Wednesday 22 August 2012

We’re on the Move Again.

DSC_8272doneFrom this….

Well it wasn’t planned to happen quite this quick but everything is falling into place. Having lived overseas for 5 years where double glazing of homes is standard we responded to an advert for free quotes with a view to getting double glazing in our home. We were not surprised at the $8000 quote for just the living area of the house. This made us think about where we go from here.

IMG_7782And this……

After a recent visit to Levin we were introduced to a house there that ticked all the boxes including double glazing which is now compulsory in all new buildings. It was obvious by the time we had completed an inspection of the property that this was the house for us. Only 18 months old and absolutely immaculate. No messing around , negotiations began immediately with a deal being struck within a very short space of time. At this stage our house wasn’t even on the market.

We headed home with the thought of what have we done? With a couple of appraisal’s in hand a decision was soon made to list with the local Selig’s Real Estate with whom Dot had worked for in their Upper Hutt office. Within hours of signing the listing  an agent rang us to view. A couple of hours later she rang us back (we were away at the time) requesting permission to take a client through. Not a problem, we said.

Original1To this!

We eventually got home an hour or so later thinking the house would be clear but oops, the agent and client were still here. Jodie will eventually become our home’s new owner. We still have a few repairs to do and we don’t shift until the end of October.

Talk about life in the fast lane, it’s all happened so fast and suddenly the stress is over, thank goodness.

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Going, going, Gone!

DSC_8277doneWe’ll soon be moving, to warmer climates. More to come…..

Sunday 12 August 2012

Another rally weekend.

Kapiti island from Paekakariki.Kapiti Island from Paekakariki.

At home there is still plenty to sort out but we are gradually working through it weather permitting.This week-end was another Caravan Club rally this time at Paekakariki Holiday Park. We have not been to this camp since about 2004 so it was interesting to find out if there had been any changes.

IMG_7632

Daffodils at Paekakariki Holiday Park.Spring is on the way, daffodils at Paekakariki Holiday Park.

There nothing much new except for a large air filled mattress/trampoline for the kids. It’s kept inflated by a compressor and was obviously a great favourite with the kids in camp.

Jump pillow at Paekakariki Holiday Park.Jump pillow at Paekakariki Holiday Park.

After lunch on Saturday we went for a walk through the Queen Elizabeth Park down to the beach. As the weather was fine we ventured along the beach to a nearby boutique shop selling all sorts of gifts along with coffee and ice creams. After enjoying a coffee or an ice cream in the sunshine it was back to camp for tea.

Volunteer's planting out along the sand dunes at Paekakariki.Volunteer's planting out along the sand dunes at Paekakariki.Paekakariki beach looking south.We wandered along the beachfront at Paekakariki.

One surprise was a flock of Quail that reside in the park.  I had seen about 12 in the caravan storage area but that night they ventured out into the camping area and we counted 28 of them so there is a good breeding flock there.

Quail at Paekakariki holiday park.Quail at Paekakariki Holiday Park.

Sunday and the weather turned pear shaped with more persistent rain. Normally we would have lunch before departing after a rally but today this ritual was overlooked as we all headed home early.

Gypsy Rover at Paekakariki.Gypsy Rover at Paekakariki Holiday Park.