Thursday 20 March 2008

Hello and Goodbye Again

So off we went back north last weekend. Just the kids, me and a car-full of duvets, food and too many clothes. It was surreal to stay in the house we used to live in, camping out with the memories. I felt like I'd never left.

We had a hectic schedule, trying as always to cram too much in. It was brilliant to see old friends, that part was magic. Really, really magic. The children seemed to take all the craziness in their short-legged strides, but their fighting and pale faces at the end of the weekend told me it had all been quite emotional for them too. I was exhausted by the time we'd driven home on Sunday, and I haven't really covered all week. Thank goodness it's a 4-day weekend - YAY!

Anyway everything's changing now ... again ... because we've found a family who want to rent the house. And they're moving in on Tuesday! Poor Big G just flew back from the US, only to be confronted with rent-a-van and a 2-page list of jobs to do in the house to get it ready for our tenants. I made up a booklet of instruction manuals for the boiler, kitchen appliances, etc. I couldn't resist writing a welcome letter, telling Mr. and Mrs. Whoever in detail about all the little quirks and eccentricities of the place - just like a new mother leaving a tiny baby at nursery for the first time. Anyway we're nearly there, and the extra money will save us from debtors prison.

Happy Easter all, may you be blessed with peace, salvation, contentedness and oodles of chocolate.

12 comments:

  1. It's great news that you have some tenants now- a house always needs to be lived in and enjoyed. And how nice that you wrote them an instruction/ welcome booklet...I can't think of a nicer welcome!

    I really enjoyed this post, thank you!

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  2. We've passed in the Blogosphere, was going to offer you a drink!

    Hmm, reminded me I must finish my house, it's only taken me (I'm so ashamed) 9 momths to do a weeks work...will I be alone in debtors prison then?

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  3. They will appreciate the welcome of instruction booklets and quirks of the house. Showing how much you care about them being able to settle will help them get to know hour house quickly and care for it as you did.

    Hope you have a relaxing break (even if Mr. doesn't because of a list of jobs!)

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  4. Happy Easter to you too!

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  5. Happy Easter and mazel tov on the rental .. its calmed down enough for me to spend some time reading my fav blogs... and to say thank you for keeping coming by and saying such nice things !

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  6. House is not a home until it is filled a happy family and there is no better way welcome the newcomers.

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  7. Brilliant about the tenants coming in to rent the house. That does seem to be the answer.

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  8. Well done - and I think the booklet is a fabulous idea. Not that I've actually ever got round to doing one myself, you understand, but am sure it would be lovely to recieve...

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  9. What a dream landlord, putting that booklet and letter together. The sort of thing I would hope I would do if I get into that situation - but somehow suspect I just wouldn't get round to....

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  10. I did the same when we first rented our house, a letter, detailed instructions for taking woodlnd walks, local doctor's surgeries...all laminated and left in a file. i think perhaps that was overkill! Congrats on the new tenants...
    Pigx

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