We Finally Did It

After 195 days or six and a half months homeless, we finally moved in today and as I write, surrounded by unopened boxes, I am really looking forward to sleeping in our own bed again. The kitchen is not quite finished (the ovens and hob are being connected tomorrow) but we've got all the other essentials - hot water, fridge, toilets, heating and lights and, as we've got some men coming to fit a new surround sound system and burglar alarm at eight o'clock in the morning we felt it was easier to sleep here than at the cottage. I'm not convinced of the need for a burglar alarm here but the difference in the insurance premium was quite substantial.

Our only problem today was the lack of a vacuum cleaner which somehow got lost in storage. The removal people offered to pay for a like for like replacement at the best internet rate but as I'm trying to support local shops I bought it at the well stocked local electrical suppliers John Bradlaugh. Okay I paid £60 more than the lowest internet price but it's a price worth paying for immediate delivery and knowledgeable advice.

With no cooking facilities I stocked up with some delicious bits and pieces from the excellent little deli Leo's in the town and we  had a picnic in the lounge washed down with a well earned bottle of wine. We've managed to put our feet up and watch TV tonight - back to the world of normality. Tomorrow is going to be hectic. The kitchen fitters are sending a cleaner to tidy up and another staff member to help unpack the boxes and load the kitchen, the men are coming to fit the speakers and alarm, interior designer Jemima is coming to help with the final curtains and we've both got to go for a check up at the doctors - they do that for all new patients.

Mind you, if we think we've had it bad, we should spare a thought for Tony the landscape gardener. His attempts at maneuvering his digger in a snow filled garden looked pretty scary. Lets hope that he gets some respite from the snow and can get on with the job.