You got time for a cuppa tea and

a good yarn?

I have all the time in the world, spill.

Today there are no house viewings, amen, as 4 viewing's across 3 counties yesterday was a lot, too much actually my loves. So this windy, mid June, Saturday afternoon is for nothing other than a lot of tea and procrastination. So very British.

We have not been completely idol this morning though and did the back and forth on 2 out of the 4 properties we saw, 2 are off the list. One as tiny but perfect but only if you wanted landord in your garden. The next one was nice but the farm access was shared drive. The next was great, perfect almost but the farm vehicles also used the same access. Then we narrowed it down to 1 and will make the application.

So we've seen 6 altogether so far and wasted weeks on the Estate house which we regret.

With hindsight we did not need a rambling old house with paper thin windows, riddled with neglect. Been there and done that! The estate land agent, the pompous arse really needs lessons in how to live in 2025 and not to expect, a 30 year tenancy, be condescending towards women, flat out ageist and could actually be friendlier. It was a horrible experience to be interrogated for an hour, only to be told we are 'too risky'. The whole process was very discriminatory and they didn't even ask for our bank statements!

We are mid 50's and not retiring anytime soon and I'm sure we would have done that house up better than most can and will. I do hope the new rules kill off all this landed gentry crap, where we are expected to be grateful and invest in their tumble down real estate. I really didn't expect to be treated as an outsider, or not good enough because we are coming from France. Even so, we have a fair credit history here that can only be improved by having a home and being on the electoral roll.

Of course I've gone for the slightly wrecked one, but I know I can work my magic and sadly, whilst the other one was move in ready, it was too expensive and there was a possible issue with dog safety. We rarely take the easy option. In fact in readiness I'm opening a youtube channel soon.

So let's see where next week takes us eh?

It's all to play for of course, but essentially we are re enjoying the ease of British life and whilst it is easy, it can also be rather frustrating. The traffic was brought to a standstill on the A1 at rush hour yesterday by a larger than life monster vehicle and its safety patrol. I do miss French traffic as there really is none unless city bound.

I also just wanted to let you know that I wholeheartedly support your French or any other worldly adventure. I'm not here to diss your choices, or change your mind but France didn't work for us in the end. If it suits you and you are happy then I'm clapping you on. Here's to you and your dreams!

That said, I absolutely love seeing my family again, even though my mums passing fractured my side of the family even more, if that were possible? It appears so.

I adore the supermarket shopping, garden centres and shopping here in general. I obviously have more gluten free choices here and yes I've been a little bit of a piggy! Oops. I really love the weather here, it's mad! At the moment its muggy and blowing a gale and I really don't mind that. I have absolutely no wish to be in air con hiding because of 30+ temps. Those temps are for holidays I feel.

The British countryside is something else, a green and pleasant land. Life is indeed easier all round but we are practically homeless, must not forget that tiny insignificant detail, so yes my mind has travelled back to my fabulous french kitchen a couple of times this week. I've also muttered 'wtf did we do' every twenty minutes but here we jolly well are and I still prefer it.

In other ways I do not miss France. I struggle to think beyond what we created. Sometimes the whole caboodle doesn't seem real but it coloured 8 years of our lives on and off. It's just so nice just to be and let our nervous systems settle.

Of course it will be a relief to get out of airbnb living and soon. My son is about to come and see us with our washing. I never thought I'd see the day but as we get older the kids do become more helpful. I do feel that airbnb advertising does need fact checking. For instance, one shouldn't be allowed to advertise for long stays unless they have a full sized fridge freezer, access to a washing machine and we shouldn't be calling it 'luxury' when there is no coffee machine! Also the details for this one did not mention the owner is facing the holiday let and we often look longingly at their green spaces with not a spike of grass for our dogs to play on! Is it 'dog friendly'........no I don't think so!

I'd rather be in my old camper, RIP Big bertha!

Fathers day tomorrow here in Blighty! The kids wont be around so it will be down to Muma bear to thank his Madge for all that he does! A few pressies and a slap up sunday lunch and I will be designated driver! Mind outta the gutter folks!

Lots of love and gumption

D x