Thursday 15 November 2007

Back in the land of blog!

Hurrah - we've moved! And unbelievably it all went really smoothly. This is just a quick post to say thank you so much for all the good wishes I think they must have really helped because we hardly had a hiccup and already the new place feels like home. I'm sorry there are no pictures with this post but we don't get broadband connected for a couple of weeks (groan!) and I can't upload my photos but I've got tons to share.

The best are the views, just unbelievable and the first thing I do every morning is gaze out of our huge window across the houses to the rolling hills and distant views of the Churnet Valley. Its glorious. This morning I was greeted with frosted fields, misty hollows and a reddening sky complete with a skein of pink-footed geese heading towards the river meadows. My second favourite thing is the walk to school, a total thrill after driving 30 miles there and back everyday since September. Again there are fab views and I love walking into the old part of the village down the tiny footpath across the fields, past a row of old cottages and the 12thC church. All week Woody and I have found ourselves stopping for a second saying "I can't believe we live here now, can you?"

The house is beginning to get into some sort of shape and I'm getting used to living in a '60s house. Feels a bit odd but it's quirky and a few metres of fabric and some paint will change it hugely. I've already started painting it cream to show off my treasures(couldn't live with the peach/orange dining room for a minute longer!). Yesterday I made a brilliant find in my favourite little shop in Leek. Pretty Chic is a mine of vintage fabrics and beautiful bits and bobs, everything from china to furniture and ornaments so I have to pop in when I'm in town. It's one of those gorgeous shops that when I walk into I want to squeal with joy. I couldn't believe my luck when I saw, the sweetest, glass-fronted, white painted cabinet for sale. It was just meant for me, the day before the owner had reduced it from £60 to £25 and I just had enough spare to afford it. Its living in the garage for now but its new home will be the dining room, lined with pretty paper or fabric, not decided yet, and will be the perfect treasure trove for my rose china and vintage glass.

I'm back at work for the first time in a week today so did a trawl of the Broomhill charity shops in Sheffield and yet again left Oxfam empty handed and a bit annoyed. Too expensive and nothing very nice actually so I have transferred my affections to the Save the Children around the corner which is staffed by the loveliest ladies and I treated myself to a lovely embroidered green cord skirt I saw in M&S last winter and toyed with getting but never did and regretted it, picked up another glass candlestick for the collection and found a lovely crocheted blanket for Archie's' room for just £1. Wish I could pop some pictures on but I promise to be back as soon as BT get a wriggle on and wire us up. Off now to catch up with what everyone has been up too, I feel like I've been on the moon for a week.

14 comments:

Faye 'Country Chic' said...

Hi Steph,
Glad to hear your move wasn't too stressful. It must be so relaxing having those views to look out on... oh how I miss the countryside. It sounds like you have been getting some great bargains too, I managed to pick up a gorgeous vintage glass cake stand for 40p when I was on a training course the other week. I practically ran to grab it :) I cant wait to see some pictures of your new home, please include one of the view from your window it sounds gorgeous.
xFaye

Rowan said...

I'm glad that your move went well, it sounds a lovely place to live, I look forward to seeing some photos when you are up and running again.

saraeden said...

So glad your house move went well . It sounds a lovely place to live ,i cannot wait to see the photos ..

Sara x

Leanne said...

dont hold your breath with BT- when we moved it took them a month to reconnect us- we couldnt even get dial up. I was so lost without the internet. And whn my sis moved 6 months after me, their wait was even longer! Maybe it will be better for you, i really hope so!

leanne x

jessica daisy said...

Hi Steph, glad to hear that everything went smoothly, it sounds like your really happy, apart from the broadband bit. (don't worry too much, when my sister in law moved, it only took the two week they said to set up.)
Can't wait to see the photos of all the lovely things you've found.
Jessx

Alchamillamolly said...

I have been checking every day to see how the move went - so glad it went well and without hitches. It sounds like a lovely village. I can remember Alan and I saying just what you did when we moved here - it was so quiet we kept pinching ourselves. We are surrounded by packing boxes and havent even packed anyhting we actually need to live yet thats bad isnt it and deosnt bode well for downsizing. No further on here just waiting to find out when the magic date will be

Rosie said...

I'm so glad your move went well and that you are getting settled in a place that you love and that is so much closer to everything. Sounds like you are fortunate to have lovely views over the wonderful Churnet Valley.
p.s. glad you were able to find a copy of the book - it is lovely, I'm sure you will enjoy it:)

Anonymous said...

Don't forget to come down for a ride on our wonderful vintage steam trains running up and down the valley.

They are running every weekend and Wednesday in December up to Christmas with Santa Claus on board.

You can find full details by clicking on http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/santa.htm

Clare and Mike said...

Hi there,

Glad to hear your move went well and you are enjoying your new home and surroundings! It sounds like you have some beauty around you!

Vintage to Victorian said...

Hi Steph

I'm so glad everything went so smoothly for you. I thought about you on the day and hoped all was well.

Looking forward to seeing the photos - I miss seeing views from the house but at least there are plenty just along the road!!

Sue x

Anonymous said...

Wishing you and yours every happiness in your new home.

pinkgreen said...

Congratulations on finally being in and getting sorted. I'm glad it all went so smoothly for you. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures - good luck with BT.
Cathy XX

Ragged Roses said...

Hello Steph - so glad to hear that the move went smoothly. You sound soooo happy! Looking forward to seeing lots of photos
Kim x
Is it really snowing up there?!

Anonymous said...

Hi, your blog is great to read and your home is lovely, just thought I'd mention there is an Ikea near Leeds junction ? off the M1 or M62
Jo