , and I already have actual family there, not to mention our eldest will only be a couple of hours away, rather than most of a day and a channel crossing…

First of all, we had to begin preparing (at our age, ‘little’ jobs like sorting out what’s in the back of the storage areas and the kitchen cupboards are major undertakings, and IMPOSSIBLE in the hot summer weather). We still have some donations to donate, and recyclables to deliver to the municipal site, but that’s become easier now our second car has been fixed.

Oh yes, troubles come not as single spies… the clutch went on our trusty old Honda FRV, or ‘The Dog Car’, as it’s usually called. We debated scrapping it – it definitely wasn’t worth having it repaired by a dealer at their prices! It’s right-hand drive, so it would make for a useful vehicle to take on our return, but… well, I leave such decisions to G because a), I no longer drive since my stroke, and b), I know almost nothing about the value of second-hand cars. He is looking – ultimately – for a car to buy in the UK which can accommodate both dogs, my mobility scooter, and hopefully luggage as well, but that’s a future project. Short-term, could we continue with the LHD Lexus alone? 

But then a car-savvy friend recommended a local mechanic who would do it if we supplied the parts, etc. And he did an excellent job. So, one less worry, which is always helpful.

Meanwhile, we have engaged an immoblier, and she has just put the house on their website. Before that could happen, we had to have an energy-efficiency ‘diagnostic’ done, compulsory for all vendors here. We were more than slightly trepidacious, because the one done in 2011, before our own purchase, was below the threshold – inconveniently introduced THIS year – whereby an extra visit would be required to produce a VERY EXPENSIVE remedial report. However, I am pleased to say that the few things we have changed – new water heater, some new radiators – were enough to avoid that.

Which was just as well, because the day after that piece of good news, the engine on the lawn tractor blew up! Like I said, battalions…

Summer’s lease

The heatwaves, which seemed neverending, made for a rather sweaty and unproductive summer, for me, at least. I was unable to go out much, as the combination of my conditions, medications and age made it dangerous. I did get some reading done, however, and I’ve got some recommendations to come.

One very enjoyable – if exhausting – part of the summer was the family visits. First our youngest came, along with her partner, and they met Odin for the first time. It took him about 30 seconds to warm up to them; he’s getting quicker all the time, although he obviously still prefers women (clever boy). He ADORES our estate agent, and it’s mutual…

Then in July our eldest arrived with her family: that is, partner and three kids. We didn’t know if Odin was used to children, so we were very cautious at first. In fact, he was fine, if a little overwhelmed – he wasn’t alone! – but once we had persuaded the youngest to let him be a bit, they got along very well, as the picture shows. (yes, he’s put on some weight – he’s going on a diet – aren’t we all?). Lorenzo was, of course, his usual snooty self.

Next steps

So now… well, we wait. And hope. We have seen some houses we like in East Yorkshire, and that we think we can afford… so it’s a matter of being patient and optimistic. I can’t say I’m looking forward to the packing. Last time, I did the lion’s share of it, because G was working full-time, and I wasn’t – in fact I wasn’t working at all for the last few weeks. But this time, I simply am not able, and I don’t think he realises how much work is involved. Still, we’ll get there. First, we need some nice people to come and buy our lovely house!