An unusual name on a French truck as we pass through the autoroute pay station this morning. We're off to pick up 'The Font' from the airport. A bid has been put on the small sea side cottage. Now we wait to see what happens. The sellers will refuse the first offer. We'll come back in with something higher. With a recession looming it won't be what the sellers would like/expect but both sides will hopefully be happy.
While waiting in the back of the car Sophie runs through her gamut of facial expressions.
These range from 'What's keeping you ?' ..... to 'I've been in the back of this car for hours ' ....
to the unmistakable ' There won't be any croissants left in the bakers if you dawdle any longer '.
In The Rickety Old Farmhouse furniture to be sent to the auction house is being set aside. When and where and how did we ever collect so much stuff ? Angus prints out labels and collates a list of what's to go and what's to stay. Sophie dozes. Downsizing is going to be a long and complicated process. Things do not easily fall into the two apparently simple categories of 'keep' or 'go'.
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14 comments:
For Sophie, I am predicting that a life of early morning walks along a cool and windy beach will more than make up for the future lack of curly croissant ends.
But Angus should note that, if the Torridon area is anything to go by, property prices in parts of Scotland are still very strong.
Cheers, Gail.
Downsizing the easy way… List the essentials you like and know will fit into a smaller space (e.g. x beds, bedroom furniture, dining table, chairs, and favourite sofa(s) to take). Then have a few nice wines with “The Font” and set a timer for 3 minutes. Both run around the ROFH at the same time, room by room, listing on a piece of paper the things you literally would try to save if there was a fire approaching. The things you would try to carry out or be devastated if you no longer had them. After 3 minutes stop. Compare lists! Now you know what is of most sentimental or monetary value to you both. The rest is just stuff that can be sold or given away.
For small knick knacks the rule of thumb is only to take whatever will fit on the top of your dining table (as theoretically, that should be in proportion to your new home). However, for reducing the number of books on your bookshelf, Angus, I think you will need to find your own solution!
PS The plan was for you and the Font to run around separately, then compare notes. Only 3 minutes each! For paintings, take all that give you joy, as even in a small house you will find enough wall space to hang many paintings on a single wall -you can always reduce the number of paintings when back living in Scotland. It's not easy downsizing, but with photos of the stuff you send to auction or gift, to remind you of past years, your path is clear for many more new adventures with Sophie! Wishing you all the best.
Hari OM
Having lived a life of major moves and separating from 'stuff' I know I can be quite ruthless... but also know that it can really take a toll. Riley's advice is sound, though I suspect for the size of the ROF, five minutes may be required. Best wishes for that offer. YAM xx
Given Sophie's reminder today that there won't be any croissants left if you don't hurry up, it may take a while for her to forget that very important part of each morning ritual! Perhaps 'The Font' will have to start making them?
I hope all goes to plan, a sensible offer is accepted, and the sale goes smoothly.
New adventures for you all.
I had assumed, wrongly it seems, that some of the furnishings came with the ROF and would be sold, along with the house itself. Or that the sale would include some. Possibly because the house that great-great grandparents built in Norwich Town, Connecticut, USA in 1855 and which was sold in 1972 was sold furnished. Of course, family kept a small number of items....
We went from two homes, to one smaller one four years ago, I feel your pain. Dementia is one of the fields I work in, thanks for the article on dogs.
Exciting times ahead for you. I questioned my husband yesterday about how he'd feel, and what he'd miss, if we made a move to the eastern part of Canada. He was more game for it than I ever imagined. We're new retirees so anything is possible for us now. Maybe the ocean will be in our future as well. Sophie's expressive face made me laugh out loud.
Hilarious faces, Miss Sophie!
I wish you and 'the Font' all the best as you make these decisions, the biggest one has already been made, and which treasures to keep I know or hope will come a bit easier - I hope the Christmas crib bought it in Prague (??) makes the cut - What would the holidays be without it?
Kim at G Pines - You can be sure the Christmas Crib will make the cut. Somethings are scared !
I just ordered The Gentle Swedish Art of Death Cleaning to read. Friends have been or are downsizing so most of my not going with us stuff is being taken to Goodwill. Thank you Life of Riley for your advice! I also ordered Mary Oliver’s Dog Poems for those times I feel overwhelmed and need to rest.
August is just going fly by for you because of all the necessary tasks. Hope all goes super smoothly! Looking forward to your new blog name when you get to Scotland.
We know only too well what you feel about 'keep or go'. Much depends on the where it is being kept for, and the emotions invested in the 'going'.
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