Love it CLP - very similar situation already on continent. Deffo in France anyway.

And who cares if prices drop by 25% - it needs to happen so prices are more realistically in line with wages. Those trying to get on the bottom rung might now have a chance.

Yes, some peeps will be in negative equity for a while - tough. Just don't move.

For the very few who must move and are in negative equity, sorry but life is harsh sometimes.

I know I've just bought a lemon of a car with a dodgey MOT and the buck stops with me...

jx

Afternoon Chief of All Things Lambie Pie-kins

In Scotland, isn't it the case that once a sale has been verbally "agreed", a binding contract is in operation, and should a party pull out of that sale, they ar then liable for costs?

I feel sorry for those people trying to get on the property ladder in the first place. We're in the very fortunate position of not having a mortgage on our house (although sad circumstances led to the financial ability to pay it off) but when first time buyer properties start at the £90,000+ mark, you really have to feel for these people.

Great thought provoking blog!

Cheryl The Diva xxxx

Thats a great idea Christoff

... I have to admit that I have fallen out of buying two houses very recently; due to the falling state of the market over the Irish Sea in the lovely land of Ulster (NI houses have currently the 3rd highest average price levels of anywhere in the UK!!)

- the reason was three-fold - other properties coming onto the market with reduced prices, due to scare mongering in local media re impending doom and gloom; sellers being greedy and reneging on initial information to agents; and mortgage companies constantly re-evaluating equity as a result of the first point.

So yes, I, and people like me are part of the problem. Each case when I had to pull out it cost me around a grand in fees with solicitors and suirveys, so its not something that I did lightly . . .so, am I forgiven?

After all the hassle I now have my dream home, I'm as happy as a DJ, as the old saying goes . . .and life is looking up once again . . .

Advice/criticism anyone??

Having said all that, your idea of a standard % to pay if buyer/seller reneges would deter a lot of househunters and may work . . lets float that one up the flagpole . . .

Love you all

DtM x

we went through a lot to get our house and we were buying a rented (ir second home) as first time buyers so the chain was very simple!

don't want to move for years yet as it was so stressful last time and we have a house we can grow into - if you know what I mean ;-)

The only reason we got a house is that we both had saved for many years and went without holidays/ clothes/ trips out to pay for it - you do need to make the sacrifice to get a house

super bpx (steping off her soapbox)

Dan - isn't Belfast one of the major growth / boom areas of the UK? Saw it on the news recently and it looks very chrome / glass / shiny and new compared to when it used to appear on the news back in the 70s and 80s.

Chris totally agree with you but weren't HiPs meant to speed things up but haven't. Then the government rumour mill started to work and people waited until stamp duty levels sorted out. It's generally the time it takes for land registry and covenants and solicitor time that makes it so long winded.

Beesmum - I use tiger balm for bites and stings but vinegar will work a treat - works on jellyfish stings as well.

ooops not here really

Is it true that if you wee on jelly fish stings, it takes away the pain?

BM - I am not suggesting for one minute that you wee on your wrist!! ;-)

my mum suggested I get tiger balm for heaqdaches - didn't know I could use it for strings as well - what else is it good for?

ps - should be stings - not strings - that would be a more interesting injury

super bp x

Like you say Diva in Scotland it is much more sensible so folks don't just dive in - once an offer is made that's it!.

and Bagpuss - so agree - we worked hard and saved hard for what we have - and didn't ask for a 125% mortgage because we wanted to kit the house out from top to bottom with all the latest gizmos.

The problem has been greed all round and especially with estate agents putting houses on the market at just ridiculous prices for what they are and where they are. Prices are not dropping they are just getting back to a sensible level where the properties are relevant to the cost.

Beesmum xxx

me off soapbox too
mousemat now a freezer block and the perfume worked with the stinging.

Phoenix/Diva - yes I saw that essipode of Friends!!! not about to try!!!

Beesmum xxx

Without being too pedantic there is also an issue that most of us need to borrow a large amount of money and that adds to the time.

Some sort of deposit could work but also making sure exchange of contracts happens as early as possible would help.

What we do not need is more red tape from the current Government in to a process that is already over regulated.

Nev

The tax side of it gets me. Why should I pay the government a % for the pain of selling my house to a private buyer? The Government get enuff money from us as it is.

And on the Government ..... I firmly believe that the Government during the 1980's is to blame for the current shortfall of social housing. Had they not sold off the council housing stock, maybe wiating lists wouldn't be as long as they are now.

My, my, my the soapbox is getting an airing this aft!!

great post Chris..
...but what annoys me more is that it takes until mid-afternoon for the money to be transferred. In this day of high speed technology- Baffles me everytime.

can't finish post, being Bingo'd

it still takes 5 days to clear a cheque - talk about the dark ages

Chris you are absolutely right. We had an offer accepted on a house 2 months ago and we STILL do not have a proposed completion date. We have done everything quickly at our end, but the people we are buying from are taking their time. The escrow account suggestion would certainly give them an incentive to get their fingers out.

have you noticed CLP does not mention blog items in the show anymore - do you think he has stopped reading the blog comments because he is too busy?

Young Cheryl -
Belfast is still a major growth area - has the highest standard of living anywhere in the UK - we dont really know what a traffic jam is and we havent a problem with late night pub culture (everyone just gets happy) but when the Peace thing came through the house prices rocketed and kept going to their peak last July - was abso crazy and then they have just fallen, fallen, fallen. Wages didnt grow at all hence prices had to see some correction and it hasnt finished yet - hasnt affected the overall standard of living though.

Now, you, with you hand up, at the back of the class, next question? . . .

is belfast a nice place to visit on holiday - I kinda feel guilty for never going to NI !

Super-b - perhaps he's not that keen on the chat room nature either?

Light blue touch paper and stand well clear....

jx

Useless info #1

white tiger balm - great for headaches, colds, bruises and aches and pains

brown tiger balm - bites, stings, itches.


Here endeth the info #1

CtD - Stamp duty is flawed as you pay on purchase not sale - would make more sense to tax the sale proceeds (or any gain you had made).

Gingembre - there are valid reasons for the money not being transferred immediately one of which is that it normally has to be transferred at least 3 times ie mortgage provider to buyers solicitor to sellers solicitor. Obviously each wont send the next stage till they have received funds. Still it should not take all day!

Nev

somerset - my tiger balm is red - however it does mention headaches so I will go with white tiger balm - it's not made from real tigers is it?

Nev

Does that mean that when I eventually come to sell the property I inherited when my dad died, I'll have to pay tax on it? Even tho I don't have a mortgage on any other property? In a sense, the property is a "gain", but then I didn't exactly ask my dad to die and leave it to me. And tax was already paid on his estate when he passed away.

All seems very flawed to an outsider!

Super BP #18 - I think he does dip in every now and again: not so long ago he left a msg for me, MW,a! and Errol wishing us luck when we'd posted about meeting up that weekend.

Blimey. Deep today!

Chris, ever thought of standing for Home-Sec? You'd think that something that fundamentally simple would have been incorporated already!

Super_b, as a relatively new blogger I often feel the blog has become more of a private chat room rather than a commentary pertaining to the days blog or indeed the CE show - or is it just me?

PS: On a lighter note .... The Restaurant returns to BBC2 tonight with the EXCELLENT Raymond Blanc ..... can't wait. Last year's series was fantastic, compulsive viewing ...

... sorry to lower the tone.

And don't forget Nev it has to stay in the sols accounts for a few days at least so they can earn interest on it! One sale I phoned to ask where my dosh was and sols said oh when do you want it! How long have you had? - 10 days!!!!

Beesmum xxx



Phoenix/Diva - I now stink - perfume and vinegar

And yes Diva you will have to pay capital gains tax!!

BM xx

insanity - the blog is different things to different people - the important thing (to me) is that it is inclusive to all - if you want to blog once a day or join in the banter we want to hear from everyone - especially new blood (that sounds wrong but you know what I mean)

hope that clears up my position in the whole blog debate

super bp x

and I apologise for my many posts - I am like this in real life as well - very hard to get me to shut up

#29 - that's soooooooooooo unfair. can i have my dad back then?

#30 superBP - me too!! constant chatterbox. aforementioned late father oft said i could talk the hind legs off a donkey, so sitting in office alone all day can be difficult, and the blog helps with that situ

Agree that all newbies greeted with open arms and virtual hugs tho xxxx

blog 31 - apart from those newbies who value their personal space - they can have a firm handshake and a smile

super bpx

always nervous of people wanting to kiss/ hug me before we have been introduced

Ctd - sorry I must have confused - to get technical currently there would be no tax on you selling as long as it is your main residence.

The only potential tax would be inheritance tax but obviously there is a tax free threshold here. This is definitely a tax that gets you again for anything you have left when you die even though you would have paid tax on it during your lifetime.

Enough complex stuff - there are more important things in life like who the he** gave Setanta some England games!

Nev

CLP I think at the root of all this is that these days we're all bombarded with how much we can have materially, and it's accepted that everyone goes into debt in pursuit of Having It All.

It's so easy these days-or rather it has been easy, and yes CtD I agree that all this really kicked off in the 80s, to accumulate Things, cars, houses, luxury goods, without too much thought for how we're going to pay for it. And don't get me wrong; I'm every bit as guilty as the next person of being fiscally reckless.

Generations ago, a man's word was his bond. Now we're all looking at the small print to make sure we can get out of whatever agreement we've made. Ergo backing out of a house purchase is no big deal to the one backing out.

I've only had this conversation with the Genius daughter the other day, when I pointed out that we're both recovering Shopping Bulimics. Think about it, girls, how many times do you buy a dress, a pair of shoes, whatever, with every intention of returning it. I know I do. Or DID. I've realised lately that this is unhealthy, and responsible for my unfeasibly large wardrobe half-full of clothes I've bought with the thought, "If I don't wear it within a week it's going back." Then the time elapses and I'm donating said clothes to charity or appreciative friends. Crazy.

Now, if I see something I Can't Live Without I make myself leave it, cool off, and if I still want it in a week I buy it. Sounds mad but it works.

And I stay away from Penney's. That's Primark to yous lot this side of t' Irish Sea. Witness the basket rage on a Saturday afternoon and you'll see what I mean. A girl only needs so many vests.

Clodagh.xx

Don't apologise Bagpuss
it's just that sort of blog insanity and different from others but then so is CLP ??and he has made quite a lot of comments including one when we went mad to get to 1000 - Crazy he called us but I bet he loved it! even asked us for a summary limited to 3 each!

Occasional or regular they are normally all good to read.

Beesmum xxx

ps are you better now gingembre?xxx

Nev - outragous! I already pay for Sky Sports so i can watch Prem games and now they've nicked the internationals too.

And don't get me started on live boxing being on Sky Box Office at fifteen quid a fight. I can remember sitting up to the wee small hours watching Sportsnight when Barry McGuigan faught in the USA - live on BBC1, and on a school night!

Recently looked into the price of tickets to go and see a boxing match - ridiculously high prices for "decent" seats. Who makes these things up???

CtD - you were allowed up that late on a school night wow! I wasn't allowed to watch Match of the Day on a Saturday till well in to my teens!!

Nev

PS not in to boxing but pity those that paid to watch Amir Khan! At least with footie you know you will get 90 (sorry 95 these days) mins to watch for your money!

Or even 97 if you support Man U !! ;-)

Mum was fairly liberal, so yes, I was allowed to stay up and watch Sportsnight!

Also remember staying up late to watch OTT (adult version of Tiswas), being incredibly embarrassed but not really fully understanding the jokes and sketches!

CLP .... you're now talking about the Rainforest Cafe in Shaftsbury Avenue. i love it there!!! So much fun - and we don't have children to take either!

I love the looks on the little ones' faces when the thunder storms start, and the animals move (you mention the gorilla, did you see the elephants??)

So, the food's not exactly Michelin Star but if you want a good fun time in a hectic environment ..... can't beat it!

Cheers for making me smile this late in the working day! xxxx

Super_B, Cheryl et al....
yeah, hear you loud n clear, live and let, that's always been my mindset, thanx for the welcome I'll try insanely hard to fit right in to the blog commune. Gonna be a tight squeeze tho!

Jen and Insanity.

I think some very good comments on the blog and funny ones too. However if you look at the amount of posts from the same people yes it is very chat roomy.

Just a few people have sort of taken over the blog and anyone that does not agree with them is ignored.


I was accused of being attention seeking so after getting my attention seeking allowance from the local council I shall remain here and enjoy Chris's blog.

Hope U2 will.


PP

PP
Well I think I'll collect some awkward splinters and sit on the fence re: your last comment but I do see where you're coming from, i've always hated cliques so I'm hoping that if any blog is going to be universal and non-exclusive it would surely be Chris E's.....so far so good.
Jx

Super BP - Tiger Balm is also good on aches 'n pains as a muscle rub.

I was in the negative equity situation back in the early 90's. The B/Society wouldn't let us sell the flat at a loss and get a loan to pay off the balance and we had to move miles away because of my partner's job. So we were advised by our building society to go for a 'peaceful repossession', which basically meant that we gave them the keys and they would get rid of the property for us.

Our mortgage was for £31,000 and they ended up selling it for just over £20,000 (laughable now!). By the time they'd added various charges to the £11,000 balance, their bill to us was for £13,000.

'Im indoors' big employer had thrown money at us to move and they very kindly said that they would pay this negative equity amount! I rang the B/Society and told them this, and they said that they could reduce the £13,000 to £8,000 just like that!!! I chanced my arm and rang the B/Society the next day and told them that the employer was offering to pay them £5,000 and that a cheque would be couriered to them the next morning. Amazingly enough, the B/Society agreed, and within a matter of weeks we were out of negative equity.

However, when we went to get another mortgage four years later, we were told that we had a black mark against us, even though we'd cleared the debt. It took a friend who is an IFA to get the black mark lifted and eventually we were free(?) to get ourselves into debt up to our armpits with another mortgage!

We're renting now, which suits us fine for the mo.

jillygoat xx

ps Pheonix don't try to trip me up on Avaition.....

Good post Chris.

I have only ever moved once as an adult. When I moved in with Mr Debbie and his son, that house was in his and his ex-wives name. I had to persuade her to sign the house over to him so that we could move at all.

This house was part-exchanged for the last one direct from the builders. It was less stressful at the time, no chain etc. They were, in fact, so keen for it to go through they agreed to pay the stamp duty and threw in extras such as carpets, dishwasher, and a few other things.

I would hate to have to go through the whole process of buying and selling right now. I have sympathy for anyone stuggling to move or indeed get on the property ladder right now.

Anyway.....hello insanity. We aren't cliquey, we're a friendly bunch really.

Hello PP. I don't ignore anyone that doesn't agree with me. Just ask my husband! I enjoy well balanced, educated debate to be honest.

Debbie x

lol..many of you are going to hate me for this but frankly I get tired of listening to home owners bewailing the falling value of their house and also of first time buyers trying to "get on the ladder". Get a life all of you! A house should be a place to dump your stuff while you get on with enjoying LIFE. Life is not something that includes a house. When we are dead we all get buried or cremeted and take up the same space and return to the smae state...who gives a damn what house you lived in, how much money you had, or even what "class" you were. Stop flinging your money at estate agents, lawyers and each other and spend it on having a life...you never know when it is going to end...for goodness sake a black hole almost opened in Switzerland..we could all have gone poop and then what use your house?

*stomps off to find some "humans"*

*grrrrr*
Soft furnishings, bathroom fittings, kitchen chairs, entertainment rooms, master bedrooms......BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi EJR, you should have come out to feed the ducks with us :-)

It's not about the house that I live in, how much it cost or lost but about my home. That's where I bring up my children and build up memories. Before I end up in a box then you're right, it doesn't matter.

Good to hear your opinions though, like I said, good interesting posts. Love it.

Found any *humans* yet by the way hehe.

Debbie x

wowser easyjob ... steady on .... !!

Deb - I used to work for a housebuilder (several infact) at the property boom of the late 80s / early 90s. Is was crazy - people buying "off plan" before any footings were even dug (as opposed to Doug!)

My dream was always to own a brand new, never before lived in house. Until my ex-BF's dad pointed out - like the wise old sage he was - that the extras such as carpets, curtains, white goods etc would long be worn out before the 25 year mortgage was paid off.

Never a truer word .....

Relieved to Billyo that I didn't buy a brand new box to dwell in. The way they quite literally throw them up now - like some flat-pack kits - it frightens me how long these new-builds will last now.

Give me an old Victorian pile of bricks any day! One day .....

CtD xxxx

You so remind me of somebody else EJR.

So where is the best place to live.. in my book it would be a boat.

Sail away into the distant horizon and leave your cares behind.

As for all those bad memories
Leave them all behind.

Chris: Very different in Scotland. Once an offer is made and accepted, you sign and that's it.

As I'm selling my house at the mo (or trying to), I couldn't be doing with all the faffing the poor folk in England have to go through.

Have bought and sold before (in Scotland) and there's absolutely no problem once an offer has been accepted. Don't quite know what the difference is but I know there is a different way of buying/selling. Perhaps an Estate Agent could tell us?

Off to read the rest of the blog, then thrash all those poor souls on FB.

xxx

Cheryl: You got there before me re Scottish house-buying.

Bagpuss: Belfast is great, in fact all of Ireland. You must go - great pubs and great music in great pubs, as well as lovely people, eh Dan?

EJR: Are you one of my brothers or sons in disguise?

Btw: My house went up for sale at a fixed price because I didn't want to be greedy. My very good friend, who also happens to be an Estate Agent, agreed with me. I'm only selling because of my life-changing decision and I need the proceeds to live off, because of a runaway husband who cleaned me out and a charity/voluntary sector pension (ie bugger all).

xxx

Evening PP

A boat would be lovely in sunnier climes (Monte Carlo / Marbella perhaps?). My dad once took me along with him when he visited a friend who lived in a houseboat on The Thames. It was November. There was snow on the ground and the houseboat lifestyle all of a sudden lost its glam appeal.

My ideal house is a little ramshackle cottage, a tin bath in front garden, wild flowers, a pond full of frogs ... you know the kind of image!

I'll even wear a purple wooly hat in the middle of July!

CtD xxx

Cheryl

Will try and post this again......

If you sell the house you live in there is no tax to pay.

If you sell your Dad's house you have to pay capital gains tax on the difference between what it was worth when he died and what you sell it for. The first £9,000 is free of tax.

MV x

Evening all,

Hey there PP is there any chance that one day you might be able to spell my name right once pretty please.

its PHOENIX and what's with your PS about tripping you up in avaition do you mean aviation as in big metal birdies??

If so not a clue as to what you are diddlying on about old bean.

Westbourne WI do nude art classes I read about them and nearly splattered my coffee over the magazine. Remember the Calendar Girls as well - you just don't know what goes on at these meetings - I think I'll steer clear thanks.

Oh yes PP if you are wandering where the pigpen by the lifting bridge has gone - it failed a weight test for the new inshore lifeboat so it is being replaced.

Tiger balm does not involve anything with real or dead tigers. Red is the same as brown it is a bit more potent in the make up than the white one.

Hey SBP sorry you though Notley Abbey was out of your range I thought it was lovely - got the information from bucksberks information about wedding venues.

Hi to insanity and MV nice to see your entries which made interesting reading.

EJR - you must take those pills more often you are getting all hyper.

Chill out and enjoy a nice glass of something.

If I could afford it and be able to work from home I would live on Lindisfarne - it recharges my virtual batteries and I love the people there.

Phoenix: Lindisfarne: Beautiful place. Like you, I would recharge my batteries there or at Loch an Eilian in the Cairngorms. Have asked the folk on the blog to scatter my ashes there if I die (and it's a big IF). Can't quite remember who promised to do it, but someone did.

xxx

Diva depends how long you've had second place also with capital gains either way it's gonna cost! Government wins again as usual! but there are ways to reduce if you need to know some time - joint names double allowances etc. Minefield though with this lot changing their mind every two seconds.

EJR chill out sweetie don't you want to be flying again tomorrow? As I said earlier these guys who get mega mortgages to kit out the place how thoroughly boring!

Boat - Yay - way to go - have you seen these new narrow/long/canal boats? Friend sold up and moved himself and doggy to canal - happy as a sandboy but was lucky didn't move to river when planned - lots of smashed boats where he was due to go with the floods! Not sure me aches and pains would cope with all that water rounfme though!

Beesmum xxx

wot rounfme? round me even!
BM

Ah Phoenix. Lindisfarne. Indeed, I'll join you with a glass of that mead stuff and watch the seals, hurrah!

But on the eve of 9/11, I'd have to say my choice would be me little studio apartment in NYC that I stayed in at the close of 2000. What an adventure. It was seriously freezing that winter but to wake up every morning to the sight of the Empire State Building bathed in bright sunshine beneath the clear blue sky, to walk down 5th Avenue clutching me Starbuck's, cross Gramercy Park, zig-zagging the streets and avenues amidst the roaring of the fire engines and the honking of the taxis, look beyond the Flatiron building and see the Twin Towers in the distance...who could ever have imagined what was in store.

So, see, the world has changed since then and life and experiences are precious. We can accumulate-and lose-wealth, houses, whatever but our memories are permanent, and free.

Clodagh.xx

BM you're obviously in the same game as me! Taxing isn't it? ha ha

MV x

And so say all of us Clodagh and if we can't we need to live a bit more to appreciate what is around us.

Beesmum xxx

How did the visit to doc with Renee go - is doc still around or cowering under his desk shaking like a leaf?!

MV nah just lived a lot seen a lot and dumped the fs side when the yuppies moved in!!

BM xxx

Ahhh Clodagh here's to you *glass raised* I used to go out to watch the sunset and listen to the seals off the top of the Heugh. My dad was sooo lucky he grew up across the water and frequently came across by boat or by foot and many a time when no police so got frequent lockins at the pubs - for such a small place it did at one time have 6 pubs!

Clodagh shame not on fb to see EJR's video of N Zealand - brings tears to eyes with the beauty. Told ejr even the doggy sat entranced watching it with me - weird when he normally has the attention span of a gnat - the dog not easyjob!!

Beesmum xxx

I'll second and third that Beesmum and that music so haunting and lovely and goes so well with it.

Beesmum do you recall the houseboat in Sleepless in Seattle - now that was a lovely place - I'd like to live in.

Phoenix - yes the music brilliant - sleepless in seattle - remind me seen but can't remember - age thing of course!

BM xx

BM. Ah well now. Renee and the doc. Now that's another story; and not with a happy ending.

As we speak, Renee refused point blank to go to the doc's, despite my initial pleas and later threats of violence, and it all ended horribly with my washing my hands of her and absenting myself for the greater part of the day lest I say something I'd regret.

See, this is the dark side of Renee. She can be sweet and hugely funny (mostly when she isn't trying to be), but she is also the most stubborn control freak you can ever imagine.

Ergo as we speak, she is still sulking, still has a face like a red mullet and still hs a pair of feet like two black puddings.

I do so appreciate that at 85 and in fairly fragile health despite the will of a charging rhino, she must be very frightened, and I constantly reassure her and am there for her, but Oh Boy I swear if she pulls that old chestnut again whereby she behaves badly and then whines, "Well, you won't have to put up with me for much longer....pfff..." I SWEAR I shall put her right out her misery.

I'm SO never going to heaven. Meanwhile if anybody has any suggestions as to what to do with a stubborn old biddy I'd be grateful.

Clodagh.xx

OMG Clodagh I've got TWO and they are outlaws!!! 88 and still creaking on! Bane of our lives and sweet as syrup pudding when any third party around! Don't start me off - we'll be here all night! Jekyll and Hyde springs to mind! times two.

Beesmum xxx

He and his son moved to Seattle and they lived on a large two storey houseboat and when new year fireworks were shown you could see them from the windows.

Phoenix - got it - remember - poor old soul I am! see blog above - must be catching! must fish out got dvd or video somewhere!

Beesmum xxx

Phoenix - can you get on fb - I can't or is it just me?

BM xx

BM. And we're far from alone!

Honestly, I love her to bits, she's my mum and my heart breaks for her, she's lonely and frightened, and it's only a few months since the trauma of the loss of Aunty Dot; I'm not insensitive to this. But AAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHH!!!

However. I'm mindful of what the daughter said to me recently, after another such tiff which had left me apopleptic. Raging, I roared, "You know what, sunshine. If I even start to turn into your nan, do us all a favour and have me put down."

Wherupon she looked me in the eye, held my livid and growling face in her hands and responded with, "Mum. You'll never be like Nan."

"Aah," I thought, congratulating myself upon my Perfect Mother persona, "sweet."

Until she added, "Because I won't stand for it."

D'oh.

Clodagh.xx

Until the time comes Clodagh - until the time!!!

They are not even mine but made mistake of saying here you go a few meals for freezer - save you doing - cos they like my cooking - now what am I meals on b***inkin wheels! and all the rest -

Have you had - aaagh had enough it must be nearly time for me? (frog marched out to car by other half before I make their wish come true!!)

BM xxx

Clodagh: Welcome to the daughter club. Mine keeps telling me she sounds like me - and it scares her!!!

Haha, you get your own back eventually.

xxx

And she's going to have me stuffed when I pop my clogs.

Oh bless you Clodagh and Beesmum -you make me giggle! but i dont have any `legal` advice for you tho i`m afraid..sorry!

Houses. Have `owned` 3. First a new build, 2nd next door but one to first house but 3 yrs later and now in a 20yr old one.
Was lucky really - got on the ladder very late 90`s when prices were still do-able but when split with husband almost 2 yrs ago found myself buying something half the size of what i was in for 30 grand more..and only 18mths later. Luckily it worked both ways and we`d made on the one we were selling but still very scary - esp if i was a first time buyer and on my own. not sure if that makes sense but i know what i mean...and i`m grateful every day i have a nice,cosy home to go to every evening.

But, long term plan is to move bit more country, with a pub that serves real ale and has a qui night that can be walked too...just need those 6 numbers first!

But, i am very happy where i am and count my blessings... people are more important than money and all its trappings..

anyway, lighter note - evening to new guys/gals and hope everyone looking forward to thirsty thursday..

hugs

mSc x

Hi guys - sorry getting bogged down with wrinklies - somene shoot me before I get to that stage please. Told my nephew scientist student person to use everything he can the instant I pop off the perch and if still not brain dead I can tell him where he is going wrong!

Said I was the scareiest auntie he had!! Well yes!

Beesmum xxx

scariest?

Anne.

Mine has me well and truly stuffed right now bless her.

Any road up, nighty night all. I'm off to try to stop growling and straighten out the wrinkles on me nose then it's off to the scratcher to read me book on Serial Killers, perchance to dream.

See if I can pick up any tips. Well it worked for Paul McCartney.

Clodagh.xx

Night Clodagh bet we have some good dreams tonight!

Scoob/Annie/Phoenix is fb broke? can't get on and catch up on games etc.??????

BM xxx

it falls out every now and then but it is up and running - tried the blitz now really scared of you lot.

Nite Clodagh Rubbish you are a saint in my eyes you too Beesmum.

Off to the stairs and ready for work once more tomorrow - hoping for a clear day for a change - will still need the wind around for Saturday's Animal Windfest (that's windsurfing and kitesurfing championships to you lot not cuddly creatures) lol

Night Phoenix Forecast for weekend the remains of one of usa's hurricanes - batten the hatches - windsurfers up the pier and kitesurfers over your roof!!

Beesmum xxx

Bought 1st new build in mid 70's off plan. Big step for a couple of 20 year olds (3 bed end of terrace, can't see 1st time buyers getting as much these days) 2nd house also new build 7 years later. pattern emerging here! 3rd and current new build bought 18 years ago, part exchanged with builder as sale fell through at the 11th hour. Love the newness and watching the construction process. Only items fitted were kithen units and bathroom suites so not on mortgage. everything decorated and furnished to our own taste and in our own time. Happy! Lin x

Well now. Talk about Be careful what you wish for...what a night.

I am officially bonkers.

This morning I awoke and sprang out of bed, flung open the wardrobe door to see that Renee had painted all my clothes with grey paint. Same in the drawers. Every last thing grey. Ah NO, me new Aldo shoes...grey, grey gloss paint. The daughter will be fuming, she's due to borrow them next week. I'm scrubbing at them but to no avail; I've paint in me hair and me skin is red raw from scrubbing. Right that's IT. I'm off. Next thing I know I'm soaring above the house in the bright sunshine. I'm looking down, there's the Statue of Liberty, what's it doing in Renee's back garden? Am flying higher and higher, am enjoying this...suddenly I realise I've forgotten Renee. Swooping down I'm looking in the window and there's Lily Allen and Paul O'Grady having a right old laugh with her so I'm shouting to her but she can't hear me. I'm screaming now and crying and holding my hand out to reach her but no, she's oblivious. I batter my way into the house and suddenly it's full of water. I'm swimming but getting nowhere, she's drifting out of reach and I'm panicking now.
Suddenly I can feel a familiar drumming of fingers on the back of my hand and the words, "Turn your engine off, Miss Bombshell, relax..go with the flow..." Yes, it's the DDF. He is floating with me in the water and I try to turn around to see him but I can't open my eyes.......

BANG CRASH. "Morning. Ere's your cup of tea. What time did you say you're going to Manchester?"

Morning Renee. Back to Planet Earth.

And so I realise something today. It's Renee's body, Renee's life. I can be there for her but I'm not her saviour. I'm going with the flow in future.

Clodagh.xx

PS. As to the DDF floating with me in the raging torrent...this was the man who was renowned for his spectacular diving..despite being unable to swim. He used to say he'd be a good swimmer if he could have his nose grafted on to the back of his head.

morning

we bought a house for the security aspect - I wanted my name on deeds so I had a place to live that was mine -rob - to different people different things are important and I wanted a home of my own.

the window men have come today - no patio doors and the wrong front door - oh dear- hey have said they will fit the door they have and then refit our door when it appears.

super bp x

Morning each

Good Lord Clodagh - what a night you had!!

That fudge looks rather good.

xx

I love fudge - but that is a huge red no no so hearing about it on the radio is the worst this ever - my favourite is maple and walnut

And before I get going with any more fatuous silliness, to anyone out there who lost a loved one on 9/11,

((((((((((((((X))))))))))))))))))

I wish you well.

And to anyone, like myself, who knows someone who did, go round and give them a hug. Or a virtual one.

Clodagh.xx

Bonjourno mi amigos

#89 9/11 truly changed the way we live. I can still remember watching it all unfold as it happened, and on leaving work, not passing another single vehicle for the entire 12 mile journey home. Eerily silent.

If nothing else, 9/11 certainly proved to us all that life is too short for pettiness, bickering, resentment and anger.




So, how is everyone today?

Clodagh - I too had weird dreams, but not of the clothes painting variety. For some reason I was jumping over a pond, which was full of freezing cold water, and one of Mr Diva's friends was helping me across. What's THAT all about??

Anyone see The Restaurant last night? I'd forgotten how good it was last year: and would you merely open a can of mango pulp, whisk it with some cream and plop it in the freezer? Does that honestly show the extent of your culinary imagination and skills?? No. Me neither!

Please, please let Russell and Michelle win xx

Right, let's press this Diva nose to the corporate grindstone.

CtD xxxxx

Well I dreamt that a 24/25 year old lad (nobody I knew) wanted to make love with me - and I've just turned 49 so it was definitely a dream! And I've always gone for older men so heaven knows where that came from!!!

MV x

Guten Morgan one and all


In a New York Minute.. hard to believe it was 7 years ago.

Pheonix Phoenix so sorry I noticed Phoenix is spelt Phoenix as the dust cart pulled up this morning and the name was emblazed on the side. Old Bin lol

Off to try and get a local paper I have been quoted in.


Toodle oo.

prof - how much was the quote? only kidding

SB I am not sure but I am demanding copyright and need to investigate further.

I shall reveal all later.



PP

Steady on ladies ... thus far we have MV getting jiggy with a younger lady, and now PP promising to reveal all.

At this rate DD, Gingembre, Errol, Bingo, Kyle, SighNS, More Tea, DtM etc will all be needing cold showers before lunch!

Just as well ejr and MfR are overseas ...

xxxxxx

Now, whatever floats your boat and all that but I did not dream about a young lady, he was definitely male.

I know there was some discussion on the blog at the weekend as to whether I am a he or a she but I am and always have been a she (bless you!) and have only ever fancied men. (Well, I do think Kristin Scott-Thomas is gorgeous but not in a sexual way you understand!)

MV x

Morning all.

I think me and Mr Jumpy got off quite lightly with the whole house buying thing.

Our first house we bought off friends (never ever ever do that) - this was over 7 years ago - for £35,000. Rented off them for a few months while we waited for the sale to go through, and got told off by them for fixing the place up without asking!! Cheek. Took ages to get the sale sorted.

Anyway. Finally sold it January just gone - put on market just before HiP things were necessary for 3-beds in September, and for the first time in our married lives we were able to pay off all our debts - credit cards and loans and whatnot - and be debt free. But again it took ages to get the sale sorted out, with an extremely cheeky buyer - even though we'd knocked £20,000 off the asking price he still tried to knock us down further. Livid. But still, we evidently sold at just the right time and did the right thing by dropping the price. Some houses in the area are still on the market.

Renting at the moment, waiting for Mr Jumpy's next pay review (in April next year) and to see what house prices do in the meantime before moving and hopefully buying again.

A house is much more than just a place to dump your stuff in while you get on with living your life. Some lives revolve around the home, mine revolves around a few homes at the moment. I enjoy company, and the comfort of a home.

Re the shopping yesterday. I hate shopping, I really do. I was not brought up shopping. But, somehow, I managed to come home with a complete outfit and Mr Jumpy says I look gorgeous in it.

Retail therapy? Hmm. I beg to differ.

xx

me-and-jumpingbean

LOL MV ... i read lad as lady! sorry bout that ... good job i'm not a proof reader!! xx

Yes, it quite changed the whole nature of the dream!

MV x

9/11

It's one of those 'where were you when' days isn't it. I watched events unfold on the tv in one of our director's office. Mr Debbie was at work in Canary Wharf. His company lost people in New York that day, and he knows people that lost friends and loved ones. I wanted him to leave work as soon as he could but they weren't allowed to leave. The world is a scary place sometimes isn't it.

Debbie.



PS: I dreamt that my mum cut all my hair off, and some good looking man wouldn't sit with me because he said that I had a greasy chest?!