One of the many things we decided was not to rush into replacing Sprocket. Another was not to rush into selling either this house or 'the barn' down Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne way, or both, and possibly moving back to the UK. The best way forward seemed to be slowly slowly. Maybe do a bit of work to this house (not expensive major stuff), then get a realistic idea of its value and then decide what to do. It was good talking about that because I sometimes forget its good points, such as location, view, originality, etc. Similarly the barn and ruin, which, despite their dilapidated state, are in a location which wins prizes. Overall, I think we decided to look on the bright side rather than think doom and gloom. Had a bit of a giggle because that's the way Sprocket would have done it. Maybe not so slowly slowly though!
Surprising how quickly those nine days passed. And it's always the same. Just as soon as we sort of get used to each other's company, it's time for Georgie to get packed and driven off to Limoges airport. Two hours there, and two hours back. We usually leave the dogs at home for the trip, but now that's Sprock's gone I've started taking Jock with me wherever I go, so as not to leave him on his own. Took him for a sunny stroll up the Lightning Tree area, which I've renamed Sprocket Hill, when we returned home. Stood admiring the view as the sun slowly dipped towards evening and asked myself would I rather be here or back in the UK? Daft question really, but one never knows what the future has in store.
I know the feeling well. We spent a year apart before moving from S.Africa to the UK. Then after a couple of years we bought in France and spent a huge amount apart again. Last October we sold in the UK and we celebrate 1 year together in France at the end of this month. It was difficult at first but we are settling in well now. Think carefully before you make any major decisions. Take care Diane
ReplyDeleteMerci Diane. I've given up making major decisions. Maybe later.
Deletegood luck with your decision making - I pinch myself every day to make sure this is real (our idyllic life in France) but I couldn't do it on my own - good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue. I think, ultimately, we're aiming to stay here but I'm not entirely sure.
DeleteLots of changes ahead then Tommo, one way or the other. Wishing you 'bon courage' as the French say, and well done for not hurrying yourself into making a decision about where your future is going to be. I am sure that one morning you will wake up and quite clearly the way forward will come into your mind. Take notice of what that is, then act. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vera. Funnily enough, I not sure there are lots of changes ahead. Maybe a few. But, really, I haven't the foggiest.
DeleteBefore I get all up in your business, I LOOOOVE the new header...it is so appropriate.
ReplyDeleteYes, time is precious and waits on no man, and it may be a good time for you and Georgie to be together more.
Try to think of all the reasons you left the UK in the first place, and if you still feel the same way, well then you both will have some more compromising to do.
Hope you both figure it all out soon. In the meanwhile you can place one of those free real estate ads, and see what interest is generated for both properties.
Best of luck with your decision making....love springs eternal for you two.
Give Jock a tummy rub for me.
Thanks Virginia. We won't be placing any property ads in the immediate future, and maybe not even in the distant future. Really haven't a clue what we're going to do. Maybe nothing. There are so many pros and cons. Jock appreciated the tummy rub.
DeleteI thought you had put down permanent roots there, G. It must be really hard to make a decision, but how could you leave such a beautiful place? Can Georgie join you to live there soon? Hope so for both of you.
ReplyDeleteAh Sara. As someone who was brought up in the army, I find the idea of permanent roots scary! Everywhere's always been temporary and I'd have no problem in leaving here, however beautiful the surroundings. Don't exactly know if Geo's aiming to come out here sort of permanently or not. And she doesn't know either. As with everything, finances are a significant factor. Then there's Geo's elderly mum. And the fact that she (Geo) doesn't drive, so she'd lose the independence that she enjoys in London. Swings and roundabouts. So much to consider.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, can see your problem(s) now.........tricky and I suppose none of us know where life will take us, however much we plan. I am currently observing the slow death of my father and wondering what my mother will do when he has gone... I would like her to live near us but she is adamant she won't leave Kingston (so she thinks at the moment). And we are intending to travel lots in the next few years anyway, so she could find herself stuck on her own in our area knowing no one! What to do?
DeleteIt's no easy decision, there are so many practical, financial and emotional things to consider.
ReplyDeleteHaving an elderly parent in the UK certainly makes the decisions more difficult. I don't know if I could just abandon my father and leave him to his own devices. It wouldn't be fair to him and I wouldn't settle knowing I might have to make dashes back to the UK to sort problems out. He phoned me up the other day to ask me where he could get a new battery for his remote doorbell. If he can't sort that out by himself how on earth could he do without us?
On the other hand, a friend of ours, who we haven't seen for some years, was in the local paper last week - in the obituaries, age 62. It was quite a shock and made me realise you can't put decisions off for too long or one day it might be too late.