Goodbyes and gaffer tape

As predicted, it has been a week of mixed emotions. On the one hand, I have had to say my farewells (but please come and visit) to former clients and colleagues and on the other, a rising excitement with the countdown to a new life ticking down. Days are spent packing endless boxes and nights are spent reminiscing about the years gone. Most poignant was the evening spent with the old Dog Hollow gang reliving the halcyon days of the Hyde Park walkies and all the dogs that have come in and out of our lives. Unfortunately I forgot to take any photos of such a memorable event so all have been instructed to repeat the event in France.

If the last week of tears and goodbyes has taught me anything, it’s that any lingering self-doubt about moving has all but dissipated. I’m ready to go now. Friends will be friends wherever you go and let’s face it, I’m really only a short flight away so mes amis really have no excuse and neither do I. As I pack up each room, the house seems less and less mine. The new owner has been around a couple of times with various builders discussing which walls are to come down and how best to rip up my exceedingly expensive floors so that they can add underfloor heating. I kept my mouth shut, they have no idea how warm chez knollys is even in the winter. In little over a week, all the bricks and mortar will belong to someone else. I’ve called all the utility companies and even managed to cancel the Sky account, this is a task better suited to MI5 for any thinking of doing the same. So now it’s just me and nine very confused woofers and a whole lot of half-filled boxes.

So the removal company comes on Friday, I’m slightly concerned about the amount of stuff they have to take but I’m assured all is in hand. At least I will see the end of the battle between me and the gaffer tape. Have you ever tried sticking it in one line and holding the top of a massive box together at the same time? I dread to think how much dust will appear once the beds and sofas are removed but I am looking forward to seeing the back of the cardboard mountain. And just in case I felt a little sad at leaving the house Tony and I bought a little over 24 years ago, one of my neighbours has decided that Sunday mornings and Balalaika music played at full volume is what every person needs. The last time he did this, I played ‘Let it Go’ on repeat behind his fence but I think I can live with the cacophony today. I’m not telling the new owners…..

“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)