After moving to Oxford from London a few years ago, I took on the rental of a really old cottage (circa AD 1546), and ended up living here for four and a half years - way longer than I originally intended. But the owners are moving back to the family pile now that their career secondment in Ireland has come to an end. Which means that Izzy and I are technically going to become homeless.
It's been cool living here, apart from:
1. The big bastard hairy spiders
2. The plague of mosquitoes that live in the water barrels outside
3. The uneven flagstone floor in the kitchen which has caused me to fall over 13 times throughout the duration (always happens when I wear heels)
4. The low beam over my bedroom door, upon which I keep twatting my forehead (I have a permanent small circular bruise on my forehead. It looks like I've been to Mecca)
5. The
6. The shower curtain around the tiny bath. It sticks to my legs whilst I wash. The only feeling worse than that, is sitting on a toilet seat that is still warm from the previous incumbent
Moving house - After travelling around China a number of times, I can quite categorically state that this is not an unusual sight
But don't get me wrong, I also love a change.
It all stems from when I was a youngster.
My father was in the Royal Air Force (at which time he sported a dodgy moustache, flew fast jets, and enjoyed drinks with the chaps in the Squadron; "Tally Ho, Chumley!"), and it also meant that we never lived anywhere for more than two years.
Crikey, when I was a kid, we resided in Liverpool (oop North), Peterborough (on the right hand side of England), Belfast (in Ireland), Barnstaple (in Devon), Douglas (on the Isle of Man), Burnley (in Lancashire) .... and that is to name but a few.
And then I decided to add to the tally by leaving home at sixteen, and moving around on my own to various places: Coventry (total armpit), Birmingham (the ugliest city in the UK? But I really liked living there), Solihull (Birmingham pretending to be posh), London (loved it, and stayed there longer than anywhere else), Caerphilly (in Wales. Hated every second and I lasted less than a year there), and finally ...... Oxford!
Anyway, I digress. Back to the present. I was still being made homeless, and although I had a big urge to move somewhere abroad - I was thinking of California - I decided against it because it would disrupt Izzy's schooling.
So instead, I deployed the dog-walking Grannies in my village to help me with my dilemma of trying to find a a house in the general locale. I like to chat with them all you see, and they were keen for me to stay in the village.
I tell you now, Grannies with small dogs are the way forward. You know Miss Marple? They are just like that.
They wonder around the village, dragging their reluctant mutts behind them, and they spot every little thing that is going on. Say, for example, that I was horribly murdered by a psychopath with a machete who cut off all my limbs, I am pretty sure that they would not be phased by the amount of blood, and would weed out the culprit within a week or so.
The ultimate Miss Marple (Margaret Rutherford). Cat's bum lips, and a keen sense of what is going on in the village
And sure enough, my strategy paid off. Picture the scene: Last weekend, I was pre-occupied with trying to get one of Barbie's arms out of the toaster, when I heard an urgent rapping of my front door.
I opened it to find one of my lovely Grannies (armed with a Jack Russell on a leash), looking a bit flustered.
"You need to come quickly!" she shouted at me breathlessly. "I think there is a house coming available at the end of the street!"
I donned my coat and ran behind the aforementioned Granny (who was using a super-propelled walking stick) until we reached a house with a van parked outside.
There was a young man (in his early thirties) loading furniture into the back of the said van.
"Young man!" Granny shouted.
"Yes, can I help you?" asked young man.
"Is this house available for sale now you are leaving?" Granny asked.
"Yes I think so, but you'll have to speak to my Uncle .... he owns the house."
"Can we have your uncle's telephone number?" shouted old lady.
"Sure," replied the young man, pausing for a moment to write the telephone number on the header of an old newspaper. He ripped off the segment and handed it to me.
I didn't think anything would come of it, but I rang the number a couple of hours later ...... and suffice to say ........ boyakkashaaaaa! Izzy and I have got a new house! After literally 10 minutes conversation.
We are going to be moving into our new house on the weekend of the 8-9th of December, so watch this space.
P.S. when was the last time you moved? And what was it like?
P.P.S. Lovely Granny earned a big bunch of roses and lilies, and a huge box of truffles for her efforts. In response, after a huge intake of breath, she waggled a finger at me and admonished; "oooh you're a naughty girl."
This is so very cool, Annie...just down the street which means not having to lug your belongings too far. The Grannies need treats just like when Sophie shakes her paw...lol! The last time we moved was in 1990 - Dec Xmas- Jim had to do all the moving because my Mom and I went for Xmas to my brother's place who was living in Edmonton...sorry Jim....I'll make up for it. We have stayed in our home for over 20 years now....I think Jim is such a good mover and a shaker...lol again!
ReplyDeleteBest of Luck with the move!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Can't wait to see photos of the new place. Last time I moved was in September of last year and I've never been happier. Wishing you a wonderful new start over in your new home, my friend. (Although I would have LOVED to have you in California.) :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess the last time I moved would be the same as the last time Ron moved!
ReplyDeleteSo good that you found a place Annie! And so quickly, you lucky British girl you! The good thing is that you will not be so far from those grannies! They are a great 'resource' to have handy, I'd say!
Now git packin' and take some pics too......this could be fun!
I have been in my current house 6 years which is really long for us. This was 21st move since we got married. Climbing the corporate ladder is a moving target.
ReplyDeleteAre you happy with the house you found to rent? If so, maybe this will be a fun change of scenery. I am eager to see pictures of the new place.
Congrats on the move, and on finding something so fast... and i LOVE LOVE LOVE the visual of a town full of friendly, nosy Miss Marple types... that is a book you have to write!
ReplyDeleteI think I may have actually moved the house yesterday, when I careered heavily into the wall after dancing Gangnam Style with the kids in the lounge.
ReplyDelete2003. New home, new school, new town. Son No1 was really miserable as all his friends were left behind. I am a heartless b@$*'rd! Now he is nearly eighteen, doing things he loves, oh and a "special friend, female of the opposite sex", what thanks do I get?
ReplyDeleteWe moved from Morpeth to Harpenden nearly 34 years ago, during the one and only ever ( as far as I know) removal mens' strike. The MD of the company and the accountant did our move ( it took 2 days..it's a long drive!). MD stayed at the only big hotel locally, went in and asked if someone could please help him park. Funny looks all round until they went outside to see the huge articulated truck ...it took up most of our road when it arrived here! All my plants died too after an overnight in a freezing arctic. Looking forward to seeing your new abode. Well done the grannies.
ReplyDeleteJeez, that is a helluva distance to move! What made you do that, apart from the fact it's warmer darn south? I had to laugh though, about you scheduling the move during a removal men's strike DOH!
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You are pure evil! Ha ha ha! Look on the bright side - at least he's had 9 years to get used to it. And a lady friend to boot, ooh I say ;-)
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You raving joey! Did you get any injuries? And what is this Gangnam Style that I keep hearing about. It's bloomin' everywhere.
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Why thank you Brahmski. I was well lucky with this one. And I hear that congratulations are due for you and Kevin ..... a new addition to the home?! That is brilliant news .... the Facebook pics were SOOOOOOO cute ;-)
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Bloody hell! You've moved TWENTY ONE times? That is absolutely crazy ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou must be a pro at it now. Yeh, I am happy with the house, and looking forward to moving in on the 8th December.
I am one of those people who actually enjoys a change ..... you sound like the same type of gal!
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I know, I am a complete lucky git. I always seem to fall on my feet ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou will definitely getting pics, no worries. Moving date is the 8th December!
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I will definitely be posting photographs ..... I think I am moving in about 3 weeks, on the 8th.
ReplyDeleteI remember your move ...... and I am really chuffed that it worked out for you ;-)
Shame though, California sounds great.
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Why thanks very much Katie, that's nice of you ;-)
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How did you manage to blag not helping in the move? I need some of your cunningness! You've been there 20 years now, do you think you have made up for it yet?!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, the Grannies got treats - in the guise of a big bunch of flowers and some chocolate truffles. She was well chuffed ;-)
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Hooray for grannies!
ReplyDeleteDon't ask me about moving house. I loathe it more than anything else in the world. We last moved just over two years ago (discovering in the process that we couldn't fit all our stuff in a seven and a half ton truck. We have too much stuff.) and have no intention of ever moving house again.
The best thing about moving is it gives one the opportunity to throw out tons of crap!
ReplyDeleteI've already started doing it .... going through the drawers and dispensing with stuff. Cathartic!
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Good news indeed - did you actually inspect the house before deciding to rent it? Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteI did indeed! There were cows grazing by the kitchen window. But I am getting a bit worried at the moment ..... I haven't heard from the Landlord for over a week and a half, despite his assurances that he would ring to arrange the move date. I am hoping a 'GULP' moment isn't coming up!
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Pleased you have found somewhere to move to, not only have you got the fun of moving but you have the fun of moving your phone and broadband with BT!!! Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteBy the way Solihull is posh and is not part of and never has been part of Birmingham!!! It was my home for the first 31 years of my life. Mind you Solihull means mud hole but we wont go into that!!!
So you're staying en ville? At least that'll keep the removal costs down. Will there be a housewarming? Cos, you know, it wouldn't exactly be a squillion miles for me to travel :)
ReplyDeleteLook at you arranging for new digs so effortlessly. The last time we moved it was reminiscent of trying to see the Wizard in OZ. I thought it'd never happen.
ReplyDeleteAll will work out. Watch how effortlessly things align for you and Izzy to bounce to new digs. Sure love your adventures. They will always work out for you two!
ReplyDeleteI shall keep everything crossed that it is just an oversight on behalf of the landlord. You do have his number, I hope?
ReplyDeleteAwwww thanks! I'm getting a bit uncomfortable with the fact that I might be homeless in less than three weeks. I do have his number and I texted him yesterday, but no reply. Not sure what to do next ...... I don't want to seem like I am nagging him, but also would like to know that everything is still on.
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Awwww thanks Annie. I hope so. I am a bit concerned that I haven't heard from the landlord for over a week ....... and having given notice on my current house ....... eek!
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Eh up Michele, yes at the moment it seems to have gone a bit too smoothly! I won't relax until I have the keys in my hand .......... ;-)
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I am indeed staying in the village - it's handy for Izzy's school, friends etc. I'll be holding my breath until I actually move though ...... the landlord seems to have disappeared! Eek. Bit worried.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course my dear .... if I have a party ............ you'll be first on the list!
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Gordon Bennett, I have the BT experience to look forward to don't I? The only other thing that is certain in life, after taxes and death, is that BT will completely cock up the installation. No matter how much notice I give them.
ReplyDeleteSolihull is indeed posh .... whereabouts in Solihull did you live?
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Grannies are the dog's danglies! It was such good luck that it all happened at a time when I was looking for a new place.
ReplyDeleteUh oh, so moving didn't go so well for you? It is always a bit 'ouch' at the best of times!
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I lived in Shirley on the outskirts and for quite a few years worked for Dixons in Mill Lane, a stones throw from the fountains that the locals put washing up liquid in every new years eve!!!
ReplyDeleteYeh, I lived in Shirley too for a while - Middleton Road. My local was the Colbrook.
ReplyDeleteAh, the old 'washing up liquid in the fountain' gag!
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That's great news. Hope the move goes well....We've moved twice in the past twelve years. The last one was for me bloody hard work, though it was only a short distance (2.5 miles) from our rented house in Port-e-Vullen to the house we now live in, in Ramsey. The previous move from our house in Birmingham to the Isle of Man was for me anyway a doddle.......Gail did it all as I was working and living on the island whlie she and the girls packed up all our worldy goods into numbered boxes then watched them being packed onto the removal van. Once the van had gone all that was left was an empty house and Gail cried wondering if it was the last time she would see everything and of course if it was the right move....That was a Friday morning.....They caught the boat Saturday morning by which time I was out at the house waiting for the removals men who turned up bang on time much to the relief of Gail who followed soon after....Then the hard work started though with Gails planning...she had a book with a page for each room with what numbered boxes were to go where and it worked like a dream.......
ReplyDeleteHurrah for Miss Marple. That's great news Annie, I hope? Maybe the landlord's just one of those mega laid back types. You realise you should have given BT notice three months ago.. best not drop your iphone again. You may need it.
ReplyDeleteI was at the opposite end of Shirley for most of the time I lived there, when I worked in Birmingham I had the choice of goint to either Shirley or Solihull stations depending on my mood..
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of you harnessing the 'power of the grannies'! When and where did you live in Liverpool?
ReplyDeleteWe moved all the time when I was a kid, but only ever around the Wirral. The longest I had lived anywhere was 4 years until where I am now... for reasons explained in my reply to your comment yesterday blah blah.
Hi ya I'm actually in the process of looking for a new place to rent. Not easy with the 3000 other families looking at the same ones. Aaaargh!!!!! And I've been a right Danser in doing anything on me blog...
ReplyDeleteWell done to you matey
Eh up A, ah, so we are in the same boat! Why are you moving then?
ReplyDeleteIt's tough finding houses here too. I was just lucky. Hope you get something soon matey.
Now go and do a blog post, I miss them!
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The Grannies are the dog danglies! I lived in Fazackerley when I was quite young. My father was studying medicine at the University there. Apparently I used to have a right Liverpudlian accent!
ReplyDeleteThe Wirral eh? You must be posh then ;-) Are you still in the area?
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Dead posh, me! I spent my uninformative years around Wallasey but am now in the much posher (but as I said - not my house) West Wirral now. I've been to Fazakerly... for some pain experiments (long story)
ReplyDeleteActually it went well. We had a two week overlap, which makes the whole thing a lot less painful. I'm still never doing it again, though.
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