After 8 not too happy months of living with the in-laws, Mr M and I have finally moved in to a lovely flat in North Oxford. We have been there for just over 3 weeks now, and are enjoying having our own space again, and being able to shop at the weekly farmers market just up the road - I didn't grow enough for storage this year. We are even going to get rid of the car and (sob) the motorbike eventually, but seeing as we are in the middle of so much public transport, and OH has a 2 minute walk to work, and I have a 30 minute walk, we think we can save some money.
I am also looking at changing allotment sites, as my present site is only 15 or 20 minutes from work, but that is in addition to the 30 minutes from home. I am probably a little lazy, but 45-50 minutes from home doesn't compute very well for me when added to some heavy winter digging - or carrying loads of seedlings/seed spuds/onion sets come spring. My new site is by the canal and will probably be lovely in the summer, and is only 20 minutes walk from the flat. I will keep on the other plot where I have raspbs, strawbs, and a few other permanent things for now.
It means having to dig another overgrown plot over, but OH has said he'd help with the digging at least. I'm hoping that if he gets involved at the planning he will get a whole lot more involved in the growing too.
Not sure what replies I expect to this post, but I just though I'd share all this with everyone as I am so much happier now! ;D
Moggle. Wonderful!!! Heres wishing you happiness in your new home. How lovely just in time to settle in for Christmas. Hope your plans for new allotment work ou well for you. Very best wishes to you both.. Lorna
QuoteWe are even going to get rid of the car and (sob) the motorbike eventually, but seeing as we are in the middle of so much public transport, and OH has a 2 minute walk to work, and I have a 30 minute walk, we think we can save some money.
This part of the plan will definitely work. We've done it and it's easy if you've got half decent public transport - even in autumn/winter. You'll save a packet. Cars are money pits...
After this next season, you will feel the changeover was worth all the effort, after all the time saved in travelling can be spent gardening !!!
Derekthefox :D
I'm really pleased for you, Moggle! It must be bliss to have your own space, hope you both have a wonderful Christmas together, chill out, relax and enjoy! I had to get rid of my bike too, but that was down to erm....being a bit well pregnant!! You'll save loads of money, plot will soon be in shape, dead chuffed for you...HAPPY CHRISTMAS!! ;D
Its a great feeling isn't it when everything comes together :), am very pleased for you, and very envious about getting rid of the car.
Have a very Merry Christmas and good luck with new plot and all your plans :)
Yes I can relate to not using the car too. I did a lifestyle 'downshift' five years ago following redundancy, and have found it very enjoyable ... this also involved walking to work, something else which I really enjoy.
Derekthefox :D
Moggle - glad that all your changes are working out so well for you. Any chance of pictures of the new lottie? - by a canal sounds divine, so would love to see it (so I can sit and be envious!!)
Well all in all the prospect of a happy new year then and so I wish it for you.
Moggle ;D ;D
Great...Christmas in your own Place...great start for 2006 8)
Would say.....[ Dont get rid of the Bike] mind Im Bias :'(
Things will work out ;)
Good luck and wishes to you Both...Really hope all your Dreams come true in 2006 ;)
You two have a Great Christmas and I hope really a Fantastic New Year.
Moggle
As I read your post I couldn't help thinking, This woman needs a bicycle.... your 30 mins to work will be 10 min and the Lottie, whichever one, will be so much closer!
Not too late for Christmas but Jan sales even better, or an old second hand shop to enter the spirit of recycling things others have thrown away.
Hope you both happy in your new place.
And I can't see it being long before you get a trailer for the bicycle as well ...
Derekthefox ;D
Hi Moggle, lovely to hear you have moved into your own place happy for you both. Do have a lovely Christmas, i know you will have a Very Happy New Year.
now you have a new home and a lottie. all the best to you . Rosebud. ;D ;D
Thanks everyone for your nice replies and wishes. I will be honest and admit that I'm aprehensive about selling the car - I do like my comfort - but no 'pain', no gain! We want to be able to pay of our debts and possibly move back to Australia in a year or so, I have to make some kind of sacrifice if I really want that to happen!
Quote from: undercarriage plan on December 19, 2005, 14:48:29
I had to get rid of my bike too, but that was down to erm....being a bit well pregnant!!
Not my bike really UP, is OHs, but I do love it :) And we borrowed money to buy it so it has to go eventually.
Quote from: Nathan on December 19, 2005, 19:58:37
As I read your post I couldn't help thinking, This woman needs a bicycle.... your 30 mins to work will be 10 min and the Lottie, whichever one, will be so much closer!
A good thought, but I am a bit scared of cycling now - nearly damaged myself a couple of years ago cycling like an idiot, then a few days later a girl got hit by a bus and killed about 100 yards from there. I went right off cycling after that. :-[
Besides, as DTF says, the walk is quite enjoyable :)
Will try to post pics of the new plot as soon as i can, just need to get it strimmed so I can start the digging in my time off over Christmas.
Hi Moggle, great that you have moved into your flat for christmas. :)
The new plot sounds like a good move, you'll have it ship shape in no time.
I currently do a 110 mile round trip to work and nursery, and with the arrival of #2 am seriously considering changing this!