Well, it's high time...

...that I wrote something here.

The dust is beginning to settle, and we are starting to feel like we really do live at our new place in Newbiggin. It has, undoubtedly, been a stressful fortnight, and one littered with various physical and emotional challenges. I'm not entirely convinced either of us have come through with flying colours, but the reality is that we now have a home which we are starting to like - and a location that suits us far better than the previous one.

No longer must we put up with the constant swearing outside our window and the smell of cigarette smoke wafting in most of the time. We get a degree of noise at night, because we are quite near two pubs, but it is not on anything like the scale of before. Not only that, but our bedroom is on the back of the property, where it is considerably quieter anyway. The only thing to trouble us here is the barking of the dogs who live at a business out back. I'd be happier if they were actually in the Outback. Australia.

I still don't have my shack fully built, but it is coming along. I am frustrated by my supposedly super-dooper firewire sound card, which has actually been nothing but bother. Trying to get my radio station to work has been a right pain.

Nevertheless, I have a much larger kitchen to create nice things in - something that TL and Ruth were kind enough to let me do last night. I made a creditable mushroom and leek risotto. It was nice to cook with sufficient space to actually move in. It was actually a joy.

So, we have a housewarming to look forward to and prepare for - if you know us, there's an excellent chance that you are invited. Forgive me if I forget to ask you personally. All our friends from Newbiggin/Ashington are very welcome. Please contact me for details.

Well, that about wraps it up for the "catch-up blog".

I should close by saying something very heartfelt and sincere:

It's not been easy, this last year, despite living with the person I love, having to put up with with such an awful place to live in. This new flat brings with it a promise of a more peaceful existence, and I feel a real sense of relief - but also pride that I am no longer embarrassed to welcome people into my home. It will be great, over the next few weeks, to welcome people to somewhere we have no immediate intention of leaving.

Quite apart from anything else, TL would explode if we were to move again soon.

Comments

[Tim the Enchanter]

Wonderful! Very please for you both, and looking forward to helping to warm your new home.

[fave sis michelle]

happy house warming from South Yorkshire wish we could be there but wouldonly make a fool of myself, we have a birthday party to attend for little one then im working the next day so make it go with a bang.........p.s.earplugs for those noisey dogs or a tranquiliser gun for them............

[Jason]

So glad you're safely in and the boxes are slowly being emptied into the furthest reaches of the place's many many crevices and cubby holes where I'm sure they'll lie undisturbed until you next have to move. Can't wait for the housewarming. Is it fancy dress?

[Rebecca]

So glad to see you are settling in and when I am back a w, not saying it just yet, we will have to set up the wires for hot chocci and coffee orders. You even managed a nap....ahhh.

[colin]

I can't wait for the warming - I'm prepared to travel from the windswept island for what promises to be the social event of the year. Bless you both.

[AndyC]

Colin and Sue - come on down! We can offer you a warm bed for the night/nights and as much Northumbrian soup as you can eat.

It will, at least, be the social event of the...day.