Life suddenly picking up its pace. Leaving the village seemed like something that was going to happen in the far future but will be happening at the end of the week. The packing of our desktops may happen sooner than that. That's seven weeks since the couturier showed up on our doorstep. Serendipity moves quickly. The notaire says this is the fastest sale he's ever done.
The packers arrive. They've driven down from Dusseldorf. By the time they get here it's nudging 33 degrees. 39 forecast. Not ideal conditions for carting around furniture and loading up boxes. Their truck is enormous. It holds 100 cubic metres of furniture. They were going to sleep in their truck but 'The Font ' says they'll die from heatstroke if they do. Rooms are booked for them in the village gites. This is not entirely altruistic. If they sleep well they'll hopefully be more efficient and get everything crated up more quickly.
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The old mayor comes with his sidekick to pick up some peonies in pots. These will be transplanted to the flower borders in front of the church where the shrubs have succumbed to the heat . The old mayor spots the 2 metre tall artificial Christmas tree in its box. I explain that the Guangzhou Christmas Tree factory produced this one with a light show that is 'sporadic' and a danger to anyone who is epileptic. This doesn't put them off. They both consider an artificial Christmas tree to be the height of sophistication. The boxed up tree and some Christmas ornaments are taken away with them. Later this year the tree will take pride of place in the village hall window . They also take the two grey painted wooden Versailles planters from outside the front door. After refurbishment they will look as good as new. These will go on either side of the church door.
Sophie seems to have finally understood that something is going on. She considers having a nap in the library but a steady streamer of packers moving back and forth puts her off the idea. The family diva gets extra attention, lengthy ear chooks and is soon asleep at my feet, in the office, with the fan full on.
A separate, smaller, croissant for Sophie this morning. I tell the girl in the bakers we are moving. She wonders who she will speak English to. Who indeed ?
Coming back with us a piece of art picked up in New York many years ago. 'Rosie, Queen of the dogs goes to the light house every day'. I see from the price tag on the back it cost us $411.14 in 1989. What an unusual number. Why not $410 or $415? Give it a week or two and Sophie will also be having a daily visit to the lighthouse and a chance to make the acquaintance of the local seal population. In the meantime there will be hotels and restaurants and exotic ' scents ' to enjoy.
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11 comments:
I never expected to see a Shore Porters removal lorry parked outside the ROF! The company's headquarters is just a mile from my Aberdeen home. Your readers might be interested to know that the company was established in 1498, "six years after Columbus discovered America" according to their website.
It's great news that some of your Christmas decorations will be staying in the village.
Cheers, Gail.
Did you ever get the christmas bauble that I sent?
Good luck with the packing and I'll make a note of Shore Porters for the future!
Poor Sophie must be rather unsettled. Reassuring scritches and Sophie sized croissants I am sure will help.
She has such wonderful new adventures to look forward too!
xx
Yes, sharing Gail's surprise at seeing a Shore Porters' lorry! Norwegian friends of ours used them to move from Aberdeen to Norway and found them excellent. We're using White's, another Scottish company. They're big on the scene here in Moray because of the two military bases. We figured if they can move MOD stuff safely they can move us! That was very kind of you to put the removers up in gîtes. I bet they don't get that treatment everywhere.
Hari OM
...that moment when it all settles into one's being that change is no longer planned but happening, and that too, fast! Nice to think of some legacy living on in the village with chrissy decs and flower boxes. YAM xx
My goodness, things are moving at a fast pace! Using an old established Scottish removal company, you can be sure (fingers crossed) that all the paperwork to transport your treasures back to Brexit-land will be in order.
I'm pleased that some of your Christmas decorations, plants and Versailles platers will remain in the village. A nice way to remember you - and who will forget Sophie!
I would assume that when you finally reach the Channel, you'll take the tunnel? Another new experience for Sophie.
When we came here with our two Labs, all those years ago, we needed a roof-box on the car as the dogs were spread out in comfort, taking up the entire back of our estate car. Because of the extra height, we were loaded into a double height wagon, sandwiched between two coaches. Throughout the 35-minute journey people came up to make a fuss of the dogs and to chat to us. The girl who did the announcements was actually late because she chatted to the dogs and was most concerned about their welfare!
I hope the new house has room for all your books. I am amazed at how quickly you have arranged everything , I am defeated at just the thought of moving. Can't wait to read Sophie's new adventures.
Blimey, I thought our seach/find/buy/move was quick - in the middle of covid it was. Just after Christmas we put an offer and moved in at the end of March, after new floors and decorators. Two lorry loads, moving from bigger to smaller, garage is our second home...still. after 1.5 year. Take it easy when you arrive at your new destination. I do love Scotland and Scotland with a sea view is even better. Hope the weather shock doesn't last ;)
New adventures await, onward without regrets,
Goodness, I feel like we are traveling down a steep road and the brakes have failed. Anticipatory nostalgia. Already missing the local cast of characters, the wisteria, the view across the valley, the muddy stream, croissant ends. Safe travels, though, and new adventures to follow at the end of this road.
Lizzie
What is life but one grand adventure?
Well said, YAM!
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