HOLYWOOD TO BANGOR

Haven't had much time to do my blogg, it has all been hectic, daughter had to move colleges last week which she wasn't very happy about, and of course it has all been my fault as I was the one who wanted to come back to Northern Ireland. Personally speaking I am so happy that we have it is just great here, I might have said that a bit to many times now and as the family keep saying I do sound like an old record/cd. This week hubby and I went for a long walk,Holywood to Bangor, walked along the coastal path what beautiful views this did help me to ignore my sore feet and achy legs 5hrs in total. Son has been on a school trip since tuesday he comes home today, we have missed the noise, daughter would disagree with me. Today our house in England will no longer be our's as the new owners will be moving in, an end to that stage in our lifes and on to new one's. The day I left England I was surprised that I truly did not feel anything I think the word to call it would be numb, you see it took us two years in the planning, I was just so pleased to be going home,but I think that now the reality of it all is a bit daunting at times.Northern Ireland was a completely diffrient place that I left in 1986 the troubles was still going on and there is and old saying a change is as good as a rest, so of to England I went and the rest is history. I left Northern Ireland with only a suitcase, and returned with a hubby, two children and two cats, I feel very proud and very blessed.

Northern Ireland

Daughter arrived on the 3rd September, Son and I arrived 10th September, hubby and two cats arrived on the 16th September07. Furniture arrived on the 11th September what a day that was the removal men finished after about 4hours. The rented house that we have for six months is just great, we are very lucky that we have landed on our feet. We our living in a great part of the North of Ireland beautiful scenery and very quite. Kids have settled into college and school very well.Hubby likes it here very much especially the fishing, he has been down at his fave spot, the freezer is slowly filling up with mackerel very tasty indeed. The weather has been just fantastic, I think you would call in an Indian Summer, October and still great evenings.

Have been up to my eyeball's over the past few weeks,we have booked the flights for our move to Ireland, can't wait to go now daughter flew out yesterday starting college on the 3rd sep. Waiting on and exchange of contracts, for the sale of the house. It has been so hectic all the late nights, all the packng ,visits from friends. We have beeen saying our goodbyes to our friends whom we have met over the last 18yrs here on the south coast, I'm sure that we will have a full house ,come the next summer holidays in Ireland that would be great. Hubby's cousin Glenn has been staying with us he lives in Crete,( from Ireland ) returning on friday good to always see Glenn hopefully he will be another visiter to Ireland. Missing our daughter even though she has only been gone a day but another two weeks and we will all be together.

House has been sold, what a great feeling now I know that we are going back to Northern Ireland for sure. We all should be gone by the end of August, maybe hubby might have to stay to tie up loose ends, hope not though. Lot's of packing involved but as they say out with the old and in with the new.Went to vets today to organise Archie and Gus passports and to get them chipped that happens on Thursday. Daughter has got a few shifts at local hotel waitresing this will tie her over until she leaves for Ireland. She starts college in Belfast in September very nervous though I know she will do great 3wks to go till she gets her results and the world is her Oyster so they say.Until the next time bye for now.

Today it was announced that only5000 troups will be staying in Northern Ireland the rest will be leaving. I think that this proves to the people of Northern Ireland and the rest of the world that no matter what religion or what believes we have bombs and bullets will never be the answer. We had to move on we could'nt continue the way it was going,and I for one am looking forward to new beginnings, hence the reason for going back after 22years.I have been back several times this year and it is very refreshing to see that Northern Ireland has changed and is changing on a daily bases. PEACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND IS A REALITY.

Had two offers on our house today,not the full asking price so we have refused them. We have a budget to stick to at the end of the day. We think that after all the hard work that we have done to restore it (8 years) its worth what we are asking.The house has got a lot of character(Victorian Flint Terrace) and was built in1879 the first four in our street to be built at the time.Away we have more viewings on Monday so fingers crossed.Last night went out to dinner with hubby Afro/Caribbean,King Prawns to start,Goat curry for main and then home for dessert all in all a fab evening.We've said that we should make more time for us but its not that easy with a house to run 2 kids, 2 cats(maine coons) and all the day to day stuff,but hey thats life and thats what it is all about. Hope you like the pics of our cats Archie and Gus.

Very pleased with myself today,achieved alot started on the dreadful packing, about time though but oh the rubbish that I have collected over the years. I came to England 22years ago arrived at Heathrow Airport with only a suitcase worked in numerous jobs most of them waitressing, met hubby after being in England 3years,knew on the first day that I met him that he was my soulmate. Some people don't believe in fate bit I do. We have had good times and bad but I believe that geting through those bad times makes all the good times even better.We have been with each other for 19years, a brave man as I'm not the easiest person to live with.Back to my day went and sorted out what I had to do concerning rented property for when we arrive in N.Ireland,had a lady come to view our house she would like to come and view again on Monday, so fingers and toes crossed this will be our buyer.Hoping to be in N.Ireland for the end of August. Have to go now dinner in oven for the kids hubby and I going out for dinner yum! yum! ontil the next time bye for now.