It just seems that life gets in the way and socialising on the computer ends up very far down the priorities list. So, what have I done since I last saw you all. We redesigned the garden. I was very pleased with the result but now we'll have to make big changes again and I feel like giving up and packing it all in. It must be autumn speaking. I know I'll be out there again come spring, making everything neat and tidy and making plans for the changes. We have remodeled the house. It's 54 years old and we had to do it. We started four years ago with the kitchen, laundry room and the two bathrooms. Then we started saving and went at it again last year. This time a new roof, extra insulation, new entrance, some rearranging of walls indoors, new ceilings, walls, floors and windows in livingroom, corridors and bedrooms, and we actually bought some new furniture. We've lived in this house for 25 years and haven't changed sofa, tables or chairs since we moved in. Some of the dining chairs were falling apart and the sofa looked ... (ahem)... well, it survived two small children and all their friends for several years. It was time. We hope the new stuff will last another 25 years. At least that's our goal. We have also lost all our furry friends. We had to let Snuske go in February 2018. She was only 15. She just moved in and decided to stay with us when she was very young. She took ownership of the bathroom sink and both drank from the tap and slept in the sink. We had to put Gabriella down due to cancer in June 2018. She was 21. Gabriella was a Welsh Mountain mare, the cutest little thing but quite a handful to people who didn't know her. She was a lot of horse in a small package: Then in the wee hours of New Year's day this year I lost my Truls. He was 22: I have written about him on my blog: https://www.gardenstew.com/blog/e2767-110-that-really-unique-love-story---truls.html . Then we had to let Lurven go this April. She was only eight, our third stray. Our oldest daughter moved to Bergen and now we've got 7 hours to drive (on slow Norwegian roads) to see her and her man, the grandchildren, the dogs and the cat. Bergen is a nice town with a couple of very well-stocked nurseries and now I have an excuse to visit often. Middle daughter is in her fourth year of studies to be a teacher. It's five years and a Master's degree here. Youngest is a goldsmith-in-training. That might come in handy. The almost two years of pandemic haven't been too bad for us. We've gone about our business but with more care than before. We miss our friends abroad but time will come. I'm off to try and catch up on your doings here. Talk to you later!
Wow ! life has been both good and hard for you ! But glad you are back and keeping your spirits up ! I am sure spring will be better for you !
I'm really pleased to see you here again and to catch up on all your news. So sorry to hear of all the losses you suffered with your animal companions. I know just how expensive it can be when you're living in an old house. Our cottage was built in 1685 and we lived here for 36 years. It sounds as though you've had many of the same repairs as we have. Certainly not cheap by any means but they had to be done. We've recently bought a new sofa too and are now looking to buy a dining room table and chairs as they are beginning to show their age. We'd like to update the bathroom that that will have to wait for the time being. So far, thank goodness, Ian, myself and the three children haven't been affected by Covid and I hope it stays that way.
so glad to see you back. so sorry about the losses of all the furries. They do get under our hearts don'[t they. too bad you aren't closer. my dad passed away in June of this year and left a horse behind. no one wants needs or has room for a horse in our family. hoping to rehome her somewhere. she is a nice quarterhorse just not broke to ride, pull a cart or do anything of value.
Yes, life isn't for amateurs, is it? Good to see you and thank you! Thanks. That's what it feels like. Thanks Eileen. Your home is a few hundred years older than ours, but I am certain it's a thousand times more charming! I must admit I've been surfing the net for homes abroad and cottages in Scotland, castles in Ireland and vineyards in Greece are the ones I'm most attracted to. Hi carolyn! Good to see you too, and thank you! So sorry for your loss. I would have given that horse a home. I know just the place for her too. Lots of space outside, mostly woods, and a cozy stable for winter. Fingers crossed you'll find her a good home.
Welcome back!! It's so good to have you with us again. Sorry to hear about Truls and your other furry friends. I can once again look at a map of Norway, smile and say, I know somebody that lives there. Jerry
Droopy!!! I have missed you!!! Sad to hear about all your animals, they sure take a part of our hearts with them when they go
Thanks Jerry! I've been here in Norway all the time, so you could say that even if you didn't see me here. Hi Netty! I have missed hanging out with you. Yes, they do, and some more than others. It sure does. Thank you! Big hug.
