I've got the key of the door!

Maureen and Brian took possession of their new dormer bungalow in Haltwhistle a week ago. They are going to use it for holiday lets and stay in their own house for the immediate future. Last weekend, Brian had a small stroke, so their plans to blitz the house and get it up and ready, have been put on hold for now.

I went to visit Brian today. It's early days and he is feeling very tired after talking, but he is cheerful and looking forward to his 85th birthday celebrations.

Maureen took me to see the house. Here she is outside the front door. It takes time to get used to the keys in a new place. Of the things that need doing she wants to take down the Lomond sign and the house number. Then they have a new carved oak house name to go up.

At home, I've been continuing to throw away "stuff". There are piles for the refugees, the charity shop and the bin. The day for swapping my study and bedroom draws nearer, but it's not going to be soon at this rate of progress.