Busy Times

It has been a busy few weeks in our preparation for our move to Canada.
We have had a number of viewings on the house and another offer which we have negotiated and accepted. We have booked flights and removers for July, wow!! Its not that far away. Things may have to be brought forward by several weeks when we agree a completion date on the house. We may have to move into a holiday flat for a few weeks, or a tent on the prom. Zof and I have started sorting even more of our belongings into those we want and those we can sell or throw away. The Jeep has been sold, not for a great price but more than I was expecting, Zof has started the process of moving the number plate M200UTD from the Jeep so she can sell it. When we should sell the GTI has been a topic of conversation but no real decision as yet
As well as all this we are moving towards the really busy times at work and I am organising a conference for the Governors Association. Why do we do it? There have been some good fun days in the Lakes with friends helped by really pleasant sunny weather over Easter, but most weekends are about planning and looking forward to our new life in Canada.
Every day events include looking at the exchange rate, it is a real roller coaster ride working out what a fall of 3-4 cents per pound would do to our finances. Also Bill spends some time keeping an eye on the Canadian economy re jobs and house prices, lots of concerns there as circumstances change. It seems like Canada has not been so badly effected as the UK but then they don't have the BBC creating panic with every bit of bad news plastered over their news bulletins.

March 15th. 2009.

An interesting week in all manner of ways: we have had drier weather, even a little sunshine. Doesn't the sun bring out the best in people lots of smiles and happier folk!

We have also had a couple of viewings and an offer! Not quite what we were expecting and so it is there 'on the table' so to speak. Don't they say that moving house and changing jobs are two of the most stressful times of your life add emigrating and wow levels hit the sky....

The sunnier weather allowed us into the garden - who allowed all those weeds to take root and Bill the lawn has moss in it but at least it's green! The snowdrops are past their best but the crocuses and daffs are in full bloom. Camelias are blossoming in sheltered gardens here im Morecambe but not ours, it will flower usually when everyone elses has finished.

January 2009 saw the end of a 32 month wait for skilled workers visas and PR papers. What joy! Resignations followed at our workplaces, the house has been placed on the market (and we have had three viewings in the first three weeks) - no offers yet! We have seen four international removal companies and we are still upbeat!!

Why are we moving? We enjoy the outdoors and we love the Canadian lifestyle. Our travels have taken us to Canada on a number of holidays; the call of the Rockies is strong. The high mountain passes, the meadow flowers with their beautiful scent and of course the wildlife - the bears both black and grizzly, moose, deer, bobcat.

We enjoy cross country ski ing, Bill is much better than me and we look forward to proper snow and more opportunities to improve our technique. Bill wants to try downhill; but has decided that he prefers the slower route down as he has just watched the downhill from Norway (Kvitfejell).

We would like to learn new skills and take up new hobbies - kayaking especially sea kayaking appeals.