Moving to Dorset from the Highlands

[FIZZCAT]

Hi

I am relocating from the Highlands in Scotland to Dorset in June for my hubbys new job. I am keen to get to know other mums and get to know a bit about Dorset before arriving.

I have a lovely but stubborn eleven month old son, two cats and a mothers sense of humour, (i just laugh at everything, (especially having porridge flung in my hair, not!!!)

I have just gotto find other mums to chat to/meet up with the prevent me going gaga.

My hubby starts work with Julas House Hospice in early June, and as yet we havent even found somewhere to live, arhhhggggg, so any advice as to nice locations would be good. We will be renting initially before buying somewhere.

So if anyone is out there in the area please get in touch, it will make this huge move less scary.

Bye Fizz cat

Sorry Fizzcat, I don't know anything about Milton Abbas either. But as Surfermum said, Broadstone is lovely, and there are some lovely ruralish bits in Corfe Mullen. The villages round Wimborne are lovely - Holt, Furzehill, Gaunts Common, Witchampton, Chalbury - mile of country lanes, you feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, but it's not too far to everything you need. There are loads of toddler groups etc in and around Wimborne and I guess there are lots in Broadstone and Corfe Mullen.

Surfermum - my DS is not all that much younger than your DD - throws a great tantrum when he feels like it, suprised you can't hear from Broadstone Wonder if it's time to start thinking about another Dorset meetup, though I guess Delgirl and Merlin have their hands very full at the moment,we could wet the babies heads in their absence then do it again when they are up to it maybe....

Hi
Made me laugh!!!

Decided aganst MA, house just too small, fit for a pixie maybe.

Sufermum, Yes I am afraid my wayward Highlander DS is on his way, that said he did give me his first kiss today which was a lovely moment, just ruined slightly by the fact that he had a mouth full og mashed banana, lovely!!!

Fear not, I am still trying with my hippy, peace loving approach to motherhood, failing that I will send him on a 'Pack away your inner thug ' course in Glastonbury. I am sure they will have something similar.

I cant believe he is going to be one next week, I cant believe I have been aresponsible mother for almost a year, its just flown by, really scary, he will be 18 b4 I realise it.

I am so envious of you guys having a meet up, I feel like I should be there!

Now tell me, are you all furiously trendy down there. I left Londom for the Highlands 5 years ago and have given up, I seem to live in wacky coloured wellies & jeans, smeared food etc and I need a seriously good haircut. I used to be trendy ages ago, but I much prefer the barefoot approach to life these days.

So will I have to re trend up my wardrobe, (my hubbys credit card is quacking with fear), let me know in preperation, cant have my DS shown up by his mum

Okay, I have got to dash and do a bit of stepford wife stuff as we have people viewing thehouse tommorow, bliss.... not.

Bye

Well, I can't speak for the others, but no, not me. Like I said I dress from House of Julia and similar these days, although I did get a pair of jeans from New Look the other day. I went to work with "white stuff on my top" today, in fact most days I end up with "white stuff" on one shoulder. Seems to go with the territory of being a mum for me. Rest assured the bare foot approach will be most appropriate for our beautiful beaches down here and I for one can't wait for the summer and to be back in my flip flops and reefs. Bournemouth town centre on a Saturday night is a different story of course.

Oh and sticky banana-faced kisses are de rigeur in Dorset. You'll be fine.

Kittypickle - sounds like a great idea. I'm never one to turn down a night out!

Hello there Fizz cat

welcome to dorset, it is a great plce to live I have been here five yrs and love discovering new places to explore with my 16 mth daughter ... there are some great places to live here aswell...
if you are in the league of millionare status there are some wonderful properties in sandbanks but for the more homely property check out corfe mullen, wimborne, sturminster marshall,but to name a few anyway good luck house hunting hope the move goes well

Sorry, would have replied before but passed out from hysterical laughter at the furiously trendy bit. I vaugely remember those days but they are long gone and I seem permanently covered in banana and yoghurt at the moment. I've been invited to a 40th at Salterns Marina, a black tie job and I'm in a total panic as there are only a couple of fleeces and a shirt hanging in my wardrobe, and thanks you've just reminded me, I'd better get my hair cut again. And I'm covered in spots having missed the spotty bit when I was in my teens, they seem to have hit me at 35. Maybe I'm allergic to sticky banana face kisses.

Have you seen anything else to rent Fizzcat ? And a happy birthday to your DS for next week. Hi Yippeebear, where abouts are you ? Surfermum, shall we revive the dorset thread then ?

What a crowd, this thread is growing daily, great fun.

Missed another two rentals today and am feeling hacked off with it all, I think a tent on the beach will be more fun.

I will start again next week with positive energy!!!

DS and I were invited out to lunch today with an elderely friend, half way thr I had to pop out to the car, and the friend offered to keep an eye of DS. It only took me two mins and on my return I discovered that DS has completely emptied this poor womans bookshelves and was crawl skidding on them the horror. He then crawled off the the lounge and upended the bin, fell on her sleeping cat!!!!

It was one of those days, do they just wake up and press an internal destruct button????

Noticed he has an ear discharge and is pulling it a lot, why do they always get ill on a weekend when all the doctors are shut!

I am SO GLAD sticky banana is the fashion trend down in Dorset, white stuff in the hair is also a good one!

I bought him his first pair of surf shorts today, very cute, took me back to my youth and size 12 figure, (a very long time ago), when I could actually get into a wet suit, I would need surgical assistance these days

A black tie event, scary stuff, cant you just persuade them to do fancy dress instead, far easier. You could always go for the drink 20 gins b4 hand approach and you wont give a fig about what you looklike.

Yippee bear, I am so glad to know you have gone settled there, makes me realise it can be done. I guess thefirst year will be tough, getting to know people and places, but I really think its easier moving with a child as they get you in places. If you were on your own it would be so much more difficult.

I spoted on the map that you have a sea life type centre there, DS loves fish, so I guess thats one day trip sorted for me. I do have a phobia on the touch a skate pool though, urghhh, cant stand the thought of touching a live fish, how sad am I!!!.

OH YIPPEE HE JUST WOKEN UP, BACK LATER OR TOMMOROW

SPEAK SOON

Well I believe in what's meant to be will be, Fizzcat, so the perfect house is waiting for you down here, you just need to find it. At least if you rent first it will give you a chance to check out where you like and where you don't. Any more in the offing?

The oceanarium is great, there's a tunnel to walk under the shark tank! Went there with my chums from ante-natal. Seven mums and seven 18 month olds! Even the sharks were scared. Farmer Palmers is also great, dd has a season ticket, in fact there are just loads of places to go and, of course the beaches which are free.

What have you got planned for ds's birthday? I can't believe it's nearly dd's again (she's coming up 2). The weather had better pick up as we're having a barbecue. Last year's was very alcoholic and went long into the early hours while dd slept soundly!

Hi SUFERMUM

yEAH, Totally agree, it will happen when it does, no use stressing out.

We had a leaving do combined with a DS Birthday do yesterday, basically a garden party where we consumed a lot of alcohol, well he didnt, he just tried to steal everyones food and made it look like a never feed him.

About 25 people came around, sun was hot hot hot, which is a miracle up here, garden just hangs off the mountain side so the views and vibe was lovely.

DS official birthady is Wednesday, so we are having a baby party at the mother and toddlers group, shoud be fun fo r him.

So I have to ask, do you surf?????

Only interested because I am originally from Swansea and used to do a bit, but far beter at body boarding.

Te shark tunnel sounds like fun, your ant natal classes sound a whole heap better than mine were, I think I lucked out and shared my group with the only female group of trappist monks, right boring lot.

So what are you doing for your ds 2nd birthday party, I am assuming that at 2 they are a lot more aware of wats going on and what they want to do?

Great Fun

Have to admit to feeling a tad down yesterday, to be leaving such a stunning place , I know that we will never be able to find somewhere like this. That said, I love being by the sea, so the Dorset coast will swing it for me.

Okay, I had better go and say hi to the hubby

Fizz cat

Hi,

anyone about?

DS Birthday was fun today. I got all emotional, thinking back to this day last year when I first met him, sad or what.

We are now looking at a place in Wareham, and one near Wimbourne

Totally worn out today, no one told me how knackering kids parties are to organise, I am off for a glass of red

Bye

Hi fizzcat,
Glad to hear youve had a good day,
Hows the sleep going? DD has slept througe 3 times this week, dont think she will tonite (teathing again)
Have you had any luck in selling the house?

Hi Marne

I was just wondering where yoiu had got to
hE IS CURRENTLY ASLEEP!!!!!!!!

I think his birthday today wore him out, great day though.

We have two people doing surveys on us next week, so thats something, but I am so sick of showing people around, I am forever tidying up toys!

Its tricky keeping the house tidy when my DS is hell bent on messing it up.

Have you had anymore reaction to the MMR, or have things settled down now?

My DS has a perforated ear drum which wont heal, and I am at a bit of a loss as to what to do. The Doc said I should get him referred to a specilaist once I am down in Dorset.

Anyway, weather is back to typical Scottish rain and chills, just as I was geting used to the sun.

Typical, just my freckles make and appearance and I am looking a litle less washed out. I just need a tad more sun.

House rental search is a right pain, everytime I find somewhere it goes so quickly.

Just going to get my tea

Fizz cat

She was fine after MMR, think she might be getting an ear infection ( 3rd time in 2 months) shes been playing with her ear all day and moaning alot, hoping it will clear itself up, dont want to give her antibiotics again.

It is hard trying to keep the house tidy with a toddler, our sitting rooms covered in toys. DH has taught her to put things away but she doesnt seem to do it when im home.

Going to bed now,need an early night (work tomorow)

Hey Fizzcat! Have just logged on after being AT THE BEACH tonight! First of all Happy Birthday little Fizz. It's my dh's birthday too!! DD and I made him a cake today, this fantastic looking Victoria Sponge - well it was in the book. Ours turned out like two biscuits stuck together with jam!

Yes I do surf, pretty much like I make cakes - badly! I've bodyboarded for years but had lessons at the grand old age of 35, bought my own board and prior to dd's arrival went as much as I could. I last went last August and am so unfit now that I doubt I could even get my board off the car! Never mind as soon as dd can swim I'll be teaching her so we can go together.

So you're a Swansea girl? I love Swansea and the Gower. We used to have family holidays at Rhossili and I competed in the National Lifeguard Championships at the Mumbles about 4 years ago. Some events were at Langland Bay - very scary surf that day!

Dd's birthday will be the same as last year, bbq for family and friends at the weekend and her toddler friends round on her birthday. No doubt she'll be up to midnight entertaining everyone. She saw the New Year in with us, so I know she can last the course!! Last year was roasting but it's starting to look a bit iffy for this year!

Wimborne and Wareham are both lovely. I only know Wareham though because I've had many a drunken night going round the pubs. Oh and they have an annual Carnival and have live bands on the quay. In fact until dd came I only knew Wimborne for the same reason - pub crawls! Wimborne has an annual folk festival when the town is filled with people, many of whom jingle as they walk! Mother and baby groups? I don't have a clue!

Good luck with the house hunting.

HI Sufermum

Wickedly wonderful, someone else who can body board, in my case its def more body than board, but what the hell, you dont care once you are in the surf and I am sure my backside helps me float better.

Yes, Swansea girl thr and thru, in my hardened twenties I used to surf Rhossili in the winter, I can well remember going in on Xmas day and New Years Day, then warming up in the pub at the top.

I am hoping Dorset will be similar, once the season is over and the tourists have gone home you can get the beaches back, its lovely.

I cant wait to get down there and start exploring

Yes, I am a grand old 35, feeling every year
today. I normally feel okay but I think its a dose of after birthday itis, or the call it by its more common name, I am bloody knackered after organising two birthday parties/leaving do's in 3 days!!!

I am afraid that good old Tescos came to my rescue with the birthday cake, but I am under strict instructions to do better next year, I am determined to knock something up myself.

Wareham sounds better and better, sadly doing a pub crawl with a three wheeler probably wouldnt go down too well with the locals sadly, just have to leave him at home on the odd night out.

Marne

My ds has had a horrid time with his ears, even after perorating one of them it just wont heal over, he is awake moaning most nights, I cant tell if its his teeth or his ears poor dab. Make sure you get the ears checked out and looked at in case its something serious. I know I was really stunned when I was told it was a perforated eardrum!

I am still waiting for an estate agent to get in touch via email tonight, with details of this house for rent in Wareham, still nothing though, typical.

I had better log off this a nd check if anything has come thru

Will check in for a chat tommorow

Fizzcat

Hi Fizzcat, I'm another Dorset gal, you will be very welcome at the Dorset Drunken Mumsnetters Pub Crawl (or "sewing evening", as we tell our DH's!)

I'm originally from South London (been in Bournemouth a year) but DH is also Swansea born and bred, a diehard Jack!

Good luck with the move, Dorset is lovely.

Check out the member profiles section under "For Cornwall Lovers". That's me in February last year at Polzeath! Think I managed to stand up twice, the rest of the time I was on my knees, but still got the buzz!!

Surf was good at Boscombe last night. I stood on the beach watching all our younger lifeguards playing in it under the guise of "training" and didn't really get the urge to squeeze into a wettie and join them! Must be getting old!!

DD got carted down there, stuck in a snow suit and had a good run around on the beach. Although the days of sticking her in the car seat and putting her under the table in the pub are long gone, so we had to leave them to it.

Good luck with the Wareham property. As soon as you are down here and settled I will personally introduce you to our wonderful blue flag beaches!

This creaky old 35 year old has made it back on line finally. What's happened to the Wimborne house, is that off the cards now - lots and lots of toddler groups here . Glad your DS's birthday went well and fingers crossed you get a house sorted very soon....

Hi there Jodee, how are you ?

Hi Sufermum & Jodie

What a small world, I imagine that your DH is lovely, he would have to be coming from Swansea [grin, I think its something they put in the Swansea water.

Well, fingers crossed for the Wareham place, they have taken it off the market for us while they sort out our references, its just a small town cottage, just of the harbour, which will be good.

I have been crawling over the Purbeck websites and am itching to get on and explore the coast line. Then I noticed that in October the Swanage railway does Thomas the Train days, guess my DS will be old enough by thn to appreciate it.

Yep, I remember those luxurious car seat days, when I could just strap him in and get on with my life, these days he can pick up his baby car seat and tries to resist all straps!!!

He has been the evil pixie today, combo of toothcache and earache, I have been trying everything to make him laugh.

I would love a tour of the beaches, I cant wait. DS has never been on a beach . I will have to put that right.

A Dorset girls 'Sewing Evening' sounds wicked. Just what the Doc ordered after moving from one end of the country to another(scary stuff with a 1 year old who hates car seats0 . Its the car journey from hell.

Actually I think I will be needing therapy after the move!

We have booked the removal men for the 31st May and will hope to get to the rental house around 2nd June, DS starts his new job on the 10th, so a few days to get sorted.

Okay, I am off for a much needed shower, as I am smeared in a concotion of cheese and banana, sadly not the result of some strange sexual fetish, but the remains of my DS dinner.

Back tommorow

PS how do you do spell checks on this, despite a degree in anthropology, my spelling has become terrible, I think its linked to motherhood!

Hi Kittiepickle

Just noticed your message, so thought I would say hi b4 the shower.
We missed two Wimbourne places , as I quite fancied living there. That said, knowing me, I would just join a number of M& T groups in surrounding towns. Any excuse to escape the confines of staying in all day with DS.

My M& T club now is about 15 miles away, across hill, loch and dale, so travel isnt a problem. I figure I need to get out and about in all these places to help me figure out where we will end up buying a house.

Expect to see a mad hippy woman with far too much lippy appear at a playgroup near you soon

right, I am so off for a shower
Glad you are back on the thread

Fizz cat

If it's any help the main letting agents for here are Harker and Bullman, Dorset Lettings and Goadsby and Harding. Forgot to say that I went to university in Cardiff and spent many a happy hour watching the sunset over the Gower whilst trying to avoid my revision

Hi fizzcat,
How are u getting on with house hunting?
DD's ears seem alot better today. Realy proud of her as she had her first bath without screeming last night, shes alway been scared of the smallest drible of water. Also she was asleep by 7.30 tonight( alot better than 10pm ).Not used to having all this time on my hands.

Hey Kittypickle, I'm doine fine, how's things with you - we need another meetup I feel!

Fizzcat, yes, I think DH has the Welsh charm, definitely! fingers crossed for the Wareham house, it certainly is a great location there.

Fizzcat - I had a thought. If it's any help I could send you our local property paper that comes out each week. It has places to rent as well as for sale, but will have the numbers of all the local agents. CAT me with your address if you'd like me to send it to you.

Kittpickle, Jodee - I'm getting a bit stuck with some cross-stitch and think I need some help .

Hi

In preperation for DS life by the seaside, we drove the 25 miles to the nearest habitable beach on Saturday, lots of beaches around but most are not easily accessed. Anyway, we went to the dolphin beach, where you can sit on the sand an literally 4 metres off shore watch the wild dolphins that swim over to look at you, amazing.

DS was delighted, loved the sand, pebbles, water etc, so I am convinced he will fit right in in Dorset.

Surfermum, fab idea, really kind, have emailied my address to you. One of the Julias House team is viewing this wareham house this week.

Hi kittipickle, I am amazed anyone gets degrees from Wales, there are far too many distraction, I spent three years at Swansea University, most of that time was spent on the beach, with a scary cramming session towards finals!!

I have checked out those estate agents, really helpful, really getting a feel for the place.

Mane, I reckon we have to introduce your DD and my DS to the water to the beach, she may get to love baths. We have taken the fill the bath totally with toys approach to bathing, seems to work, expect the little monkey has recently decided he doesnt want to sit down in the bath, which is a challange.

Hey, isnt it good that many estate agents let you do virtual tours of houses, its great for the nosey parkers of the world like me.

Okay, I am off to sleep b4 he wakes up

Byee