The Search Continues...

So the Show House is a No ...for many reasons... It was posh..perfect... but more than a two hour drive from MrD's work... The seller started playing silly games..was getting a bit too greedy and was starting to play everyone off against each other. Plus.. I realized .. Im more of a homely type... and maybe thats why I had an uneasy feeling about the house. So yesterday we told the realtor to let it go

This morning we are feeling much better about saying no. For the first time since the weekend MrD had a restful nights sleep. Its like a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders

Last night MrD and I had a long talk. It appeared neither of us has been open about what we would like. It was time to be honest...not try to choose what the we thought the other wanted. Funnily enough it turns out we both like the same things.

We have agreed that we want something traditional..even old fashioned... and we dont need a big house... 2 bed and 1 bath is fine unless something with an extra bedroom or bathroom falls in our price range...It doesnt have to be posh as we are more a homely, cosy couple but we need a good, safe neighbourhood. As for distance... a 50 mile radius is far enough. MrD doesnt want to be spending all his time travelling and ending up too tired to enjoy our home. and the show house would have meant a two and a half hour journey home in rush hour traffic every night.If he was 20 years younger...that may be different...but now...

 We dont want a pool... but MrD would like a two car garage with a bit of green in the front and back. Although... neither of these is a deal breaker... as he could lay some grass and park in the driveway.

As for me...I would like a nice kitchen ...with a window over the sink (though a window anywhere would be ok) ...so not a galley type... And I really want a back garden. It doesnt have to pretty and can be a blank canvas or jungle. I love getting my hands dirty and I could make it my own. Which is why I dont want a big house to keep clean and can spend my time in the soil

Last weekend was our first foray into the housing market and we were going in clueless. I think next time we will have more idea about what to expect

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Let The Viewings Begin...

So we have stepped into New House Viewings...and today... we looked at two. Mr D took the day off and we drove over to Sun City. 

The first.. I will call the Art House.. as obviously... someone very arty lived here.. with its unusual decor and original paintings. The garden was lovely... lots of flowers... and the seller obviously spent a lot of time outside. But the house itself needed a lot of work. Plus...MrD wasnt "feeling it" so it was a five minute drive to the next house.

This one was mind blowing... absolutely gorgeous... It had an amazing kitchen...beautiful garden... and was immaculate. We both loved it.. but you know...I have a bit of a nagging feeling about it.  

We have a lot to talk about but we told the realtor to look into an offer..

This could be the one!

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

Hard Working (Little) Man...

Little Mr couldnt wait to go and help at his Auntie and Uncles new house..

but every hard working man deserves a snack break...

and it really is thirsty work...

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

 

Home Sweet Home...

As our search for a home begins....

our daughter's has come to an end

Miss C and Mr P have found a wonderful home to raise their family.

Im so pleased...and Im sure they will be very happy

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

Todays Walking Companion...

 Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

Together Again...

 Its been a while...

I think they are more than a little excited to see each other again...

Now dosnt that make your heart happy??

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Mixed Emotions...

   Im  feeling a little overwhelmed... and life if full of ups and downs

This is happening right now.. yes we are packing. We are preapproved.. have a realtor.. and the search continues.. to find the right house but I wanted to break the backbone of the packing so it’s not so manic when it happens

It’s also been heartbreaking that it seems I can’t get to my daughters wedding. Even though I’m vaccinated ( with a vaccine that has now been stopped because of concerns and made me so ill and 20 days later has left a painful lump) unless they change the travel and quarantine rules.. I can’t go to England. I’m praying that by the end of July I will still be able to jump on a plane. I’m a bit miffed cos it seems if you are HRH.. the same rules don’t apply. ( I still love the Royals so please don’t bash me)

My weight is still dropping.. I’m walking every day.. and I hope when all the cancer checkups and tests come round again in a couple of weeks.. my doctors will be pleased..

I just have a heavy heart... 

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Happy Birthday...

27 years ago today....at 3.26 in the afternoon....and more than 2 weeks late....the most beautiful...most wanted...and most loved baby girl was born. She has grown into the most fabulous, loving and irritable young woman.... plus she an amazing mummy. I am so proud of her and all she has come through and achieved... Right now I have a few things going on......and she is being the most level headed.. understanding and grown up out of the two of us.

I love you Caroline ...it is an absolute privilege to be your mum..

Happy Birthday xx

Snow in April....

 And he loves it...

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Let the Hunt Begin..

After spending time looking on line for houses...  out of curiosity...we took a drive out to look at a couple that are advertised

I have decided to give the houses we see nicknames as I will never remember them by their addresses. 

So this is the Yellow House...

and the Grey House

Both very nice in good areas... but didnt quite tick the boxes. MrD likes a bit more greenery. And seeing as we dont have our ducks in a row yet.. it dosnt matter much.

But its a good start..and gives us a bit of an idea whats out there

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

He Works Hard For The Money...

 Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Changes Ahead...

A beautiful start to the week though and  the start of a bit of a stressful time time for MrD and myself. The wedding is in 114 days and we are still hoping and praying we can get there. 

And at the same time... we are are house hunting. Moving here last year was out of neccessity as MrD was head hunted to help set up a new plant... so we took what we could. Now we are ready to move into a more permanent home so we are searching for something that will tick all the boxes.. We have been looking already... and like what we see. MrD hopes it will be done in 3 months...so just after the wedding...so please pray that we find what we are hoping for

Time to get my trusty file out and start making lists again.... 

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Blessed Weekend...

Easter Sunday in the Daso House...

Son-rise Service at church..

 a tasty lamb dinner.. 

and a Pureflix afternoon movie..

I hope everyone had a Happy Resurrection Day 

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Sunday Thoughts... Happy Resurrection Day..

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Feeling Poorly...

Its a very late post today. I have to admit that yesterdays jab knocked me for six. I managed to get out on my walk in the morning..but quickly began to feel unwell..and only made it as far as the bus stop. I was seriously considering phoning Mr D to come get me...but I managed to drag myself home... with nausea..a bad headache, exhaustion and a temperature of 100. I slept all day and through the night.. only feeling a bit better by this morning. MrD had a headache...but apart from that was ok. Maybe its because my immune system is so low it affected me more. Who knows? My arm is still very sore.

I think Im ok to go to church tomorrow.. and then make a nice dinner and relax for the rest of the day. 

I hope everyone has a very Happy..and Blessed Easter

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Good Friday....

With MrD and I getting our vaccinations yesterday...time got away from me... Im actually feeling really tired this morning... but Im still going out on my walk.. but before I go here's a few photos of my stroll yesterday

So... a lovely view on my walk 

I can now get to the top of the nearby steep hill without getting breathless.. 

so another goal crossed off the list.

Now the plan is to walk down the other side and back up so double the distance.

I love these non scale victories

Have a Blessed Good Friday

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Got it Done..and Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken..

MrD and I went for our vaccinations this afternoon.. I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding them... but one of the main reasons I decided to have one..is that without the paperwork.. I couldnt fly to the Uk in July. Its difficult right now with all the restrictions and the criteria we have to meet ... but at least this one is out of the way..and its one less stress off my mind. There is no way I can not be at my daughters wedding. Anyway.. it was easy enough and apart from a very sore arm.. it went ok. 

And MrD is just play acting....

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken..

Its amazing how leaving out one ingredient in a recipe can drastically lower its calories...but still taste so good. Last week I made Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken and I left out the butter. Its so simple. It has just 5 ingredients, plenty of a flavour and a spicy kick... but not too much for this Brit.

 
It can also be shredded and served on toasted buns with melted cheese for an easy meal.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast (I just use one each for MrD and I)

1 packet Ranch seasoning

1 packet Au Jus or Brown gravy mix

10-12 pepperoncini peppers

1/4 cup of liquid from the jar...a little more..or ordinary water.. for a thinner sauce

• In a skillet... brown the chicken in a little Pam spray (not neccessary but I like a bit of colour)
• Place chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker.
• Sprinkle Au Jus gravy mix and Ranch seasoning on chicken.
• Scatter pepperoncini around chicken.
• Add the liquid
• Cover and cook on LOW  for 5 to 6 hours.

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x