Well now, never say you have your plans sorted. At least not in this household. We delight in fluidity and new experiences and without intending to - we have had a fun few days full of new ideas and possibilities.
I had an idea...
I can hear the laughter from here from the clergy and people at St. Thomas's!!
...But I did, honest.
It's taken me a while to own that I would like to be doing something outside my writing and art. I am looking into some possibilities right now.
Today we went to look at a property. Quite a surprise move - but something about the house caught me. We viewed and with the exception of our present house, it received the highest joint score we have ever given a property - and that was on a first viewing. We intend to go back and view again after Christmas. Of course it is a buyer's market just now - but that isn't so bad.
The house is a former farmhouse adjacent to a now a tenanted farm. Built circa 1790 it has the understated simplicity and lack of pretentiousness associated with a working person's abode. Although seriously over-priced (in our view) in the current market, it has a certain quirkiness and gentleness. It hugs you and is very welcoming. It is still a wee way from civilisation - but has proper neighbours - and is a mile from real civilisation - shops and such - although the hill is steep and the best that can be said about it is that it would make me very fit - as it is a 1:7!!!! Oxygen and glucose tablets are very much part of the travel kit.
I suspect other properties will come up of a similar age and character in the area - but... well this one is cute and I like the location which is a bit rough and ready - agricultural and rural - and honest somehow.
The nearest conubation, we have been getting to know in recent months as we have friends in the area. It is a gentle place with all the bits and bobs associated with large villages or small towns going on. It reminds me a little of Woodbridge - but without the glories of the Deben and wthout such a comprehensive array of consumer outlets. It serves a fishing and agricultural community as well as tourism. However it has the optimism of a terrier and no sense that it is a wee creature in reality - it has festivals and happenings and a very friendly atmosphere. I am very taken with it.
It reminds me a little bit of E.F. Benson's Mapp and Lucia. In that it has that small town sense of just about everyone recognising everyone else and having a keen sense of each other's business. Heaven only knows what would be made of our idiosynchrocies - it would be a hoot finding out though. I love the different businesses - a pottery, emporium, food shop etc... all there and giving a compact, content atmosphere.
Aaaah!
Deep sigh.
We'll see.
The hill is a 1:7 - no skis and the dogs will never make huskies...
I can feel the adipose slipping away from my body as I learn to cross-country run through the Highland countryside to buy the groceries and pick up the paper each day, hoping like Mapp to hear or see "What's new, neighbour?" Maybe I should buy a wicker basket and a floral dress? No, I shouldn't tease! I think my walking boots, jeans and a thick fleece are the order for the day - and a smile. I haven't seen so many smiles in ages!
I am also taken with the fact that a near neighbour to the house is a steading converted into studio spaces - with metres to let...
A creative aura.
Mmmm - yummie.
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