Live on £4000 for a Year, 2009 Challenge, part 2

Frugaldom

Hi fruguys and gals,

Glad so many of you have managed to make the most of the dry Easter break weather to get out and about doing frugactivities. I've spent most of my time in the garden, fencing things off from the hens, thinning seedlings, potting up tomatoes and making a start on the endless task of trimming the edges where the 'lawn' had gone wild. My 'fedge' is starting to grow! :j I was replacing a few of the willow cuttings as some had got broken and there are loads of them with tiny buds appearing, so I'm quite pleased about that. I even moved some of them to change the lay-out so we'll eventually have a walkway and a corner section that will act as a great windbreak.

Electricity spends have reduced this week as the weather has been a little milder, although still frosty in the mornings. I haven't lit the fire since last week, so no kindling, coal or logs have been used and we're now getting an egg or 2 every day from 2 of the older hens we were given. The 3rd one is too busy looking after her 6 babies to think about laying.

Spending has been not too bad recently - electricity and basic food essentials. Most of my spending has been non-challenge related, revolves around the garden and is slowly being clawed back through winnings, cashback and extra income so it doesn't impact on the savings.

It's raining here today, so that should keep me indoors trying to avoid doing the dreaded end of year accounts. My excuse is that I need to await the arrival of my P60 from previous part time job so I can include it in the self-assessment.

Catch up again later, hope everyone had a great extended weekend and SFT, don't even think of throwing out the chocolate! :eek: It doesn't really go out of date so just ask Mr SFT to hide it from you until you find suitable candidates for receiving such precious gifts. :rotfl:

savingfortravel

Hi Everyone!
Nyk-I just love reading your news. We were just discussing if we could grow some willow around our (hopefully) agricultural land. The neighbours have grown a few trees! That would be great. We would love chickens but do go away so often that I'm not sure that would work.
Big Mumma F/Nyk
Not sure Mr SFT hiding the chocolate is going to do any good. But so far so good-he is eating it for me and we could give the remainder away to my nephew/parents. However the egg might be good for something in cooking and I like the melting and icing idea. The rest is fudge. Any ideas?

Skint Lynne: Being curious..where are you off to for your special weekend?
Lynda: Free manure..reminds me of as children my dad took us out for a drive in the country every weekend and we would always stop to pick up manure. His garden has always been stunning so it must work!
efc: I love how people who grow their own trade/share/give seeds and produce. Wonderful
SF: Hope you have a lovely meal with the boy. What have you in mind? I think that a treat is an absolute must every now and again.
angela: Great boot sale finds!
blairweech: Well done on using up the food. So organised!
thrifty: Might explore Amazon. Got loads of books and I'm sure some could be sold. Thanks

Been busy with school work this morning. This afternoon we are going out for a shorter circular walk (I'm ignoring the grey clouds) of 4 miles. Hope to also pop into Boots to top up phone (got one of those Double points coupons Sophiesmum) and Mr T to pick up my trashy mag (in my defence it comes with a £1.50 MOC which we use each week towards food shopping and the mag only costs 85p).

Enjoy your day!

SFT

lingojingo

well done to all the frugardeners!

Back from a lovely weekend in St. Annes - 2 days of glorious sunshine, wonderful company and ecellent food, and it didn't cost me a bean as it was a late birthday treat from friends!

Today got the swinging seat set up in my garden, hacked down an old wiseria that should never have been put in that spot, and started tackling the overgrown lawn. It looks very like rain now, so I've come in for a rest! But want to plant some potatoes, so may be back out before long.

redglass_2

Whewee....caught up again...Loved the wedding photo, CW! I'm glad to see so many of you are planting out (and obviously know what you're doing) as I have some real Stupid Questions to ask on that topic. I have gardening books etc but I can't find any guidance on question (1). People seem to think you just know it.

1. The weather here keeps changing from sunny to rainy. I have spent most of the dry days digging as this has been my first chance for weeks to actually prepare seedbeds, and now I'm running out of time before I have to go back to work. Apart from my own comfort, does it matter whether I sow the seeds in sun or rain? It's a clay soil and I know you're not supposed to dig it when it's wet but is sowing different? (I try not to trample all over it)
   
2. Can I put grass cuttings/nettles straight onto the veg plots as mulch? Not grass roots (it is the dreaded couch! ) just the green bits. I think this is OK but would like someone to confirm.

bails

Hi everyone, I seem to get on here, catch up with everyone and then completely forget what I want to say! :rolleyes::rotfl:
Thanks so much for the advice Skintchick :T - she needs a credit card to clear an old balance; I don't need one but want to improve my credit rating so I can get a mortgage next year.
Love your private corner SM, so important when you live on site to have your own space.
Walk sounds lovely SFT, enjoy today's. Def don't throw out the chocolate; I'm sure someone can think of a use for the fudge, got a birthday coming up?
Nyk, how long does it take to grow willow? As part of next year's garden overhaul I'd like to separate off part of the garden. Great that you're getting eggs already :T
I agree about marriage - it's definitely to be taken very seriously and worked hard at but not under any circumstances. I'm so happy you've found your soulmate SFT x (even if he is refusing to do the fluffy chick comparison )
Glad you're getting a balance with your spends again SF, well done! Really pleased things going well with the boy.
I don't know the whole situation with the cat Lynda but they can adapt to change - one of ours was semi-feral and is now a lap cat! I'm sure the love you'd give it would outweigh the stress of moving.
I wish I could get someone to do a cat boot for me Mr DT :rotfl:I have SO much stuff and am seriously contemplating getting rid of almost everything before we go away - I love the idea of simplifying right down and starting fresh when we come home. OH is working near my parents for a couple of weeks soon so I'm going to go down with him each day and blitz the garage :eek::j
Does anyone know how Janey is doing? Hope she's okay.
Right, that's me away to phone the planning office about the extension - had a long chat with Dad about it yesterday and I want to get the plans approved before we go away so we can start work on it when we get back.
Have a great afternoon everyone x

redglass_2

bails wrote: »

Does anyone know how Janey is doing? Hope she's okay.

How odd, I was just thinking that. It's a long time since she got in touch. Has anyone heard?

lyndasharp

bails wrote: »

I don't know the whole situation with the cat Lynda but they can adapt to change - one of ours was semi-feral and is now a lap cat! I'm sure the love you'd give it would outweigh the stress of moving.

I wish I could get someone to do a cat boot for me Mr DT :rotfl:

So, how much stuff for sale can you fit in a cat's boot?

The cat is living on a farm with many others. They rehome the kittens every year, but she got missed last year (or was it the year before)? Anyway, she's fed and looked after there, and is neutered along with as many of the other cats as they can catch. The reason they'd like her in a home is apparently because she's friendly and they think she'd like the attention of a full time owner.

cw18

If they rehome the kittens on an annual basis, then it does sound like they have the experience to know which wouldn't suffer from becoming a 'house cat'. And if they neuter as many as they can catch, then it sounds to me that they're very responsible about the cats that having a farm will attract. So if you're tempted by her, then I'd certainly consider going back to try and make contact with her.

slowlyfading

savingfortravel wrote: »

SF: Hope you have a lovely meal with the boy. What have you in mind? I think that a treat is an absolute must every now and again.

I think we might go to a restaurant about 5 mins away, its really nice and has some great reviews. Bit expensive, but it'll be well worth it!

bails wrote: »

Glad you're getting a balance with your spends again SF, well done! Really pleased things going well with the boy.

Thanks I can't seem to stop smiling, its really strange!

Another NSD for me today, which takes my April total upto 8 I'm running the thread this month, and don't want to fail lol :rotfl: It was hard today at work though, i was tempted by so many things! haha. ah well, i don't need any of it

Hope everyone is okay this afternoon.

sf xx

bails

lyndasharp wrote: »

So, how much stuff for sale can you fit in a cat's boot?

Not nearly as much stuff as I have unfortunately :rotfl:It's true, I am in fact addicted to cats Echo CW's advice - she sounds like she'd make a lovely companion.

It's that time of year again, I'm on kitten catching duty round here. Still haven't managed to track them down yet but we definitely have one stray eating at ours - I'm reluctant to catch her though and risk not finding any potential kittens she has.