:) thanks

She's an old hand at Europe, and smarter than the average bear, but that doesn't matter. She could be ensconced in the US Embassy with 24 Marine Corps guards, Dad must exercise his prerogative to worry a little. Keeps him young, you know. ;)

24 Marine Guards! Who will watch the watchers?

She's smart, she can pit them against each other at will. :yesnod:

L'il Pete has lucked out with the weather!
Or maybe she brought it with her and I should be thanking her.

Hope she has a wonderful time. London is full of wonders.

Thanks Sundae!

Spent a couple of hours with Mum at their new flat yesterday.
She was there to take delivery of some flat-pack furniture, which a very nice man is coming to assemble in the next week.

The place is even more beautiful now that the sunlight is filtered through trees.
The amount of natural light is still enormous, but the immediate view is softened now the branches aren't bare.

I came ready to roll my sleeves up and do stuff, but Mum just wanted company and conversation. Oh and lunch, which I brought. The only slightly jarring note was when she told me I was getting fat again (yeah okay, I am) and I would never get a man that way. Right. Okay. Thanks. Like i want one after breaking my ex husband's heart.

Anyway. We got on so well, and the place is so lovely. I feel real envy; she is actually getting what she deserves. I could :facepalm: for forgetting the camera. Little chance I will document it for you now.

Oh crikey. I really am leaving.

After mithering me about packing for days (I have been) Mum said yesterday, "Oh you have tomorrow off, don't you? Can you go to Argos for me?"
Well, yes. Only I was in Argos earlier that day. And the reason I have time off is because I am trying to organise a move halfway across the country. And you are staying in the same town.

But hey. She's helped me so much.
And if I feel bereft about moving away from everything and everyone I know at 41, it must be worse for her at 67. She's leaving behind neighbours she's had for 40 years and a house which she raised a family in.

I thought our preplanned trip to London ended up being at a really bad time, but in fact I think it will be perfect. Cherry and Sheila together and happy with one last good memory before both our moves.

I think thats a great idea Sundae. Xx

That's OK, pictures couldn't be better than the word pictures you paint.;)

That is such lovely thing to read. Everyone has been very kind to me recently. I mean, I get it IRL; I'm leaving so they don't have to keep it up :lol: but it's been true here too.

Ended up having to go to bed with a sick headache and a job not fully completed.
And when I say sick headache, this isn't laziness, it's very real. It wasn't a migraine, but I know my body well enough to know the incipient signs. Back in the day, Mum would have called it "getting myself into a state", and she didnt mean Pennsylvania. That descripion works as well as anything; my emotions affected my physical health long before I even knew it was possible.

I've broken the back of the packing. It's 97% done.
Toiletries can be swept into a binbag if I so choose.
Clothes can be bundled up similarly.
Staying calm is my biggest challenge now; if'n I can only avoid more panic then this is completely manageable.

As Professor Brian Cox knows, things can only get better.

A 'sick headache' is a sign that you need to rest, slow down for a minute. I'm glad you recognize that and just let it be. This is how we take care of our mental and physical health. Knowing when to say when. We're not all wired for constant stress; some people can do it, most of us cannot. You are going to be great! You know the signs and the steps to take, and you're not beating yourself up. :)

Actually, if the stuff isn't breakable, bin bags are easier to load and carry than boxes.

...and easier to snag and tear. And less "storable-for-unpacking-later" which could be a positive or a negative......

Okay, I'm here in Otley, using free wifi in a cafe.
Just wanted to log on to say thank you so much to all the Dwellars for their card and housewarming gift.
And of course my Christasteers for going above and beyond in terms of physical moving.
This is a general catch-up, as there's only so long I can eke out a cup of tea.

Still disorientated and emotionally unstable. Still overwhelmed. Had an afternoon kip and woke up completely disorientated. I felt a rush of panic and had to breathe myself back down. I did though.

I'll write things up properly when I can include photos and also feel 100% confident of feeling confident, so as to do this place and the help I've had proper justice.
Which is why this post is here and not in the location thread.

Just for the record I joined the library today and got forms from the Doctors (I need to findsome paperwork to provide some of the details they require).
The library and Post Office are right behind my flat.
Going to see a film at the Courthouse tonight, it's a Community Centre, not an odd name for a cinema. May as well do that than stare at the walls.

Going home form here (approx 2 minutes walk) via a cheap shop where I can get a dustpan and brush for under £3, which apparently the three large supermarkets can't manage!
Then Argos to get my Cellar-camera.

I keep worrying about leaving the flat for too long because of Diz.
Then remember he's not there at present.
I miss him tons, but it really is for the best.

Raining here. Has been on and off since I arrived.
No worries about sunstroke here I guess.

Thanks for checking in. I was wondering how it was going.