First viewing

People came round yesterday afternoon to look at the house. They were a youngish couple with a seven year old boy who ran around the garden in circles enjoying the freedom of a good gallop. They loved it but I don't hold out hopes because the house would be too small. Anyway, it's a start. I suggested an open house to my agent but that just never happens, apparently. I love the British in most ways but marketing isn't their strong point.

More of the new me

This is the link to the property I am hoping to buy but first I have to sell my house.
http://www.findaproperty.com/for-sale/property-11217119
I think most of my followers have seen it but just in case.
My house went on the market today and now I just cross my fingers and hope for the best. It is a huge decision and, of course, I am mucho nervous. There are many things I will miss about Old Headington not the least of which is my neighbours on either side. I couldn't be living beside two better people than Diana and Kathleen. But I think it is time for a change and I am keen to be nearer the farm, Rachel and the family. Maybe Charlie will give me a job in the asparagus shed! I will update as soon as there is anything to report.

After the funeral but still dressed up

The boys in the family rented black suits for the funeral

Adam in his 

Chloe and Adam resting

Rosie in her black dress and Charles in his suit

Charlie

Rachel

Funeral

Shay's funeral was on Wednesday. It was a fitting sendoff for a wonderful man. The little stone church at the end of Binsey Lane was full to bursting with friends and family and many more were standing outside under umbrellas. It rained on and off, mostly on, for all the day. Had the day been fine, my plan was to park at the farm and walk down Binsey Lane to the church but I had to abandon that idea. Rachel had warned me to arrive early if I wanted to be inside and in a seat for the service. She was right. The service itself was simple and appropriate. Rachel and Charlie each read a poem and one of Shay's old friends delivered the eulogy, a beautiful tribute to this much loved man. Then we went out to the churchyard for the burial. Shay's wife, Barbara, died 14 years ago and was buried in the churchyard and now Shay rests beside her. I was doing fine until they lowered the coffin and then I lost it. He had a very good life and a good end to that life but it is the end of an era. We stood in the rain under our umbrellas and cried and then we went back to the farm to celebrate his life.

Shay's funeral

Yesterday was the funeral.

Easter

Rachel did Easter lunch for all seven of us. I say seven because, of course, Shay wasn't there. I sat in the place at the table where he always sits. It was very sad. I know that he was an old man (89) and it was better that he not linger in a vegetative state, blah, blah, blah. But he was a wonderful man and we will miss him; I will miss him. Being at the farm and knowing that he will not come out the door with a cheerful greeting, Millie coming along behind limping a bit and trying to wag her tail, leaves an empty feeling that is not going to go away any time soon. And what about his bicycle? One of the iconic sights of Binsey was Shay cycling along with Millie running behind. The funeral is next week, 18th at the little ancient stone church at the end of Binsey Lane. He will be buried in the churchyard beside Barbara.  

I passed

Got home from Ikea this afternoon to find the passport had arrived. The lady who interviewed me on Wednesday must have rushed out of the room when I left and said, "We gotta have her, we gotta have her." Anyway, here it is and I am mucho pleased.