I’ve been unpacking boxes for days, some from our last house, but mostly from our house we sold in South Africa two years ago. Everything was packed up and kept in a warehouse at Durban docks until we had it shipped over late last year. Since then, all the boxes have been in a storage unit waiting for the day when all the house renovations were completed. The furniture is pile ceiling-high in the two spare bedrooms. So far I’ve filled ten packing boxes with surplus items which are going on Wednesday for the ‘Breast Cancer’ pickup.ย We did donate, sell, and also gave to friends and family, such a lot of things before we left, but it’s amazing how much stuff one accumulates over the years. I’ve decided that the most useful inventions ever, have to be cupboards and drawers. Whatever would we do without them?
I had a most happy reunion with my pets, who survived their incarceration and journey across the ocean, wrapped in paper inside a cardboard box. Fido and Felix have been in our family for over twenty years. Our son bought us the dog, and then hubby and I decided that Fido needed a cat for company. They’re the easiest pets we ever had, no feeding or cleaning up after them, andย all they needed when I unwrapped them was a bit of a polish.
Fido doesn’t look too happy, but I’ve never seen him smile in over twenty years. Felix spends all his time asleep, and I guess nothing’s going to change.
I managed to visit a few of you over the weekend, but this week I’m going to be really busy organising things here. Hubby is busy painting the dining room, and then there’s still his study to do. We’ve booked our flights over to South Africa to see family and friends, and will be leavingย during the first week in October for about six weeks. So exciting, except for the thought of packing cases.
Wishing you all a great week. I’ll pop in when I get a chance.
I definitely can relate, as I often change locations too. I found silly pleasure in unwrapping my own stuff that where shipped from another country. And I usually the most happy with my souvenir and other displays. I almost don’t care about the ones that are necessary or the TV, as long as long as I have my travel memorabilia I’m well okay. ๐
Thanks, Rommel. There are certain items which we never want to part with, like my wooden Teddy Bear. ๐
I am glad you are keeping Fido and Felix. They have been so faithful and patient. ๐
Fido looks surprised – did something strange happen when he was being ‘created’?
LOL … too cute. Yes, they’re easier then the real thing. : )
It’s probably like Christmas each time you unpack another item.
Sweet surprises, Sylvia. Enjoy the process …!!!
Hope you have everything all neat and tidy in no time. Have a GREAT weekend …
Issy ๐
Thanks so much, Issy. Still quite a lot to do before we can place the rugs, pictures, mirrors and furniture, but we’re getting there. ๐
Baby steps … it always get done. Always enjoy the process in order to eliminate the pressure or stress to to get it done. Everything in do time … ๐
I expect Fido and Felix are happy to be out in the fresh air again – but you might think that Fido could look a bit happier about it! ๐
Unpacking. Packing. Must be difficult to know which one to do on which day! Safe travels!! ๐
Your time is so busy – very understandable. Thanks for letting us know. You will be missed, Sylvia! Have a great trip! ๐
Schรถne Kultur wรผnsche einen schรถnen sonnigen Nachmittag lieber Gruร Gislinde
Thanks so much, Gislinde. Happy Wednesday to you. ๐
I’m glad it’s all going so well. Your pets seem remarkably well behaved, by the way. I’ll bet they’re easy to look after too. Walkies might be a little dull, though. ๐
Haha Yes, no walkies for them. They’re so little trouble. We hardly know we have them unless we trip over them. ๐
The perfect pets. ๐
sweet treasures! I’m still looking for my Thai elephant!
Oh, I do hope you find him. ๐
me too in one piece!
Fingers crossed. ๐
This is the only nice thing about moving – I love finding these kinds of treasures ๐
Me too. I found a few more today. ๐
Good luck with all of the unpacking and sorting and have a lovely upcoming trip. All sounds so exciting.
Thanks so much, Miriam. ๐
Busy but happy, Ad! (well, I think so- I just saw the ironing comment ๐ ). I adore your pets! Give them a polish for me ๐
True, Jo. I’m a great ironer, and would probably have been an ironing lady in another life, although I’d rather imagine that I was a princess. ๐
I’m writing about Holyrood Palace. Just the place for you! Though maybe a bit cold ๐ ๐
I think you may be right. I don’t do cold these days.
I am always amazed by how many things, sometimes odd and peculiar things, that I hold on to with the words that I may need them at some future time.
Me too, Charlie. Hubby also keeps all sorts of bit and bobs in the garage, just in case. He says that as soon as he throws it out, he’ll find that he needs it for something. ๐
Good luck with your transition, Sylvia!
Thanks, Jane. ๐
Felix and Fido will surely setle into their new home quickly Sylvia ๐ It’s lovely unwrapping things out of storage and finding new homes for them . You’ll certainly both enjoy your trip to SAfrica come October – Spring time there I guess . Hope your week is going well piano playing and organising x
Thanks, Poppy. Yes, it will be such a lovely time of year to visit South Africa. No piano playing at the moment, but it will come. All in good time. ๐
wow… busy busy busy:) im so happy your getting to go through all the stored boxes. and a trip back home, how nice for you. . your 4 and 2 legged fury friends will wonder where you went off too ๐
Thanks, Kathy. Yes, they’ll miss my lurking around with the camera. Poor Sammy will wonder why the bird feeder isn’t getting filled up. ๐
Have a great time Sylvia ๐ธ
That’s funny – unpacking and then packing again. Have a wonderful trip.
Yes it is. Double the work. ๐
What a lovely pair. they will have great parties when you are away…. they just don’t show it now. ๐
Haha Maybe they’ll invite all the Iggys and Sammy. ๐
You will never know……… ๐
That’s true. ๐
you will be amazed at how much you can do without. Well, that is what happened to me when I unpacked boxes that I had not looked at for 10 years ๐
Ten years is a very long time. Someone is going to be very happy with all my spare stuff. ๐
Have a great trip!
Thanks, Mel. ๐
Unpacking! I’ve done that a few times, good luck and have a good week anyway ๐
Oh yes, the story of my life too. ๐
Excited to see what adventures are to come!! Glad Fido and Felix made it there safely, hehe!
Thanks so much, Mack. ๐
The figurines are lovely and adorable, too. Sylvia, I like to rotate my “stuff” into the rooms, then change for each season.
I love how you keep on moving along your way, unpacking and planning your next exciting place to visit. (Returning to roots, family and “home away from home.”) xoxo
Good luck with the unpacking ..it will be nice to come home to an unpacked house! Enjoy your time in South Africa, I hope you can manage a few posts, I’ll look forward to reading them.
Thanks, Gerrie. I’m sure I will find time to do a few posts. You know me! ๐
Yes, I’m sure you’ll spot a few interesting animals/people/ reptiles…maybe through a South African bathroom window!
Hahaha. Who knows?
Love your pets ๐
Thanks so much. ๐
What a lovely duo.
Thanks, Marylou. I love them. ๐
I like those kind of pets too ๐
Haha The easy life. ๐
Enjoy the unpacking! It’s like seeing old friends again. Safe travels too Sylvia
Yes it is. Thanks for the travel wishes, Lisa. Still lots to achieve before we leave.
Enjoy unpacking your stuff . . . and packing for your trip!
Thanks, Nancy. ๐
It’s the little things, like these pets, that make a home. I’m glad they survived the move.
Thanks, John. You’re so right. Some things just belong.
I wish you a great trip! And I know it is easier to go when the pets are reunited again…You do not need to worry about them being lonely.
Thanks, Ann Christine. Thanks so much for your concern for my pets’ wellbeing. ๐
I’m so happy your going back to South Africa to visit family. I guess the pets can stay home and guard your home. ๐ They’re so cute!
That’s a cute suggestion for the well behaved pets, left to guard the house, Jill. ๐
Have a great trip…though I know what you mean about more packing/unpacking…..I’m 2 years out and still shiver when we go on a holiday somewhere!
Thanks, Torrie. I’m with you. ๐
I love your easy-care pets, Sylvia! They won’t give you any stress and will willingly watch the house when you guys are on “home leave” ๐ We have a large wooden carving from Kenya, a masai warrior I named Amos. He has followed us everywhere (Ethiopia, Uganda, Sweden, Washington DC and now Florida) the last 29 years and I could not imagine our home without him guarding it with his spear.
I’m very sure you wouldn’t swap your dear Dylan for Fido. ๐ I like the sound of Amos. Mt sister did a painting of a Masai Warrior. Very intimidating indeed. ๐ฏ
Happy trip. I am sure fido and Felix will be waiting and will behave as well as they do now. ๐
Thanks, Imelda. Yes, they’ll be waiting patiently for our return. ๐
I love Fido and Felix, I can imagine it was a very happy reunion! Now to get packing again, but it will be a lot of fun, travelling always is x
Thanks, Susan. Still lots more unpacking to do before I can start packing for our trip. ๐
We have a similar pet, a dog. ๐ I can identify with all the boxes/crates, but I’m excited to hear about your upcoming trip!
janet
Thanks, Janet. Fido sends his regards to your doggie. ๐
Wonderful to meet your pets Sylvia! It sounds like things are moving along well albeit with ceiling high piles. One box at a time I say. Your plans for South Africa sound wonderful!
Thanks, Sue. One box at a rime is the best plan. ๐
How lovely to open up boxes and re-discover all your things ๐ have a good week my dear!
Yes it is, although some of my ‘things’ are soon going to belong to someone else. Spread the joy around. ๐
Have a wonderful trip, Sylvia!
Thanks, Sue. Lots to do in the next couple of weeks, but we’ll get there. ๐
Poor Fido does look a bit down… but how adorable!
I think Fido is just a rather stern looking dog. Reminds me of one of my teachers. ๐
I don’t blame fido for being upset, It’s a long trek! But I’m happy to see they’ve been reunited ๐
Thanks, Andy. Yes, a very long trek indeed. ๐
Having just moved house myself Sylvia I sympathise. I still have boxes that need unpacking. A lack of storage is proving an issue but I’ll get there. It is indeed amazing what we accumulate and an awful lot of my stuff went to the charity shop but still so much remains. It is lovely though settling into a new house and I’m sure you and Mr C are going to be very happy in your lovely new home.
How exciting to be off to South Africa again. Are you playing your new piano every day?
It’s funny how we never seem to have enough storage space, isn’t it? I wish you much happiness in your new home. My piano is under a dust sheet at the moment, but in a day or two, I’ll uncover it and tickle the ivories a bit. ๐
Ag dit is baie spesiaal … Sterkte vir die besige tyd
Baie dankie, Tina. Ek is stadig om te wen. ๐
Gaan baie lekker wees as jy klaar is
Kan nie wag totdat ons ‘n bietjie kan ontspan. ๐
Sometimes S, your posts leave me exhausted! But buen viaje. Felix and Fido, only to be unwrapped from incarceration to be abandoned. Poor dears.
Haha I know, I’m so heartless. ๐ Actually, I’m also exhausted.
So you aren’t really Superwoman after all? You disappoint me ๐
But your husband is def Superman!
Yes he is. I battle to keep up, but at least the gym is closed for cleaning the next two weeks, so life is a bit easier. I’m tacking a mountain of ironing at the moment, then it’s off to the grocery store.
Can’t remember when I last ironed. Partner hangs out washing so well, I just fold it up ๐ He goes shopping too. Don’t ask what I do!