The Old Hack

My apologies for the inordinately long time between the last posting in this section and this one.  Those of you who read The First Post will be aware that the Citroen Xantia bought for the journey met with a collision in central London (see Tout est aux Mieux) and because of its age (never mind its stunningly good condition) the insurance company have, as I half expected, written it off with a derisory offer which we are in the process of arguing.

Now under 'normal' circumstances this would not be a sufficient trauma to cause panic stations within the Hack household.  It coincides, however, with an abnormally swiftly progressing house sale deal.  We are told that contracts could be exchanged as early as next week, with a moving out date in just nine days' time!

So our 'to do' list over the next nine days includes:  Settling a disputed insurance claim, getting a car with which to travel to France, finding somewhere to rent once we get to France, co-ordinating our removal company to put the bulk of our possessions into storage....

We've (almost) been here before.  The last time we thought we'd negotiated the sale we arranged dates for termination of gas, water and electricity supply bills - only to have to call everyone back and yell 'STOP'!  So to do it all again is all a bit scary.  Will it all go wrong again at the last minute? 

We have no real choice but to believe that lightning does not strike twice, take the plunge and get organising.  There may, therefore, be another delay until the next post - which I sincerely hope is a more positive one!  Thanks for your patience.