One Week on

 Just seven days ago we were exhausted, surrounded by boxes of our possessions and trying to find the essentials to make it possible to sleep. At least our bed had been assembled but everything else was a jumble. Suffering from the after-effects of a virus that had given us both coughs the week before, we now had breathing problems caused by a brand-new carpet that had not even been vacuumed once, so piles of fluff accumulated everywhere.At least the weather was good to us - it remained warm for several days and we lived with the doors open.

Now we have begun sorting ourselves out. Huge numbers of boxes have been opened and contents decanted and placed more or less where we want them. The bare rooms are starting to feel homely - putting up lampshades in the last couple of days has certainly helped. We ate off our knees for several days but now have cleared all the stuff cluttering up our tables and can sit down to eat in a civilised way. Even the television - which did not work because the internal wiring system was not properly set up - is now functioning.

We have barely left our secluded estate, other than to pop out to Alcester for shopping and a couple of times to local pubs. This, however, feels right and proper. We have chosen a rural location and expect to be spending most of our time here.

We had hoped for a warm welcome from our fellow-residents. What we have experienced so far has surpassed our expectations. We feel part of a community in which everyone has an abiding interest in living harmoniously with their neighbours.