make do and mend for tougher times

smileyt_2

Oh look, I'm first up! Well, that would be because Bruno was crying to go out at 6am, so I staggered out of bed and took the dogs off to the wasteground across the road. They're now snoozing peacefully and I feel like I'll never be properly awake again .....

Cake very sorry to hear about your cat. Animals don't seem to fear death like we do, but it is very hard for us humans to watch our beloved furries leaving us .

I was going to do all kinds of housework-y stuff to capitalise on being up early .... but I think I'm going to go back to bed for a couple of hours. I went out last night and didn't get to bed until 1am. Thank goodness I wasn't drinking alcohol or I really would be feeling it now! Catch you all later!

Popperwell

Morning All,
I hear that it might be a another hot day.

I found my tealight did last for three and a half hours as they said it would and it gave a gentle reassuring light...

I'll go and pick up my trousers today(that were being altered)and take some more in for alteration...

May buy some more crates to re-arrange my food store into a better order too...

I gave up reading magazines and newspapers ages ago but whilst I can(and again knowing that things will change)I'd rather save but has been stated if you do that you build up capital which is wrong but if you do you lose what you are entitled to and none of us know if we will continue to receive our entitlements we could be in serious trouble any time from now and especially after April so you feel because you have a frugal mind metality, it's wrong to spend for spends sake...

I could always go mad and download loads of music whilst I am able as I love music and again get it whilst I can...for the hard times when I may not be able to.

I am debating whether to order a daily newspaper again(I haven't for years)even having it to delivered. Dare I say that though I cancelled Sky I am wondering whether to start it again even if I have to cancel again at short notice.

If you are spending a lot of time at home you have hours to fill so extra entertainment keeps you sane and it's still cheaper than going out though if you go out it is to some extent better mixing with people and having some company.

I still wonder about a mobility scooter and the running costs...If I thought I could stay put I would invest in having the interior decorated, new carpet and a new sofa etc...again that would last me years into the future but if I had to move that is false economy spending and leaving items behind or getting rid of...

Any views?

Of course things could change suddenly without warning, none of us know...

Thinking of having a haircut even though I haven't much hair it needs tidying up.

And later I am thinking of cooking some diced pork in the slow cooker(keeping the rest for another day in the freezer)some vegetables, new potatoes and some gravy...I know it's a warm day and often on such days you don't feel like eating a lot but it may be my only meal of the day and the dates mean it should be used up...

Might go out and see if I can find some shoes and trainers may have to travel to another town as not much choice on my own town.

And I may pop into the local theatres box office and change my ticket as I am going to a later performance of one show and I switched times...

If I pay by DD a lot for my gas and electric(and don't use it and build up a decent amount of credit)which again could be useful when time gets tough is that seen as capital or can it sit there for months and years for the hard times as I am buying a service and paying for it?

I mean whilst I can if its a cold winter I may decide to run up a big bill like Mum used to rather than keep switching the CH and electric off all the time...I'd rather be warm and benefits like DLA or the replacement is supposed to be used to make life better by staying warm and being able to get around if mobility is poor etc...but as PAH says it can also come in handy for unexpected things and it means you can perhaps do something you might not be able to without it...

Who knows I may still get away for a deserved short coach holiday even if it is in the autumn...

Morning Smiley...

Missed you whilst I was posting myself now I am awake though it is tempting to go back to bed I think I will stay up...so unlike me...

Still waiting for the response to that form I sent in that I got worried about, I hope it goes ok and I don't get a nasty surprise, I don't know if nothearing anything yet is good or bad then again it's only nine days. Or is that longer as others seem to have word back with a week so is this a bad sign?

recoverydust

Popperwell wrote: »

Morning All,
I hear that it might be a another hot day.

I found my tealight did last for three and a half hours as they said it would and it gave a gentle reassuring light...

I'll go and pick up my trousers today(that were being altered)and take some more in for alteration...

May buy some more crates to re-arrange my food store into a better order too...

I gave up reading magazines and newspapers ages ago but to help spend my money(and again knowing that things will change)I'd rather save but has been stated if you do that you build up capital which is wrong but if you do you lose what you are entitled to and none of us know if we will continue to receive our entitlements we could be in serious trouble any time from now and especially after April so you feel because you have a frugal mind metality, it's wrong to spend for spends sake...

It's good to spend in advance for things that will save in the long term, and to keep life bearable. It's not good for a soul to deny itself everything

So I am debating whether to order a newspaper again daily(I haven't for years)even having it to delivered. Dare I say that though I cancelled Sky I am wondering whether to start it again even if I have to cancel again at short notice.

Go for it.... Do both, get a recordable box, and pay for annual subscriptions, on offer, for magazines you like.


If you are spending a lot of time at home you have hours to fill so extra entertainment keeps you sane and it's still cheaper than going out though if you go out it is to some extent better mixing with people and having some company.

Too right Pops! It helps to have things to invite friends home to do too, like films to watch...

I still wonder about a mobility scooter and the running costs...If I thought I could stay put I would invest in having the interior decorated, new carpet and a new sofa etc...again that would last me years into the future but if I had to move that is false economy spending and leaving items behind or getting rid of...

Go for the mobility scooter, lots of deals around.

Whether you stay or move if you can invest in your property, maybe you should.

If you can't stay you will need to move to another place, if you need and can afford essential household items, like sofas and white goods, then why wouldnt you.


Any views?

Of course things could change suddenly without warning, none of us know...

And you could get run over by an emu!


Thinking of having a haircut even though I haven't much hair it needs tidying up.

Good idea, raises self esteem and makes one feel good

And later I am thinking of cooking some diced pork in the slow cooker(keeping the rest for another day in the freezer)some vegetables, new potatoes and some gravy...I know it's a warm day and often on such days you don't feel like eating a lot but it may be my only meal of the day and the dates mean it should be used

Sounds yummy!

Might go out and see if I can find some shoes and trainers may have to travel to another town as not much choice on my own town.

Yup! Day out shoe shopping, lovely.....:)

And I may pop into the local theatres box office and change my ticket as I am going to a later performance of one show and I switched times...

I enjoy your posts.
Been fashioning cushions from old Aran sweaters.

Xxx
Dusty:A

Popperwell

Thanks Dusty...hope you are going on OK...I worry I repeat myself too much or sound depressed. It really isn't me.

I am even managing to split ready made meals that I buy and make two out of one which still saves money...

I may ask Sky if I sign up again and the situation changes quickly am I locked into a contact of say a year or if I canleave immediately...

mardatha

Just a quick OT post if I could sneak it in here .. I don't suppose anybody at all is going to the Spinners Guild gathering in Broughton on Sat ? I'm getting picked up by a friend and having a day out (She mentioned the magic words "cake stall" ) if anybody was going then we could have a meetup. I will post this in the knitters thread too.
If I can find it!

recoverydust

Broughton is where from Edinburgh?
Xxx

Popperwell

mardatha wrote: »

Just a quick OT post if I could sneak it in here .. I don't suppose anybody at all is going to the Spinners Guild gathering in Broughton on Sat ? I'm getting picked up by a friend and having a day out (She mentioned the magic words "cake stall" ) if anybody was going then we could have a meetup. I will post this in the knitters thread too.


If I can find it!

Nice idea...

I have been having a think(I did have a chat with Mum's brother and wife and even though they are older than me they are my next of kin so they say I should get a will made and have them as my executors of my will. I assuming I live for at least another 15 years(sadly Mum's brother would be 95 if he's still here and his wife would be 83...

I wasn't going to bother with a will as i have no family or friends so did not really care what happens when I am no longer here as I won't know anything...

I then thought as it is unlikely anyone would come to a funeral service is there any point arranging a funeral etc...let them use any worldly goods I have(won't be much)or let the authority do it again because I won't be around to care...

But I am debating whether to take out a funeral plan whilst I can and again it's using my money for a good reason and I am spending it...these things have to be done, I'd a service and some words said and some music but there probably would only by a vicar present so probably going straight to the cremetorium...

Anyone had to deal with such matters...debating whether to go with the co-op or have you had better deals with local funeral directors rather than national outlets...

Anyone know if you change plans if things change such as if you suddenly did meet someone and had a relationship. It's not likely in my case unless I sign up to a Dating Agency:rotfl:Its more likely as I get older I'll end up in care or need medical help...oh how miserable...

fuddle

SDG31000 wrote: »

A heads up for the knitters on here, the Innocent drinks wooly hat fundraiser has started. Here's the link http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/bigknit
There are patterns on there for simple designs and I'm sure that there are more around for more complicated hats. A lady at knit and natter today had knitted elephant ones that were fab.

Oh I didn't know they did this. Thanks for flagging it up. I'd love to join in and help raise money for heating cost for the elderly I just hope my knitting is up to scratch. I'll keep an eye out for knitted smoothies too. Innocent is no longer in my price range for regular buying but a treat for charity won't hurt.

So sorry to read of worry and sadness overnight.

My sister is expecting her second child in the next couple of months. She thinks it's going to be a breeze as she' now an experienced mam. Deary me, she's in for a shock. She doesn't let her DH have his own life when she's at home because if she's at home with her little one then so should he as it's not fair. If she has time off work she send her little girl to nursery so she can relax. When we're out together her little girl is encouraged to want to be with Aunty (me) so she can wander round the shops freely while I have 3 children. I'd say no, and should but my niece likes being with me and my girls. Her little one gets her own way all of the time just so my sister doesn't have to listen to whinge. My sis, 3 years younger than me is selfish and very immature. I think she doesn't like the idea I can stay at home and I think she's a little jealous of my hands on approach, my mothering style and my two little bright, well mannered, well behaved little girls. So it hurt a bit, I was annoyed at the comment but deep down I knew it was because she has her own envious issues with what is going on in my home

pops have you ever got your shopping delivered? Mine is coming at 9am this morning. I get all my basics for the month and stuff for my store cupboard. With Sainsburys if you spend £100 and get it delivered Tues, Weds, Thurs it's free delivery. Alternatively you can go with Adsa for £3 deliveries. It would allow you to shop at the very largest of Stores (My sainsburys order comes from M'boro) which is much, much bigger than my nearest one. Likewise Asda, my nearest is Spenny but my Asda order comes from H'pool I think. I would save and awful lot in taxi fares, and the amount you save you could invest in food. plus you wouldn't need to leave the house With asda you can buy allsorts of homewares, candles, fleeces etc with your shopping too.

Just an idea.

All that being said, I'd best go sort out my head of birds nest before said delivery! :eek:

[Deleted User]

Popperwell wrote: »

Morning All,

If I pay by DD a lot for my gas and electric(and don't use it and build up a decent amount of credit)which again could be useful when time gets tough is that seen as capital or can it sit there for months and years for the hard times as I am buying a service and paying for it?

doh, this is called ducking and diving in order to `hide` savings

elisamoose

In my experience they only let it build up to 3 times your payment before reducing your payment and returning the credit balance.
I used to work for BT 11 years ago and even then the system automatically reduced payments and sent back the balance.