Essex & Devon

The kitchen unit and appliance fitting was completed as far as the team (Gary, Paul, Matt & Pete) were able in the time allowed to them and it was then time to hand it over to a professional to complete the fiddly bits. Work has progressed last week and this coming week should see it completed. It was a hard four days, but well worth the effort and we all enjoyed the shared experience.

Julie has found herself some interior design work in Kingsbridge and is working there a couple of days a week to help out. The work is very much along the lines of her own business, but is obviously a much larger concern. Again we are both pleased that she has managed to find another opportunity to meet people and get involved regardless of whether it becomes a long-term thing or not. It's early days and nobody knows where these things will end up.

We have both been astounded by the friendliness of the people we have come across and the opportunities that have presented themselves. Pete filling his days whilst still working was never an issue, but we were both concerned about how Julie would fill her time. Julie hasn't had to work too hard as the friendship and opportunities have found her, but she has been responsive to them and taken them in her stride.

This week saw Pete spending more time in London and saw him again stuck in traffic on the M25 This time he was able to pass the time with a little photography and took the sunset picture from the QE2 Bridge at Dartford.

On Saturday we went into Salcombe. It was a very windy day and the clouds were racing past leaving spotlit sunny patches across the countryside. The wind made for good sailing and there was plenty of activity on the water down by the yacht club. Julie has a feeling that she belongs on the water and is looking to join the rowing club to replace the fit club, as it is now closed for the summer - watch this space.

On Sunday we walked Rufus to get him out of the house for a spell. He is getting a lot better to control on the lead, but still enjoys taking his ball just far enough from your reach into the surf so you can't get it. He is also difficult to get him off the beach sometimes, but overall he is a pleasure to take out. Towards the end of our walk we got caught in a real downpour and got absolutely drenched. Still having the right cloths helped, so did the warm shower when we got back home.