Debt free in ten years-my new, more realistic challenge.

poohbear59

Tomorrow we are going to collect two barn cats. They have already cost us £22 today, in litter and food but I know it is worth it. We want them to have a happier life than being stuck in a rescue centre but are also hoping that they will frighten away the vermin which continue to pester us.

Last year I paid the council £36 x 3 for pest control services. Next door had the worst vermin problem imaginable and it was starting to spill over onto our land. We also paid for bait boxes and massive amounts of bait.

A couple of weeks ago I had another light bulb moment and realised we have only had this problem since our poor cats died. So we are rehoming a brother and sister and hope they will get on with our nine hens and two dogs. I would much rather buy cat food than rat bait.

HappyNow

Ah, more mouths to feed - just what you need !

Seriously though, farm cats are brilliant for vermin control. We have three (though they view themselves as family pets and house-cats in winter) and they make such a difference. We know they work because they leave little furry dead bodies on our doorstep most mornings! Yuch. But yes, it's much more cost effective than paying for pest control, and it's lovely to have them round the place.

I'm sure they will be fine with your chickens, and with your dogs too once they get used to each other. I hope they've arrived safely and are settling in.

poohbear59

The cats are gorgeous. Two black males from the same litter. All I can see is a pair of yellow eyes and a pair of green eyes. They will be kept in the store for three weeks then can go out and explore and hopefully not run away.

DH didn't want them but the first thing he did when he got home last night was dash out to see them.

DS3 is having problems while he is away and I have been trying to support him from the other side of the world. I think I sent about 40 text messages to Brazil and as he is expected to be passing the Canary Islands in the next couple of days I will be in touch as much as I can. I have an old mobile and bought a payg sim card and rate designed for international calls and texts to use when he comes into range. The last lot were on my contract. We sometimes have to spend on unexpected things. And my son's mental health is my greatest concern.

At the moment we are sending e mails back and forward but things can be misread in e mails. I need to know exactly what the situation is and how I can help. The best thing is he is expected home in a week to ten days. He has been gone over four months.

PinotGrigio41

Just wanted to thankyou for posting over on my diary today, your wise words meant alot !:)

I havent time to catch up on your news now,sorry, but I will be back later. x

beanielou

I agree with you that your sons mental health has to come first.
Some things are more important than money.

HappyNow

Hi Poohbear, hope things are going better with your son. As Beanielou said, that's more important than money and if it costs a bit to keep in touch it is money well spent. Hope you have him safely home again soon x

poohbear59

I have been away a few days with a horrible virus. It floored me just like flu. As a result nothing has changed financially in the pooh household but last night my youngest arrived home. He decided to surprise us. The family arrived with take away meal that they paid for and I was able to sit at the table with my complete family. I wasn't really able to eat but that didn't matter.

As I am not very strong yet and we have empty cupboards I am thinking of sending the youngsters food shopping. Not sure if they will stick to the list but I know it will cost less than if I went as I would be sure to spot a bargain.

PinotGrigio41

poohbear59 wrote: »

I have been away a few days with a horrible virus. It floored me just like flu. As a result nothing has changed financially in the pooh household but last night my youngest arrived home. He decided to surprise us. The family arrived with take away meal that they paid for and I was able to sit at the table with my complete family. I wasn't really able to eat but that didn't matter.

As I am not very strong yet and we have empty cupboards I am thinking of sending the youngsters food shopping. Not sure if they will stick to the list but I know it will cost less than if I went as I would be sure to spot a bargain.

Oh poohbear it sounds like you have been really poorly, sorry to hear that. I bet your DS arriving home though was wonderful surprise and made you feel much better ?

I agree you should send the young ones out shopping for you, you sound far too poorly to go yourself, it will be interesting to hear how they do !

Take Care and look after yourself xx

HappyNow

Pooh! I'd been wondering where you'd got to. Sorry to hear about your illness and hope you feel better very soon. Some of these viruses can really linger on though and floor you for ages, so take things as easy as possible.

Really sweet of your youngest to turn up with a treat for you all. That's not the same son who was struggling with his health while he was away though, is it? How is he doing? Home safely with you now I hope x

I completely agree about sending the youngsters to do the shopping. If you give them the list but no excess money I'm sure that will help them stick to it!

poohbear59

Thank you Pinot and Happy. My youngest is the one who was away and srtuggling. He decided to surprise me and Mr Pooh by not telling us he was flying home. The first time I had spoken to him for a month (and I was still really worried about him),he walked through the front door with the rest of the family and all the food.

Yesterday I sent the two youngest (21 & 22) to Aldi so they had less scope for overspending. I gave them a list but decided not to pay them first in the hope it would encourage them to spend less.

They bought everything on the list plus sausages, black pudding, bacon and potato scones. I think they have some ideas about breakfast. DS3 has offered to pay for all the extras. He also bought a birthday cake for his brother (26 tomorrow), and a chicken and joint of pork.

The whole family have clubbed together and paid for a cottage in Scotland for the weekend. DD is taking her mini Christmas tree and we are going to give DS3 his Christmas presents.

Normally when we go away with the family we pay for everything; food, petrol, meals out etc. Mr Pooh usually takes a substantial amount of money out of the bank or uses credit cards and loves to treat the family to meals out, local produce etc. This time every penny is allocated for the month especially as he hasn't worked for three weeks, well not paid work.

We usually use local bakery, butcher, cheeses etc when we go away but DS3 has saved us money and bought most things in Aldi.