I had high hopes for 2014. I knew I would be editing and then releasing a new novel. We had some trips planned. And the first few weeks of 2014 started off with a bang, with a visit from some very good friends. Then things took a turn. Both of us struggled with our health. Then the better half suffered an injury. Soon after that, my knee started acting up. Then I took a spill and injured the other knee. Finally, both of us were on the mend. Just in time to do our taxes. Tax season is never fun.
Spring arrived and the seemingly endless rain actually came to an end. When the sun started appearing both of us felt a sense of relief. We looked forward to our long weekend in Paris and then a longer trip mid-June.
Everything was coming together.
Until we got the letter. The letter that said our landlord decided to sell the flat we are currently living in and we had 60 days to get out. When we moved here a little over 6 months ago the plan was to stay for a couple of years. Obviously that didn’t work out. So now we are scrambling to get ready for another move. I hate moving. This past weekend we didn’t stop moving once, packing boxes, sorting things that we can donate, and organizing. I’m exhausted. We’ll be in Paris this weekend. When we get back we have a few days to move. Soon after that, we have another trip. Hopefully we can get settled before the second trip.
Both of the boys can sense something is going on and they aren’t happy. I wish all of us could get away. Some place far where we wouldn’t have to think about reality. How about Botswana? I’m behind on visiting blogs. My apologies. Once things settle down, I hope to check in on all of you.
50 Year Project 
Sorry to hear 2014 hasn’t been the kindest to you so far! That really sucks about the move, especially since it was sprung on you out-of-the-blue like that. I can’t imagine how stressful that must be. Good luck getting everything situated!
It was totally out of the blue and at first we were stunned. Now it has sunk in and we’re okay with it. Still, hate the process of moving. Thanks for your kind words.
Aw, moving sucks… and when it’s not out of choice/your own impetus, it sucks even more 😦
Hope you manage to enjoy your weekend, at least.
Both of us are looking forward to Paris. We won’t have to pack any boxes 🙂 Well, we’re hoping this is for the best and that we really love the new flat. Once we settle in, we’ll be able to enjoy and at least we are getting it done so we can enjoy the summer. The weather has been beautiful here.
Aw, that doesn’t sound so bad… light at the end of the tunnel yey 🙂
Things usually work out for the best. We like to stay positive. How are things there? Don’t you have a move coming up?
Best of luck with your move, I hope it works out for the four of you. Come and visit us in Worle if it gets too much. I hope Paris is amazing for you, I find the Parisiens are always far more accommodating if you speak poor school French to then than if you try speaking English right off the bat, they all speak English they just want you to try their way first.
I always try to remember my French from 20 years ago. How did your move go?
Move went relatively smoothly although Esha removals are appalling and should be avoided at all costs. Now it’s just the long process of working out where everything is going to live.
Yes, it usually takes us a couple of tries before we figure out the best method of storing things.
XOXO –
in the end I am sure you will be better off…. especially when you say goodbye to that landlord…
The landlord is a nice person, just not good at balancing things in life. I wish her the best, but it will be nice not to have to deal.
Things can only get better after a start like that!! Sometimes I think things happen for a reason, and you really needed to get out of that place after all the trouble with the water and the stupid landlord. Moving sucks, I know, but it will all be worth it in the end. And remember, August is going to be fabulous because you get to meet Mike and I :).
It’ll be a relief to have a landlord with experience managing a place. We didn’t know that when we moved in. Lesson learned: ask! I didn’t grill our new landlord, but I did fish for information, like “Do you plan on selling the flat within the next two years?”
What? You and Mike are visiting. Now you tell me! Maybe I can get transferred to Hong Kong.
Hey now, play nice :). Besides, I told you that Dor confirmed on her blog that we are not axe murderers, and I didn’t even have to pay her to say that LOL! I know you really do want to meet us, if only to find out if I’m as crazy as you think I am.
Oh was “Dor” a trap? A fake blogger to lull us into a trap?
No, Dor is real, and she gets really paranoid about strangers, so if she thinks we’re ok you have nothing to worry about :).
Stranger danger! Did you have to watch those videos in school?
Yes, I remember those, but they weren’t about me, really :).
Oh no—not another move. I know you were hoping to stay there awhile and this is a huge bummer. Did you find a new place easily that the boys can go, too? That always makes me worry about finding a place that will rent to folks with pets but hopefully that is not a big problem. Good luck with all that you have going on!!!
Finding pet friendly places in London is hard. There’s this law that makes it difficult and the law is centuries old. Many people in London have pets, so it’s not typically the landlords but the constraints on certain buildings. So we’re leaving the boys behind with a free sign. Totally kidding. We did find a place and it’s near a park for Miles and Att will have an outdoor space. Not as big as now, but it’s something.
oh boy. i hope your respite in paris gives you the oomph you need to endure your move. glad you found another place. soon you will feel settled in your new digs…exhausted but settled!
Thanks Kate! I’m looking forward to sitting outside of a cafe in Paris and people watching. A month ago I had grander plans: a lot of sightseeing, but now, just chilling sounds appealing. Luckily, Paris is only a two-hour train ride away so we can go back and do the whirlwind sight seeing. Hope you’ve been well!
ive been beyond busy with my tutoring. most finish finals this week, thank God!
Woohooo! I bet all of you will be relieved.
oh so relieved!!”readyto collapse on saturday! a couple have tests next week. but the other 18 finish this week.
i look forward to hearing about your new place. and paris! yayeee 🙂 i do hope you get settled in smoothly 🙂
We’re getting there. Most of the stuff is in the new place. Now I need to find spots to cram all my junk.
Oh I’m so sorry for you – do hope things settle for you all soon.
July hopefully will be peaceful. But you two are used to being on the go all the time.
You take terrific animal shots! I love all of them. Having to move sounds like a huge drag, but it sounds like you guys got it together quickly to make it happen. Glad you’re able to make a Paris getaway. Hey, I’m all for you doing a post on French food and wine. You’re the closest I’ll get to Paree.
I take lots of photos and every 10th one turns out okay. I might not be taking too many photos in Paris this time, but will do my best to share our experience. We’ll be at the French Open one of the days we’re there. Third year in a row now. Then the US in August.
That’s great! Maybe I’ll meet you guys when you’re in NYC.
Coolio! Hopefully it won’t be dreadfully hot and humid, but I’m thinking odds are it will be. It’s pretty hot in London right now. Taking me by surprise.
It’s always hot and humid during the Open. And stinky.
And usually lots of rain delays. Once I was standing next to Andy Murray’s mom for 40 minutes under an awning during a storm. I didn’t say anything since she didn’t look like she wanted to chat. Someone else shouted, “It’s Andy’s mom!” and she thought it was me. If looks could kill, I would be dead. Last year we were walking towards each other and I swear she gave me another deadly look. I think she remembered me and I wasn’t the one who shouted.
He’s not having such a hot year. Maybe her bad karma is rubbing off on him.
Ugh! Sorry for that MAJOR disruption in your life! For every closed door, a new one opens…in your case, literally! Good luck finding a great new place, hopefully the new one will have a long term lease. Loved your photographs!
Thanks Elisa. We really like the new flat. Not we just need to get settled and then I can blog again.
Oh no 😦 Moving is a pain in the ass and it s not nice that you only have 60 days… I hope all of you will be fine with health and done with moving soon ❤
Thanks! The end is in sight …
Oh my dear I’m sorry it’s all a bit pear shaped and hope everything is sorted soon.
We’re getting there, slowly. It always takes much longer than you think it will.
That is so naff about your apartment. I really feel for you and I bet you’ve unpacked everything since the last move. If that had have been me some things would still be in boxes so no problem! Even so, that’s harsh. And for the pets as well, they hate moving more than we do. I wonder though if part of it is that they see you packing things up and think you’re going to leave them for a few weeks (which they’re also not fond of.
We’re going to Paris this December – I’m so excited I could explode so I’ll keep an eye out for your reviews. Plus I must revisit your Amsterdam post because we’re going for five days in July.
Hope that move goes okay and your new place soon feels like home. At the end of the day – home is just where all your loved ones are isn’t it?
Lynn 😀
Miles and Att hate seeing our luggage out and they figured out backpacks means weekend trips.
You’ll love Amsterdam. If you get a chance, see the Anne Frank house. I know it’s depressing, but it’s almost a must. And Paris in December. That sounds really neat. I wonder what the holidays are like there. Enjoy!
I hate moving too; hence, I haven’t done so in 12 years. I wish you the best with it! And no worries about blog visiting. Sounds like you guys have your hands full.
12 years … that sound heavenly to me right now. When I moved to Boston I said I would never move again. I’ve moved three times since saying that. Pretty sure I cursed myself.
Moving is never fun and especially when it is unexpected. Enjoy your weekend in Paris. You deserve it. We are packing up now too but our move to Spain won’t be until the fall so we have plenty of time to get rid of 14 years of stuff. (It’s still a lot of work) I’m sure you and the boys will be happy in your new abode.
Spain! How awesome. I know you’ll love it there and think of all the adventures you and your characters will have!
Sorry to hear you have to move again, so soon! That’s what you get for unpacking, I suppose. 😉 Enjoy your trip!
Maybe I should live out of boxes this time
Enjoy your break. I am glad you found somewhere else and I hope the new landlord is easier to deal with.
Love the last pic of the sleeping lion – shades f MasterB!
Seeing lions in the wild really made me realize how much our cats are like them. Instinct is astounding when you really think about it.
Oh boy, 60 days that’s harsh. Moving is such a drag . . .
Sorry to hear thinks are so complicated and stressful right now. I hope it will get easier soon.
We didn’t event know it was possible for the landlord to kick us out before the end of the lease. It’s turning out to be 45 days since the flat has been sold. It’s a mad dash.
Sorry to hear about your sudden rush to move.
I know how you feel about moving…I have been doing that so often too because my dad liked to sell our house when the price is much higher than when we first bought it. I hated the moving, always hated it.
I hope you can settle down soon…and just enjoy your trip without the concern of moving out. Good luck TB
Oh I feel for you. Does he still move quite a bit? That would be hard. I hate moving as well.
Not anymore because of a very long story
I think Paris must be the perfect antidote for stress like this, TB. Enjoy yourselves to the hilt and best of luck with the moving. Wish I could be there to help you.
Paris was wonderful, but it always is. Even with the cold weather we still had a relaxing time.
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I hate moving…until I get to the new place, then I get excited at being somewhere new. I hope life starts to treat you more kindly than it has of late. Have a wonderful time in Paris. Give Miles and Atticus a hug from us here.
Oh my boys do love their hugs. Miles has been really snugly lately, which I love. I can’t wait to get settled and then go exploring. I keep thinking of all the pubs that are waiting for me.
What a crazy time for you! I hope you are both healing. Sounds like you are organized enough to manage everything that got thrown at you. I’m glad you are not letting the last minute wrench keep you from enjoying Paris. Congratulations on the novel (and Paris and Botswana.The photos are truly remarkable!) Bon voyage!
Not sure we are organized but we both are able to put our heads down and do what we have to do. It’s not always fun, but having a new home to settle into will be a nice feeling. Thanks!
Sounds like 2014 has not been very nice — it’s bound to throw something lovely soon. Paris is always a good idea! 🙂
Hope the move thing sorts itself out nicely.
The lion drinking the water! what an incredible shot!
I can still remember that morning when we spotted the lions at the river. Such an amazing sight.
What a hassle and nightmare so soon TBM . Still … from your replies to comments it seems perhaps … better times are ahead … the tennis .. Paris .. Summer coming … if you had to move better then than in depths of Winter
Enjoy your break .TBM .. I’ve always fancied the train to Paris . Only got as far as the Champagne Bra oops Bar LOLOL at St Pancras where the price for a glass was so eye popping unbeknownst to me one the lenses in my specs fell out … Oh that was a giggle going back afterwards looking for it under the barstool ….
Did you find it?
Moving is quite stressful, so here’s one tip … don’t lose Miles’ ball!!!! Take care of yourself & keep your chin up. … and thanks for the wonderful animal shots.
Don’t worry, Miles won’t let us forget any of his toys.
Good for Miles!
Duuuuuuuuuuude. I got that letter once and it totally sucks. Moving is definitely one of the most stressful life changes. Boxes everywhere. Cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. I remember just donating a bunch of stuff I swore I needed when I was living at our apartment, but once we were packing up all the stuff I was like yeah…that stuff is not life or death I can donate it. I was donating all kinds of stuff. I feel ya, my friend. Wishing you luck, patience and a good beer at the end of it all. 🙂
I’m cleaning now and it’s driving me bonkers! And oh yeah, we purged a lot of stuff. A lot! The charity shops love me at the moment. Beer…I can almost taste it. Thanks!
Nothing like a trip to Paris to banish the moving blues. 🙂 I hope you have a great time not thinking about boxes for a little while.
Moving stinks but I hope you found a new place that you love. Still in the same neighborhood or farther afield?
We are moving back north of the river. Paris was wonderful. I hope you’ve been well
Sounds like there’s so much going on. Hopefully things will settle down soon and you can sate your wanderlust!
Thanks very much!
It’s frustrating to move when you’ve just settled in… Hopefully the universe is leading you to an even better flat… hang in there!
I do think the universe is involved … we love the new flat and the location!
Good luck with your move. I’m in the middle of preparing for our big move to the States. I have a few weeks yet, and am procrastinating like crazy. 🙂
I wish you luck. International moves are exciting, but loads of work. I hope you get settled soon and enjoy my home country.
Great shots! It looks like real “Safari”?!
Thanks!
Seems like everyone is going through some changes. So, at least you are not alone TB! We’ve been behind on blog readings too, but managed to nominate you for the Most Influential Blog Award.
Congrats and thanks for keeping us motivated! Good luck with the new move.
https://bespoketraveler.wordpress.com/2014/06/05/most-influential-blogger-award/
Thanks very much. When I can, I’ll pop by. Internet isn’t hooked up at the moment. I hope all is well on your end.
Oh no!! I hate moving too. Our rent just went up and we can’t be bothered to move so we are just going to pay it hehe. I love all of your safari shots. I hope everything happens very smoothly for you!
I think most landlords know that if they raise it too much, most of us are too lazy to move. And then the cost of moving is always more than you think. If we could have, we would have avoided this move, but life had something else in store for us.
Hi
Sorry to hear that you have been going through some downs. Hope everything is sorted out and we can look forward to some interesting posts from you.
I was away at my son’s place in UAE and have not been keeping up with blogging, mine or others. Hope to rectify that.
Take care.
I’ve been thinking of you and hope all is well. Things have been a nit busy around here lately and blogging has taken a backseat, I’m sad to say. Hope to hear from you soon. xoxo