So we have bought something like four bagfulls of different kinds of cleaning utensils. All purpose, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, bleach, antibacterial cleaner, two mops, countless sponges and wipes, carpet foam spray and wipes, air fresheners etc etc. It'll probably take us a few days to get the place into a condition that we can seriously move our stuff there. We'll also have to buy a hoover, a shower curtain and rail, a freezer, and some other stuff. But it doesn't matter. It'll be our own little red-walled nest, and it'll be lovely.

Today is also our engagement anniversary. We celebrated with some tiramisu ice cream, great wine, chicken curry, rice and herb salad. Jim bought me a box of Belgium chocolates. Now we're drowsy and tipsy and stuffed and so much in love it's amazing.

before & after