We have moved.

3 July 2016

Meltdown at Valonia Gardens

This week it got to me. I got all shouty and ratty with my men, and felt especially guilty about my poor old dad. But the stress finally hit and I couldn’t deal with it.  The moving date is fast approaching but we do have time….. but with everything topsy turvy and use of 2 kitchens on 2 floors and I couldn’t find anything.... 

However, as they say. All is fine today. Our friend Lynn from sunny Wales came all the way to say goodbye to friend, Henry.  My parents had been surrogate parents to her when she needed them, known each other since she was born and she is very fond of him.  She and I both needed a drop of calming down, so we hit the bottle and miraculously things got a lot better.

Today another H’s cousin came and stayed a goodly time. Brought an excellent Cotes du Rhone and once again nerves were soothed.

No, I am not an alchy, but I am getting a taste. I do NOT drink a lot but there is no denying its soothing qualities.

I am delighted to report that where a couple of short weeks ago our Henry was fading, suddenly he is taking himself to the pool ON THE BUS and SWIMMING his 10 lengths. Earlier, he could barely walk and could only visit the café at the pool. He has definitely recovered his mojo.  Good.  Then he will be strong for the trip!

5 July 2016

Erica Federer, my mother, born 19 May 1920, suddenly took a turn for the worse and died. Extraordinary timing. Did she know?  We leave for Poland in 8 days.

UPDATE.

We are here!  We have been here 9 days now. Tomorrow is the day of the funeral and we will not be there.  Strange and sad. 

Well, we made the move, folks!  Henry has taken to it and loves everything, it seems: the weather (35); the people, all very kind; the food, SO tasty and fresh; the house and the garden.  He has been swimming, and goes for walks everyday, despite the heat and is at home.   

It takes a while to settle in and for me to find my place. Things are different here, I don’t have 2 parents to look after and a house to clear. Suddenly I am a retired lady with plenty to do but not in a rush, in a new setting with new challenges. But, so far so good.  We will be having lots of visitors, they have already started, and they will stay in our next-door house and be independent!  Perfect.

Two of the younger members of the family

Henry and Stefan in kitchen

Remi still figuring it out

Henry relaxing

Henry at home