How are we all doing ?

Hi H,I do sympathise as I have advanced osteoarthritis too.My hip is not as bad as my spine but still painful enough.I can’t walk far anymore.I have a grab rail in the shower and find it so helpful.John has an excellent physio in the neuro muscular team in Bristol.She advised him on what he needed at home.They already had rails up to the front door as they were put in for his dad who had the same condition.The grass is ridiculously long,it’s been hard work in the garden with all the shrubs growing huge.A smaller garden is going to be so much easier.I will miss the garden though,lots of happy memories of mum and I creating paths and having fun.Love Jane xx

My parents executors were the solicitors that held the will, cut long story short they advised us to use 2 particular agents. We had quotes done by these 2 independent firms and strangely enough they both came up with virtually the same value. Having looked around the area it appeared that they were both undervaluing the property. My brother and I were not happy so we cut free from the solicitors and went with an out of town agent and managed to get another £25,000 on top of the original value.

You are quite correct you do need to feel comfortable with the agents as obviously they are there to serve you, after all you are paying them for good service. It's certainly not something I enjoy doing and kept my moving house to a minimum.

Take care, Chris 

I wouldn’t have been able to cope with the woman from the third agents.I would appreciate guidance but I don’t want someone telling me exactly what I need and organising workmen in a new property.I didn’t think it was very professional hearing all about her clients in detail.I was put off from the start when she said she was no 1 estate agent and not to bother with anyone else ! 

Couldn't agree with you more, that opening line is a bit of a giveaway, some people can be so pompous. It doesn't take long to suss some people out. Our young lad was so enthusiastic and I warmed to him pretty quickly, he kept us well informed and we had a few bumps on the way, as you do. I just hope he maintains that drive because he'll do well.

Hi Jane, things seem to be moving now, hope all goes well with selling the house and moving to your new one, a bit more work for you and then breathe and relax, you deserve it. 
it can be quite stressful moving although I haven’t really done it, when we first got married (52 years ago!) we lived in a caravan for 6 years and then bought a house, that was 46 years ago! 
look after yourself and don’t do too much, thinking of you xx

I had to admit defeat with the mowing.Made a start but felt too sick to continue.I think I overdid it in the garden yesterday.John came round and helped with a couple of tasks indoors which was kind.Will have to rest up tonight and get some things done early tomorrow instead.

I’ve been here since 1998 which is by far the longest I have lived anywhere.I moved over 20 times before we came here.I’m looking forward to a rest.

I still can’t really understand how it’s all down to you to get everything ready for sale with no help, I have been in the triangle of parents needing help and then the inevitable finally sorting affairs out, I had my husband to help, and he was amazing, but in your position it must be so hard, if we were nearer we would come and help, if only xx

Thank you so much for your support.John is lovely and supportive and helps where he can.It’s getting harder for him now as his health is worsening and he has to be at home to look after his mum who is getting frail.My sister works but she did come over and help me the other week.It would be nice if she offered assistance as I feel bad having to ask her.We had a good support network a few years ago but most people have died now or moved away.My two friends who live closest are both in poor health and the others live up north and are all working full time.Hopefully when I move I will be able to join something and meet some new people.I didn’t have the opportunity when I was caring for mum as I couldn’t leave her for long.You don’t get to have much of a social life as a carer.I do have friends I just wish they lived nearer.My fault for moving back to the West Country.Love Jane x

I had some worrying news about my elderly uncle last night.A neighbour found him at the bottom of stairs not making much sense.Paramedics took him straight to hospital and they are keeping him in for at least a week.A scan showed a small bleed on the brain and something on his lung.My uncle will be 87 soon and lives alone.He isn’t safe on his own now and I hope alternative living arrangements can be found for him.He is adamant he doesn’t want anybody living in his house but doesn’t want to live with his daughter either.I love him dearly but he is being so difficult and cantankerous.I rung the estate agents and have arranged for the photos and measurements to be taken next Thursday.I don’t feel well and I couldn’t have got everything ready in time for today.I should be able to get a few more jobs done and finish the mowing by then.Perhaps I can persuade my sister to help out after all she benefits from the house sale.Pouring with rain here but very humid.Love to all Jane xx