I've been thinking over the past couple of days about 'stuff' the sort of things we make resolutions over. Usually it's exercise-do more etc etc but since I broke my ankle I've missed getting out and about with Skipper.I'm on the mend now but it's still stiff if I'm not careful and I have to think which forest tracks to take her down as some are a bit rough.So I'm going to walk a little further each day beyond the 'norm' building up to about an hour each way.This will be able to be split up as the days get shorter if I need to or if time dictates. People come on holiday here for the walks etc so I'm silly nott to make the most of them.
I love reading blogs with no spend days,challenges etc but I've never been successful myself-too impatient I think for the 'reward' so I decided to have a no spend day pot and once a month open it up to treat mum,dad,both or whoever to coffee out or lunch if it's been a good month.
I need to sort out my food cupboards next week and see how I can make things last through January with as little shopping possible and make as much as I can from scratch-it's much better for us anyway...
On the crafting front I've a load of new ideas in my head and a couple of orders/swaps to start next week and my rug canvas has arrived!!! Need to sort through all those old T-shirts and work out a colour scheme. 1m sq is quite large however so I may pinch a bit for an idea I have for my business. sshh don't tell.
Happy New Year everyone and I hope you have a lovely evening however you spend it xx
Tuesday 31 December 2013
Monday 30 December 2013
New Year
New Year here can last for days.I'm past that stage and my boys haven't quite got there so we've decided to see the New Year in at home this yvear.
However,there seems to be an invasion of people eager to see in the NY in our little part of Scotland.I went into town today to pick up a few supplies and the Co-op was absolutely packed out-much busier than before Christmas. I'm just doing a few nibbles for the evening,brunch on NY Day for myself and the boys and Shepherds Pie later on when Mum & Dad will join us as well.Hubby has gone back South to work for a few weeks and is on call all NY anyway.These animals get a better service than us humans you know 24 hours a day/7 days a week cover-well at his anyway....
I've been thinking over NY resolutions but am trying to think of things in attainable blocks instead of just general terms so I'm not there yet :)
I know one thing I'm going to do - make a rag rug...it's something I've wanted to have a go at for ages but I've now ordered the canvas so that'll be an evening project for me.I've loads of old t-shirts from the boys to start with.
Off now to contemplate those resolutions............
However,there seems to be an invasion of people eager to see in the NY in our little part of Scotland.I went into town today to pick up a few supplies and the Co-op was absolutely packed out-much busier than before Christmas. I'm just doing a few nibbles for the evening,brunch on NY Day for myself and the boys and Shepherds Pie later on when Mum & Dad will join us as well.Hubby has gone back South to work for a few weeks and is on call all NY anyway.These animals get a better service than us humans you know 24 hours a day/7 days a week cover-well at his anyway....
I've been thinking over NY resolutions but am trying to think of things in attainable blocks instead of just general terms so I'm not there yet :)
I know one thing I'm going to do - make a rag rug...it's something I've wanted to have a go at for ages but I've now ordered the canvas so that'll be an evening project for me.I've loads of old t-shirts from the boys to start with.
Off now to contemplate those resolutions............
Saturday 28 December 2013
Sandy
Sandy,mum and dads spaniel passed away yesterday.He reached the ripe old age of 17 and nearly 5 months.He was loved by us all especially 'his boys' my sons who at 17 and 15 have never known the world without him. He had Christmas Day afternoon,up here with us all and we went there on Boxing Day-he even tried to pinch my dads drumstick out of the bag when they got home on Christmas Day evening.
We had started to think he was invincible but sadly not and although the end was peaceful.at home.with us all there it is a bit of a muted end to Xmas here.
He had a brilliant life but at the moment it's still raw and mum and dads feels very empty x
We had started to think he was invincible but sadly not and although the end was peaceful.at home.with us all there it is a bit of a muted end to Xmas here.
He had a brilliant life but at the moment it's still raw and mum and dads feels very empty x
Monday 23 December 2013
Have a lovely time everyone
It's still quiet in the house but I'm making profiteroles today so I'll have to get moving.
Hubby is due back later and is here for a week which is pretty good going so today will be lotsof text messages as he picks up last minute things in A***.
Tomorrow I'm off to collect the turkey and it's trimmings and the lovely man at the local butchers is making me some gluten free chipolatas.
Mum and Dad are coming in about an hour for a Christmas Coffee before the chaos that will ensue once Hubby is home....
It's all calm weather wise at the moment so fingers crossed....
So wherever you are ,whoever you are reading this have a lovely Christmas .Don't stress,don't worry just enjoy the company of those around you x
Hubby is due back later and is here for a week which is pretty good going so today will be lotsof text messages as he picks up last minute things in A***.
Tomorrow I'm off to collect the turkey and it's trimmings and the lovely man at the local butchers is making me some gluten free chipolatas.
Mum and Dad are coming in about an hour for a Christmas Coffee before the chaos that will ensue once Hubby is home....
It's all calm weather wise at the moment so fingers crossed....
So wherever you are ,whoever you are reading this have a lovely Christmas .Don't stress,don't worry just enjoy the company of those around you x
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Not so early risers
I'm waiting for the house to wake up and it's 0930.Even the dog seems to have teenage boy syndrome at the moment. They are due down in the Village in an hour or so to help a lady out clearing her garden in return for a donation to the Under 21s Sleep Out they did in Edinburgh a few weeks ago. I think she will enjoy their company as much as anything- it's hard when you're living on your own and even though she has family nearby it's not the same.She also has a bad back/leg now and since her elderly dog passed away can't manage another. So I'm hoping as well as helping her out they will brighten up her day. In fact writing this has made me think-in the New Year I should go down once a week or so and meet her for coffee..it's only a couple of hours ....
On another note yesterday didn't turn out quite as planned and I spent most of it sorting things for other people or trying to get hold of people.Anyway all sorted now-well more or less.
It doesn't feel too Christmassy yet but I think the boys are going Christmas Tree collecting,up the Hill,later on so hopefully it will be in situ later on tonight-or probably,realistically,in the morning.
Perhaps I'll even try to get a picture!!
On another note yesterday didn't turn out quite as planned and I spent most of it sorting things for other people or trying to get hold of people.Anyway all sorted now-well more or less.
It doesn't feel too Christmassy yet but I think the boys are going Christmas Tree collecting,up the Hill,later on so hopefully it will be in situ later on tonight-or probably,realistically,in the morning.
Perhaps I'll even try to get a picture!!
Monday 16 December 2013
I'm still here
Just a quick one-should be back later for a proper post.
What with 32 hour power cuts and then being without a landline,due to lightening, so no broadband for a week it's been a while.
All fixed at the end of last week so I should be ok now-well til the next power cut anyway :)
What with 32 hour power cuts and then being without a landline,due to lightening, so no broadband for a week it's been a while.
All fixed at the end of last week so I should be ok now-well til the next power cut anyway :)
Sunday 1 December 2013
Isn't it early for Christmas trees....
I know I did a craft fair yesterday but I'm really surprised by how early people put up Xmas Trees.
We always get a fresh one from the Hill about the week before Xmas-I leave it until then to decorate although I have a few things about before.
I really enjoyed the fair and coffee/soup . Our village always really supports these events and this one was to raise funds for the over 60s Xmas party on the 10th.Some of us make and donate deserts and salads and the money is used for joints of meat and drinks. There is usually some entertainment - the primary children sing carols at the beginning.I'm doing 2 trifles this year so I'll make a couple of swiss rolls through the week and stick them in the freezer.I usually drive mum & dad and stay and help for the evening but I'll have to see how my ankles doing.At the moment I couldn't do a whole evening stood up..we'll see.
I'm gradually taking the stuff back upstairs that has found it's way downstairs over the past 6 weeks.It's a difficult balance doing more whilst not overdoing it!
We always get a fresh one from the Hill about the week before Xmas-I leave it until then to decorate although I have a few things about before.
I really enjoyed the fair and coffee/soup . Our village always really supports these events and this one was to raise funds for the over 60s Xmas party on the 10th.Some of us make and donate deserts and salads and the money is used for joints of meat and drinks. There is usually some entertainment - the primary children sing carols at the beginning.I'm doing 2 trifles this year so I'll make a couple of swiss rolls through the week and stick them in the freezer.I usually drive mum & dad and stay and help for the evening but I'll have to see how my ankles doing.At the moment I couldn't do a whole evening stood up..we'll see.
I'm gradually taking the stuff back upstairs that has found it's way downstairs over the past 6 weeks.It's a difficult balance doing more whilst not overdoing it!
Saturday 30 November 2013
Glasgow
That's the only title for today.
I could tell you about my day but I'll leave it for another time.
One of our friends (my sons friends father) was in the team that flies that helicopter until a few months ago. He has a new job now flying an air ambulance. My first thought this morning ,however irrational,when I saw the news was him...I texted-no I'm fine wasn't me.Relief. But it was someone else and 7 other people and my thoughts are with their friends and family tonight.
And people of Glasgow you've done yourself proud.
I could tell you about my day but I'll leave it for another time.
One of our friends (my sons friends father) was in the team that flies that helicopter until a few months ago. He has a new job now flying an air ambulance. My first thought this morning ,however irrational,when I saw the news was him...I texted-no I'm fine wasn't me.Relief. But it was someone else and 7 other people and my thoughts are with their friends and family tonight.
And people of Glasgow you've done yourself proud.
Friday 29 November 2013
Pacing myself
I've done too much today-I can tell because my ankles aching so I'm sitting with it propped up in it's little stocking thing for the next hour or so.
Now I'm certainly no Obsessive Compulsive Cleaner but there are certain things that really need/ed doing and I made a start today . Tomorrow is the craft fair so once we get set up I WILL take a seat and not stand all the time,I promise. I'm still walking like I'm in the cast unless I really think about it.
My boys are taking part in an Under 21s Sleep Out in Edinburgh tonight for the Rock Trust a charity that supports and helps homeless young people. Once again I'm really proud of them putting themselves outside their comfort zones and whilst it's a situation they personally never find themselves in I hope tonight may create a memory they don't forget.
I still haven't done my power cut box btw :)
Now I'm certainly no Obsessive Compulsive Cleaner but there are certain things that really need/ed doing and I made a start today . Tomorrow is the craft fair so once we get set up I WILL take a seat and not stand all the time,I promise. I'm still walking like I'm in the cast unless I really think about it.
My boys are taking part in an Under 21s Sleep Out in Edinburgh tonight for the Rock Trust a charity that supports and helps homeless young people. Once again I'm really proud of them putting themselves outside their comfort zones and whilst it's a situation they personally never find themselves in I hope tonight may create a memory they don't forget.
I still haven't done my power cut box btw :)
Thursday 28 November 2013
It's..........OFF
Before we all get too excited I've still got the crutches but only for a week to 10 days so we're moving forward.I did suggest to the Doc I may make the round trip to Edinburgh (300 miles 6/7 hours) on the 10th to pick up my son but that wasn't seen as an entirely good idea unless ABSOLUTELY necessary which I hope it's not going to be.
I always find time spent in the hospital really tiring-don't know why-nervous energy?
The mobile cinema is visiting again soon and I just managed to book the last few tickets to see Sunshine on Leith on the 11th.It's a really nice evening out and is very luxurious -it's like Dr Who's Tardis once you get inside.
I've also decided this year to order my Turkey for Xmas Day and a duck for Xmas Eve from the local butcher-it may be dearer but it's far less stressful ,especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse.We've had a few Christmas' lately where it's been a bit 'on the edge' . He also sometimes has Gluten Free sausages :)
I'm going to get my emergency power kit box together next week when I'm a bit more mobile-it's all here somewhere just needs collecting in a box . Power cuts happen here in Winter(not as often as the used to) so we need to be prepared.I also need to stock up with tinned soup,longlife milk etc when I get somewhere bigger than the Co-op to shop!
I always find time spent in the hospital really tiring-don't know why-nervous energy?
The mobile cinema is visiting again soon and I just managed to book the last few tickets to see Sunshine on Leith on the 11th.It's a really nice evening out and is very luxurious -it's like Dr Who's Tardis once you get inside.
I've also decided this year to order my Turkey for Xmas Day and a duck for Xmas Eve from the local butcher-it may be dearer but it's far less stressful ,especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse.We've had a few Christmas' lately where it's been a bit 'on the edge' . He also sometimes has Gluten Free sausages :)
I'm going to get my emergency power kit box together next week when I'm a bit more mobile-it's all here somewhere just needs collecting in a box . Power cuts happen here in Winter(not as often as the used to) so we need to be prepared.I also need to stock up with tinned soup,longlife milk etc when I get somewhere bigger than the Co-op to shop!
Last nights blog
It got late last night and I realised I hadn't written anything but it was just too late .Rag wreaths have taken over and handstitched facecloths with soaps in jars and papier mache bowls but normality will return....
I'm only doing 2 local ,not massive,Xmas fairs this year . I'm not destined to become CEO of a large company.I just enjoy making and selling my things. The first is this Saturday the 30th and the second the 8th both in the villages either side of me. We belong to one village-as they say up here-but one of my sons also went to pre-school in the other so I still retain a certain affinity for it. It was just as well given the broken ankle situation that I'd only booked the 2 although I am off to the A & E clinic in an hour so I may return minus a cast at least. That's what I thought 2 weeks ago though so I'm trying not to get my hopes up(or my Mums).
That's the reason I'm up and actually doing something earlier than normal-since I can't walk the dog I've not been getting up in the dark ready for the light.In fact I was quite surprised this morning how dark it is at 7.30 :)
I will be back later with ,hopefully good news......until then I'll carry on with the red and silver Rag Wreath.
I'm only doing 2 local ,not massive,Xmas fairs this year . I'm not destined to become CEO of a large company.I just enjoy making and selling my things. The first is this Saturday the 30th and the second the 8th both in the villages either side of me. We belong to one village-as they say up here-but one of my sons also went to pre-school in the other so I still retain a certain affinity for it. It was just as well given the broken ankle situation that I'd only booked the 2 although I am off to the A & E clinic in an hour so I may return minus a cast at least. That's what I thought 2 weeks ago though so I'm trying not to get my hopes up(or my Mums).
That's the reason I'm up and actually doing something earlier than normal-since I can't walk the dog I've not been getting up in the dark ready for the light.In fact I was quite surprised this morning how dark it is at 7.30 :)
I will be back later with ,hopefully good news......until then I'll carry on with the red and silver Rag Wreath.
Tuesday 26 November 2013
It's been one of those 'not getting anywhere ' type of days today.
I'm busy making from the craft fair and only have one more facecloth to handstitch 'Merry Xmas' onto but the light was getting quite bad so I left it until the morning. They are going to go in glass Kilner Jars with some Christmas soaps and I've made handstitched gift tags to attatch.
Then there are the rag wreaths-I have swapped quite a few of these for Xmas presents from other crafters.In fact I've got nearly all my presents from swaps ,apart from the techno geeks-my hubby and sons!
Bean has got a new suit for Xmas do's and Mini Bean wants a lightweight one man tent and foldy up gas thing.Hubby has been told he can get a roller thing for using his bike on indoors in the Winter-it's his Birthday present as well!
I'm trying to lose a few pounds and eat a bit healthier - this enforced period inside has got me a bit run down-and yesterday I did it-no crisps/biscuits etc-2 days this week next week 3 days working towards the treats only at weekends.
I've noticed in blogs I read a few people a bit down at the moment . The lack of daylight certainly doesn't help me so on Sunday,when I've time, I'm getting a jar,a slip of paper for every day of the month and writing something nice to do,for myself on it,Every day I'll pick out a piece of paper and take 10 mins-1/2 hour doing something daft or for myself-won't be anything too physical for a bit though!
I'm busy making from the craft fair and only have one more facecloth to handstitch 'Merry Xmas' onto but the light was getting quite bad so I left it until the morning. They are going to go in glass Kilner Jars with some Christmas soaps and I've made handstitched gift tags to attatch.
Then there are the rag wreaths-I have swapped quite a few of these for Xmas presents from other crafters.In fact I've got nearly all my presents from swaps ,apart from the techno geeks-my hubby and sons!
Bean has got a new suit for Xmas do's and Mini Bean wants a lightweight one man tent and foldy up gas thing.Hubby has been told he can get a roller thing for using his bike on indoors in the Winter-it's his Birthday present as well!
I'm trying to lose a few pounds and eat a bit healthier - this enforced period inside has got me a bit run down-and yesterday I did it-no crisps/biscuits etc-2 days this week next week 3 days working towards the treats only at weekends.
I've noticed in blogs I read a few people a bit down at the moment . The lack of daylight certainly doesn't help me so on Sunday,when I've time, I'm getting a jar,a slip of paper for every day of the month and writing something nice to do,for myself on it,Every day I'll pick out a piece of paper and take 10 mins-1/2 hour doing something daft or for myself-won't be anything too physical for a bit though!
Monday 25 November 2013
Catching Up
I haven't written for ages but then today received a lovely comment so thought I'd start up again and give it another go.
Life just gets in the way of doing things sometimes and once you get out of the habit of writing it's hard to pick it up sometimes.
We had a really 'sunny summer' this year.Not as hot as some parts of the country but hot enough for me!
I've set up a craft business selling mainly online.I'm not going to get rich off it but it's nice to have something for myself and I'm doing a couple of Christmas Fairs over the next couple of weeks which is a nice way to get out n' about.
I broke my ankle 6 weeks ago and I've been in a cast for 4 weeks-it may come off on Thursday so fingers crossed.It's really hard relying on Mum & Dad to walk the dog and take me shopping as I'm so independent normally.By the time my ankle is back to normal I think I'll need the obsessive compulsive cleaners round but it has made me think to have a good old de-clutter.On the plus side my boys did learn how to use the washing machine and their cooking skills got a bit of a polish.
It's been a cold but dry day-I had a trip into town and got some nice red material for some rag wreaths I need to make and it was nice to do my own shopping even if it was the Co-op!
Life just gets in the way of doing things sometimes and once you get out of the habit of writing it's hard to pick it up sometimes.
We had a really 'sunny summer' this year.Not as hot as some parts of the country but hot enough for me!
I've set up a craft business selling mainly online.I'm not going to get rich off it but it's nice to have something for myself and I'm doing a couple of Christmas Fairs over the next couple of weeks which is a nice way to get out n' about.
I broke my ankle 6 weeks ago and I've been in a cast for 4 weeks-it may come off on Thursday so fingers crossed.It's really hard relying on Mum & Dad to walk the dog and take me shopping as I'm so independent normally.By the time my ankle is back to normal I think I'll need the obsessive compulsive cleaners round but it has made me think to have a good old de-clutter.On the plus side my boys did learn how to use the washing machine and their cooking skills got a bit of a polish.
It's been a cold but dry day-I had a trip into town and got some nice red material for some rag wreaths I need to make and it was nice to do my own shopping even if it was the Co-op!
Monday 21 January 2013
It's snowing and meal planning
We seem to be the last place to get snow which is good because it doesn't take much to snow us in.Our house is at the end of a track up a steep hill and then down a small hill which means to get out the reverse-of course!The small hill always catches the snow and although at the moment it's not lying everywhere the track here is white.Not that I was planning on going out in my car anyway-trying to minimize the mileage this year.
I have my meals planned out for the week
Monday-tuna pasta
Tues-tuna sauce pizza
Wed-ham soup made tues as I'm going to light the kitchen stove
Thurs-salmon fillets mini roasts and veg
Fri-I'm out so other half will have something and mash
Sat-all here haggis mash and neeps
Sun-roast
My lovely local butcher is going to make gluten free haggis :) and sausages so I'll get some for the freezer.
I'm due to go to Oban on Wed weather permitting so I'll see if I get anyhing reduced for the freezer for Fri and the roast when I visit Mr Tesco.My mum will come as well so that's 2 households shopping and a trip to the dentist,but it is a 70 mile round trip!
Atleast my cupboard will be full of Value tins once more...
By the way it's still snowing......
I have my meals planned out for the week
Monday-tuna pasta
Tues-tuna sauce pizza
Wed-ham soup made tues as I'm going to light the kitchen stove
Thurs-salmon fillets mini roasts and veg
Fri-I'm out so other half will have something and mash
Sat-all here haggis mash and neeps
Sun-roast
My lovely local butcher is going to make gluten free haggis :) and sausages so I'll get some for the freezer.
I'm due to go to Oban on Wed weather permitting so I'll see if I get anyhing reduced for the freezer for Fri and the roast when I visit Mr Tesco.My mum will come as well so that's 2 households shopping and a trip to the dentist,but it is a 70 mile round trip!
Atleast my cupboard will be full of Value tins once more...
By the way it's still snowing......
Sunday 20 January 2013
Frugal update
All going to plan so far but it's quite weird having my money in an envelope not my purse.
However,itwas nice filling my car up with fuel and knowing Ihad the money saved already!
However,itwas nice filling my car up with fuel and knowing Ihad the money saved already!
No snow here
It's been a while but I'm back.We've had no snow here-well a couple of flakes a couple of days but that's about it.I'm sure this is because this year I have long life milk and plenty of plans of what to do when snowed in.
Last year due to high winds we were without power for 60 hours-and no phone either.When you see it on the news 60 hours doesn't seem to be a long time but it is.The phone came back on and we kept being told we would be reconnected shortly-but we weren't!I bought a lantern this year as reading by headtorch is certainly a skill...The worst thing about no power here is no water as it's pumped into the house so every time the weather is bad I fill the kettle ,pans and my 5l container just to be sure.
The deer were very near the house yesterday,always a sign it's very cold and unless I make a move towards them they just carry on grazing.They make me want to be vegetarian again :)..perhaps I'll give it some thought-gluten free and vegetarian now that might be challenging!
Last year due to high winds we were without power for 60 hours-and no phone either.When you see it on the news 60 hours doesn't seem to be a long time but it is.The phone came back on and we kept being told we would be reconnected shortly-but we weren't!I bought a lantern this year as reading by headtorch is certainly a skill...The worst thing about no power here is no water as it's pumped into the house so every time the weather is bad I fill the kettle ,pans and my 5l container just to be sure.
The deer were very near the house yesterday,always a sign it's very cold and unless I make a move towards them they just carry on grazing.They make me want to be vegetarian again :)..perhaps I'll give it some thought-gluten free and vegetarian now that might be challenging!
Wednesday 9 January 2013
Travel envelope started
I am very pleased to now have £20 in my 'travel' envelope.I sold some of the boys old clothes on'Things for Sale in........' after a request I saw AND they were collected so that was really good.This has nearly paid for my first night away in a couple of weeks as I got a deal and room for £25.
The less for trips that gets put on plastic the better-it'll be nice to have cash for spending money.
I did a little bit outside today but it was a bit chilly and the ground still wet,even in the yard but I reckon a little is better than nothing.There are lots of things need doing but overhauling the water supply and building a woodstore are top of the list-that'll keep other half busy ......
The less for trips that gets put on plastic the better-it'll be nice to have cash for spending money.
Tuesday 8 January 2013
back to normal
Life is slowly returnung back to normal after the holidays.Everyone is in the right place and for the next couple of weeks it's just me and the dog again.
I've managed to stick to the meal plan,so far which is a miracle in itself but otherwise if I don't I end up with too much of some stuff and running out of other things.
Just before Christmas I bought a mini sewing machine on a deall at Tesco Direct and actually managed to get it working-at first try!!I'm going to try and make some scenty things for the boys trainers-anything will help the smell.....
I'm up and down the hill with wheely bins at the moment.Paper Tues,Rubbish Wed.That's all they collect here unfortunately we have to take the rest into town or the village(glass only).As a result I don't wash out dog food tins because even after washing they stink-now if I had a bin or container outside......
It's very quiet here now but I managed a nice walk this afternoon to the sight of an old Dun.The Forestry were working below so it looks like they are set to take some more trees out.That'll be that walk off the list then.
I've managed to stick to the meal plan,so far which is a miracle in itself but otherwise if I don't I end up with too much of some stuff and running out of other things.
Just before Christmas I bought a mini sewing machine on a deall at Tesco Direct and actually managed to get it working-at first try!!I'm going to try and make some scenty things for the boys trainers-anything will help the smell.....
I'm up and down the hill with wheely bins at the moment.Paper Tues,Rubbish Wed.That's all they collect here unfortunately we have to take the rest into town or the village(glass only).As a result I don't wash out dog food tins because even after washing they stink-now if I had a bin or container outside......
It's very quiet here now but I managed a nice walk this afternoon to the sight of an old Dun.The Forestry were working below so it looks like they are set to take some more trees out.That'll be that walk off the list then.
Sunday 6 January 2013
End of holidays
Was beginning to feel a bit fed up earlier-that end of holiday feeling-but we had a lovely treat and were taken out to the local for tea.I had cajun salmon with salad and chips followed by creme brulee-Yum.
I cooked the pork steaks I had taken out of the freezer in the woodburner and will now freeze those for when other half returns in a couple of weeks.
I have no excuse come tomorrow to put off certain jobs any longer :( .Paperwork is the bane of my life.I am hopeless at keeping on top of it .Bills etc are always dealt with straight away but after that I tend to have things in relevant piles...
Perhaps I'll just break myself in gently....there are a few crafty jobs that need doing....
I cooked the pork steaks I had taken out of the freezer in the woodburner and will now freeze those for when other half returns in a couple of weeks.
I have no excuse come tomorrow to put off certain jobs any longer :( .Paperwork is the bane of my life.I am hopeless at keeping on top of it .Bills etc are always dealt with straight away but after that I tend to have things in relevant piles...
Perhaps I'll just break myself in gently....there are a few crafty jobs that need doing....
Saturday 5 January 2013
Washing
Why do teenage boys have a reluctance to put their washing in a basket?
2 loads today found in various corners in bedrooms.....
I try and leave it until it makes it's way to the basket or there's a cry 'I've no boxers' but in order to avoid many loads tomorrow I just did it...
The Christmas decs came down today ,we chopped the branches off and put them in the wood basket,swept up the needles and made little packages to light the fire with and got the rest of the tree out without too much kerfuffle.
We were at Mums for Lunch so it was just sandwiches for tea :)
So far I've stuck to the menu plan-see how long I can keep it going in 2013.
2 loads today found in various corners in bedrooms.....
I try and leave it until it makes it's way to the basket or there's a cry 'I've no boxers' but in order to avoid many loads tomorrow I just did it...
The Christmas decs came down today ,we chopped the branches off and put them in the wood basket,swept up the needles and made little packages to light the fire with and got the rest of the tree out without too much kerfuffle.
We were at Mums for Lunch so it was just sandwiches for tea :)
So far I've stuck to the menu plan-see how long I can keep it going in 2013.
Friday 4 January 2013
Fuel in the country
I was going to post yesterday about petrol prices but the day seemed to go quickly and I just ran out of time.
Today I needed to go into town for my weekly shop,drop off the recycling ,call at the bank etc.We only get paper and cardboard collected by the council here,It's a 20 mile round trip and only has a co-op even then.It's a 70 mile round trip to a more major supermarket so Itry and combine that with other things and usually take my mum as well.The co-op looks good on paper but this one is a bit of a nightmare for a weekly shop-you have to be very flexible with your list and it's quite expensive.
I'm trying to cut down on my car use but if I need anything I have to drive.The village shop is a 7 mile round trip but it's a single track road which is quite a 'hairy' experience to cycle.
I've tried Approved Foods etc but delivery companies regard us as Highlands although we aren't really and so delivery costs are astronomical-this is why we all use Amazon and Tesco Direct!!
Anyway petrol last week was 8p a litre cheaper in Glasgow than here and we are only 90 miles away-how does that work??
Today I needed to go into town for my weekly shop,drop off the recycling ,call at the bank etc.We only get paper and cardboard collected by the council here,It's a 20 mile round trip and only has a co-op even then.It's a 70 mile round trip to a more major supermarket so Itry and combine that with other things and usually take my mum as well.The co-op looks good on paper but this one is a bit of a nightmare for a weekly shop-you have to be very flexible with your list and it's quite expensive.
I'm trying to cut down on my car use but if I need anything I have to drive.The village shop is a 7 mile round trip but it's a single track road which is quite a 'hairy' experience to cycle.
I've tried Approved Foods etc but delivery companies regard us as Highlands although we aren't really and so delivery costs are astronomical-this is why we all use Amazon and Tesco Direct!!
Anyway petrol last week was 8p a litre cheaper in Glasgow than here and we are only 90 miles away-how does that work??
Wednesday 2 January 2013
Trying to be frugal
Most people are getting back to 'normal' but, this being Scotland things haven't got going again after New Year or Hogmany.In fact,my local butchers isn't open again until Friday!
I'm going to try and be a bit more frugal this year and stick to a budget I've booked a short holiday for us in the summer holidays,at a destination to keep all happy,and we have a family wedding across the Irish Sea in July so it would be nice to have a bit of money saved for these instead of putting everything on Mr Plastic.
I've been following some frugal blogs but I don't reckon I'll be as disciplined or organised as some.However I do plan to make more myself and I've got a mini sewing machine to get the hang of.There's a whole under the stairs to sort out and stuff to donate/sell.If I get any money from anything that will go into the 'trips fund'.
Other half will be back tomorrow until school returns so we may get in some different walks with dog.That's if it ever stops raining....
I'm going to try and be a bit more frugal this year and stick to a budget I've booked a short holiday for us in the summer holidays,at a destination to keep all happy,and we have a family wedding across the Irish Sea in July so it would be nice to have a bit of money saved for these instead of putting everything on Mr Plastic.
I've been following some frugal blogs but I don't reckon I'll be as disciplined or organised as some.However I do plan to make more myself and I've got a mini sewing machine to get the hang of.There's a whole under the stairs to sort out and stuff to donate/sell.If I get any money from anything that will go into the 'trips fund'.
Other half will be back tomorrow until school returns so we may get in some different walks with dog.That's if it ever stops raining....
Tuesday 1 January 2013
Happy New Year
I've decided not to put 'be more organised' on my resolutions or aims for this New year.I've finally come to the realisation that,in general,being organised just isn't me.I can be organised in small areas such as menu planning but if I try to organise everything life seems to intervene and it all goes wrong.
Living out in the sticks means some things take a lot longer than in town and shopping for bargains at the end of the day is just impossible.I try and combine trips for shopping with lots of other things otherwise it feels like a bit of a waste of fuel these days.
There was a dance in the Village Hall last night but other half is away working so we just had the evening here-mum and dad, me and the boys and dog(oh and cat but he didn't join in!) eating,drinking and playing Wii and Twister.
We have an easy day as just walking along to M&D later for a late lunch but I've a bit of washing up to sort before then-that's the trouble with nice glasses they don't go in the dishwasher!!
Before we head down the hill I'll take dog the other way up the hill for a stretch of legs and a bit of fresh air and later hopefully persuade the boys it's time they had an earlier night....
Living out in the sticks means some things take a lot longer than in town and shopping for bargains at the end of the day is just impossible.I try and combine trips for shopping with lots of other things otherwise it feels like a bit of a waste of fuel these days.
There was a dance in the Village Hall last night but other half is away working so we just had the evening here-mum and dad, me and the boys and dog(oh and cat but he didn't join in!) eating,drinking and playing Wii and Twister.
We have an easy day as just walking along to M&D later for a late lunch but I've a bit of washing up to sort before then-that's the trouble with nice glasses they don't go in the dishwasher!!
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