Frugal Living Challenge 2011 - part 1

Erme

NuBu thanks for your comments and as a Mum I just do my best for my family and I know I will build up my kittys eventually, I'm a surviver. I still think I would rather be Nell Gwynne rather than the Queen of marmalade I'm sure she would have had more fun don't you ?[/QUOTE]

enjoyfinancialchallenges wrote: »

Erme Yes the rumours reached East Anglia, I'm so pleased you have been discharged but why did you rush off again without giving yourself time to get back into the world in a relaxed way. This is why I keep telling you to look after yourself, was it really essential to return your sewing machine this morning, surely tomorrow or Wed would have been OK and soon enough really IMHO. Congratulations for recognizing your horrid dog moments that sounds like a break through for you, recognition is the first step to changing you behavior so this is your big chance. :j I look forward to hearing more from you about how you are coping generally and financially, I seem to be failing at the first jump each month no wonder the money is disappearing so fast.XX E

Ive just reread my message and I really sound as though I'm moaning but honestly Erme its distressing for the some of us on this thread to see you going through difficult times....and thats why I'm nagging you to try and look after yourself. XXXXXXX

I don't mean to be distressing. I'm sorry financial - I can't explain it and I'm not about to make excuses so I'll just apologise

Had a great time at sewing class yesterday though am getting tired easily.....:(

And the budget has had a wee whoopsie cos I'm getting my rats given to me so I've had to buy rat stuff ...

I didn't want to get them when so unwell but they've been on my mind for a few days (and not shifting off it :eek:) so am getting them this pm. The rats are free. The only whoopsie with the rat stuff is the carrying cot I didn't need. Not to worry....I have a spare £15 atm out of this two weekly budget so if I budget properly for the next 2 weeks that'll be okay.

So yeah...really pleased with the B fridge freezer I got last summer when paranoid (cos I had a to buy a washing machine when paranoid and the freezer was where the washing machine now is).....I had milk from FF BB 21/2 and it was still fresh this am...

Nothing major planned for today (asides from getting my ratties - will post pics another day. Even managed to get boarding sorted for when I go on weekend breaks this am and like when I'm in hospital I'm allowed home every day so that shouldn't be a prob and I don't live far from the hosp and am not in long) but I need to get lunch SOOON...

Had a major whoopsie with a huge burger king I wasn't planning on yesterday but enjoyed sewing class etc and they've told me where to get cheap fabric from :j....

Been crocheting too though one of my latest hats is going to the lady whose giving me my ratties for her daughter...

Still a wee bit dog like but hopefully that'll pass as the meds work (they were only upped last monday)

E

Erme

My friend has just started a blog (lifelong friend. Used to stay @ hers before she got married for 'respite' twice a week).....now she has 2 wee ones and these are her tips on housework

http://yanicka.blogspot.com/p/busy-mummy.html

E

SandraScarlett

Went for my physio early this morning, and then to B & Q to get a new valve for the cold water tank, cos water has been gushing down outside, and DH informed me this is what we needed to get. DSIL offered to do it at the weekend.

I was sitting reading the paper, when I suddenly noticed a large wet spot on the carpet. Knowing neither myself or the dog, or DH had wet themselves, I mopped it up from the carpet and then felt a drop on my head.:eek:

My first thought was that the water tank had burst but I realised it was the opposite side of the bungalow to the drip, which was now dripping very fast, and a crack appeared in the ceiling. :eek: :eek: I phoned a specialist, who came quickly, and the outcome is that our flat roof must be replaced - £1200!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: He said this would include VAT, and has put a temporary cover on the roof, and they can start tomorrow.

Common sense tells me I should have phoned around and got a couple of other estimates, but when something like this happens, you just want a solution fast. So I now have that bill, plus the £300 Williams for the heating excess, and I'm worried about DH and DD both going into hospital. And then some Think Tank announced today that they think pensioners are having it easy!!!!

Sorry to moan everyone.

xx

dizzy_lizzie

SandraScarlett wrote: »

Went for my physio early this morning, and then to B & Q to get a new valve for the cold water tank, cos water has been gushing down outside, and DH informed me this is what we needed to get. DSIL offered to do it at the weekend.

I was sitting reading the paper, when I suddenly noticed a large wet spot on the carpet. Knowing neither myself or the dog, or DH had wet themselves, I mopped it up from the carpet and then felt a drop on my head.:eek:

My first thought was that the water tank had burst but I realised it was the opposite side of the bungalow to the drip, which was now dripping very fast, and a crack appeared in the ceiling. :eek: :eek: I phoned a specialist, who came quickly, and the outcome is that our flat roof must be replaced - £1200!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: He said this would include VAT, and has put a temporary cover on the roof, and they can start tomorrow.

Common sense tells me I should have phoned around and got a couple of other estimates, but when something like this happens, you just want a solution fast. So I now have that bill, plus the £300 Williams for the heating excess, and I'm worried about DH and DD both going into hospital. And then some Think Tank announced today that they think pensioners are having it easy!!!!

Sorry to moan everyone. xx

That is awful!!!!! Is it too late to get any more quotes? Like you say though you just want it sorting out and fast and getting more quotes would take time. At least if they start tomorrow they'll be finished sooner.
Can't say anything to make it better but once the roofs sorted and DH and DD have been in hospital at least then, hopefully and fingers and toes crossed, the year will settle down for you.

Big hugz...



Luv Dizzy x
♥

redglass_2

SandraScarlett wrote: »

Common sense tells me I should have phoned around and got a couple of other estimates, but when something like this happens, you just want a solution fast. So I now have that bill, plus the £300 Williams for the heating excess, and I'm worried about DH and DD both going into hospital. And then some Think Tank announced today that they think pensioners are having it easy!!!! Sorry to moan everyone.
xx

I think you're entitled to moan...what bad luck, ((((Sandra)))) I do feel for you! Like Dizzy says, is it too late to ask for another quote?

Think Tanks don't live on the same planet as the rest of us, IMHO. They are used to making the decisions, not living with them.

We're all here for you. xxx

never_too_old

SandraScarlett wrote: »

Went for my physio early this morning, and then to B & Q to get a new valve for the cold water tank, cos water has been gushing down outside, and DH informed me this is what we needed to get. DSIL offered to do it at the weekend.

I was sitting reading the paper, when I suddenly noticed a large wet spot on the carpet. Knowing neither myself or the dog, or DH had wet themselves, I mopped it up from the carpet and then felt a drop on my head.:eek:

My first thought was that the water tank had burst but I realised it was the opposite side of the bungalow to the drip, which was now dripping very fast, and a crack appeared in the ceiling. :eek: :eek: I phoned a specialist, who came quickly, and the outcome is that our flat roof must be replaced - £1200!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: He said this would include VAT, and has put a temporary cover on the roof, and they can start tomorrow.

Common sense tells me I should have phoned around and got a couple of other estimates, but when something like this happens, you just want a solution fast. So I now have that bill, plus the £300 Williams for the heating excess, and I'm worried about DH and DD both going into hospital. And then some Think Tank announced today that they think pensioners are having it easy!!!!

Sorry to moan everyone.

xx

my dh is a roofer and earns way below the vat threashold , alot of roofers in your area would be the same. you could get a few more estimates and then if you find a cheaper one that your happy with you could send the one that patched the roof £20 - £30 for his trouble. my hubbie does lots of temp repairs and doesnt always get the proper job/:D

JayneC

Hi
Sandra, sorry to hear about your troubles - would you be able to claim on your household insurance??

Redglass - we have loads of bamboo, it's very invasive. it's probably about 10ft high so blocks out lots of light. We've been cutting it down since we got use of the garden but it just keeps growing!! And I didn't mean burning bamboo for firewood, tho I suppose we could. There's actually what can only be described as a small wood at the top of the garden and most of the trees are very overgrwn, so could do with a good amount of chopping back and some trees could go altogether as they block out so much light. I've got some pics on photobucket I'll try and find the link...

Here we go...

http://s1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/jayne_coyne/?albumview=slideshow

Had a quiet day today - played on the Wii with DS for a bit - got well and truly beaten on everything!! Took him to see the Orthodontist who said that he doesn't need braces after all so he was very relieved! And then this afternoon I met my friend and we went out to an Art Gallery and Tearooms where another friend exhibits pottery that she makes. Had a very civilised tea and cake. Friend paid so didn't cost anything!! Tho I will pay next time so it's swings and roundabouts really. Was due to go to a knitting group tonight but it's been cancelled as there's so many people sick and can't make it!! There's so much illness about at the moment isn't there? Seems like lots of people are poorly.

Back to smelly old work tomorrow - have really enjoyed my few days off! Reinforces my decision to go part time!

the_cat

(((((Sandra))))))))

Ok so the roof now has a temporary tarpaulin so there is no panic to get the job started tomorrow. Put them off for a day or two with some excuse about being busy or something

Get some quotes sorted over the next day or so just to make sure they haven't put in a silly quote thinking they can get away with it (not sure where you are in essex but might be able to give you a number for someone who did work for me in the south-east corner of the county. I have no connection to him but he did a decent job here) PM if you want........

Lesley_Gaye

JayneC wrote: »

Hi
Sandra, sorry to hear about your troubles - would you be able to claim on your household insurance??

Redglass - we have loads of bamboo, it's very invasive. it's probably about 10ft high so blocks out lots of light. We've been cutting it down since we got use of the garden but it just keeps growing!! And I didn't mean burning bamboo for firewood, tho I suppose we could. There's actually what can only be described as a small wood at the top of the garden and most of the trees are very overgrwn, so could do with a good amount of chopping back and some trees could go altogether as they block out so much light. I've got some pics on photobucket I'll try and find the link...

Here we go...

http://s1185.photobucket.com/albums/z356/jayne_coyne/?albumview=slideshow

Had a quiet day today - played on the Wii with DS for a bit - got well and truly beaten on everything!! Took him to see the Orthodontist who said that he doesn't need braces after all so he was very relieved! And then this afternoon I met my friend and we went out to an Art Gallery and Tearooms where another friend exhibits pottery that she makes. Had a very civilised tea and cake. Friend paid so didn't cost anything!! Tho I will pay next time so it's swings and roundabouts really. Was due to go to a knitting group tonight but it's been cancelled as there's so many people sick and can't make it!! There's so much illness about at the moment isn't there? Seems like lots of people are poorly.

Back to smelly old work tomorrow - have really enjoyed my few days off! Reinforces my decision to go part time!

wow, you've got a fair old job on there Jayne

good luck with the veggie growing, I love it and would love all that room, but don't envy you the task of finding the soil

dizzy_lizzie

Ooh I love your garden JayneC. It looks all mystical and enchanting, like there might be fairies sitting under the trees. I can see myself sitting on the grass with a good book listening to birdsong....but that wouldn't get veggies and fruit grown!
It will look amazing when you've finished.
Luv Dizzy x
♥