After a very busy time it was a chance to get back to the caravan again, it seems to of been such a busy life just recently so I was hoping for peace quiet and tranquillity. Previously we had said we would try to do without TV and Wi Fi, but temptation came along and the caravan became the proud possessor of a posh new TV that linked in the with the internet, so they said.
I delayed my trip there because I had ordered replacement cushions for part of the seating, plus Jane was waiting for news about the birth of her new grandson, in the end, nature had taken its course so she went down for that, but then was to catch up[ with me in a couple of days.
Despite all we had taken previously there seemed to be lots to take yet again for this trip, so loaded up and off I went, the trip was easier and traffic was light. On arrival it was so pleasant to get there and the pleasant surroundings, plus peace and quiet, plus the weather had vastly improved. I quickly unloaded food bedding clothes etc , and of course the TV, plus now there was a notice about the super dooper new broadband. The other thing I checked when we arrived was the cooker hood that had been leaking to see if it had been fixed, no notice had been left so decided to check up over the next few days. I noticed that quite quickly the vegetation and trees had now turned lovely shades of green and Janes plants had survived from our last trip. Unfortunately the weeds had also started to flourish also, so that was another task for us to do. I checked the connections for fitting a tap adapter but they were not right so needed to investigate a solution over the next few days.
That evening I sat down to sort out the Wi Fi, which eventually seemed to work, then next task was the TV, well it seemed to do some things but would not tune into any channels, plus despite the fact it was supposed to link to the internet, this did not work whatever I did. Eventually I got it to work despite my promises to myself and proceeded to watch my soaps etc, whilst playing with the controls.
That evening it was warmer and lighter for much longer than the previous visit so was a nice end to the day. I spoke briefly to Jane through Skype and she said she was coming up tomorrow. The next morning I got up early and did some sorting out of the caravan, about 8am m y phone went and it was Jane, so I presumed that she was telling me she had set off, instead it was to announce she had left much earlier and was outside waiting to come in. I suggested she have a rest but when she found out I had not done any shopping she suggested we do that, I also said I wanted some gardening things so lets go to Kendal. What I had forgotten was this was bank holiday weekend and the roads were already getting busy. Despite the sat nav I managed to go the wrong way so we entered the one way system at Kendal together with many other vehicles that were heading for the lakes. Despite enquiring we kept getting lost and Jane was getting more tired so in the end we abandoned the trip and went to Carnforth instead, did the shopping and then returned, we both then relaxed with the warm weather we had.
Because it was bank holiday weekend the site was much busier with families coming and going, but on the patio all was peaceful and quiet, sadly I feel because of the extra people I feel was the reason why we saw no deer pheasants or rabbits for a few days. I stayed out in the sun to long so then got burnt which I am still recovering from now which will teach me for the future to firstly put on plenty of protection but then not to stay out in it for to long. Despite this it was still very pleasant on the site.
Over the next few days we spent time, just relaxing, trying to make sense of the Wi Fi, which eventually we realised was not coping so well with all the various other people using it so much, making soda bread and cakes as well as just relaxing. We went for a couple of walks as well as finally making the trip to Kendal and visited B & Q for gardening equipment and gloves, which gave me the chance to do some weeding
My friends Geoff and Joan came to visit us one day and it was nice showing them round the site, having a chat going for a meal then a walk in the woods before they had to return home. I heard from my friend Brian that he was planning to come to the site, so e mailed him but so far have heard no more from him. As I had started on my last trip I continued with my daily trips round the site meeting a range of people, I found that some of the younger families seemed to keep themselves very much to themselves. We met whilst out our friends who had first introduced us to the site.
After discussion I decided to have an outside tap fitted which would enable me to wash the car and clean the outside of the caravan and the patio, this was finished before we left so thats another task when we return for me, we eventually found out that someone had looked at the water entering but as usual it was not coming in, whilst we were there even when the workmen tried putting a hose pipe on it, they said when we were next there and it started to contact them.
Soon it was time to pack up and return home as we have another holiday planned the following week and we needed to prepare for this, we left more there this time and hopefully we will need to take less with us next time, I now seem to be getting better at remembering what to switch off when we leave. Hopefully it will not be to long before we return again.
13 May 2016
Life at the caravan for the first holiday 12 may 2016
Sorry about the delay in this post but life seems to of got busy again, so here we go.
Sorting out where everything should go was the first thing to consider, there seemed lots of cupboards and drawers in the bedroom but not a lot for storage in the kitchen or elsewhere. We sorted out our pots pans etc and food, made the bed and sorted out cothes etc.
The weather was quite cold so we were grateful for the central heating, I had taken a radio and my tablet computer and Jane had her laptop but no access to the internet. Instead we had plenty to read plus it was a novelty for me to be out in the countryside so a trip round the site eas a good start.
It was interesting to see how the site had been laid out, they had obviously gone to great lengths to avoid the typical rows of uniform caravans, instead there were pleasant cul de sacs and part hidden units on a slope with plenty of hedges, trees and other vegetation to break up the view. There were also daffodils scattered about in various random areas on the site and some bluebells were starting to appear. Depending on where and which direction I faced the view of the countryside changed. To the left it was a raised view across the countryside and the hills, the other way it was trees with a view of a village in the distance, it was a pleasure to wander round the site.
I also took time to explore how people in the different units had their patio laid out, some had decking others the flags, there was a whole range of garden furniture from very expensive full suites to small fold up chairs. Nowhere did I see any sign of a garden swing which I am contemplating buying. Some people obviously wanted more privacy going by how they had their seats whilst others were very prominant.
At different points of the site there were very good places to stop and see the deer, rabbits and pheasants going about their daily life. I met a mixture of people as I walked round the site some would engage in a brief chat, others I would get a nod of the head, then there were the others who just did not engage at all. There does seem to be a difference between those that are there permanently and those that come down at weekends. It seems those regulars have more time and are more relaxed as the staff at the site are and they seem willing to put themselves out more.
Within the site there are a number of nature trails to explore, which I found quite relaxing, but I am not sure about how the deer felt when I came a little to close and they ran away. The pheasants seem obliviously to anything else and the rabbits I have only seen in the distance so far.
During our time there we went out in the car a few times for food and extra bedding, but also to visit the local villages nearby. It seems that this is an area of outstanding beauty, so I am now contemplating joining RNID and the local association that runs a series of courses and events to encourage people to become more involved in the community.
When we went there we took Janes halogen cooker which she had found very useful at home, and our plan was to make soda bread, which I enjoy, we bought the ingredients and then tried the first loaf, I know it sounds silly but we were both quite excited to see how it came out. The first loaf was a little bland but then the second was just right, so for the rest of our time there we cut out normal bread and ate the soda bread, maybe this will become a new cottage industry for us both.
Fortunately or not we spoke to the staff about their internet provision and it seemed that if we signed up now we got a better package for when their new service came into place. This was a mixed blessing as then we spent time checking our e mail websites etc rather than just sit relax and read as we had been doing. I am hoping to try to limit my usage in the future.
One of the things we chatted about was buying magazines and writing in to them with a view to them paying us for our contribution which could help with the running costs of the caravan, so far we have bought magazines but not followed through.
The weather over the 10 days was a mixture of very cold at night but quite warm some days, so I spent time trying to insulate underneath the beds to make it warmer, I am obviously unsure how things will work out in the summer.
At the end of the 10 days we had to go through a process of turning off gas, boiler and water and draining diwn, as well as emptying the fridge and freezer as well as gathering together the bedding and other washing that still needed doing, it was quite sad in a way leaving after the pece quiet and tranquillity of the site, but at least now we have a better idea of what to expect next time and what to take
3 May 2016
A New Beginning 2nd May 2016
For a long long time I have talked to people about acquiring a caravan or similar, in pleasant country surroundings, that I could relax and spend quality time in. I even did the maths when I first divorced to prove that it was financially viable, the big problem was finding this elusive place despite conversations with my friends.
People who had them both as a permanent home and those who used them as holiday homes, explained some of the issues to consider, one of the most important being the difference between permanent residential sites and holiday sites,but also between static caravans and lodges. Another important issue was the annual service charges and restrictions on how long the can be used for, many it seems close down for some months in the winter. Most important seemed to be to find somewhere that was not to isolated and ideally near to bus and other transport links.
All of the above made it hard to find this elusive place that ticked all the boxes, so in the end I decided to do some travelling instead, as you will of read from my previous blogs and spent some of that money that I would of allocated elsewhere.
In the meantime I had a series of health issues that restricted my exercise tolerance, made my arthritis worse and I aquired heart problems as well as issues with my breathing, so seeking this elusive place was forgotten for a number of years.
A couple of years ago I had spoken to an acquaintance who had a holiday caravan somewhere in Cumbria, it sounded a pleasant setting and reasonable cost to run. I had considered asking him at various times if I could visit his caravan to gain some idea of what was available and what sort of cost, but did not wish to impose on him.
A few weeks ago a group of us were in Cumbria including him, so I asked was it this area that his caravan was located. He confirmed this and asked if I and others in the group would like to see it, five of us said yes so off we drove to the site. We turned off the main road and travelled down a series of smaller narrow lanes passing a number of other sites.
When we got there he led us to his caravan, it was not a conventional park with rows and rows of uniform looking units, rather small clusters dotted about the site with bushes trees and vegetation keeping them looking in a more natural setting. His caravan was in a group of three in a small cul de sac, as wee went down the side he had steps onto a broad decking area, there was a set of table and chairs that looked quite in fitting with the scenary, better still to one side was a small pond and trees, it was bliss, then along came a peacock ( later found out was a pheasant )hopping up the steps oblivious to us all. My first reaction was to say please can I have your caravan now. The rest of the group went inside to look round inside the caravan, whereas my friend asked if I would like a tour of the site, which I happily agreed to.
It seemed there were 140 units about the site and it is owned by a family, they had been very thoughtfully set out in the landscape with plenty of trees and bushes to break up and disguise the units. Some had breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, I said I was really interested in buying a caravan, so he took me to the office.
It seemed there were four units up for sale, ranging from quite reasonable to quite expensive ( these were equivalent to 3 bed bungalows) of the ones in my price range, one was second hand 5 years old and one brand new, one of the issues is that the site only allows caravans on up to the age of 15 years, then they have to be removed, which made it more complicated, plus its a holiday park so youhave to prove you have a permanent alternative address, even though the site quite unusually is open 12 months of the year if you choose to stay there.
I returned home and spoke to family and friends about it all trying to weigh up the options. The following morning I woke up and looked out of my bedroom window at the brick walls of the flats opposite, then later the view and disruption to the rear where there is a primary school and decided, that going for one of the caravans was the way forward to a happier stress free life.
The next thing was how to fund the purchase, them to continue to pay for the running costs on top of those for my existing home. I realised that I could afford the next couple of years without struggling whichever caravan I went for. So then went with friends that weekend to have another look round and to make a decision on which to go for. It was a good chance to see the site when it is busy as it was the bank holiday weekend.
So off I went with friends to look at both, the older seemed better laid out with better quality fittings, although there were one or two points that affected the choice, in the end I spoke to the staff and made my decision to go ahead with the older one and paid my deposit on the understanding if there were problems I would cancel. It was explained that the caravan would not be available until the end of April as the people who had owned it were being allowed to use it until theirs was ready, which I accepted.
I was still agonising over it all and it was only when my friend Jane, said why not think of it as a years holiday and review it after that, in a worst case scenario, if I changed my mind all was not lost, although it would of bren an expensive experience, I could always sell it on, admittedly at a loss, but at least I would never have the regret of what might of been. On the other hand if I enjoyed it I could then explore how to continue to stay there at that time.
This was one of the quickest and most expensive decisions I had ever made in my life, but it felt the right thing to do, partly because the money had been sitting in the bank and now I could benefit from it whilst able to. At the same time improving my health and wellbeing, maybe that Mindfulness course I had attended had been more influential than I had thought at the time.
Until fairly recently for the last forty years at least, I had always been involved in some sort of voluntary work that often filled my time, but was very stressful, whereas now hopefully I would be able to spend quality time in pleasant surroundings, hopefully exercising more and improving my physical and emotional health. One of the decisions to do with this was to get out in the fresh air, to read more, watch less TV and to try to stay off the Internet so often, we will have to wait and see.
Well the magic day came a week early, when i had the e mail to confirm my date take over the caravan, all I had to do was to send the balance and I could have it a week earlier tham I expected. It was such sn odd experience seeing the money leaving my account knowing it was never going to be replaced. But there again the excitement of having a special place to enjoy for the foreseeable future.
I then chatted for the umpteenth time to Jane about what now needed to be done, I feel the need at this point to say she supported me through out the process without telling me what to do whilst patiently listening to my various thoughts on it all trying to help me explore my options.
We had made a list of essentials that I needed to buy for the caravan rather than just use all of my existing belongings for home, because some would not right for the new place. She had also paid for a number of items herself as early birthday presents such as a vacuum cleaner. We went off to Ikea first and she helped me choose suitable items without running up to much cost, we also visited various other less expensive shops for other items needed.
It now felt as though it was really going to happen, on the day before we loaded up my car only to then find I had misplaced my keys, so back to my flat for the spare set. On the day we finished loading mine then Janes ready for the trip there. We set off separately, but arrived about the same time. I was givem the keys and Tom one of the staff took us through the various rules to do with the caravan and site, but also how things worked.
Then it was start unloading everything inside and sorting out where things went, whilst doing this I finally found my missing keys. Soon we were settled and could actually start to enjoy our time here. We had no Tv or intermet but were happy to listen to the radio and read for a change.
27 Apr 2016
2016 doesent time fly 27 April 2016
I am so sorry readers yet again so much time has passed and I have been neglecting you all. A lot of this has been to do with poor health and trying to balance to many things at the same time. Also as some of you will be aware I am in a relationship that fortunately also takes up a fair part of my time these days.
This year I have been reminded that for some of us as we get older, our health seems to be more of an issue. First I was told some months ago I now have asthma so need to take inhalers to help cope. I seem to of have had all sorts of issues to do with my hearing this year, mainly down to the audiology department at Fairfield hospital not listening to me and the inconsistency in how each person has dealt with my visits, more on this later.
My arthritis seems to of worsened this year, when checking recently, just seeing one physio privately last year cost me over £600 without the others I have seen to try and avoid painkillers and put my pelvis back in place many times in the course of the year.
Now I am being investigated due to problems of shortness of breath whenever doing anything that involves activity at more than a very slow pace.
Well less of the bad bits onto the nicer things that are planned this year so far. Firstly in a couple of weeks time I am off with Jane to Edinburgh for a few days with other Buzzers(ex saga and others ) then I have a trip to Northumbria with Brian and Andy, this will be a coach trip to an area of the country I have wanted to visit for many years.
In June I am off with Jane to Ireland to celebrate my granddaughters and my birthday plus fathers day which will be nice to catch up with my new great grandson as well as the rest of the family, becoming sadly due to my health I missed his christening earlier this year.
In September we are travelling down to Southampton for another caravan holiday similar to last years, so already its going to be busy for the year.
At present I have cut back with most of my voluntary work, mainly as its taking its toll and I also find that its harder to keep up with the constant changes in provision of services and benefits rules.
I am also exploring how to celebrate my 70th which is not that far off, sadly quite a few of those who attended my 60th seem to of disappeared out of my life, so it may be a much smaller affair, at present I have been toying with either a Teddy bears picnic( niw thinking it might be to complex ) or maybe some based on the 40s or my year of birth. I think soon I need to start exploring venues as the last has now closed down.
5 Jan 2016
The end of the year and some thoughts on 2015
I must thank my friend Mykle for reminding me that I had forgotten to post of my adventures for some time now hopefully rectified, I have been catching up whilst visting my son and his family in Southern Ireland, more of that later.
Unlike last year there have been no huge trips rather a number of short ones in the British Isles, seeing pkaces I had often promised myself to visit over the years but never got round to, having Jane as a travelling companion has definitely made a difference with some as with Brian and Andy on others.
My health has been a bit of a seesaw this year for no terrible reasons rather the time taken to get issues resolved. For example I started with severe breathlessness and was worried about the cause, so eventually it was diagnosed as asthma and I now take inhalers for it. The problems I started having last year with ingrowing toe nails I am hoping will soon be resolved now they have operated to remove part of the nail. Unfortunately the problems with my hearing seem to of got worse despite new aids a couple of months ago and at present no improvement is in sight. This makes it had now to listen to music which has always been a pleasure, also to be able to hear people clearly other than in a quiet room with no background noise, I now start to understand the life those born with this must cope with every day, not sure though if its worse to of lost the ability, I sm hoping with more knowledge to explore solutions in the new year.
Sadly there were health issues for my elderly neighbours this year, he due to ill health has now moved back to the area he grew up in and his wife who has some degree of dementia is coping on her own not really sure what happened or when, although somehow she is still managing with some help from her family, the lady who lived below me has moved out so it will be interesting to meet her replacement in due course.
The nicest piece of news was to find out my grand daughter was to become a mum at the end of this year making me a great grand father, not sure how I feel about this,
Well will close for now and do another update soon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)