Hello folks, my name is canalchris.
It's been a long time since I bothered you lot with an update of what's happening with me , Lilian and our mad Jack Russel Toby. Last you heard we were in the Algarve area of Portugal for the long winter months soaking up the winter sun, but more importantly keeping out of the U.K. Winter weather. The problem with this lifestyle was that our " summer " accomodation in North Wales is a Static caravan on a non rental site costing us vast amounts of money for just 4 months residence per year before returning to Portugal.
Then while in the sun our caravan was costing similar fees but was empty during the summer months when the fees were highest but non of our family or friends wanted a cheap or even free holiday..
So the time has come to bite the bullet and use our non interest earning savings and buy, renovate ,furnish and move into a 2 bed bungalow near Rhyl. We have been back from Portugal 3 weeks , the house is nearly ready, all we have to do now is furnish it completely. . Having not lived in ricks and mortar since 2004 , ( canalboat 10 years , two caravans 4 years we have not a stick of moveable furniture) so watch out Llandudno branch of British Heart Foundation.
I have decided that however long it takes , and however many times I have to attend assessments and appeals I am applying for PIP. Last time I made the initial inquiry I was told I couldn't even have the application form as I " spent too long abroad". Reading about PIP this time it says that the care element might still be payable even if you are living elsewhere in the EU?????
Havnt been out in the cold since we returned.
Good to be back??? We'll see.
