August update

Sorry about that - I composed a lovely long blog and in the middle of it I had to get some information from previous blogs so I saved my blog, hoping to get back to it but I failed and all that came out was the heading.
I will try to remember wot I rote.
Firstly we have decided not to sell the house and we have taken it off the market. We had so many people telling us that we were making a mistake, especially John and a solicitor friend of mine. Costs of Stamp duty; estate agents and solicitor's fees; removal costs; cost of selling things we could no longer use - furniture, nicknacks etc. ; in addition the monthly money we get from Northern Rock. We have made a lot of friends down here and we meet them fairly regularly for pub lunches, black tie do's, boules evenings etc. and Tina and Celia both live within a few minutes. The downside is the cost of the ferry so I have decided to buy a book of discounted ferry tickets, which we can use ourselves or pass over to prospective visitors.
Life here is so quiet and stress free and we love it so there you have it. I have promised Mum that we will visit the mainland at least monthly so that she can visit her friends in Chinnor, or wherever and we have always got room for family visitors if they wish to come. We can always help with ferry costs out of the money we will have saved by not paying the estate agent!!

We have been out and about during this past lovely sunny month - to Cowes to see the sailing and to keep in touch with what is going on. They are demolishing that block on the Parade with the railway trains exhibition right back to Bath Road where the ice cream shop was and building a massive block of flats. We also went into East Cowes where all those factory buildings near the ferry terminal have been demolished and the town's NEW PLAN is being built. New housing blocks are appearing out of the mist in Newport,- notably where the two garages were opposite each other in Fairlee - the Esso one stays but the National one has been replaced by a block of flats. The old bus station is going and being replaced by a shopping centre. There are also plans to re-site the Fire Station and that tyre place next to it. We have a new large Pizza Express opposite Dabells corner in Newport, but we have not yet been there. We went to Niton to that Fields Farm nursery and had a very nice lunch. Bought some plants,etc. It did not rain !! Cathy. We went out to dinner at the Royal Solent Yacht Club in Yarmouth and had a lovely evening. Mum heard from Gloria Minghella that Anthony has bought the rights to those No 1 Ladies Detective Agency books (based in Botswana) and is in the middle of writing the film script to the first one.
We have replaced our little pond with a small circular flower bed with the little lady holding the watering can in the centre. And we have re-sited our litttle fountain.
To family - we are looking forward to seeing Steve this weekend, after his mammoth re-decorating job in Woodford Green
- Perhaps he will be starting in Nicks cottage in Ivinghoe next. We'll see.
We learn through Ruth's blog (meanwhile somewhare in France) of Julian's offer - I haven't thought through the possible consequences yet, but no doubt the four of them will make their decision. We love the recent Postcards. You have painted some beautiful luscious fruits, Julian. The peaches, apples etc are wonderul. Would you like some photos of our Rouen pottery to add to your still lives - I'll get Steve to take some photos this weekend. Ruth is certainly moving about - when will she have a rest? After you have read this, I will let you rest until my next blog. Love to all Dad