Self help thread. I am a widow coping getting on with it

I have accidentally found a property that has set my heart racing and is within comfort budget. I will go and explore the immediate area on my way back from my viewing today

A house, smaller than today, 4 beds one bathroom, double attached garage with access from inside house, solar panels. A short walk to an A road with bus stops, 3 miles to town. Looks very well maintained and easy to look after. Good safe access to all the cycling areas that I want

Compromises yes but more details if and when

Oh dear. My viewing wasn't much better. Complete waste of time.

Just going to forget house hunting and have a nice weekend. Weather forecast not that great so won't be able to do any gardening. Might take a bus into the city tomorrow, have a nice lunch and potter. Might visit a museum.

Poppy. Exciting and maybe a tad scary. Good luck.

As expected a miserable day here. I might not even bother to go out. I've got plenty of food in and a to do list as long as my arm. I might just save the day out for when the weather is better and make myself useful.

Kittie, I don't know whether you are aware, but you can go along to any U3A monthly meetings and find out what groups they offer, without actually joining. U3A have a web site - just google. You could perhaps try several in your preferred areas and maybe give a few of the groups a try. HTH

I have made so many lovely friends from joining U3A. We meet up and go on coach trips/theatre outside of U3A also.

I have made one particular friend through U3A who is also a widow and we go on holiday together. We are now firm friends and help each other.

Kittie ....I think that is a very wise decision. Your daughter means well of course, but they don't really understand the importance of roots and long term friends. Even just knowing your patch is a huge help. At leat you then know your way around and where to find the networks to make new friends. As you say if we were part of a couple then relocating would be a nice exciting adventure. But, as new singletons, then I think there is comfort in familiarity.

Had someone come for a second viewing yesterday so looking positive. I then spent most of the day trawling through RM.

I have narrowed my search down to 3 possibles. An apartment, a townhouse, both in the city and within minutes of each other, and a bungalow in the surburbs. . All completely different kinds of property and each offers a different way of life. I will view all 3 and I think I will then be closer to a decision., although I'm pretty certain I will be going for the city option, so either the townhouse or the fiat.

All pretty much in the same price range, although from an investment point of view the townhouse has the best potential for further growth.
It's big enough to set up my complimentary therapy practice and is in the perfect location to attract clients. I could then downsize later, say when I'm in my mid 70s.

I've done my accounts and reviewed my finances so I know exactly what my budget is. I have decided I will take out a small mortgage so as not to spend all my capital. I will ring my broker tomorrow and see what he can do for me. It is probably going to mean fewer fancy holidays but I really don't mind. I think it's more important to get this right. I have a trip to Iceland booked and part paid for but I don't think I'll commit to anything else for the time being.

A house move, my first grandchild and my college course are enough to keep me amused for now. I shall definitely be looking at U3A and some of the local meet up groups once I have moved.