Sunday 2 July 2017

From Calm to Chaos

Well, I was obviously a bit premature with one of my previous posts about resuming normal service! From the relative calm of getting everything into some kind of order after the big move, we then descended into absolute chaos. First it was five days of the painter, and that wasn't even every single room (but most of them), then he was followed the next week by the carpet fitter - again not every room as some are laminated, thankfully. But it did involve shifting furniture and clothes twice more.

To say we were exhausted and floundering between rooms is an understatement but husband kept assuring me it would be worth getting it all done at once. I seem to remember that happening many years ago in our previous house when we had an extension built, new kitchen and bathroom and new windows all happening at the same time. I didn't like it then and still can't stand all the disruption. I was going to say the only room not disrupted was my lovely study but it became one of the dumping rooms and I could hardly get near the computer.

Anyway, husband was right and we're on the final stretch (I hope) with the new bed coming this week. Can't believe all the little things we need though, plus some other small jobs to be done, then it will be the garden... It's partly because we had held off renewing things long before we moved so now have to renew lots of it all at once. Then there was my new desktop computer (after years of husband's old laptop) - thought that would be straightforward but ran into one problem after another, most of which are now sorted, hopefully.

 

As if that wasn't enough, our d-in-law had some very bad family news in the midst of it all. So glad we've moved nearer now, which was the whole idea, as it's been an absolute pleasure seeing more of our lovely wee granddaughter and being of help when needed. Yesterday, we managed to have a great family morning out together when they introduced us to pretty Cramond. We'll definitely be back there as there's a good beach, and a causeway to walk across to the small island at low tide. Saw a few other places on the way home that we'll start exploring.

My only regret is that I didn't manage to meet up with blogging friend Patsy this time as it was right in the middle of our worst week, but I'm sure there will be a next time!

Rosemary

7 comments:

Julia Thorley said...

The best laid plans of mice and men are filed away somewhere, Rosemary. We're in the early stages of planning a new kitchen, but I'm not sure I can face the inevitable disruption. Couldn't we just eat out from now on?! Sorry about the family news. As you say, it's good to have everyone close.

Joanna said...

Disruption on this level is so hard to bear and I feel for you, Rosemary. I remember our extension being built when two of our daughters were young and the third was imminent. I don't know how we lived in all the mess and confusion. The worst part was when the builder hit snag after snag and had to keep extending the time it would take. I was determined it would be finished before the baby came! In the end, I was lying on the floor on my side like a beached walrus, painting the final skirting-board just before the due date. And she came along two weeks late after all that!

I'm so sorry about your daughter-in-law's family news. It must be a great comfort to her to have you close by. Wishing you well with the rest of the jobs in the house. Things will soon be normal again xxx

Jean Bull said...

Moving house and making it as you want it always causing disruption, but it's all worth it in the end, and I hope you'll be very happy there, nearer to your family.

Rae Cowie said...

I'm sure you've smiled and encouraged everyone through it all, Rosemary. Hope you find space for a little writing time really soon. X

Rosemary Gemmell said...

My sympathies with the disruption of the new kitchen, Julia - I've refused to change the one we've inherited at the moment as I can't face that as well!

Your experience of the extension sounds even worse than ours, Joanna! Thankfully, we're not having an extension built in this house - enough disruption elsewhere.

Thank you, Jean - what we miss in immediate sea and scenery, is more than compensated by being near the family.

Thanks, Rae! Today (Friday) is the first day of catching up again and I immediately feel better for it!

Anita Chapman said...

Hope life gets back to normal soon, Rosemary, and that I get to see you at the RNA conf this weekend! :)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Anita! Unfortunately, I'm not going to the conference this year because of the move which is just as well as we now have a funeral on Friday. Have a great time.