Never play chicken with tractors, especially when they're being driven by what looks for all the world like an eight year old.
If you're following a kerosene lorry down a lane then there's every chance it will just stop and make its delivery.
Be very good at reversing.
Feel free shout “shut the F-up” out of your window at 3am; this is when owls like to settle their differences. They will ignore you but it feels good to get the anger out.
Cyclists, horse riders, tractors, milk tankers… there are many obstructions that will conspire to turn your 25 minute journey into a 35 or even 45 minute journey.
Own a gas camping stove and a hurricane/oil lamp (use lamp oil and not paraffin for the latter). Buy tinned food to last a few days in case of prolonged power cuts. A charged power bank is also a must. Wouldn't harm to do a couple of flasks of hot water if storms are forecast…
I remember this SO much when we moved from London to rural Kent. I was driving the children to school on their first day. We pootled up the hill, immersed in blossom trees and daffodils at the side of the road. And I thought ‘Crikey!! We’re in a season!! That’s actual <spring> right there…!!’
Gosh you are remote by the delivery driver index! Even up here in rural NE Scotland, so remote that according to "additional remote area delivery surcharges" we apparently have no roads, necessitating arduous and therefore costly expeditions across trackless moorland, we have FOUR! Evri woman, who is prone to flinging everything in the greenhouse without ringing the doorbell, M&H Carriers cheerful chappie (or "loon" here), DPD Polish first name "but I don't speak Polish" following your returns sagas with interest guy, and Yodel woman in Scandi-type outdoor worker gear with reflective strips (fair enough, it's dark here for most of the year).
And we do have eggs everywhere. I tend to avoid the farm road-end ones that sit baking in the sun...
So pleased to read this. Moving to the country can feel a little daunting - you can feel a bit too far away from everything. I remember when I first visited where I live in Cornwall driving back to London felt like I was driving back to civilisation… quite soon after moving here permanently going back to London felt like the opposite! Fine for a visit…couple of days max & then I’m so very glad to be back in the countryside. You will build a relationship with delivery drivers!
Moving to the country felt like all of the stress and anxiety just melting away. Like you described, you give up some convenience but it’s so worth it! Very jealous of your sheep view :)
I came back to our Suffolk farmhouse yesterday after 2 horrifically manic and stressful days back in London (we moved last August) and upon exiting the car, the thought literally occurred that I had arrived in paradise! The birdsong, the intoxicating space and the sheer peace and quiet. Look forward to hearing more about your adjustment and comparing 😀
Sounds like you’re settling in well. Re bins: my area (granted, Toronto suburbs, so 🤷♀️) we can sign up for Waste calendar. I’ve done that and set notifications so I get reminders what goes out when. Before I signed up I was constantly forgetting/getting it wrong.
Never play chicken with tractors, especially when they're being driven by what looks for all the world like an eight year old.
If you're following a kerosene lorry down a lane then there's every chance it will just stop and make its delivery.
Be very good at reversing.
Feel free shout “shut the F-up” out of your window at 3am; this is when owls like to settle their differences. They will ignore you but it feels good to get the anger out.
Cyclists, horse riders, tractors, milk tankers… there are many obstructions that will conspire to turn your 25 minute journey into a 35 or even 45 minute journey.
Own a gas camping stove and a hurricane/oil lamp (use lamp oil and not paraffin for the latter). Buy tinned food to last a few days in case of prolonged power cuts. A charged power bank is also a must. Wouldn't harm to do a couple of flasks of hot water if storms are forecast…
wait till you start seeing the seasons become an Actual Thing - I guess the birds are already helping that revelation. It’s wonderful
Plus, print your recycling schedule and stick it on the fridge. Especially the food waste and garden waste. You don't want to miss those.
Very pleasing on all fronts. Other weird thing is that after a while your eyesight improves because you can always see the horizon.
I remember this SO much when we moved from London to rural Kent. I was driving the children to school on their first day. We pootled up the hill, immersed in blossom trees and daffodils at the side of the road. And I thought ‘Crikey!! We’re in a season!! That’s actual <spring> right there…!!’
Gosh you are remote by the delivery driver index! Even up here in rural NE Scotland, so remote that according to "additional remote area delivery surcharges" we apparently have no roads, necessitating arduous and therefore costly expeditions across trackless moorland, we have FOUR! Evri woman, who is prone to flinging everything in the greenhouse without ringing the doorbell, M&H Carriers cheerful chappie (or "loon" here), DPD Polish first name "but I don't speak Polish" following your returns sagas with interest guy, and Yodel woman in Scandi-type outdoor worker gear with reflective strips (fair enough, it's dark here for most of the year).
And we do have eggs everywhere. I tend to avoid the farm road-end ones that sit baking in the sun...
So pleased to read this. Moving to the country can feel a little daunting - you can feel a bit too far away from everything. I remember when I first visited where I live in Cornwall driving back to London felt like I was driving back to civilisation… quite soon after moving here permanently going back to London felt like the opposite! Fine for a visit…couple of days max & then I’m so very glad to be back in the countryside. You will build a relationship with delivery drivers!
Moving to the country felt like all of the stress and anxiety just melting away. Like you described, you give up some convenience but it’s so worth it! Very jealous of your sheep view :)
Le sigh… I’m ridiculously happy for you 😊
Haha! This made me smile. So similar to being “in the country” anywhere, the Isle of Skye included. Except we don’t have a Waitrose
I came back to our Suffolk farmhouse yesterday after 2 horrifically manic and stressful days back in London (we moved last August) and upon exiting the car, the thought literally occurred that I had arrived in paradise! The birdsong, the intoxicating space and the sheer peace and quiet. Look forward to hearing more about your adjustment and comparing 😀
Sounds like you’re settling in well. Re bins: my area (granted, Toronto suburbs, so 🤷♀️) we can sign up for Waste calendar. I’ve done that and set notifications so I get reminders what goes out when. Before I signed up I was constantly forgetting/getting it wrong.