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Health, Self Care, Bees & Carry On…
21 June 2026
A couple of weeks of bad health (exacerbated by insomnia causing virtually no sleep), means that packing has taken a back seat. As annoying as this is, there's no point pushing myself or I’ll just end up even poorlier, or worse…
I already had an appointment for my hair and nails to be done, so I went to treat myself… and a ‘little’ bit of a change. I can no longer have my hair coloured (fricking medical issues), but as I wanted something different, I decided on a haircut instead… not the best photo but hey, I don’t do selfies lol 😂.
Feeling a little better on Saturday morning, I had a couple of hours to make sure my blood pressure & sugars were stable and began to empty the next lobby. This is another one I’ve been dreading as it’s so deep and has some seriously large items in there. I’ve realised how messy these are, but I also understand that they deteriorate along with my mental health - which is a good thing to know!
Wow it's been over a week since I started trying to clear out the lobby!! Thankfully James has stepped in to help me on his days off. With today being my first Father’s Day without my dad, he knows me well enough to know I need to be busy - though I think the fact I’m on day 3 of stopping smoking might just have been a major factor. He knows I’m also emotional because he’s filled in forms for his own home 😭.
The fact I was stung by a damned carpenter bee hasn’t helped either! I’m allergic to both bee and wasp stings and this is a photo AFTER I’ve taken an antihistamine! 😱 🐝
Anyways, at the end of today after 2 solo tip trips, I have an empty lobby. The main items in there (apart from all the shit) were tools and things for the cars. These are now all in my front room (which currently resembles the municipal recycling centre 😂) so we can sort it all out tomorrow, split it into who’s getting what and what I’ll need to buy from Ikea before I go. I’ll finish this with a pic of the empty lobby, which will be hoovered before I fill it again, and will add the after pic onto the next blog that will hopefully include the emptying of the kitchen cupboards.
Bluntness, Honesty and Transparency…
08 June
This has been playing on my mind for a while now, and as this is my own personal blog, I’ve decided to get some things clear - although no one has asked for any of this - for me, at least, it is important.
Addicts (not so) Anonymous…
Many will know that I have three addictions: being in control, coffee and cigarettes. The caffeine is going nowhere, but I am working on removing the latter from my life. As for losing the control issue… yeah, not happening.
What most don’t know is I am a hoarder and am (in certain circumstances) extremely lazy. I think I’ve known from being young about the hoarding, but have never openly or seriously admitted it before: Hi my name’s Mandi and I’m a hoarder! It’s only as I’m gutting my home of all unnecessary shit that I realise how bad I am - but I am working really hard, and succeeding, to get rid of so much stuff. I’m not even half way through and we’ve already made two trips to the tip (as well as fill all available dustbins lol).
My laziness is a part of my hoarding, and my depression. One of the main factors of keeping so much crap is that I can’t be arsed to sort through it and deal with the disposal of it. This move is making me face that head on, which means that some good is coming out of this already!
I did, in my late teens, have an addiction to alcohol, where I would drink a bottle and a half of gin a day whilst managing to maintain two jobs! Luckily I stopped and didn’t drink for a long time. Nowadays the desire rears its head occasionally, but I can resist or have just one glass… though I’m now not supposed to drink at all because of my meds lol.
Health Issues…
Ok this could be a looooong list! I currently suffer from: severe depression (2 tablets), high blood pressure (4 tablets), type 2 diabetes (2 tablets), bowel issues (4 tablets), thyroid problems (1 tablet), insomnia and the one that completely shattered my world for a while - early onset heart failure (1 tablet). I’m learning to cope with this, but it’s still difficult to know it’s there. Anyways, add two more tablets to that and you have the reason I rattle when I walk! 🤭
Ignoring all the other ailments, I would like to explain my depression and how it affects me. I can function (almost) normally on a day-to-day basis, but I can also sink to the depths of it for no reason whatsoever. It makes sleeping difficult, dealing with things and people really hard and coping seemingly impossible. On my worst days I will hide in my home, in front of my pc and do anything to avoid being sociable or productive. The one thing I really do struggle with is the guilt trips it gives me, but again, I’m getting better with those.
I Am Who I Am...
With all of the above being said, I am determined to not only succeed but also to survive. Life really is too short, and whilst my health may mean that doing things takes a lot longer than normal, I intend to live whatever time I have left to the fullest.
So that’s me… an addicted mess of a medical nightmare. I’m unique, perfectly imperfect and I’ve realised it’s about time I stopped apologising for being who I am. Love me or hate me, it’s your choice!
Oops, nearly forgot...
Yeah, I’m also addicted to Westlife and especially Shane Filan… but hey, if you didn’t know that already, why the hell are you on my blog?? 🤣
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I loved you already and I love you even more now. You and I are more alike than you could imagine. I was (still am a bit) a hoarder and moving has helped me A LOT. I'm also a very lazy person, I procrastinate a lot, and am ashamed of admitting my house isn't ready for visitors most of the time. I'm working on it, I'm better than I was before the move, but it's a work in progress. I'm here if you ever wanna talk about those two things.
💜 xox
💜 love you too! xox
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Another day, another lobby...
04 June 2026
I know I posted recently, but I need to keep on top of things - mainly my mental health, and doing this helps so, here we go!
This is the biggest lobby widthwise, though the next one is a lot deeper, but more about that when I get to it. This is also the one I’ve avoided since the day we moved in here almost 13 years ago… 🙈 My excuse for the avoidance is it contains so much stuff that I’ve hung onto for sentimental (and probably ridiculous) reasons. Not wanting to take too much “baggage” (in more ways than one) with me, it’s now time to be ruthless. It’s gonna take me a long time - and as I’m running on empty due to lack of sleep, it’ll probably not be completed today - but the time is 12.30pm, so let’s put on Spotify and see what time I get finished…
The before pictures - again I started ripping things out before I took the photos!
As expected I only got halfway through yesterday, so it’s all systems go to try and finish it today. Another late-ish start as I’m still not sleeping, but nothing waits for anyone so off we go…
After photos...
Tomorrow will more than likely be a "rest" day... meaning I'll be cleaning my home (as much as possible), doing the first couple of trips to the tip and dropping a load of things at Megan's! Yeah... a "rest" day... 🤣🤣🤣
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We never realise how much stuff we have until we have to move! Back in February and March (we had 2 months to pack), we'd sort and pack for an hour, watch an episode of our show, sort and pack for another hour, watch another episode, etc. It's the only way I could stay motivated *lol*
Yeah, it would appear I'm a control freak who is also a hoarder 🤣 xox
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Things are getting real...
02 June 2026
The SOLD sign has now gone up outside the bungalow, though we’re still waiting for a completion date.This does mean, however, that things are getting very real and the result of that was a massive waiver in my self-confidence. Will I be able to pack up and leave? Will I be able to cope on my own in a different country? Those and similar questions were plaguing me… but I did what I usually do - pulled on my big girl knickers and carried on. I’d rather regret going than regret not trying!
Photo credit to original owner.
After a couple of days of wallowing and processing my feelings, I’ve started the mammoth task of sorting out the shit! 🤦🏻♀️ I’ve moved home many, many times - more than the average person I’d say - but this time is different. This time I’ve to sort out what I want to take with me to Ireland, what needs to be left for James and what will either not be wanted OR won’t be feasible to take with either of us. That in mind, I’ve ordered, and received, packing materials and am now tackling the first of 6 storage cupboards and will then move onto the kitchen… God help me!!
Excuse the mess in here... I started pulling things out before I took the photo! Anyways - how it started...
I think we have enough bedding!!
After a few long, emotional hours that included an in-depth conversation with James, the first lobby has been emptied and organised!🥳
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You WILL be fine on your own. You WILL be happy because you'll be where you're meant to be. (Yeah, I'm procrastinating work again lol)
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Superstition wins...
27 May 2026
Just a very, very brief update to say things are moving forward, but not wanting to jinx anything (and to protect my emotions which are extremely fraught right now), I don’t want to do a proper blog at the moment.
I will, however, be back next week xox
Back to reality...
15 May 2026
Details of my impromptu, spontaneous and exhausting return trip to Sligo can be read here - Relay For Life 2026
Now I'm back, unfortunately feeling the effects of travelling so far in such a short space of time, and normality is slowly returning.
One thing I did bring back with me, is the determination to not settle for anything other than what I want... which means I am now looking to moving to Sligo itself, for at least one year, if not forever.
It'll not be as easy as a move to Northern Ireland would be, and will take a little longer, but so far my research is proving positive and I should be able to do it.
Whilst there on my last visit, I spoke to Dympna, who has offered to help me as much as possible and has agreed to be one of my references should I need them. This is a major thing to cross off my to-do-list, especially with the standing she has within Sligo town.
So now it's back on the hunt for properties whilst awaiting the finalisation of the sale of my parents' home. At least I'm learning about that thing called Patience 🥳.
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It's never too late to start living for yourself and to do what makes you truly happy in life. You go, girl, and do not give up! 100% behind you!
Thanks Annie xox
Dympna is the best!
I agree that Sligo is where you should be. Anywhere else would be cheating yourself out of the full experience.
I agree on both counts... and as it is my fuck it year, I don't think I should cheat myself out of anything xox
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Here we go again...
04 May 2026
Life has once again taken an unexpected turn, only this time for the better. Eight days after returning from Sligo, I'm packing to return!
Tomorrow I will begin the journey to Holyhead, then on to Sligo on Wednesday for a 3 night stay... just so I can attend the launch for Relay For Life Sligo 2026.
I spent a while considering if I should do this, but as it's my fuck-it year, I thought... well, Fuck It!
I am taking James' laptop with me, so will hopefully be able to do a daily blog (not that it'll be as exciting as the last Sligo one 🤣), but it will be the start of the Relay For Life 26 homepage! So for now I guess I should start packing!!
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Home...
28 April 2026
I say home, but it doesn't feel like it. I arrived back to where I live in the middle of the afternoon yesterday. I've unpacked, done the washing and will start on the blog tomorrow. I didn't take the laptop, and trying to do it on my tablet was a no go!
I will say that the week was unbelievable in sooooo many ways - from checking off planned bucket list items, to doing the same to unplanned ones. From the weather, the food and the people, I can safely say my life was (once again) changed for the better.
Slight changes have possibly been made to my plans to move to the Emerald Isle, and I'll update on those as and when I've clarified some details.
A new tab will open at the top when the Sligo 2026 blog is up.
Fina...
Thank you for your company, your understanding, the laughter, the conversations and the silences. For being the photographer and navigator when necessary. Here's to next time, Smurf!
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Maybe tomorrow...
17 April 2026
Just a quick one today as I’m leaving tomorrow on the first stretch of my journey to Sligo!! 🥳 The next blogs will hopefully be on a more frequent basis, and will be under the heading of Sligo 2026. I say hopefully as I am only taking my phone and tablet with me, and it will all depend on how easy it is to do the updates from the tablet. This could all change tomorrow morning when I could/will possibly slip James’ laptop into the car 😂!
Anyways, until then see ya on the other side…
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Back to the houses...
10 April 2026
Just a short blog today. With everything ready for Sligo next week... NEXT WEEK 🥳... and with an accepted offer on the bungalow, this week I've concentrated on searching for a home.
For a couple of reasons I've expanded my search area to most of Northern Ireland. To be honest, if the property is within a 3 hour drive to Sligo, I've looked at it.
Houses...
With this in mind, I've been able to be more particular on filtering my search, and I'm glad I did - this morning I've 'saved' 34 potential properties! Some are nice and others are, to me, perfect, meaning they have character inside and out. Definitely not restricted to the following 3 photographs, these properties fit the bill, ticking all the boxes from a fairytale-esque gatehouse, to a converted barn... my idea of heaven in each one. Fingers crossed at least one is available when I can finally make the move.
Photo credit to original owner.
Preparing the car...
06 April 2026
This blog has taken longer than expected, simply due to me and the weather! When I’ve had the energy, the weather’s been shit; and when the weather’s been good, I’ve not had the energy. I know there’s two weeks to go still, but my mental health says do it… so I do 🤣. As a result the car is finally sorted and half packed. Meet Tiggeress… I was going to call her Tigger, but she’s a she, so…
She still needs a wash and polish, and will get one before I go.
I’ve emptied the boot of my car of all things we won’t need, leaving the two picnic chairs, and car essentials. I’ve put the storage thing in that I bought, using it to store some of the necessary items. My bags and a cool box will be going in the boot of the car. I meant to take a photo of the empty boot, but forgot 🤦🏻♀️.
Winnie the Pooh and friends are looking after all the car essentials: oil, first aid kit, torch, jump leads and de-icer. I know it’s April, but I also know the Irish weather!
The bags that are already in the boot are there for a reason. On the day I leave James will be at work from 5am, not returning until I’ll (hopefully) be at my hotel. Moving them in there now saves me having to make many trips from the flat to the car. Doing that will ultimately wind up Sid (my dog) more than is necessary. At least two of these will be going into the footwells behind the front seats: my overnight bag for the hotel and the bag containing all the drinks. The other two are the food bag and random things like mugs, travel cup etc. You can see the storage I bought from Temu, and I have to say I’m extremely happy with it. So far it contains one small bottle of Irn Bru (a staple for when I pick Fina up from anywhere) and three tubes of tissues.
The back seat of the car will be where Fina’s luggage will be going - along with Smurf, Smurfette and Larry Latté. There will be no passengers so I’ve moved the seats forward, leaving enough room for a few things to go in the rear footwells.
Hanging behind the passenger seat is the bin for my car - yes, I know most people use a plastic bag or whatever, but I’ve always wanted to own a Suzuki, and as soon as I bought this Ignis I decided it deserved only the best lol - hence me also buying tubes of tissues to fit in the rear drinks holder 🙈.
And that’s where we stop… for now. Fina’s seat is unfortunately full of cleaning supplies I’ve had to collect from my parents’ bungalow… which is taking its time to sell, meaning plans of moving are currently on hold.
Fi, I promise this will be cleared before we go!
Countdown to Sligo…
24 March 2026
After making myself ill by doing too much last weekend, I’ve had a quiet week and the original plan was to have a weekend that was the same. Unfortunately I’m a control and organisation freak. I also have an inherent hatred of being late or rushing. All this equals me seriously preparing for the 2026 Filly/Smurf Sligo Trip… even though I, personally, don’t leave until the 18th, I’m already packing! Anyways, I thought I’d document the process…
Photo from Strandhill Surf Club Webcam
Part 1 - The extras...
Luckily Fina totally understands my need to not only be prepared early, but to try to ensure that I/we have everything we could conceivably need whilst we’re there. Thanks to Temu, and me having some free credit to use, this year I ‘bought’ some of the things we decided would be needed: small umbrellas, covers for cans of drink, food bags, a storage thing for my car, a new pencil case for me, and last but not least - a small, foldable phone holder for ALL the selfies we always take 🤣 (seriously we have about 6 for our 20 year friendship). Altogether these items cost me £1.02 lol.
Part 2 - The gifts...
I use the term ‘gifts’ loosely, as some of these items were bought by Fina and delivered to my address because not only was postage cheaper, but also as I’m taking my own car and the ferry I have no baggage allowance to worry about.
Part 3: The other essentials…
A 3 hour ferry journey can only mean one of two things - writing or reading. Thankfully my Filly bag is large enough to hold a notebook, pencil case and a novel, as well as my travel documents, purse, glucose tablets and my diabetic test kit.
Part 4: The actual packing…
Normally I’d overpack, but as I know that the AirBnB we’re staying in has a working washer and dryer, I’m actually pulling back on what I’m taking. I know it doesn’t look like it, but I am, honestly! I’ve also added the cool bag to store the drinks and small amount of food I’m taking, and there’s my overnight bag for the 2 nights I’ll be spending in a hotel at the beginning and end of the trip, and of course not forgetting the gifts and extras. It’s a long drive from Yorkshire to Holyhead, and I have to board the ferry before 6.30am…
Background removed because my front room currently looks like a furniture warehouse 🙈.
All that needs to be done now is sorting out my car... which will be the next blog.
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The unwanted visitor…
12 March 2026
As it does at this time of year, because of mother’s day and my mum’s anniversary, my depression has made itself known with a vengeance, meaning that everything is a struggle - but if life were easy and all that crap…
This means that everything is a chore: both the good and the bad… and that this blog will be me trying to focus on the positive things. So…
I had my nails done today, and decided to have them in honour of mum and in the colour dad loved to see on her nails. There’s 4 hearts on each hand, equalling 8 - 1 for each year she’s been gone. I also booked my next 2 appointments, timing the last one for 2 days before I set off for Sligo!
The tote bags I ordered for Fina and myself arrived, and I have to say I love them! I already have one, so it’s 2 Pride and Prejudice for Fina and one more Wuthering Heights one for me! At the rate I’m going, I’m going to need an extra suitcase just for the non-clothes items! 😂
Even though it’s just over 5 weeks until we go to Sligo, this weekend I plan to start the packing and sorting of my car. Because I’m driving and getting the ferry over, I’m able to take a lot more than if I were flying, and so I’m taking some drinks (my coffee being the main one) and a few other things that have still to arrive, with me, meaning that I’ve a LOT of packing to do!! The main reason though is it will keep my mind focussed on something positive over this weekend.
Not the blog I originally planned for this week, but it’s an honest one.
The time in between...
06 March 2026
For some reason the time right now feels like that week between Christmas and New Year, probably because my time in Holland is over and I’m waiting for my trip to Sligo. I’ve never been a patient person and right now what little I have is being tested to the limits.
A photo to calm me, and a scene I can't wait to see again...
As my fuck it year continues I’m filling my time with self-preservation and selfcare. For the first time I have a manicure every 2 weeks (yes I’ve finally managed to grow them 😱) and my hair is booked for an 8 weekly upgrade.
My own nails!
All my health issues appear to be under control, apart from the most recent one but as I don’t have more tests for that until the end of April, it’s really difficult to tell. All I can do is listen to my body and, as upsetting as it may be, realise the restrictions I have to abide by. If that sounds like I’m self-pitying, then it reads wrong. Whilst I’m pissed off that I can’t do all the things I want to, I am grateful that I’m still here and being treated for all ailments.
Two weeks of meds...
Now for the other side of my impatience… I’m preparing for Sligo already - even though we don’t go for 6 weeks. I’ve bought the drinks, some (more) clothes and other little pieces, and I made a gift for Dympna (our hostess)… well I need something to do whilst I try to stop smoking and lose weight! 😂
See no, hear no, speak no...
Alongside all this I’m still looking at properties for when my parents’ home sells. Luckily there seems to be a regular portfolio of new places, some of which are very appealing… fingers crossed at least one of them is available when I’m able to make the move! Until then, I’ll do what I can for my health and keep on searching for my Folly…
The start of my year for me...
15 February 2026
After the trials and tribulations of the last few years, I've decided that 2026 is MY year: a year to do what makes me happy, go where I want to go... I guess you could call it my 'fuck it' year...
With this in mind, and as I posted in the last blog, I'll be travelling to Holland to see Fina. I sail tomorrow evening and will arrive in Rotterdam on Tuesday morning
The next blog(s) will be about my trip to Holland, which will have it's own special blog page in the header.
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There's always something...
06 February 2026
As the title says there’s always something, in this case the something (or somethings) are trying to hinder my plans, and it’s sometimes a little difficult to stay positive.
The first one came as a blow to my physical health in the shape of my heart. Without going into too much detail, it seems that my other ongoing illnesses have started to damage my heart. Not a lot I can do except accept one more tablet a day, keep an eye on everything and keep going forwards…
Secondly, my parents' old home has still not sold. There’s been some interest in it, but no one has made an offer yet, which is bloody annoying if I’m honest. The only people who seem to be genuinely interested still have to put their own homes on the market (yes there’s more than one) before they can consider buying somewhere else.
Photo of the 'Sleeping Giant' to help calm my soul!
The one good thing on the very, very close horizon is that when she realised how much I’m struggling, Fina invited me to stay with her and her husband for a week… and believe me I can’t wait… 10 days and counting!! The thought of being able to forget almost everything for a few days, whilst being supported in a quiet yet comfortable way, is what my aching mind and heart (no pun intended) need right now.
I will probably do the next update when I return, so it may be a couple of weeks, but, as Arnie once said: I’ll be back!
An old photo, but still one that holds a lot of amazing memories.
The waiting game...
24 January 2026
It’s been a while since the last update, and not because I’m losing interest but simply because I’ve been ill with this bloody flu or whatever it is that’s going around. Still not 100% but time is passing by so let’s go.
I’m disappointed with the responses, or lack thereof, from the estate agents - only one out of the three replied. Realistically though, with the horrendous state of the world at the moment, I suppose I can understand why. I’m not going to let that discourage me though. When I’m feeling better, and closer to April, I’ll ring one or two agents and see what I can do. Hopefully the property I’ve fallen in love with will still be available, and although it’s outside my original budget, I’m under strict instructions from my sister to go for it if possible… Why not live 12 months in luxury? 🤣 😇
Photo credit to original owner - actual view from the property I mentioned! 😱
In the meantime I’ve made a not so shocking (or nice) discovery about myself: I’m a lazy hoarder! By this I mean not only do I keep the most ridiculous crap (do I REALLY need the 2 fresh coffee makers that have been sitting in my lobby for the last 2 years? 🤔), but I also store stuff with the good intentions of sorting through them… and then I don’t! 😳 If I’m really, brutally honest I think I have unchecked boxes from when I first moved in here… over 10 years ago!! 😳
And just how many handbags does one girl need???
My own photo and a partial shot of one of the 4 hoarder cupboards I have 😳
The big clear out starts tomorrow (health permitting)... and I’ll probably be on first name terms with the guys at the local tip by the time I’ve finished 🤣
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catching up with this now. I am so sorry xxx PS love that property. OMG when you move in I have to visit you...If I am allowed of course.
Unfortunately that one has been let, but hopefully the one I do get will be as nice! And of course, once I'm settled, you'll be welcome xox
Me too, and the rest of the place lol xox
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Being practical
15 January 2026
And so the search begins. I have emailed 3 different estate agents, explaining my situation, and asking if it will be possible to join a mailing list and maybe even view a few places when I’m in Sligo with Fina in April. At least that way I will be able to see what the properties look like in real life and not just in photos on the internet, and what the areas are like. With another viewing on the bungalow next week it is always possible that I could even choose my new home whilst I’m there 😱!
Photo credit to original owner (Enniskillen where I'm hoping to move to)
I’ve requested to view partially furnished accommodation, though I am willing to go unfurnished. The main reason for this is that partially furnished usually includes white goods in the kitchen, which of course is a major financial saving if I don’t have to purchase them. If I do, then Amazon will continue to be my friend it seems 🤣. Once I have a date for moving I should (hopefully) be able to order items to arrive a day or two after I do. Strangely the thought of coping without for a few days actually adds to the excitement of moving for me.
Photo credit to Amazon
I won’t go fully furnished as I have a thing about owning, and sitting/sleeping on items owned by people I don’t know. Hotels are bad enough (luckily with my Sligonian friend Dympna this isn’t a problem when staying in her AirBnbs), but there is no way I could live with a previously used bed/sofa for a long period of time. Plus actually buying one that I really like and not having to please anyone else really appeals! There’s no harm in looking already, is there?
Photo credit to Amazon
Now I sit patiently and wait to hear back from estate agents… and we all know how patient I am… 😇
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The ugly...
11 January 2026
I promised myself this blog wouldn’t be all the positive things, because we all know that’s not how life works. For me the ‘ugly’ side of this is the way my mental health is rollercoasting. I’m trying to be ‘patient’ with myself as I know I’m still grieving but, as an impatient control freak, the hardest thing at the minute is the waiting. I can make lists galore, research the whole of the internet but none of it will make any difference until I can start to make definite and practical actions; all of which is out of my hands until my parents’ home is sold.
In an attempt to reverse the black cloud that is hovering over me, I’m revisiting photos from my trips to Sligo last year, and in an attempt to convince myself that things are moving along, I’m taking stock of things that I’ll be leaving for James to start out on his own, things I’ll definitely be taking with me, and the things I will/may need to buy new. Admittedly this idea was inspired by the arrival of bedding for the guest bed I don’t yet have, but it still makes sense to me.
Photo credit to Shein (and yes this is the bedding I bought 😂).
Things I will be taking with me are my two desks, my bed, a cupboard from the kitchen, clothes etc - and of course my coffee machine. I’ll also be taking my dinner service and cutlery set as they belonged to my parents, and I’ll buy James a new set of each. Luckily I have enough towels, bedding and pans to be able to split them in half, which will save me some money. I’ll probably buy all new white goods when I’m moved (if I need to). Until I know whether I’m going partially furnished or totally unfurnished I won’t know if I need to, but leaving them for James makes more sense to me. But for now, there’s not a lot more I can do, though I’m sure I’ll think of something. I will confess that the thought of dividing my home does make me feel weird though… I didn’t even do that when I got divorced 🤭.
Photo credit Dolce Gusto/Amazon.
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I can't wait to visit you. That bedding is too cute.
Of course you're bringing your coffee machine. Mandi without coffee? That makes no sense at all.
I'm leaving James the spare one 🤭... I'll need someway to make myself a drink when I get there... bit of a long drive to Shells everytime I want a coffee 😂 xox
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Money, money, money...
05 January 2026
Money makes the world go round, apparently, so it makes sense to make a rough assessment of how much I’m going to need for the initial move. There are a lot of things that could/will affect the pricings such as how much furniture I’m taking from home, am I taking Sid, will James be driving a van or his car. As such I’ve decided to work out the most expensive version.
Photo credit to original source.
Priority number 1 will, of course, be my new home. After extensive research it appears that most estate agents list the same properties. As such I’ve narrowed it down to checking just a few, rather than all of them.
Most of the houses/apartments that have what I’m looking for range between £500 and £1,000 plus a month which equates to £6,000 and £12,000 a year. I’ve set myself a max of £750 p/m (£9,000 p/a), although this is slightly flexible for the perfect place.
Photo credit to original source: NOT an available cottage, unfortunately!
Then we have the travel costs. The most expensive version of this is myself, James, Sid, one car and one van travelling on the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, then driving from Dublin to wherever. This is actually cheaper than sailing from Liverpool to Belfast, a crossing that is over twice as long as the other. A rough estimate for this is over £1,000, so I’m hoping to take as little as possible with me and buy what I need when I’m there. Added to that will obviously be fuel and food for the trip. Not a small thing to consider. And there will definitely be the cost of a coffee at Shells in Strandhill, because it’d be rude not to make a pitstop - wouldn’t it?
Taking into consideration all of the above, I’m going to need approximately £11,000 for the move. Not a small amount, but what price can you put on mental and physical health, or following a dream?
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Where, how and when…
03 January 2026
The ‘where’ I want to move to wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. In my heart I want it to be somewhere in Sligo, but due to financial and health issues, that will be impossible. The next best thing (for me at least) is to move to the other side of the border, as close as possible, which will mean I am approximately an hour or so drive away.
Thanks to my writing I have become very adept at researching things and places, and with the help of Google maps I’ve decided on a largish area in which to try and find a new home.
The requirements I will need are two bedrooms, or one bedroom with a living room large enough for a bed settee; somewhere I can sit outside, either garden or balcony, and obviously in a nice area. Additional bonuses would be somewhere that allows pets so I can take Sid with me and a view of a river or a lough.
The ‘how’ is slightly easier in some ways, more difficult in others. At first I stayed in England for my children, but they are now 31 and 24 - one married, the other in a long term relationship - and both supportive of my move. I lost my Mum and Dad in 2018 and 2025 respectively and, long story short, when the home they lived in for nearly 40 years has been sold, I will have the financial means to pay for a year’s rent in advance. Twelve months minimum to give me the experience of all the seasons and what it’s really like to live there. At the end of that time I’ll make the decision as to whether I stay or not.
Finally the ‘when’... how long’s a piece of string? The plan is to start looking at online properties then, if the bungalow has sold and nearer to the time of Fina and I returning to Sligo in April, I hope to be able to make some arrangements to view some properties. So for now, it’s all online research! From what I’ve seen so far there are plenty of places that seem nice, so fingers crossed the hunt won’t take too long!! 🤞
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Why Ireland…
01 January 2026
Where my love of Ireland started…
In my younger years (teens through to early 30’s) I was lucky enough to visit both Ireland and Northern Ireland a few times - usually to see gigs by Duran Duran in Belfast and Dublin. The first time I went to Dublin there was something about the place that stole my heart. Walking from the venue back to the small hotel, along the River Liffey all lit up, I felt I was almost home. I say almost because there was still something missing - like a piece of the jigsaw was just out of reach, but it always called to me.
Photo credit to original owner
In 1999 a new band emerged on the scenes: Westlife. I had already, unknowingly, seen them perform live and it wasn’t long before I became a fan. Their music originally helped me through a difficult time, and my love of the band grew. Watching interviews and videos of their homes in Sligo and Dublin reignited my desire to return. I managed once in 1999 (again to see Duran Duran in Dublin) but I now felt a pull towards Sligo.
Photo credit to original owner
After meeting Fina online in 2006, and then in person later that year, we found we both harboured the dream to visit Sligo. It took us a long time to get there… 19 years to be precise… but in April 2025 we finally got there - and I found my missing piece. Not because of Westlife, but because as we drove towards the County of Sligo I could feel my stresses and anxieties lessening, my mental health improving. Stepping out of the car I somehow knew my heart and soul had found their home. At that moment I realised that I had to make the move. There were family reasons that meant I couldn’t do it immediately, and through the heartbreak I’m focusing on me and what my heart desires: and doing what I can to make that move a reality… a way to make the move home.
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That view is forever imprinted in my heart and soul! I still remember gasping as we drove into the parking space 💜 xox
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First steps...
31 December 2025
I guess the first step was building this website! As 2025 draws to a close what better time than to push myself?
I also want to use this as an opportunity to mention someone whose photos I will undoubtedly be using (with her permission, of course) and who will be with me every step of the way both physically and mentally: my best friend, soul sister and unpaid therapist (lol): Fina!
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I really love your new haircut.
I've been to that house so many times and I never realised what you were hiding behind those doors. I'm happy you sorted it all out now. Clear lobby, clear mind, eh?
As for James filling out those forms, it's a good thing, babe. You raised him well, and he's ready to do this alone.
Thanks babe, it's just hard knowing why he's had to do it xox
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