Day 1,234
Summer’s gone
It's hard to believe we have been home so long, over 3 months now. We have spent the time clearing out Tom's family home. Tom's mum, Sue, had long said the house would be too big and lonely without Brian and took the decision to move to a flat. She and I spent many many hours clearing drawers that hadn’t been opened in years. Tom set up a family WhatsApp so family heirlooms could be shared. I spent days walking many miles to and from various charity shops, re-homing so much stuff. Winter clothing and shoes for the homeless shelter were really popular. Thousands of books went to charities, and I turned almost into a detective to ensure we could stop anything going to landfill. Somewhere out there is someone who wants and can use what you no longer need, I know, I found them!
We ensured Sue's flat was fitted out with everything she could need, it eased the move for her. Tom has spent weeks repairing the family home, repainting inside and out, I’ve turned into a char lady, on my knees scrubbing carpets clean, slowly oh so slowly we are getting there. Then heavy rains hit Northampton and the roof we thought was OK, wasn't. So up went the scaffolding and the house echoed to the shouts of roofers but within a week we had a new roof.
Sue has spent many hours here, saying her goodbyes. Brain's ashes watched over Tom, but Tom longed to show his dad how he was honouring his memory by bringing his much loved house back into tip top condition.
The house is pretty much empty and ready to sell, Tom and I are camping out here. There is just the art studio to clear now. It's nearly done, only Brian's paintings remain. They are being catalogued and will be exhibited next summer.
Finally with time on our hands we've got back on the bikes, harder than we thought! Autumn has brought out all the wonderful colours in the trees and Sue and I love kicking the dried leaves, we're still kids at heart.
Tom and I are making plans to return to the road. My mum is 90 in February, so after the family party we will head off. We have plans, Tom's working on the route. We will meet up with members of our cycling family, first Helene, then Isabel. It’s going to be ‘UK to Ushuaia’, hopefully!
