We're in those in-between days.
It's no longer Christmas although our homes are full of good food, decorations and gifts that have not found a home yet. We don't quite know what day it is, let alone which of the leftovers to have for our lunch today.
The world seems to have tilted and left us slightly discombobulated, made all the worse if you are also feeling the after effects of illness of any kind.
We went out for a coffee and a bacon butty for Alan, and a coffee and a couple of crumpets for me at Booths this morning in at attempt to claim back some normality ... and drop off the misappropriated shopping basket. We finished it with a detour to the bungalow to see if my befuddled workings out at fitting ensuites into both bedrooms is a viable plan.
Somehow having a few days away from the bungalow has ended up saving us quite a lot of money, as we have found a way of not having to build a porch on the side of the house or knocking part of one exterior wall down to fit new double doors. This is the plan as it was before I planned the ensuites, less wasted space and a lot less doors. It's all starting to come together.
I knew there would be some benefit to my brain taking a few days off. 😄
Sue xx
Sorry to read you've both been unwell. Hopefully you're getting over it.
ReplyDeleteI think your plans for the bungalow are sensible and they will allow you to "Age in place" as one nurse quoted to my father. I didn't understand at first but yes, making plans and preparations can indeed help us to stay "in place" ,a place where we want to be.
We live in a house that's far too big but husband won't move. The one positive is we have a downstairs loo! X
Apart from all the health reasons that make it a good idea to downsize as we get older, the financial implications make it a very sensible decision. We are setting ourselves up with a very eco way of living in a bid to lower the ever increasing fuel bills. Has you husband considered this as a good reason to downsize?
DeleteHe says, "oh we can afford it" and yes, we can. Its not only that though its a big house to clean AND a big garden. He really is a stubborn old fart!
DeleteMaybe if you employed a cleaner and a gardener to 'help you' he would rethink the financial implications. 😀
DeleteReflection and time away from the scene is always a good plan to save expensive mistakes. I always have my best ideas over a coffee and scone even if I don’t always think so at the time. Forever homes need lots of thought and we are still debating should we stay or should we go. Good luck with your bungalow as it progresses to exactly how you need it to be. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI think having the Christmas break to rethink some our initial plans was a really helpful thing for us. It's a hard decision to make isn't it, that final move. But I just think it's best to do it while you have at least some energy, and Alan definitely needed something to keep him occupied.
DeleteWe are in the process of 'future-proofing' our home... a downstairs level- access shower room seems the most useful thing we could have, plus redoing the kitchen to make it more age-friendly. Already I find the bottom oven harder to use safely...
ReplyDeleteThat all sounds really sensible. I have found since living here and having designed this kitchen, that drawers instead of cupboards are definitely a huge help, no more scrabbling to try and reach the back for things, so we are doing that again. I can manage a low oven as it's only used once or twice a week, so we are both happy to continue with that.
DeleteI've been planning a new kitchen for 6 homes and 20 years. I think I've nearly cracked it now 🤣 When I eventually settle into the growing old place, my kitchen will have all drawers and absolutely no awkward corner cabinets that you have to crawl into to find the bit at the back. There will come a time when I might not get back out again!😳 Planning and measuring and checking. All good things to try and avoid expensive, disruptive work once you move in. 😁
ReplyDeleteIt takes time and use to get kitchen design right doesn't it. We have decided to pretty much replicate my current kitchen, which was designed when we moved into this house. Both our kitchens here have large drawers and minimal cupboards. The only awkward base unit in the new kitchen is probably going to be housing the electric water heater as that will need very rare access.
DeleteI'm playing catch-up! Firstly, I absolutely loved that photo of Ginger in his festive finery, what a gorgeous boy he is! I'm so sorry that you and Alan have been poorly and am glad you're both feeling better now. I hope you managed to hand back the offending basket without getting into trouble.
ReplyDeleteJon's the planner in this house, I just make the tea and nod occasionally, your skecth is very impressive.
I was so happy to go for a long walk yesterday and a swim this morning, I can't bear being inside for long, how I managed to survive lockdown without combusting is a source of wonder for everyone who knows me! xxx
It's an old photo, but he's still a beauty. :-)
DeleteWe dropped off the basket and had a laugh with the greeter on the door about it, he was fine. The first drawing was a quick one rustled up by our architect so that we would have something to 'play with' over the Christmas break, so I can accept no responsibility for the clean lines. I then used blank paper placed over the myriad of previous walls, and photocopied it to get the second image.
I'm glad you are both feeling better now, the shopping basket has been returned, and you are making progress on the plans for your new house. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's all coming together now. :-)
DeleteYes it does pay to rethink housing projects if you have the time. Well done on your rethink and money saved. very satisfying.
ReplyDeleteWe were both glad that we 'saw the light'. 😄
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