Chapter 3 - The Movers are here!

Today is the second day of a 3 day process of packing. The removal people have been busy boxing up everything that doesn't move and isn't nailed down. If I took a nap, I'm afraid I might wake up neatly wrapped in bubble wrap and fit snugly inside a box. (I wonder what sort of label they would put on me?)

Last night we had to resort to eating our take-away Chinese meal on top of boxes. Our poor dog, Gulliver, wanted to find his bed, which I had washed. He searched and searched and finally resorted to climbing inside and empty box, which was too small for him to lie down in, so he just sat there looking very silly, but also sad and reproachful. I had to give in and let him have his clean bed.

In preparation for our move, I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago, just to get a check-up. She took my blood pressure which was fine. Then she put me on the scales. After sitting back down in her office, she leaned forward and smacked me on the back of the head! She said, "I don't normally hit my patients, but you've put on weight since the last time I weighed you"! I mumbled something about it being some years since I was on her scales, but I was definitely chastened.

This move is bound to help. Up and down the stairs, lugging boxes, furniture - and cups of tea for the movers. Anyway, It's swimming and exercise when we get to NC. A new move; A new me! That's going to be my moto.

We are going to shut down our computer today, so this will be the last posting until we get to our hotel.
Wish us luck!

Chapter 2 - Decision Made; It's Time to Go

After much discussion A and I decided moving back to the States was the right decision. Despite living in Kentucky previously, we thought it would be good to try some place new. North Carolina was chosen because, 1. It's a little bit warmer in the winter, 2. It's a little closer to the sea, and after living on an Island (albeit a very big one) we would miss the sea, 3. It's not all that far from friends and family, 4. It's cheaper to live there, and last, but definitely not least, 5. There are some great vineyards with very good wines - a must!

We decided to rent the house, as we were having no luck selling it, which must have been the right decision because the very day we said, "let's rent it", our neighbour knocked on our door and she had someone who wanted to look at it! They loved it, wanted it and as of October 1, will move in.

Clock ticking. I quit work at the end of August so I would have a month to pull everything together. A did all the advance stuff - moving companies, booking planes, hotels, etc. I planned our Farewell Party and Moving Sale!

Planning a large party where you might have to use your outdoor space is a gamble in England, because more likely than not, it will be raining, and this year has been the worst, wettest Summer ever! However, we were blessed with the first sunny day in weeks, and the party was a roaring success. I asked everyone to bring a bottle of wine, and as people left, I gave them a bottle of spirits from our stock, so we don't have to worry about shipping it and paying customs.

The party began at 2.30pm and ended at around 10pm, when we and the few stragglers left staggered up to the pub to round-off the evening. One very good friend who came with us asked me the next day, "did I go to the pub"? I think he might not have been the only one whose memories of the latter part of the evening might have been a bit sketchy.

This weekend is our big 'Moving Sale'. It's amazing what accumulates over 16 years of living in one place. And it's even more amazing what some people will buy! I'm not complaining, mind. What ever isn't sold has to be hauled off to the dump or Charity Shops, so today, being the last day of the sale, I'm trying all sorts of gimmicks to try and get rid of stuff - I'm starting to sound like a market stall holder, "Free clay pots with any purchase! That sweater would look great on you! How about some pots and pans for your son who just started college?"

I may have stumbled on to my true calling.

Chapter One - England

I decided to begin this diary with just a little background on how we came to be in England in the first place.

In 1994, after the death of his brother,My husband, A, and Son J, and I decided to up sticks and move to England to look after A's elderly mother, who didn't seem to be coping to well. At this juncture, may I offer a word of advice to anyone who is thinking of moving in with an elderly parent with your family - DON'T DO IT! If I had know about blogging then, I would have starting this diary much sooner as a terrible warning to others. However, what doesn't 't kill you makes you stronger, and fortunately, I'm not dead. I just kept telling myself, "This too shall pass". And three years later, she did (I'm ashamed to admit, I did start humming, 'ding dong, the withch is dead').

All the negative things aside; we moved to a beautiful little postcard perfect village in Somerset, called Hinton St George. Stunning scenery, honey-coloured stone, lots of thatched roofs - and after 3 different landloards, the pub finally found salvation from the current owners, Steve & Michelle. The village is full of interesting people and we have made many good friends which we are very sad to leave. they have all promised to come see us in North Carolina - I just hope they don't all arrive at once!