It was the turn of a blue tit to investigate the crab apples on this very overcast morning. This one found the fruit a little large for its beak, and didn’t stay long.
This afternoon, Elizabeth collected the keys for her new home. Naturally we were there to see her over the threshold, clutching thoughtful presents from Caldwell’s Estate Agents.
Also left for her on the surface of the utility room was a personalised welcome card featuring the house.
Jackie here stands between the utility room and
the kitchen with its induction hob.
The bathroom downstairs contains a corner bath
and matching suite;
Elizabeth examined the walk-in larder cupboard.
Upstairs there is a well appointed shower room,
and three good sized bedrooms, some with wardrobe cupboards,
and views of the gardens
with their shrubberies,
and a nicely weathered The Three Graces bird bath.
There is a solid garden shed
and garage in the grounds which
are fronted by a bank of ‘assiduous and carnivorous trees’ – at least that is what the spell-checked brochure claimed.
The house and gardens were immaculately presented. It is well worth remembering that this solid, well designed, home is one of 2,400 presented in 1948 to the British by the Swedish government in recognition of our forebears’ support during the Second World War.
Elizabeth has been staying with Mum since she left hospital. She will return there this evening. Jacqueline will arrive tomorrow to take her place so our sister will be able to spend the next few days moving in while she stays with us.
Mr Chan at Hordle Chinese Take Away provided tonight’s dinner for Jackie and me. I drank Patrick Chodot Brouilly 2016, while Jackie chose Hoegaarden.