Back in Alvechurch UK and to hard work

A cleaned Big Ted back in his storage area

Who thought sleeping near Portsmouth and then driving to the Midlands on Good Friday would be a good idea? Well we were wrong, unsurprisingly it was a hideous journey back to Mums.

Helen and Ian popped round in the afternoon to bring us “box no 2” from their loft, 4 bowls, plates, mugs, glasses, knives and forks etc, and kettle and toaster. Important to be able to provide tea to tradesmen... Waved them off, did a little unloading of Ted before mum arrived and it all ground to a halt. First curry, we’d planned and booked, know we are home now.

The bluebells at Lickey Hills

Saturday was transport day, empty Ted before going to the storage to give him a shower. First we checked on the car, the car that has been sitting alone, and unloved for 6 1/2 months guarding Ted’s space. There were no birds nests in the engine compartment, there were 4 round wheels and amazingly it started first time. Phew, huge sigh of relief there. Three hours cleaning Ted then!

Mother and daughter heading to the summit fort at Lickey Hills

Easter Sunday was a scorcher, and neither we or mum had plans so we went for a little walk at the Lickey Hills, looking at bluebells, before returning to roast a leg of lamb. Not something I’ve done for a long time, very traditional, and though I say so myself very yummy. He was a good lamb, he’s been hot, cold with cauliflower cheese, biryani’d with chickpeas and today finally shepherds pie. 12 meals? Can’t be bad.

Look at that for a leg of lamb!

A leg of lamb wouldn't be complete without Jackie gnawing on the bone

Monday we planned administration, but actually went to see Sarah and John, to pick up the post we needed for the car insurance and ended up chatting for ages which was lovely.

Tuesday we could finally get in the house, we’d found some likely keys and walked round with Helen and Ian on Friday, but didn’t seem to have a full set, so we hadn’t been able to gain access, so this was is, was it really going to be as bad as we expected? 

A sad looking bathroom that needs ripping out and starting again

The kitchen was as expected, and needs changing, the bathroom was worse than expected and needs changing, the carpet through downstairs and the stairs and landing has been down at least 26 years and needs changing, the decoration that I did pre Brian needs changing so yes, we have our work cut out. We met Paul, the contractor who works with Colin our letting agent who seems lovely. He’ll do the kitchen, and bathroom, we’ll strip the wallpaper, and do the garden and whoever finishes first will do the decorating.... we started today, dado rail off, carpet up, to check on the floor which feels a bit weird but is actually fine and living room walls half stripped. From tonight we are staying in the house so we have no excuse not to get up and at it tomorrow....

A quite big lounge/diner that wasn't too bad, still with Jackies old baronial decorations. Its already half stripped from this

Lots of work needs doing in the garden