Hi Tom, l’ve just thought of when l was much younger l used to spend the summer holidays in France with my very young children, it was many years ago, your photo reminded me of time spend travelling with them, all on a shoestring 
, but l remember the long tables and the food was constantly arriving and barrels of red wine, often accompanied by music just the locals, lovely times. Thank you for the lovely memories 
, l think when you are bereaved it’s takes over your life and you sometimes forget of the wonderful memories you shared with that person 
. Of course l know l felt despair at the time, however, recently thoughts of good times l shared with my late husband are sneaking in. It been a long 4 years for me, so l do appreciate others might not be feel the same. Spain sounds wonderful enjoy the sunshine. Lilly
Thanks Lilly, unfortunately at least for now it’s freezing and wet. They are talking of it snowing at the weekend. I hope not, I fancy a bit of sun.I live in the
north of Spain near France in the mountains and we are above 2000ft so it’s a bit colder than the south. I’m glad to hear that you can enjoy your lovely memories more easily now.
Wishing you a lovely evening
Tom
Dear Tom
We have just had a very cold blast of rain and sleet! It waited until I left the bereavement group to collect the grandchildren from school.
First anniversary of the bereavement group so everyone took food, quite a spread. I think a lot of the older members were taking a plate home for tea. A jolly meeting today. I sat between the counsellor and two ladies who had become friends. They did make me smile as one was very deaf and miss hearing most of the conversation. Glad I went.
Hi Helen looks like I am not the only one freezing. I think we have to take a leaf out the birds book and do a bit of annual migration.
I’m glad you have had a nice time with your bereavement group. One of my sisters is going to be popping over for five days at the beginning of June which will be nice.
Enjoy your evening with your grandchildren. Wishing you all the best
Tom
Spending time with family is the best time. I hope the sun shines for her visit x
Hi Helen
Ive just seen your post about your son saying perfect house opposite him.
It has to be what you want not him.
I moved closer to my son but still 15 minutes drive away, he picked this house but it was where I wanted and few doors down from one i was buying but has a better garden.
I was lucky because I stayed in my old home in Cheshire whilst I had work done on tjis one, believe me kitchens are not cheap to have done anymore.
If its not what you want dont be forced into it, also does he want you opposite to be able to dictate what you should be doing to the house.
Hi Sandra I hope you have a lovely Sunday. Wishing you all the best
Tom
Morning, busy sorting more boxes today.
This moving home is good at 1st but the stuff to sort through when you moves become more a chore towards the end.
Hi Sandra it’s amazing just how much stuff we accumulate, a lot of things that are useless but as soon as we through them away they suddenly becomes needed. Wishing you all the best with your boxes but don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the day.
Tom
Dear Sandra
I can’t find a house I like. My sale is progressing and I’m panicking a bit. I’m wondering if I should just look at it as an interim place until I can find the right house. It would keep me busy as absolutely everything needs doing. We were just putting in a new kitchen when I lost Stephen, I know how expensive everything is. I’ve priced the work and I can keep the cost under the ceiling for the road.
Thanks for thinking of me, I really appreciate it x
I feel your pain I lost my husband 7 months ago and I have just put our house on the market as I can’t stay here. We had to move to this house 2 and a half years ago when he become more poorly we both didn’t like it here. But it made it easier for him to get around as flat garden. We built a beautiful cabin that he loved spending time in it. Such a shame I can’t take it with me.
Dear Mel
I’m sorry you too have lost your husband. It’s a nightmare we are all living through. I knew from the start I couldn’t stay in our home but we were only part way through renovations.
I’ve just had a lovely brunch with two friends of my sisters who are further along this path than we are. It’s been very helpful listening to their advice on moving both practically and emotionally. I had always dismissed the idea of renting until one of them just added up the costs of moving twice, with fees and stamp duty. Sometimes we need an outsiders input to put things in perspective.
As for your summerhouse, I’m taking my beautiful greenhouse my husband built with me, it’s my little piece of the dream home we once had I can keep x
Hiya Helen thank you for your messages I’m taking one day at a time it gets so lonely as never lived on my own till now x
I’ve been very lucky I’ve been staying with my daughter and family and going home to finish the jobs needed to sell the house. The sale is now going through.
I’m dreading being in my own. Stephen and I met when I was 14 and he 16, we bought our first place when I was 19. We did everything together, even building our own house a few years ago. My plan is to get a dog when I’m settled somewhere, I need company and something to love and it will be a reason to get up and get out. That’s the main reason I didn’t want to rent but as it was just pointed out a pet is allowed now in a rental.
Hi Mel, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I can I understand that it’s difficult to move but also important for you. I hope you find something that you can make feel comfortable. The feeling of loneliness is very hard to deal with, the last time I lived alone was when I was 18 and after forty years being with my wife it’s terrible difficult to be in an empty house. I hope you find posting here helps you as much as it has helped me. Wishing you all the best
Tom
Hi Helen, I think it’s a good idea and it doesn’t mean something won’t pop up in the mean time. At least you won’t feel the need to buy the wrong property just to buy something. 
Wishing you all the best
Tom
Hi @Mel1823
I am sorry for your loss , I can understand why you feel the need to move . Maybe further down the line I will feel the same. How ever my finances are great. I understand about the loneliness. I was married to my husband for 36 years. It hard adjusting to being on your own . After being a couple for so long . I have good support of my son , daughter in law and a good friend. I still have a lot of time on my own. Look after yourself
Aw thank you for your message Tom it is very hard to deal with but I’m trying to get the house ready to move.
Hi Helen
That’s a really good idea about renting, always nice to get advice from people who are further down the line than us . Hope you have a pleasant afternoon.
Hello thank you for your message it’s good to talk to people that understand where I am this could be good for me