Blogger silence has been enforced by Christmas capers, attention-seeking children being around and family visits. Oh - and the need to assimilate the news of a complete change for the family in 2009.
Yes, we are filled with joy and delight that my husband has got a job in Manchester. It is close to being his dream job (clinical rather than academical medicine, but otherwise perfect!) and we - the family - are very, very, very proud of him.
We are also upset that we have to move. We love Newcastle: it is such a vibrant city and we have the most wonderful friends here, despite only being here about fifteen months (so far...) Manchester is a whole new ball game. Neither of us know anything about it and, we have discovered, have few - if any - friends living in or near it.
So New Year heralded a weekend of house-hunting - or rather, driving round and round suburban Manchester thinking, "Would we like living here? I wonder what the schools are like? Can you find a garden in a city? Are there any houses that would suit us?" For me, this last question is easy to answer: Yes! Unfortunately, not necessarily ones we can afford...
So, Withenays wander yet again, this time across the country from East to West (well, in a general south-westerly direction from here) and establish new roots and homes. Life's never dull!
10 comments:
Thanks for visiting my blog. What a shame you're leaving the NE, but congrats on the great job. I have some friends around the Manchester area and it's very nice.
Thanks for calling by my blog. As a Yorkshireman I can only warn you that you are moving the wrong side of the Pennines. Hope you have webbed feet.
PS - I'm so with you on your earlier posting about Zimbabwe.
Thanks, expat mum: we had a quick look round last weekend and think we will survive the experience!
Troy - I am totally with you, being Yorkshire born and bred. We're looking at places in Cheshire... I'm a little concerned as my son has shown interest in Man U and (most threateningly) Lancashire County Cricket Club. Chills run down my spine as I write! Still, mustn't be too negative or they'll never let us in.
Good luck Catharine with the move! Shame that you are leaving the vibrant NE...it's probably the same around Manchester. Cannot help you too much as only have one friend living nearby. You can always come back for a Geordie top up! Hx
Thanks Hadriana for your encouragement. I view it all positively: at least I'm not living in The South!
Never mind what Troy says. I'm a Yorkshireman, too - but some of my best friends are Lancastrians and Manchester is a wonderful city. Plenty of good schools too. You need to have a word with Working Mum - she works in one!
Good luck with the move. It's wonderful that you are so positive in your outlook.
I moved 10,000 kilometres and have never regretted the decision.
Good luck and all the best for the move.
The Dotterel - thanks so much for this. You are clearly the man to know!! Firstly book publishing advice, and now Mancunian contacts. I'm heading to Working Mum right now... Thank you!!
Hello David, and welcome. Yes - I try to view everything positively (with only moderate success) and, although Manchester is not quite 10,000 miles away, to this native Yorkshire lass it may feel further...
Thanks for popping in via The Dotterel. I hope I can paint a favourable picture of Manchester for you. We live in the South in the Sale/Altrincham/Hale area which is very pleasant. Although we don't have the scenery of Northumberland, you are never very far from the Lakes, North Wales, the Yorshire Dales, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Shropshire. Also, the city itself is very cosmopolitan; lots of good restaurants, theatres and the best concert hall in the world (I am a bit biased there!). Oh, and there are a few football teams!
Hope to hear all about your move on your blog and what you think of Manchester.
Best wishes
WM x
Thank you Working Mum - it is certainly an area we are considering. You never know: perhaps one day you'll be teaching my delightful children. I'd better tread carefully with how I blog about them in future!
C
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