John started his new job for Booz Allen Hamilton. Yep, as expected, like a firehose. And he got just a few days to set up insurance for both the rest of this year- and for next. After several days, he was able to get some info on the particulars. Hard to make choices when you don’t know the difference between some plans. I still don’t have the details myself, but will soon.
Jenny and John spent a couple days in Bath, which happened to be their first trip when they moved to the UK. We took care of the boys after school pickup, food, play dates etc until they returned-
Also during this weekend, we had to move to a smaller apartment because our regular one had been pre-booked. We knew this was the plan all along, but was harder both ways, as John was at work. We have 7 suitcases/duffles, plus groceries, odds and ends. A anyway, I got a “cleaning helper” from the apartment group both times, but it was plenty of exercise. You’ve never really moved house until you have carried massive bags up or down very narrow and twisting stairways. As I said, great exercise. Finished off with a cup of tea. And to be fair, John shlepped some bags before and after, which really helped.
We made lists of all plug in items we are buying from the Beavers- from hair dryer to tv…we keep adding to it. They will stay in a hotel very close to us for the next 4 nights, and we will take turns having the boys bunk in with us, as their hotel room only holds 3—not 4.
The letting company has written a draft of our lease, which we have read, and mostly understand, the housing office on base has looked at the lease, and will inspect the home. Then we can sign the lease and move the Beaver items into the garage until we take possession of the rental Nov. 25th. Once the house is inspected, we are allowed to put Beaver items in the garage (covered by our insurance).
...Looks like our target day of today- to move things is going to shift till tomorrow. Paperwork is not quite ready.
Still no word of when our stuff lands at Felixstowe port, should be next week. Onward and upward.
We went to a lovely going away “do” (party) for the Beavers last Sunday afternoon. It was held at the Checkered Skipper pub nearby. So quaint. Thatched roof etc. Their friends brought their children, and 1 family brought their dog. We met a bunch of really nice folks, and it's obvious the Beavers are loved and will be missed. We enjoyed getting to know the folks and kids a little, and heard many stories of times they had shared with Jenny and John.
Jenny and I cleared moss and weeds from their front door area, and 2 tiny patios yesterday, not gardening in my book, however it was a fun project…and it wasn’t raining at the time, which was a plus.
We had our first frost this morning, and temps under freezing a bit. Seeing frost on the moss of a slate roof was charming. Still working on ways to send pictures.
So the Beavers will packet tomorrow, on Jenny’s birthday, not anyones’ best choice…but it fit their timeline. And it will probably rain… We are having them over for chili etc tonight, plus some of their fridge leftovers maybe.
Its another busy week, but things are settling a bit, as we are in this apartment till we move into the house. Don’t know if I already mentioned, but the house is about half a mile to town center, and a mile to the grocery store. We are buying Jenny’s little car, a little gray Honda, which John will use once we turn in the rental. After while, I will learn to drive over here, and we will get John another car, and Jenny’s will be my out and about transport. No rush. I can tell my brain is getting used to looking the correct way for traffic, and am making those tight left turns in my head while John drives. No rush….
Love you all, each week is new and different. I know I ramble on at times, and may introduce a subject- then totally drop it. Yep I'm on too many rabbit trails. Hop, hop hop!