so far so hopeful!

As I write we await any "developments" following the buyers survey ( not quite a cash buyer after all it seems but they do not have to sell first and only need a small mortgage so fingers ( and toes and legs) crossed. Our house is 120 years old with ne'r a straight wall and some wonky bits but that's what is best about it - the trouble is these surveyors have boxes to tick!

Anyway we remain optimistic and have an extra visit to Tarn et Garonne booked for next week. We are hoping that we will actually be able to get a purchase under way. We are going back to look at Las Charretieres but also have a couple of other places to see - one of which I have to say has stolen my heart with the photographs. It is within walking distance of a lively village with and also has great views.

We have started to get quotes for removals and as a result have done some serious rethinking of what furniture we will take with us, firstly because there is a danger it won't fit in a lorry, secondly it will cost a fortune to keep it in storage while our French purchase goes through and lastly, but by no means least, we are realising that some of our furniture is perfect for our Victorian villa but will look out of place in the type of property we are planning to buy.

At the moment we are aiming to complete our sale ready to move out at the end of May - our buyers are keen to get in as soon as possible, we of course will want to minimise the length of time we have to store the furniture. Most of April we will be in France and then we will be back here to deal with this end of things. For this stage there is of course A LIST - we are crossing things off but I think at the moment it is growing faster.

This week we uncovered my daughters dolls house in the garage. As I told her it reminded me of house she or I might buy - in need of some serious TLC but basically structurally sound. The house was made by my Dad and its fate was Anna's first consideration when we first told her of intentions to go to France. She has a tiny cottage in Norfolk but has decided the dolls house must be saved ( I think she may have to build a shed around it) and restored to its former glory. We will be taking it this weekend - another big space in the garage - goodeee!

I've never eaten a chip butty

So I've never eaten a chip butty - No particular reason Ive just never felt the urge!

Apparently it is because I am a "Southern Wuss", this despite having lived in Stoke on Trent for 39 years ( ie most of my life and all of my career), clog dancing, and having two children born here. I have lost all traces of my West Country accent which used to so amuse my first pupils ( a "get on with your worrk" would be followed by a whispered "ooh arrr" being passed around the classroom) and I even use some Potteries expressions but Stoke folk, although friendly, can spot a "furriner" a mile off.

So what chance have we of being accepted as incomers in rural France? Who knows, but we do love France and have spent a lot of time travelling in the country. We have chosen to go to live in an area we know well and already know some people. Last summer we even made some progress finding like minds in the traditional music fraternity ( see August 2009 Carry on Dancing) so we shall see. I have been working really hard to improve my French too.

The latest developments have been dramatic - we seem to have another buyer. A cash offer has been made and accepted and we have contacted a solicitor to start things moving. We hardly dare believe that this really will come off but so far so good. It has come in the nick of time as I was getting very depressed with having life on hold and was beginning to wonder if I could persuade TC that there was a plan B ( had no idea what it was but there had to be something). Now its all systems go again and maybe I bought that big bag of potting compost for nothing.

We are hoping to be able to have some sort of discussion soon about timings so we can make further plans.It would be great to be in the position to get back to househunting as cash buyers ourselves soon and the improving weather means we will be able to live in Pavillon quite comfortably while a sale goes through. We may look into rented an unfurnished place to store our furniture and act as a temporary address.

Fingers and toes crossed nothing goes wrong this time.

And as for butties - I WILL miss bacon butties!
Chips I will enjoy with moules forestieres under the arches at Montauban!