Normal service

Finally got the car back last Tuesday after virtually 4 weeks off the road, hope that's an end to the problems, but will get the car serviced just before we leave Sheffield. The other car we borrowed was very poor on fuel and it was good to see our car doing 59 mpg on a run down to Boston.

We have recently returned the signed contract to our solicitors and sort of agreed a move date of the 18 April, but the buyers have come back wanting an earlier date as the will have to pay a months rent if the move happens after the 11 April, which is too soon for us. We will work this out hopefully.

Two more houses near us have come onto the market while one more is still up for sale, this one for nearly a year, so we know what they are going through. We have been making a list of people to notify about our move, such as the council, gas board, bank etc so we can make sure we are not paying more than necessary for services on the Sheffield house.

One thing that will be different is that in Shetland there will be no gas, so either electric or oil will have to do, both of which are costly. We are looking into the new Air heating system and two companies offer this in Shetland. Also we will make sure that it has adequate insulation otherwise we will be throwing away good money.

We have checked out the ferry costs and just need to make sure that we pick a day where gales aren't disrupting the crossing. It will take us around 6.5 hours to get up from Sheffield to Aberdeen and will need a few stops for the cat.

With the move date in mind we have arranged our leaving party so we will have a full house if everyone turns up, this will be a mixture of family and friends. We have just got onto Skype and it will be good to see our family and friends as well as hear them. First though we need a house with an internet connection as the rented one does't have this facility.

Our rented bungalow is waiting for us and we are very grateful for the people that are renting this to us that they have been so patient as we first told them we might be moving at the beginning of March. Its a relief that we have this sorted out as there is very few places to rent and this is down to our friends in Shetland for helping with this.

                                                                                                A Shetland sheep

Update:
Not a good day at the match with the Owls loosing 1-4 to Watford, only one match left that we can get to as we now have a move date of the 15 April so everything is now moving fast.

We March on !!

A mixed week for news with the car still off the road with water entering the BSI unit and causing problems . The garage has ordered a part and it should finally be ready on Monday. This has meant that I have had to insure the loan car yet again.

The house is still on the move and we are just waiting for the results of the Searches which should be back next Friday. Then a date might be on the cards. We have just let the removal firm know so at least they will be on the ball. Also just phoned the people in Shetland that we are renting a bungalow from as originally we all thought we might be moving at the beginning of March. Good job we haven't as the ferry service from Aberdeen has again been affected by storms, and a couple of ferries setting off early at mid day rather than the normal evening time. Don't know what we would do if this happens as it would take us about 6 hours to get to Aberdeen from Sheffield.

Our cat is now practicing his meows (loud) for when we have to put him in the carrying basket to transport him up with us to the ferry. Previously every time he has been in the basket he has gone to the vets (so no happy memories)

Had sort of a leaving do at church today with Samantha bring two cakes to share. I went round taking a few photos and we said good bye to our vicar who wont be at church for the next three weeks. No doubt we will have another leaving do next week.

Later this week I will be giving three talks on Shetland, just to get us in the right mood. The first in Derby to a disabled Group then we move on the same day to give a talk to the Boston RSPB group, this is followed the next day with a talk in Nottingham, so a fair few miles.

                                                                                    Clumliewick Shetland

Yesterday was a good day for Sheffield Wednesday with a superb 4-1 win over Birmingham City. Great atmosphere and a good display from all the players. As i have had a season ticket since 1967 it will hard not seeing them in action. May be just the QPR game on Tuesday before we move, so let hope they win.

Computer problems

Since my last post the car has still been off the road waiting for the new BSI unit to be coded in. It appears that Citroen don't let independent garages know when they are updating codes, so they have to apply and then update their own computer before they can work on our car. Hope to get it back later this week as its costing a fortune to insure the hire car , and the fuel consumption is rubbish at only 18 mpg

The solicitors are still sending letters back and forth so things are still moving forward according to the estate agents. The searches are just being conducted and this will take about 10 day so its looking more like the end of the month before we move, which is just what we want.

Over the past few days we have been saying good bye to two groups of friends that we only see occasionally, a number want to keep in touch which is great. We hope to have some sort of a leaving party for our family and close friends but are undecided when to hold this.

Spring is in full flow down in Sheffield with many flowers out and many birds singing. Its good to get some sunshine at last as the wind drops. I have managed to get out into Derbyshire a few times running photography sessions, the adult education classes are just about to come to ahead next week. I have enquired about doing courses in Shetland and will think about this for later in the year, the pay is only 1/2 that I receive in Sheffield but i really enjoy doing the courses. I will be looking to combine these with other work

I still have a number of talks to do starting again next week with a talk on Shetland to a disabled group in Derby, followed the same evening with a talk in Boston to the RSPB group , on you guessed it Shetland again. The following day in Nottingham giving a talk on flight to the Oddfellows group.

                                                                                                           Shelduck