… Not to mention a New-Year visit to Cumbria, which included two beautiful golden evenings with perfect reflections in Coniston Water (but sadly no photos – missing my  piccy-taker in the passenger seat, you know) and, of course, a day in Grasmere:

But other visits to Cumbria have been less rewarding. Having put the flat in Murton View on the market, there was immediate interest, and an acceptable offer. However, the purchaser’s survey revealed serious, and expensive, work needed to underpin the conservatory and shore up the garden (where it drops steeply into the neighbouring field),

so she eventually withdrew rather than drop the price by £10,000, leaving me to get the work done before offering it for sale again. British Gas have been messing me about, too. Carol ‘invested’ £40,000 in that place;  I’ll be lucky if I get ten back …

Sunejo’s sale is going ahead slowly, though, and the preliminary contract  (the ‘compromis de vente’) was signed in my absence last week. I’ve booked the removal for Holy Week, and Rachel is thinking of coming down with Shannon the week before to do what they can to help. Niece Judi also offered help, but the dates didn’t fit. Thanks for a much appreciated offer, though. Pam and Trevor are keeping an eye on the house for me, which is helpful, and they’ve bought Lucy off me, which also helps.

The local G & S Society have not only asked me to join the committee, but asked me to be Chairman, too. Seems odd, since I’ve been around for less than a year, and in the end I didn’t take part in their annual performance, so they really don’t know me, nor whether I have any skills in chairmanship.

Both families have needed to call on taxi  and minding services from time to time, when a child has been off school or a Dad (Him, not me!) has needed ferrying somewhere or even taking to the doctor’s. I babysit for Shannon once a week anyway, but this week it was extended to a whole day as she was a bit unwell and Rachel needed to work. After breakfast yesterday Shannon asked if we could get the bricks out as she wanted to build a castle. Being of one mind, Rachel and I both began to sing “Build me a castle, build it up high -” Shannon gave us her best ‘don’t be silly’ look and said “We’re not building a pie!” It was a classic ‘gladly’ moment,  and if you don’t get that reference, just ask and I’ll know you’re there.