Beware!
What with the problem one gets here in Spain with squatters people in general are afraid to be away from their homes for too long.
There are so many tales about people returning home to find their house has been taken over,locks changed and they can't get back into their own home.
What would you do if this happened to you? Before I knew anything about the law in this country I would have said call the police! However, the thing is if you do not report to the police within 48 hours of the break in and before the squatters can get settle and show they live there they can claim squatters rights and then the police can do nothing! You have to get a court order to be able to get back into your house and that can take months. There are some very clever squatters nowadays who can show the authorities all the correct documents; a lease ,and bills to show they pay rent. This seems to be happening more and more nowadays!
At this time of the year when people go off on their summer holidays They often organise it with someone in the family to live in while they are away or employ a house sitter. This will deter any possible squatters trying to invade your home.
Let's not forget the burglars either !
Burglars' secret codes. Can you believe this? They certainly do in this part of Spain. It seems it happens elsewhere too. You may find this article from Wales online quite revealing.
We have something organised here in our block between all the neighbours. I can't tell you what it is because this is a public blog. Lets just say we are vigilant!
Books.
Tidelines
I AM doing very well with the books blog-friends are recommending.
This is the third book I decided to buy. I think it was on Linda P's blog "A rich tapestry" that I saw this recommendation. Many thanks for that Linda. I am finding it is a good read with intriguing revelations of way of life in the17th century,during Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War era.
Incidentally Linda I found I could not comment on your last post. I was wondering if you know that comments are disabled on your blog.😕
As it is about the end of the book I have tried not to make it too revealing.
"Quite a change of genre for me but it was an excellent read. I thought the end was very fitting; very “marsh” style. It leaves the reader pondering that bit more,perhaps to draw one's own conclusions."
Time Capsule
Treasure Tales part 2.
My mother had a marvellous dolls house, at least I remember it like that.In the eyes of a five year old who always got the hand-me-downs from my other six sisters,including the toys a big dolls house was a sensational thing. It was kept at my Gran's house. I can even add now that I am a grown-up that a selfish little five year old only wanted to visit her Gran to play with said dolls house! I loved that house but I was only allowed to play with it under surveillance. Gran was most particular about being careful with the tiny little things inside the house and to put everything back afterwards although I was allowed to rearrange things.
I have recently been trying to find out what happened to the dolls house. The last we saw of it was after Gran passed and it was put up in Mother's loft. When Mother passed away too and her house was being cleared to be sold there was no dolls house anywhere to be found. It is a mystery which is ongoing as we are still trying to find out where it has gone. None of my sisters have it!
My mother gave me this when she came over to Alicante on one of her first visits here. I so remember this tiny book case from her dolls house. At one time there were little pencils to go with it but they got lost over time. Some of the blank pages in the books have been scribbled on, leaving evidence of a child's hand. That could have been done by my mother when she was a child or anyone of my sisters.
I treasure it of course.
At present I am looking out for a sturdy box with a handle to turn into my Time Capsule where I shall store these treasures and the record/inventory giving details about each item. Hopefully it will go to future generations and perhaps they can even add to it.
Should any of you wish to do something similar you might find this article of interest.
No showcasing of crochet or RAOC makes this time. I didn't very much like how my recent make turned out so I wont bother to display it. TCH! annoying to say the least!
I have started something else though 😀
Happy blogging
Amanda :-)
It makes sense to have someone staying in the house to keep an eye on things. It's awful that squatters can take over someone's house and they the owner has to go through the courts. This is not right!
ReplyDeleteThe treasure inventory sounds like a great idea for future generations.
I would also add write names of people on the backs of printed out photographs. I have a lovely album full of Victorian family (I think) photos, but no names at all. It's so frustrating not to know who these people were and what my relationship to them is.
Best wishes
Ellie
Totally agree with you Ellie about the names on the back of photos and also a date. It would make it so much easier for me while I am collating the information for the family History database. Thankfully my mother did a lot before she passed away and most of the very old family photos have a name on the back and their status in the family. A x
DeleteIt's awful to think that someone could break into your home like that quite scary really. It's good that the neighbours have a system in place. I would like to think that my neighbours would keep an eye on things if I went away but if someone is determined to get in they probably will somehow. I love the little book case what a treasure. I'm determined to do something similar when I have the time. Looking forward to seeing your next RAOCK. Take Care xx
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky to have such good neighbours who have got together and organised a system and we also have a night security guard on the premises. As you say if burglars really wanted to get in they would but it wouldn't be easy. A x
DeleteSquatters rights taking over your home this is horrible-perhaps some legislation could be done to stop this in the future. Here in Missouri there is something similiar-stealing land. In the cities you need to know your property lines-as a neighbor can start mowing lawn more and more on your land-and then claim in-or I say steal it-to avoid this many add a fence right on the property line. If one owns acres of land and one must check that there are no squatters on your land-same thing they will happen-they steal it on you--this is really sad that this happens in different places around the world. Don't know why our state won't do something this either
ReplyDeletethose little doll books are so precious-hugs Kathy
Hi Kathy, you know it is quite scary and we are very cautious about leaving our home unattended. We are lucky to have very good neighbours and we are more than willing to also help out in this case too. With reference to what you have mentioned about land boundaries too it is very similar here. A x
DeleteIt's quite scary that squatters can just take over your property. When we go away, we leave our keys with our next door neighbour, and know she'll keep an eye on things. We also have an intruder alarm, so, hopefully that will deter squatters and burglars! What a shame no-one knows what happened to the dolls house, but at least you have the lovely, little bookcase. I'm intrigued to know what your new project is. You always make such interesting things. xx
ReplyDeleteHello HH, I'm still trying to find out about my mother's doll house. I have spoken to my sisters and they think it may have been sold but nobody seems to know for sure. I have yet to hear from my youngest sister who is a nurse and is super busy at present. There is no hurry though but it does bug me not knowing:-) A x
DeleteGood grief - makes you very wary of going away for a simple holiday 😮
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does and Sr P says he is staying behind if I visit my family next May in the UK . A x
DeleteRe: the Crawdads book. I certainly agree that the ending keeps you guessing as it can be read in different ways. I also read Tidelands and its sequel - enjoyed them both and I get the feeling there will be a third book!
ReplyDeleteGosh going away on holidays would be stressful good you all have plans. We had car stolen one time now all keys like fort knox.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,thank you for calling in and leaving a comment. We wont be going away this year. Taking into account all what is happening here at present a staycation would be the best for us. A x
DeleteIt's a worrying situation at a time when one should be able to relax and chill. I'm glad neighbours are keeping a good look out for each other.
ReplyDeletexx
Hello Joy, yes we have a system and it works for us. We wont be going away this summer though COVID continues to cause travel problems and extra expense! We are having a staycation as they call it now and also the pool is our haven. A x
DeleteI had no idea about the squatters, really how can you ever leave and know you have a home to come back to? I love the book shelf treasure and all the memories attached to it. I have some more treasures to show, I'll do a post about them soon. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteWe do with no problems as we have it well organised . It has never happened in our housing complex. We also have a security guard. Unfortunately some people are quite lax and think it will never happen to them. I'll look forward to seeing those other treasures you have got. A x
DeleteOh, I am just horrified to read about the squatters!
ReplyDeleteDepressing isn’t it! We are not going away this year! A x
DeleteLovely little bookcase, such a shame you don´t know what happened to the house. Great idea for the treasure inventory, I have started to put some details with some items, as I´m sure the kids won´t remember the stories behind them, especially items from my Great grandmothers family. xcx
ReplyDeleteThanks for calling in Christie 😊 I continue to try and find out what happened to Mum’s dolls house. It is a real mystery. I am thoroughly enjoying writing this record about these little family heirlooms! I just didn’t realise I had so many. A x
DeleteThe squatter problem is so frightening. . .
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed we all have to be wary! Thanks for calling in A x
DeleteIt must be very worrying when you go away. Luckily our sons still live at home so keep the house occupied. We've also got some good neighbours.
ReplyDeleteThat little bookcase is a real treasure.
Many thanks for calling in. It isn't too bad for us because we have a good system with out neighbours and sometimes my daughter comes to stay in the house too. If you have good neighbours that is brilliant! A x
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