2012 Frugal Living Challenge (Part 1)

rising_from_the_ashes

scrappie wrote: »

Not sure if this is any help - I always renew my car tax either on-line or over the phone.Takes 5mins, and means I don't have to drive to one of the three PO's in the area that deal with CT and queue for ages.

cw18 wrote: »

I've done mine on-line for the last couple of years - means I don't have to dig out all the required paperwork (mot and insurance). I ordered mine last Saturday and it arrived on Thursday

Thanks both ..... I'm in a pretty rural area and am very conscious that POs have been shutting all over the place. As it's there and especially as it doesn't cost more to do it in person, I like to get it there..... I like to support local businesses where I can but often it's not feasible due to the extra costs so in this case, I'm happy to stand in a queue!:) (it's also one of the best places to catch up on the local gossip:D)

moneybear123 wrote: »

I also have very sad news as we had to put our boxer down last night. He had bad kidneys and was nothing but skin and bones. I'm very sad but I know he is in a better place.

Awwww so sorry moneybear ..... it's the worst decision we have to make but we have to put our feelings aside and do what's best for them however heartbreaking (((hugs))) to all the family as it really is a devasting thing to go through.

Ben's been gone for 10 weeks next Tuesday and I still can't bring myself to move his bed ....:(

RIP wee one, run free and happy in the sunshine - look out for my Ben and he'll show you around xx

SandraScarlett

I have had the most wonderful time today.:) My friend and I went on the train to Liverpool Street, got the bus to Cheapside, and I took her up One New Change, to see the amazing views.

Then we got the bus to High Holborn, and walked through Covent Garden to Kitchen Italia, that was next to an indoor shopping area, with the great name of Cucumber Alley!

No problem with getting 2 for 1, and the food was delicious. We each had a main course, and a dessert, and a coffee each to start with and to finish. When the bill arrived, the waiter said "Oh, have you had a second coffee, cos I haven't included that", so I said "yes we have, but we are impoverished pensioners, so if you'd like to make them complimentary, we'll be eternally grateful, and won't tell a soul"!!

He said "that's fine girls" so we paid £19! :beer: Between us! We tipped him and then I asked to see the Manager and congratulated him on his restaurant, food and staff, especially "this charming young man, who has been efficient, attentive and helpful" - I call those "verbal gratuities" and from the grin on the waiter's face, you'd have thought I'd given him a knighthood!

I always make a point of praising good service, directly to the Manager, because I think that in this day and age, a special word might save someone their job, if there are cuts. Naturally I never mention things like getting a free coffee!

We whiled away half an hour in Covent Garden, and then went to the show. It was fantastic! Flavia hasn't an ounce of surplus flesh (bit like me really :rotfl:) and the dancing was wonderful. It's amazing to think that they only get a couple of hours break, and then have to do it all again this evening.

I am so sorry to hear of the problems some of you are having with poorly pets. We'd go to the ends of the earth for them, wouldn't we, and there's no way you can explain to a non pet-lover, the agony it is when they leave us.

Two thirds of the way through January now. Well done to everyone who is a Virgin Frugalista, and has made a budget, shopping list and meal-planned for the first time - that's a great start. :beer:

xx

SandraScarlett

Blairweech - I posted the following for paid in chickens, when she lost her cat last year. I've been searching for it in my previous posts, and thought it might bring a bit of comfort to you.

FOR PAIDINCHICKENS

That Grand Ol' Man of feline land
For one last time has licked your hand

For all his life, you've done your best
But now, at last, it's time for rest

Your heart is heavy, filled with sorrow
To know he won't be here tomorrow

But though today seems dark and grim
Think of the life you made for him!

Those kitten days when he was small
And huddled in a tiny ball

He grew and grew and fancy that
At last he was a proper cat!

At night he had his games and fun
And talk about the things he'd done!

He lived a life of joy and glee
Oh yes! A proper cat was he

At times you'll sob, I'd even bet
Some "friends" might say - he's just a pet

But true friends know that he was more
The loving fella you'd adore

So look at photos of your man
Think of good times, as best you can

For though you're feeling such despair
Unselfish love, like yours, is rare

It's sad that you have had to part
And sadder still, your breaking heart

Remember - through your grief and strife
You gave your cat a "purr-fect" life

xx

dizzy_lizzie

Blairweech and moneybear I'm so sorry for your sad news. Bless their little paws.
cooltrikerchick hope the rest of your chucks stay safe too.
sandra really pleased you had a fantastic time. What a beautiful poem too. And thanks Lola for the get well wishes
I'm in a really grumpy ratty mood...no idea why. Hubby is making me a surprise late tea so I hope it hits the spot.
Hugs to everyone that would like one
x

Habibiboo

Just to say so sorry for the loss of people's pets, I'm so sad for you and for this rotten start to the year for you all

I know your lovelies can't be replaced, but I hope the year takes a better turn for you all soon.

seriouslyfrugal

thinking of all of you who have lost pets recently

just found out that this weekend is free listing on ebay 21.01.12 & 22.01.12

have a good sunday everyone

letsdothis

Im so sorry to all of those who have lost their furry friends, as you all know we had to put our 18yr old dog to sleep last march .... and now I cant see the screen for the tears - my heart goes out to you all x x x

SandraScarlett

AN ODE TO WORNOUTMUMOFTWO

The New Year dawned quite hopefully, with lots of plans and schemes
With modest hopes of frugaldom and not some fancy dreams

But just when things seemed promising, the clouds came into view
And life seems so unfair now for the worn out Mum of two

She has a little puppy, who seemed so bright and jolly
A happy, clever lively chap, a lovely border collie

But now he's very poorly and his walking isn't good
He limps instead of running, like a proper puppy should

Now vets bills are horrendous, as all pet owners know
But when your pet is poorly, then to the vet you'll go

Insurance, though it's helpful, won't cover every cost
And now our worn out Mum of two, is feeling low, and lost

We know we cannot help you, and make your puppy better
A rhyme or email cannot cure, nor can a note or letter

We haven't much to offer, just our support and prayer
But we are here, united, to let you know .................... we care :kisses3:

xx

SandraScarlett

letsdothis wrote: »

Im so sorry to all of those who have lost their furry friends, as you all know we had to put our 18yr old dog to sleep last march .... and now I cant see the screen for the tears - my heart goes out to you all x x x

What a wonderful age! And how much you must miss him.

xx

Kerry_Woman

Blairweech and moneybear - Sending you both hugs at this sad time.

Hugs to others who might need them.