Getting nearer

What an introduction Steve has had to his retired life. He has a list of jobs to do and a very short timescale in which to do them. He is just happy though with his new life - that means not having to get up at a totally unsocial hour to catch a train and spend the day solving problems only to catch a train back again and try to stay awake during the evening. This morning he was up before me and eating his tea and toast when I dragged myself out of bed. He claimed the daylight had roused him and he couldn't get back to sleep. I think he is excited and wants to get on with all the things he has wanted to do for months but work got in the way.

So today we have completed some tasks that were very rewarding. Taken some stuff to charity shops, completed some address changes, exchanged our nectar points for loads of wine to take with us- how great is that? He has also taken a lot of stuff to the dump - hooray!. We have basically tidied up a lot of loose ends and that has caused us to feel more in control.

We called into the letting agents today and they told us that the bungalow has been let to a lady whose house has been flooded. She is presently in a hotel at her insurance company's expense until we leave . Then she will move in, also at her insurance company's expense, until her house has been repaired. Good for her. It will be a good home for her as it has been for us.

Yesterday we managed to celebrate Steve's retirement together at home - he was too affected by alcohol after his leaving party to do it earlier. So we cracked open the champagne and celebrated together to a new life ahead of us, a damn good holiday before we reach our new home, and to our new life in Cyprus. The timer on the camera captured that as the picture shows. Pat had bought us a really good bottle of Tattinger and we raised the glass to her as well and we really enjoyed it.

So all of the jobs are nearing an end. The relocation company have told us that we can put our feet up while their men pack our home up for the container. That will feel really odd - having people in our home sorting out our belongings - but that is the way they do it. They have to pack everything so that it complies with insurance regulations. We of course have prepared everything for them to pack - as we do.
Of course we have to pack some things in Esmerelda for the trip and the rest for Cyprus. Then we have to leave the owners belongings in the bungalow. Come Monday the place will be full of bodies being ushered everywhere - won't that be exciting?

So tomorrow will bring some more jobs to undertake - and we are hosting a dinner party for Ann and John which we are really looking forward to - a fishy night I have decided. I will let you know how it goes. And I am determined to get a picture of her for my memory bank - although she is very good at avoiding the camera. Another day over and the time draws nearer.....