Another month gone

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jtct/sets/72157626616461148/show/

April is nearly over and where did it all go? So many Bank Holidays and the Royal Wedding meant less 'working' days and we are still busy getting rid of stuff. The loft, garage, shed and cupboard under the stairs are all empty now and once the medicals are completed next Friday I shall breath a sigh of relief.....nearly there.

Planted up the hanging baskets this morning so having a nice relaxing afternoon now. Popped out to enjoy the sunshine at a National Trust property while my card is still valid - Polesden Lacey, Ranmore Common, Denbies Vineyard and Box Hill. Rescued a couple of lambs that had escaped with the help of some other drivers.

Birthday Week

Most of my birthday cards and a lovely fruit basket from Karen (Iain spoilt me with some YSL Paris perfume)

The garden looks neat and tidy now - just the hedge to trim and the hanging baskets to plant up.

Our Iain on Sunday

Its been quite a week - Easter, family meals, Bank Holiday, bluebell walks, shopping spree, boiler service, surprise presents and the Royal Wedding tomorrow. My birthday week is usually so quiet too.

Will try to find a few minutes to plant up the hanging baskets and paint the garage door - maybe on Saturday while Clive is in Margate watching the football!

Next week is just as busy with 2 house valuations, 2 foreign removal estimates, Visa medicals, theatre trip on Friday night, huge craft sale in Horley on Saturday and yet another Bank Holiday.

Bluebell walk in Banstead Woods

Banstead Woods - Easter, a set on Flickr.

What a lovely way to spend Easter Saturday in the UK. I may never see this sight again either - don't think they have them in Australia! I think I'll go back again during the week to make the most of them.

Good Friday

Started making some cards suitable for new address/goodbye/early Christmas. I'll type a letter for inside nearer our big move. I've now added a little lable saying 'Wanted Down Under' to these cards (40 done and another 30 or so to finish) Getting really excited now

Another lovely sunny day so back to some serious de-cluttering. Washed ALL the bedding, table cloths, place mats and napkins and have just spent 2 hours ironing everything we want to keep and folded it away neatly ready to pack later.

The Assurance of Support Bond has been lodged, policechecks done and certificates sent off - just the medicals to come (in three weeks time) and then we hand over some serious cash! Hopefully we will be able to put the house on the market by June. Hope to have a Garage Sale during Derby week when lots of people pass the house.

Weekend away

Enjoyed a short break in Shifnal from Wednesday to Monday staying with my good friend. Weather, although sunny, was quite chilly at times - at least 4 degrees cooler than south of the Thames! Went to a Farmers Market and sampled many interesting local products. The pork pies were yummy!

Managed to resist the cakes

.....even avoided the choccies but did try a tiny sample of nougat

Loved the jams, pickles and chutneys and the cup cakes looked stunning

The Alpaccas were cute too.

I even managed to clock up a few miles on a bike. I was a bit wobbly to begin with but that's hardly surprising as it must be 35 years since I last rode one!

Kingston

Had a lovely afternoon in Kingston Upon Thames yesterday. The sun was shining and the towpath along the Thames was packed. All the restaurants and bars were doing a roaring trade. Had hoped to catch a boat to Hampton Court but they were full to overflowing and there were long queues. Had a hot chocolate in John Lewis

A good look round the Bentalls Centre

then headed for M&S to stock up on new underwear for us both - That's the one shop I am going to miss.

A great place to while away a few hours while Clive was at Football down the road and King's Meadow.

Insomnia!

What do you do when you can't sleep?

Lie in bed from 1.00am - 2.30am worrying about it?

No - get up and make some cards!

egg boxes

egg boxes, a photo by Poppytree2010 on Flickr.

Got this great idea from Julie Hickey's blog and made these for my 2 men

Each box will hold 4 creme eggs by 'You Know Who'

It's no joke

Managed to make a card yesterday at Crafts-U-Love. Cute teddy and I love the colours.

Had quite a shock on 1st April - we now have a case officer and the Visa process can move forward. Hopefully we shall be able to sell the house in the better Summer months and be on our way Down Under by Christmas - fingers crossed!!!!