6.7.12

Taking possession



A week after we dumped a van load of letterpress gear and furniture in our friend's barn, they returned to help us move the bulk of our things over to our new  - and temporary - home a few counties away. That morning we found a mysterious bag of cheese scones on the doorstop and I nearly wept, thinking of the good friends we were leaving behind. Getting the garden dug over and pots ready was also hard, remembering  the many happy summer harvests we'd enjoyed there. But not so sorry to leave behind the barking dog next door.





My poor studio - look away now, if you are ever contemplating moving your creative space after ten years. It hurts. Did you know that book cases whimper softly as they are emptied?






Our friend the fantastic Frank also gave up a day and loaned us the use of his van to help us. He is brilliant; a stylish cricketer, meticulous furniture restorer and all round good chap. He's shifted a lot of my junk around over the years, including helping me to collect my letterpress studio a few years ago.




This next shot describes why we are never again living in a 'character' cottage with twisty stairs.




 It is amazing how a huge pile of boxes...





...can go down so quickly...






...when there are many pairs of helpful hands...





...to clear it all...




...within less than half an hour! It was reminiscent of the famous Amish barn raisings, which have always made complete sense to me.




Naturally it was one of the hottest days of the year, but better than rain.





Strapping the futon base to the van roof.




And off we went in convoy, Custard the dog leading the way by nose.




Finally - our new base for the next few months. We made it!




While the vans were unpacked, we went off to collect the keys from nearby Market Drayton. We have left behind honey coloured Cotswold stone and gained black and white half timbered architecture.




We returned to this. Oh dear. That was just one van load.




And then we opened the doors. That's Andy's dad down there - more helping hands. 






Look - a corridor! Not had one of those before. And see the height of that ceiling - no more bumped heads.






Of course, I have the biggest and brightest room for my makeshift new studio.






Andy's lovely parents were there and his mum provided tea, served on my proofing press. They were splendid and stayed behind to look after the place.







While we drove back to the cottage. Again. Across the winding River Severn -





- to collapse with the cats. Still confused, but maybe not as confused - or anxious - as we were.


25 comments:

Gerry Snape said...

seeing the look on the gingers little face ...I could easily have filled up too...hope that it all goes well for you two!!

Catherine Hayward said...

very interesting to see the process of moving out - so nice that you had all those friends to help you. The new studio looks lovely :)

merisi in Vienna said...

Moving is a many-faceted enterprise, full of emotions and exhaustion. Your new home looks worth it, so good to see that you have such wonderful help, balsam for the soul, and providing comfort and tea when you need it most.

Good luck,
Merisi

janet said...

What an oddysey! I'm looking forward to hearing all about your new location as you discover all its wonders!

Lorna said...

Lots of camomile tea for the stress. Good luck in your new home.

Lin said...

How exhausting! How nice! How exciting!! Will all those nice people help you unpack?? ;)

Hope you get settled soon!

auntpearl said...

Your new studio room looks like it is going to be lovely!! Love all the light that comes through the window.
I know you must just be so tired of moving but it is going to be a wonderful change for you.
Hang in there. Sending you hugs,

Kim said...

I can't imagine moving and knowing that you have to do it all again in a couple months!!! Where is the final destination? You are so lucky to have such good friends!!!

coinguyslady said...

I can't even imagine moving out of our house with all my art stuff.Good luck.

Sara Tomlinson Design said...

Oh my goodness all that packing and moving and it is only temporary!! you are brave. Hope you settle in well though.

Frances said...

Thank you, Gretel, for this progress report. Your photos and words really do express what it is like to Move.

Thank goodness for a sunny day, and lots of friends and loved ones helping with it all.

(Your bookshelf reference reminds me of the last time I had to empty out a bookshelf, so that the wall behind it could be painted. The bookshelf collapsed...it was the books that were holding it up!)

Best wishes to you and Andy. I look forward to more reports when time and energy allow. xo

Dar said...

Before long and you will be calling the new studio, HOME, just like the now vacant place...hate moves but it seems yours went smoothly with all the help. Enjoy the life out of your new place. Stay happy and safe. LOL, opperative word is 'nterfast'
BlessYourHearts

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Althought I really enjoy your writing and telling the whole story of your adventure with boxes, vans (and a very cute cricketer)... It just that reading it all makes me almost cry, as I have this adventure of my own in front of me in the very near future to look forward too... less than a week away. And my studio space is all in boxes and I cant even get through to the back (where did all that stuff come from??) But I love your posts and the pictures are too sweet, just love little custard leading the way, what a good boy : ) Moving is such a bitter sweet time, I too will miss my plants that I have to leave behind. But new gardens to plan, plant and enjoy.

Lovely and fun post, all the best to your new home and unpacking all those boxes.

ted and bunny said...

just send me your address if ever you feel bereft of a cheese scone- my favourite things in the whole world to bake!
xx

ellen said...

Thinking of you and sending love your way. Moving is such an upheaval, exhausting both physically and emotionally.
Best to you both, dear Gretel.

Dartford Warbler said...

What a great adventure, despite the upheaval and uncertainty. It reminds me of our biggest move, from Yorkshire to Dorset, which was a serious case of uprooting. Hoping that your move goes well and that your bookcases will soon be back in business!

Claire said...

Oh Gretel, seeing those pics brings back lots of my own memories of moving house 20+ times, including O/S....
It's my least favourite thing to do, but lots of friends makes the job soooo much easier and a bit of fun and laughter thrown in, lightens the load.

All the best in your temporary home and the 'new' surroundings are gorgeous. Love the look of The Crown.

How cute is Custard and I love the last pic of your cat. Would love to know what it was thinking! Do cats have thoughts, I wonder?

Claire :}

Yarrow said...

I was wondering how the cats were coping!
What an amazing set of pictures, seeing your home reduced down to boxes that finally vanished. I hope all is going well with you and you soon have everything organised again.xxx

rachel said...

Such a painful process; I could weep for you. Almost a year since I did it - on a very hot day too (why aren't we having those any more?) - and I still haven't quite finished the unpacking. Hope you'll be very happy in your new home, temporary or not. x

Anonymous said...

It's so stressful isn't it. But good friends can make it much easier. Enjoy your new (temporary) home. :-)

jfidz said...

Good luck in your new place Gretel. New space = loads of new & fresh ideas - can't wait to read about your new adventures.

Acornmoon said...

I hope you are soon settled and feeling at home. It must be a very stressful time but I am sure you will be putting down roots before too long.

Anonymous said...

So glad that you are finally back online! My Dad had the right idea - he moved once, when he was about four, then lived in the same house (except for his army service) until he died aged eighty six!!
Looking forward to seeing more of your new surroundings - and finding out whyyou will be moving again!
Love, Anne x

Vintage Jane said...

Hope you are settled in now. The new place looks positively cavernous with that long hallway! Your poor little cat looks so confused - hope they soon adjusted to their new home. Look forward to reading all about your new surroundings. Take care.
M x

BumbleVee said...

check out what's left of my house right now...and we moved everything out into the garage or down into the basement area...where we are living for the next three months .... aarrgghhhh! the dust and mess!~...and frustration.... hopefully it will all be worth it in the end...to stay in our home in an area we like .. til we croak....