Settling in nicely....

I'm finding it hard to believe that we've only been in this new house less than a week, because thankfully its starting to feel like a home already. Well, after unpacking 48 boxes, I suppose that's not surprising really. We still have lots more to unpack unfortunately, but each room is starting to look lived in now.
Its just unfortunate that an initial idea of where to place a particular item seemed a good decision at the time of unpacking, but can change numerous times once you start actually using the room. I've lost count of the amount of times an object can move from one window ledge.... to the mantle....to a shelf....but then can even end up back in the original position! All very tiring to say the least, but once its right, its right, then you move on the the next item.....no wonder my back, legs, arms, knees, and shoulders ache so much.
The main area for this reshuffling is the kitchen. I'm determined to get this one right.....but I think it might well be an ongoing project. Mainly because I have a serious amount of kitchen implements....I just can't resist! Mostly I'm pleased with my decisions, but its not until you actually use everything in earnest, that you get to know if its going to work or not. If not......back to the drawing board.....or should that be chopping board?

Today has been a really blustery, wintry day here, so I'm glad I took a few snaps outside over the weekend.

Just looking at these little beauties make me smile....

It's not all good though....not exactly Wimbledon......

I think I've got my work cut out.....

 

Seeing this grass verge (as we would call it in the UK) or nature strip as they call it here, made me remember a funny story, that I heard from a work colleague, about an English couple who moved here last year....

One afternoon, shortly after they moved into a new house, the wife answered the door to discover it was her new neighbour, informing her she needed to attend to her nature strip?.....the wife looked confused but smiled and after saying goodbye went in to her husband explaining what the neighbour had said....her initial thought had been "how dare she comment on such an intimate subject".....lets just say her initial thought was along a more personal line ie with a Brazilian theme !?!?!

Well, once I get organised with a new lawn mower, rest assured I'll be attending to my nature strip!

Cough...cough...back to seriousness....

I just love the textures here between the fence and brick - the bricks apparently are called 'Clinker Brick'.

Clinker bricks or Red/Blues are popular for classic federation style houses. Clinker bricks have been baked

using coal not gas, and it is the coal infused in the bricks that creates its unique colour that cannot be created in new bricks.

I'm now going to stay focused and hit the remaining boxes with a surgical strike....in and out!

House Move 11 (Part 11)

Wow....I feel like I've been hit by a truck, but we're in....the new house that is. I can't believe I didn't get to tell you that I was actually on my way and here we are nearly a week later. Sorry I never warned you, but things went a little crazy. I'm just noting the title of this blog, which highlights the 11th house and this particular blog is Part 11. This must be a good omen for the new house because 11 is one of our lucky numbers!

I haven't got a lot of time tonight, so I'll just let you see some images of the new place, until I can get back to you.

This photo below was taken on our first night - what a spectacular sky. I think they'll be many more in this new place.

And look what I've got....can't wait to see what comes up and to restock the patch.

I'm a little nervous trying out our new oven for the first time tonight....wish me luck

Why its the first time tonight by the way, is because I have wonderful friends, who came baring gifts of beautifully cooked meals to keep us going - how special is that!

The rosemary by the way was from the herb patch.....

House Move No.11

Wow what a week that was...

I'm sorry that I haven't posted lately and hopefully you've missed me ;-)

I didn't realise that I wouldn't get any time free for blogging, and before I knew it the whole week and weekend disappeared, so I couldn't give advance warning I'd be away.

The main reason for my absence was I became a headless chicken upon hearing news that the owners of the house we're renting want to move in!

http://www.clker.com/clipart 

I couldn't believe it initially, as we have never had to leave a house before we decided to, but I suppose that's one of the downsides to renting. (This is the first time we've rented and possibly the last for that reason)

But as the week progressed I've come to terms with it and looking positively forward.

Well, there's not a lot I can do other than start looking at what's available out there and packing asap....

I'm going to try and keep cool, calm and collected over this whole process, but this will be our 11th house move and I know how much effort, expense, organising, patience, understanding, not to mention how tiring it can be.

If anyone out there has useful tips or advice to help this be as painless as possible I'd love to hear from you.

I'm thinking of having t-shirts printed with 'Handle with Great Care' because I think they'll be times when I may either blow a gasket or hide under the duvet till its all over....

I'm sure there's going to be quite a few saga's throughout this process but as long as I can remain cheerful and positive plus have a bottle of gin or vodka handy, I'll get through it....

Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted ;-)