Janet has accepted that she needs to de-clutter and has sold some of her ceramics on eBay. Initially she felt a sense of excitement when someone showed some interest in her items and was almost besides herself when she actually managed to sell something. John has been  encouraging  but Janet doesn’t like the fact that as fast as she has been selling her ceramics he  has been replacing them with his tools. Her rapidly declining collection prompted her to try and buy some wonderful plates  she had seen in an Auctioneers while she was away. Janet had to registe for a phone bid as they were not able to go to the auction, she then waited in anticipation for the auction day and dreamt about where she could display the cabinet plates she was determined to win. The Auctioneers phoned her in plenty of time, she listened in for a few minutes before her lot came up. The bidding was brisk, Janet had told John she had set herself a limit but when she had gone over this by £150.00 John threatened to unplug the phone. Janet was really disappointed when someone in the auction room increased their bid, she knew she couldn’t respond. She is determined not to get all bitter and twisted but she was really disappointed not to win the plates. Janet knows that you can never tell what will happen at auction, but one thing she is sure of, there will be other opportunities to add to her collection.

Janet and John have decided to take a short break. They have booked two nights in a De Vere Hotel a chain of Hotels they have stayed at before. John, who is very keen on special offers had previously booked rooms in December for £10.00 a night. They had enjoyed their stay at the Sunningdale Hotel  in Ascot so much that when De Vere e-mailed with an offer of £19.00 John decided to book the Staverton Park in Northamptonshire. The room they were initially given on arrival was on the first floor, it was fine but had a disabled toilet. Janet asked to move as the Bathroom was quite depressing, she wonders  if it really is necessary for those with disabilities to have to put up with such depressing facilities. The room on the first floor that they are given overlooks the Golf course and is great, as is the free coffee, tea and biscuits provided at the coffee stations. The Countryman Pub which has been recommended at Staverton is a short walk away from the Hotel. Janet and John have spent a most enjoyable evening wondering around the village, having a very good meal and a few glasses of wine.

Janet and John have been looking for a chair to go in their study area. A neighbour who has bought several item that Janet and John have admired suggested they visit a Dwell store. They have looked at their on line catalogue and seen several things they would like.  As they have decided to take a short break, they stop off at the Birmingham store but what a disappointment. There were items on display, but as a furniture store it was like a barren wasteland. Janet asked a  member of staff if they were moving in or out but apparently they were waiting for the new season items. It was such a strange shopping experience that apart from two cushions Janet and John didn’t really want to be there, or want to buy anything. As they left, Janet felt an Anne Robinson “What are they for” moment coming on. For anyone who is thinking of buying anything from Dwell after looking at their on line catalogue. Janet and John would suggest a trip to their store first.