In the Meantime

MovingForwards

You're doing well and must prioritise your health.
Have you asked people if they can look after the table for a bit? 

Bubblesmum

Dear DIA

I have spent the last week also catching up on diaries that I was following this time last year and for many reasons had gone AWOL.

have caught up on both of yours, firstly may I offer my sincere condolences on your loss and say how full of admiration I was on your ability to juggle all what was going on in your life and be able to care for those that you love of all ages I’m sure.

I cheering you on from the sidelines divide up forever home that you will love and enjoy especially by the Sea. I think it’s a really great offer from your relative to have a place you know you have for a year but hopefully you will find that home and be gone well before then.

May the next few days going well for you - As another chapter ends and the new one is beginning.

I love the sound of the sofa to be able to curl up and read a book And the gorgeous vase with daffodils in 

HairyHandofDartmoor

I'm glad you went for the flat as it sounded the best option. Good luck with finding a home to buy. I agree that location is key and I'd rather have a shoebox in a good neighbourhood than a mansion in a dodgy neighbourhood. I always feel safe walking around my area which is so important.

Can you put a photo of your dream home by your credit card so that if you're tempted to overspend it can serve as a reminder of your goal?

Bubblesmum

@HairyHandofDartmoor - I love the idea of the dream picture - instead of credit card needs to be my am😮zon account ! 

Will punch that thought 

doingitanyway

@savingholmes and @beanielou, thank you and yes, it was lovely getting all the bags out of the house. Yesterday another 2 and today another 1...

@mark55man thanks for the coffee invite

@another_casualty I am going to keep up my vitamins and decent food. Health matters.

@MovingForwards Thank you, I am trying to a friend to leave the table with. Watch this space...

@Bubblesmum so good to see you back posting Thank you for taking the time to read my diaries and thank you for your good wishes for this next stage of my journey.

@HairyHandofDartmoor a safe neighbourhood, a green space, a nearby station, a nearby decent coffee shop, a nearby supermarket. All less than 0.5 miles away so I can walk there. These are my hopes!

savingholmes

Good luck with your plans. I've agonised over letting far less go - so really well done as I don't think you really finding it any easier than me.

doingitanyway

So yesterday was a down day. I felt tearful, flat and tired. One of the friend's of my relative came to visit. She helped me sort through the photos and put them in piles. She helped me clear a few shelves. All nice but she stayed for hours when I really wanted to be by myself. I still spent money £7, as I bought a take away for my visitor.

Today was counselling. It went well. I am very thankful for it.
I spent about £20 today, on food, a few CS books and a travel fare.

Minimal decluttering today. I'm tidying up now and will fill just one black bag to throw out.

Boots arrived. Wrong fit, so I need to return them tomorrow. The second pair to be returned. I really need boots for walking but I won't order online again. Online footwear NEVER works for me.

So PO trip for me tomorrow. I also need a laundry trip. A walk through the park. That's tomorrow sorted. 

I hope everyone is okay.

savingholmes

Glad you've found a good counsellor. I have one too and she makes a huge difference. 

Good luck with dealing with all the frogs...

Blackcats

Don't under estimate the emotional energy you are using in clearing things.  Looking at the photos will have been lovely but sad.  

I sorted out my mum's photos after she died this summer and lots of them were just very bad photos - half a person somewhere in the blurry distance and some were amazing insights into her life.  She had written names on the back of some of her childhood pictures so I finally got to see her aunty Bertha who apparently made amazing Yorkshire puddings (mum had dementia so we heard frequently about Aunty Bertha and her Yorkshire puddings 🤣), and I got to see mum's parents when they were young rather than just as I remember them as my elderly Nan and grandad.  Lots of smiles and lots of tears..

you are doing well - be kind to yourself 

Sunshine_girl2

Re the walking boots , I would suggest going in store and trying a few pairs on . Would you be better with walking shoes instead of boots . I have Merrell and Salomon shoes for walking . Only really use boots in the Lake District up the fells in the winter .