In exactly nine weeks (0525hrs on 20th March), we'll arrive at London Heathrow. We've been planning this journey for so long now, the inception was sometime in 2010, and it's amazing it's coming to fruition. There's still so much to do, and of course you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men ...
I returned to NZ on 10th January after an amazing three-weeks in Indonesia with my beautiful daughter Kimberley. How special to have that time, just the two of us - and while we were having quality time together and with many exciting (and some not so thrilling!) adventures, Barry had his children Jamie and Tom at home for the festive season. So we were both blessed with family memories to treasure.
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| Kim and I ready for a cocktail or two |
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| Kim's 30th birthday surprise |
Now I'm back and it's time to get all of our belongings sorted to either sell, give away, store, package to send or pack. I always find it incredible how much 'stuff' we can accumulate, and when you look at it you wonder why on earth you have it and how you can so easily live without it! We totally understand how challenging space is on a narrowboat, and are both looking forward to downsizing and getting rid of so much clutter - it's going to feel so liberating.
On Saturday we joined our friends to camp at the beach for the night - I think it may've been hotter in Gisborne than it was in Bali and Lombok. A sweltering 39 degrees I believe was recorded ...
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| Barry cooks the barbecue breakfast for the masses |
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| Walking on the beach with Barry, we came across a penguin - so cute! |
We're just waiting to hear from our agent about the paperwork we'll need to collate ready for Barry's visa, and he's checking out flights for early to mid August when he'll be returning to NZ to apply. Our house settlement date is 31st January, so as soon as we can transfer sufficient funds to my UK bank account, we can commence the six-month countdown.
Finances will be very tight, so we'll be budgeting strictly - I suspect visitors will be requested to provide their own provisions! It'll be a great lesson for Barry and I, and of course means the required amount of cash must be available for five years in order to get 'indefinite leave to remain'.
Do check out my Holistic Life Coaching Facebook page and website/blog, and tell all your friends! Barry won't be able to work until he has his UK visa, so Life Coaching is likely to be be our only source of income. I have no intention of working as a midwife after Tuesday 5th March 2013, almost 26 years after commencing my training on 2nd May 1987. I'm extremely proud of the difference I've made during that time - improve the birthing experience of women and their families, the quality of maternity services and provide guidance and inspiration to colleagues and students.
It's now time to use my skills to support people to live their lives more fully and move towards a limit-less life ...
We're so looking forward to being back with my family and reconnecting with our friends in UK and on the waterways - as well as meeting new people (thank you to everyone who emails, it's always lovely to hear from you)!
Excellent news! Are you boat-hunting now?
ReplyDeleteAmy nb Lucky Duck
Thanks Amy - yes we are boat hunting, won't have quite as much to spend as we thought due to financial requirements for Barry's UK visa, so need to find one that ticks as many boxes as possible for the amount we can afford! I'm sure we'll find one in the next couple of months ...
ReplyDeleteSandra & Barry
Cant wait to see you both again and put you back on my boaters blog page! xx
ReplyDeleteWe can't wait either, it'll be good to see you both again Sue ;-)
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