Packing

Trying to put the potential delay at the Italian end to the back of our minds (never mind the fact that we have yet to exchange contracts on our Abingdon house), we spent a significant part of the weekend packing, sorting and clearing out.

After 8 hours at it yesterday, the loft is now completely clear, the shed has been cleared out and tidied (we are leaving a few items in it for the new owners), and we are up to 21 packed boxes.

We had a brief visit from Jennie, Pete and Megan yesterday afternoon, who came to relieve us of some toy storage units that there simply won't be room for in Italy. We managed to grab a half-hour break and a cup of tea with them in the glorious sunshine in the garden. It was really lovely to see them all and a very welcome distraction, although they were gone all too soon and there was nothing else for it than to get back to it.

The cats have not been impressed with all of the disruption, and frankly I know how they feel! It's all very unsettling and now Stuart has gone to Birmingham for the week, leaving me and the cats sitting amongst boxes, dust, cobwebs and general disarray.

There have been no more updates on the Italian situation as yet (no surprises there - we must get our heads around doing things the 'Italian way' at Italian speed!), but the solicitor dealing with our Abingdon sale has reported: "Apparently there is a bit of a hold-up in relation to [the buyers'] own sale transaction. They are selling a Leasehold property and the Management Company have not put in place the necessary fire risk assessments and asbestos checks regarding the Building ... those are being dealt with now but it may take a few days for them to be resolved."

I'm finding the uncertainty of it all very difficult to deal with - I need concrete dates and definite arrangements! 

~ Helen