...Brill, Ain't It...?

Well - TOMORROW - is the day - WoW it's here - MOVING DAY - EEK! I'm so excited I've got a headache coming :0) Dave's packing up the final bits from the kitchen - I've been to the village earlier to sort the last couple of things out and then we'll be ready and waiting for the removal men to come first thing in the morning and pack us onto a BIG lorry.

Dave's dismantling the computer this afternoon and then that's it - the end of an era - we'll be moving away - I was born in Kent & have always lived close to the area - Dave (born in Wiltshire) but has lived here since he was 9 years old and now we going to be Lincolnshire - rites!

...Brill, Ain't It...?

I'll catch-up with you all as soon as I've got Internet access again & let you know how it's going...

Thank You to everyone that has sent us Good Luck & Happy Moving wishes - it was so nice of you -

p.s.***1 day until we move***

...Who's Got The Potato Peeler...?

Dave & I were talking this morning - we do sometimes :0) - about deep frying chips and how our mums both cooked chips on an open pan when we were children. Is it really as dangerous as people say? How many people died in a year because of forgetting they were on and they set fire to the place??

I also remembered that because there was 8 of us (yes, mum was a catholic!) they was a LOT of potatoes to peel everyday (this was long before the skins were good for you - every morsel of skin was removed in our house I can tell you...) and my two eldest brothers Paul & Daryl were on 'spud duty' everyday. They were suppose to collect them from the shed, clean & peel them ready for mum to cook for the evening meal - needless to say there was always lots of arguing about who's turn it was.

Then one day out of the blue, Dad brought home an automatic potato peeler and my brothers were let off the hook - as now they only had to collect and clean the things..... The devise connected to the cold water tap and the pressure pushed the potatoes around inside a rough surface medium sized plastic bowl thingy. The idea was that the potatoes where pushed around and around against the rough sides until all of the skin was removed - this worked to a fashion - the problem was that the potatoes had to be of a similar size and you could only put two or three in at a time (our family ate dozens of the things - I still really like potatoes in any form) - and if you walked away and forgot about them they would be 'peeled' to the size of a small marble in no time....

...Mum always said it was quicker and cheaper

just to peel the bloody things herself... :0)

p.s.***2 days until we move***

...What Can You Do...?

Dave & I have been out for most of the day saying more 'goodbyes' to family & friends, I never thought it would be so difficult but IT IS! We saw my dad (he has Alzheimer's) and I thought he was a little quiet today, but perhaps it was just me - looking for a problem - I was upset when we left his room and Dave had to reassure me that he'd be fine and the care home will look after him & let me know if there was any problems in the future -- I know this is true, of course --

I've got no reservations about dad being in this home, but it was harder to say goodbye (than I'd thought) & try to explain that I won't be there for a few weeks to visit him. He asked. "Why love, are you going on holiday?". I explained again that we are moving away and that I'll not be coming to see him as often but I'll still be phoning him regularly. He just shrugged and continued to eat the mixed nuts that we'd taken him. Within a few minutes he was talking as if nothing had been said & when we left he happily waved us off and said "Take care and see you soon"

...What Can You Do...?

p.s.***3 days until we move***

...Missing You Already...

www.bbcholidays.co.uk

We went for a meal with our good friends Chris & Gerry last night in a local pub to say our farewells. I had duck & Dave had gammon (we both said afterwards that the food was OK but we'd had better!) but the company was excellent and we all had a good laugh.

Gerry got a bit upset as we said goodbye and asked me if I had any regrets about deciding to move away - I answered without hesitation. "Absolutely not" and I haven't - not about moving away. Dave & I have talked about doing it for years and I feel very excited about starting a whole new chapter in our lives -- New Home -- New Area -- New Business -- New Friends --

I'll Miss Our Friends And Family Of Course

...Well, Some Of Them At Least...

p.s.***4days until we move***

...You Know Where To Come, Don't You...?

www.bbcholidays.co.uk

Well it's almost here, we're finally at the stage of saying. "This will be the last time we..." It's SO exciting to be moving away in 5, yes only five days -- EEK! -- but also SO scary to be moving 300 miles away from everyone and everything familiar.

We've talked about moving away, when the boys left home for good & starting a holiday cottage business on and off for years - - and now it's here - - we REALLY are going to do it - no, not going to do it - we ARE doing it -

We've already have the website up and running, we've been contacting agencies and the like to get listed with them so that people know where we are and hopefully will be taking our first bookings very soon.....

So if you want a lovely holiday in Lincolnshire just a 'spit' from the home of the Avro Lancaster MkVII NX611 'Just Jane' Bomber (www.lincsaviation.co.uk)

...You Know Where To Come, Don't You...?

p.s.***5 days until we move***

...Bottom's Up...

It awfully wet (again) today with a very dark sky!

Dave went out with a couple of old work mates for a chat and beer last night to say his farewell to them (we're moving 300 miles away in 6 days!!) and is still in bed (10am) - he'll wake up with a 'thick' head, I bet - the days of drinking are long over for him - he never has more than a pint at a time these days, not that he was ever a 'drinker', not like his oldest brother Alan. Now he really could drink, Boy! when I first met Alan in the late '70's, it wasn't often that you saw him completely sober but now he's much more sensible and even though there's no doubt he still likes a beer it's absolutely nothing like he use to drink in his 20's/30's....

I hardly ever drink these days at all - rarely at home but I still like a glass or two of wine (or champagne if I'm really lucky) if we are socializing. I suffer with vertigo and I find that alcohol definitely has a bad effect on it.

...speak tomorrow...

p.s.***6 days until we move***

...Are You On Contract Or Pay As You Go...?

Like a lot of people Dave & I have mobile phones - we've had them for years & hardly ever use them - they are for 'emergencies' only, even though thankfully, there's not yet been one... :0)

We use them almost exclusively for texting our two boys - Steve lives in Oz & Tom is in London - so it's a quick way to 'speak' to them & we would not be without one now.

But what really winds me up is that sales people are always phoning us (happened again this afternoon) trying to sell us a 'better' package. They always start off by stating that they can get me a cheaper package and how much better their service will be. It's the same old patter - no doubt you've heard it too - I let them go on and then when they ask. "How much on average do you spend a week on top-up?". I answer. "About £10 a quarter" they always say. "You mean a week" and I say very clearly. " No, you heard right, £10 a quarter"

Needless, to say they apologise for taking up my time and put down the phone - it's the same every time.

...and I'm not telling fibs, because that's exactly how much I spend...

p.s.***7 days until we move***

...I'm Counting The Days Already ...

Steve (eldest son) phoned from Sydney, OZ yesterday, he went there on 20 November 2006 initially on a 12 months work permit but has fallen in love with the place & an American called Jackie so has decided to stay indefinitely.....Great for Steve - Not so great for Dave & I.... He's managed to secure sponsorship with Deutsche Bank for 4 years so everything is looking good for him.

He also said that he's got an opportunity to go to Las Vegas with Jackie over the Easter weekend but won't be able to afford that and to come back for a visit to UK during the summer - so he decided to forego the LV thing so that he can come home to see us - WOW, that's quite a sacrifice for Steve as it's somewhere he's often talked about visiting - but I must admit that I'm so pleased that'll he'll be coming back this year, even if it's only for a few days -

...I'm Counting The Days Already ...

p.s.***8 days until we move***

...Hands Up, Who Likes eBay...???

...My 50th Birthday Cake - Great Isn't It...?

I'm late blogging today as I've been parcelling up eBay things for most of the morning - I'm suppose to be 'running it down' because of the Big Move - but it's gone a bit manic over the weekend - I think people must have been staying in because of the weather or something and had nothing better to do so they 'looked on eBay' for things to buy & luckily for me they bought some of my things.

I first discovered eBay in December 2001 - it was introduced to me by Tom (youngest son) who showed me how to do it and got me started - and since then I've been well & truly hooked I'll never be rich doing it, but it's great fun. I'm still looking for that ONE item that everyone wants but can't find to make my fortune but until that happens I'll keep selling things that people 'might' want...

...if you're interested my eBay ID is clothes-plus - so take a quick peek...

p.s.***9 days until we move***

...HeliBeds, Here We Come...

We really, really need a new mattress for our bed - we've know this for many months - but having been trying to ignore it, like you do - but we just can't ignore it anymore. Dave's now sleeping in the spare room (because of the prolapsed discs) as the mattress is newer and slightly better & while I'm still sleeping in the marital bed - alone - the mattress is now starting to play havoc with my back as well...besides the fact that I don't like sleeping alone (even though having the whole 5' to myself is great....so to speak).

We did try one of those memory foam topper things which was a complete waste of time - after the third night I had such backache, I ended up in the other spare room - so we recently sold that on eBay.

But there's just no getting away from it - money has to be spent - decisions have to be made as to firmness, depth etc of it - and laying on the thing in the middle of the shop giggling have to be undertaken -

...So HeliBeds, Here We Come...

p.s.***10 days until we move***

...Thank Goodness For Extra Strength Paracetamol...

Our Family (well, some of them)

12 Jan '08

We said our farewells to our families last night at our 'We Really Are Going This Time' Party - well some of the family - people were missing of course, including Steve (he lives in Sydney, Oz), my dad Dennis (who has Alzheimer's), two of my brothers & Dave's brother live away and couldn't make it & Tony (another brother of mine) who was coming but is down with The Bug....

We have already had a leaving party in July last year, when we thought we were close to moving the first time, but as that was 6 months ago we decided to have a 'Really Going...' party last night. It was great fun & lovely to catch up with them - we had party games and I set up the Chocolate Fountain - needless to say that was a 'sticky' success with everyone....chocolate everywhere but who cares it'll clean up... and lots of booze - I drunk much more than I usually do and woke up in the middle of the night with an awful headache - but can't blame anyone except myself....

...Thank Goodness For Extra Strength Paracetamol...

p.s.***11 days until we move***

...You Don't Get Winters Like You Use To...

Feb. 1991

It's a gloriously sunny day today, not that chilly seeing as it's January - according to Dave's new weather station (Christmas Present from Steve) it's 12c outside & 23c inside - that's really mild, isn't it??

As my dad, Dennis always says. "You don't get winters like you use to" and he's right of course. He always talks about the years living in Catterick (North Yorkshire, UK) when his dad was in the army and being snowed in for days every winter. He often tells us the story of when he was a boy & his dad got up and on opening the door found that the snow had completely filled the void where the door should be & how his dad shouted at his mum to close the door before the snow fell into the room.....

We currently live by the sea in Dymchurch, Kent and the last really big snowfall (where it lay for many days) was way back in February 1991 - the reason I remember it so well is because Tom (then 7) had just had an operation on ALL of his toes for hammer toe and Dave rigged up a sledge complete with waterproof cover for him. Dave & my brother Paul dragged him across the seafront to visit my uncle & aunt who lived about a mile away and you just couldn't tell where the sea ended and the sand began - very odd, I can tell you.

p.s.***12 days until we move***

...I Can't Be Old...

I realised recently that I'm old, well not old exactly but definitely getting old and I must admit that it came as a shock. I've always thought of myself as......not exactly trendy but fashionable, not 'with-it' but absolutely not 'without-it'.

And then on my latest visit to the opticians he said that I needed to start wearing bi-focal glasses - well that's it then, there's no turning back. No more disco dancing for me (do they still disco??), bring on the rocking chair & shawl.

To add salt to the injury - I just can't get use to them - I hate the way you have to lift your eyes (& eyebrows) to the top of the lenses to see... let alone read... the computer monitor and don't even get me started on trying to read the paper through the 1" square thingy at the bottom

...See I told you I'm old, now I'm moaning and groaning with the rest of the 'oldies'...

p.s.***13 days until we move***

...What If, What If, What If...?

We've started to pack up (well, Dave has!!) for the 'big move' and there's boxes everywhere - you can hardly move without falling over them. As we move every year we always keep the 'good' boxes from the previous years move and Dave's been in and out of the loft sorting them into sizes (you can tell, he just doesn't get out enough, can't you??) & now he's going around the place taken things off shelves and continually asking. "Is there anything that'll fit the gap in this box?"

The rooms are already looking empty and a bit sad. The single bedroom really looks like The Box Room and I feel as if we are at the end of an era. I know we've only been here since August 2006 and we bought the place with the idea of refurbishing it and moving on - after all that's what we do - but I somehow feel different this time, now that the date is so close - I think that it must be because we are moving 300 miles away from everybody & everything that's familiar and it's now hitting me

...What If, What If, What If...?

p.s.***14 days until we move***

..Bring On Number Seven...

This will be our sixth, yes sixth house move since October 2002, this is because we refurbish property and live in them as we 'do them up'. Well to be honest Dave does them up & I take on the role of 'project managing' & 'interior designer' (this means that I don't have to get my hands dirty!!). It works for us because Dave loved DIY and is very good at it and I love the WHOLE moving thing - sad but true. We live in a complete mess, more like a building site really for 6 months while the work is progressing and then have another six months, sometimes more, of utter bliss while we wait for a purchaser and the solicitors to catch-up on the paperwork ....

We spend this time holidaying on & off, Dave fishes & I scourer the local papers and Internet for our next project. The only time it becomes frustrating and really stressful is when people don't stand by the things they say & unfortunately in house buying this happens ALL the time. I think the main problem is that they tell you what they think you want to hear which isn't often the whole truth & most people don't move that often and aren't aware of 'How It Works'.

We moan and groan at times about how long everything takes and this time it's been a mind-numbing 44 weeks - but as soon as we're there, working on the next project it's forgotten and all we think about is...

..Bring On Number Seven...

That's Why They Call Them Cat's Eyes, Then...

Dave & I took Beattie (the cat) to the vet this morning for her yearly jab for cat flu, that's an easy £28 spent in 6 minutes!! Luckily that's all she's ever cost us in vet bills a year - she's too lazy to get into a fight or chase birds! - She's getting on a bit and will be 13 years old on April Fools Day - that's 91 in 'cat' years, isn't it?? ...

When we got her in 1995, it was under pressure from the boys then (13 & 11) - Dave said he didn't want a pet, he didn't want the responsibility and the cost of one, but the boys pleaded and of course they'd look after her, they'd feed her, they'd comb her everyday (she's a very long-haired moggy) and they would cater to her every whim....I think that lasted for the first week or two... and then Dave took over & Beattie became 'his' cat...

She follows him everywhere - when he's out of the house she sleeps either in her basket or on our bed - she never bothers me, ever.... But the second he appears she's at his feet - when he's in the bathroom she sits outside the door like a dog - and if he sneaks into 'her' cupboard she's there like a bullet, pushing against his legs looking up with 'feed me' eyes, even when he's in the garage working she's in there with him or waiting at the patio doors until he returns.

...I've decided that if I die first I'm coming back as a cat - I could do with all the attention... ;0)

p.s.***16 days until we move***

...Who Is Dennis Alwyn Betts? - He's My Dad...

Dennis Alwyn Betts - 24 Dec. 2007

Dennis Alwyn Betts (my dad) will be celebrating his 81st birthday next month - in a care home for Alzheimer's sufferers. He'll no doubt be in bed, snoozing on and off with no idea what day it is. The family will be telling him of course, either in person or by phone and while we're all talking about it - he'll be fine - remembering birthdays of the past..when he was growing up in India - parties put on for the celebrations - his army comrades & the drinking in The Officers Mess - meeting mum after the war and family gatherings with the children (6 of us - 4 boys & 2 girls).

...He'll remember all of that but he won't remember that it's his birthday...on that day...

...Are We An Unique Couple...?

Gosh! Weren't We Young!!

Dave & I have been together for nearly 30 years - married for 27 of them - and I think we are a pretty unique couple. We discuss everything, sometimes for days, even quite silly things like what where to go shopping this week, the finish of the curtain poles & whether or not to have dimmer switches in the bedroom!!

We've always had a joint account and don't really have our 'own' money - if something needs paying or buying and there's not enough in the joint account then we've always 'pooled' all the money and shared it out accordingly. This started when we first decided to get engaged/marry and 'save for a house'. We both got paid weekly and in cash in those days (late 70's) and Dave would give me all of his wage packet every Friday (unopened, I might add) - I'd distribute it where necessary and give him a fiver spending money for the week - even though sometimes he'd have given it back to me by Tuesday (when something else needed paying for) - I never had 'my own money' and would work it into the housekeeping if I wanted anything. It's worked well for us for 30 years & I can't see us changing it now....

We've never had separate holidays (doesn't bear thinking about) - where I go he goes :0) - We don't have separate friends - we always visit friends and relations (good & bad ones!) together and we've now worked and lived together 24/7 since 1998 - you could say we live in each others pockets & I have to admit we do...absolutely....but I've no intention of changing things

...Because It's So Nice & Cosy In There...

***p.s. 18 days until we move***

...Anyone Like Chanel No. 5?...Me! Me! Me!...

...What A Truly Scrumptious Cake...

We finally received Steve's (eldest son) Christmas presents from OZ - he posted them by airmail on 5 Dec and we only got them yesterday, 4 Jan - Not very good, is it? However my present was V E R Y, V E R Y good - Chanel No 5 - I LoVe Chanel No 5 - just saying it makes me feel good ;0)

I first received Chanel from my dad on my 21st birthday & 'fell in love' with the smell of it then and there. Over the years I tried to buy it when we could afford it & always put it on my 'Christmas Wish-List' but it wasn't often received ;0(

However, for the past 10 years or so Dave has been buying it for me every Christmas & I indulge in wearing it every day no matter what!! - It's my little bit of heaven -

And now, wow, Steve has bought it for me as well

...What A Lucky Girl I Am...

p.s. ***19 days until we move***

...WOW, I'm So Excited - I Just Can't Hide It...

Tom - Christmas Day 2007

Tom phoned last night - he's got this sickness bug that's going around - and sounded awful. He was suppose to go back to work on 2 Jan (after being off since Christmas Eve) & had to phone in sick - I bet they think he's pulling a fast one :0( It really didn't sound like it though.

Only 20 days until we move now - OMG! it'll be in the 'teens tomorrow and then single day countdown... Once we're there it'll be like a permanent holiday because everytime we go out, even for boring things like shopping or the bank, we'll have to look at the map to see where we're going. We'll also need to visit a lot of the local attractions as well of course, so that once our new holiday business - Bumble Bee Country Holidays - is up and running we'll be able to advise on them...

...WoW! I'm So Excited - I Just Can't Hide It...

...H E L L O & G O O D B Y E...

...H E L L O & G O O D B Y E...

H E L L O
H - hi

E - everyone

L - lovely

L - lie-in

O - over

G O O D B Y E

G - green

O - oblong

O - oranges

D - dissolved

B - biological

Y - yesterday

E - evening

ME ;0)

...Shouldn't He Know Better By Now...???

Byron Bay

Steve (eldest son) phoned from OZ this morning to say that his Christmas presents from us had finally arrived - so much for posting in time for Christmas then - he & girlfriend, Jackie spent the festive holiday in Byron Bay (somewhere in Australia!!) as neither of them really 'do' Christmas - so they decided to get away from it all - he says that the accommodation was 'awesome & spectacular' (his words) and opened straight onto the beach...paints a nice picture doesn't it...?

They also spent New Year's Eve together with friends in the 'local' on Sydney harbour and he drunk too much and is still recovering ...was I full of sympathy? - I don't think so -

...Shouldn't He Know Better By Now...???

...What More Could We Ask For...?

What a great night we had yesterday. We celebrated the New Year at our good friends Chris & Gerry house (Chris is the one in the silly hat - Gerry on his lap) - we've known Chris since 7 Oct. 1978 (from his first wedding) & Gerry since the late 80's.

Gerry laid on a fabulous 'sit-down' dinner party for 10 of us and afterwards there were party games such as making hats from Christmas wrapping & rescuing action man while under enemy fire, using only a piece of string - don't ask!

We saw another New Year in with good friends, champagne and party poppers

...What More Could We Ask For...?