Editorial

04 Nov 2007

Greetings,

The last few weeks I've been getting my head around the technology of internet telephone systems and seem to have spent a great deal of money topping up credit for that and my mobile phone. Currently without access to a landline, I'm very grateful for these alternative systems of telephone communication but somehow nothing ever seems to be as straightforward as the salesperson or written instructions say. Issuing from the cupboard in which my computer is housed, there have been regular groans of frustration, tearing out of hair and pleas for help! A newly acquired laser printer turned out to be pretty straightforward once I'd discovered the power button; I viewed with some trepidation a house with 'I-pod reception and integral speaker system,' and have yet to get to grips with a laptop computer and peripherals. As you can see, at least I'm learning the jargon! Actually, I embrace computer and all technology but it's moving so fast and it muddles my head. The one redeeming factor is that having been determined to keep me up to speed, my sons and grandchildren tell me I'm way beyond being a 'silver surfer' and are quite pleased with their techno Grand Mum.

There have been moments of elation and disappointment in my search for a new home and I've even flirted with the idea of moving to another county nearer my eldest son and his family. Greatly tempted by the idea of a totally fresh start, family close by and a new whole new lifestyle, I explored the possibility of purchasing a holiday home on a very exciting eco development but eventually, thanks to keen examination and research by my solicitor, found that in the long term, the disadvantages would far outweigh the advantages. However, living temporarily an hour's drive from my home area, with regular stop-overs back there with family and friends has really impressed on me how much I value my support network of contacts and how much I would miss them if I moved away permanently. After much family discussion, I decided to look again at properties in Sussex and believe I've now found a near perfect modern property just two miles from my former cottage. All being well I should be able to move in by mid-December, take all of my possessions out of store and have the excitement of making a new home. Throughout this challenging period, I've been endlessly grateful for the support I've received from people in whom I have trust and who have advised me professionally for years - my solicitor, financial adviser, bank adviser, property insurance company, family and friends. Without their input I would have felt very ill equipped to deal with such important matters as buying and selling property. It's I who've had to make the final decisions but they've been made in the light of much sound advice and guidance.

Oh yes - and dancing! I did go alone to the local Old Time Sequence Dancing class and was made to feel very welcome. So long out of practice and without a single dance sequence in head or foot memory, it was so difficult to let go and allow myself to be led, but the sheer love of dance, the melodic, rhythmic music and the patience of kindly partners soon got me into the swing of things and I had a great time. Apparently there are about 100 new sequence dances a month now so many of the 'old time' ones have been forgotten. If I can keep learning and remembering the new sequences, I should soon by flying confidently around the floor.

Jacquie