NST Muddy March Marathon

A warm welcome to turtles old and new.

Day One
Use It
I am going to start with an unusual one.
Use your local services particularly your library.

Local services are under increasing pressure. Council funds are being cut year by year and the demands, particularly for social care needs for elderly and vulnerable people. Last month some people talked about their libraries, the services they offer and some being closed/ under threat of closure. The only thing that can help keep libraries open is numbers through the doors (and online). So use it or lose it.

Check out the facilities at your local library and get involved. Ours has toddler story time, craft and other activities especially in the school holidays (I am miffed at having missed the day when the farm animals visit), beginner computer classes (and kindle/ i-pad days), public access computers and 'social' groups plus books, cds, dvds, games, food bank donation point and a double size wheelie bin for charitable donations.

Use It part 2
Reading is one of the most relaxing things you can do. I nearly always have a book with me. I read on buses, waiting in the queue at the doctor's. Encouraging your children to read (listening to you read at first) as widely as possible is one of the best things you can do for them. It will underpin their education, they pick up spelling and grammar without effort, and have access to a world of knowledge. So read even when you only have a few minutes to spare. Losing yourself in a good book is joyous.

March budgets
I have set my food budget at £100 (for me and partly for DS3 and Beloved - they sometimes buy takeaways). Last month it was £120 with £100 as my stretch target. Have also told DS2 he can raid the freezer if he gets stuck (came down with Bell's palsy last month, carried on working but then had a flare up of his acne and had to have time off). Going back to work tomorrow but has a shortfall in his budget.

Travel I have reduced to £20 but hope that I don't need it. Weather permitting I will walk to all my regular outings.

Extras budget is set at £30. Would like to put up the extra eight foot long shelf in my kitchen but need to be well and need someone to help. This also covers social and personal spending.

Not done an audit yet but have a good idea what is in the freezer and can see in the fridge. Working on running down the freezer to clean it out and start again. Tinned/ dry food is all clearly visible (understairs shelves).

Will discuss goals later today.