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Flying solo

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  • Mmm Bailey's, ENJOY! :D

    Day at the beach sounds like fun hope DGD isn't in too much pain and you enjoyed your lunch :) xx
    MORTGAGE BALANCE when we moved Aug 2024, £120,000. January 1st £118,267.06. May 1st, £116, 123, June 1st, £115,536, New mortgage added for extension- £165,000 July 1st!
    Mortgage Overpayments - September-December, £152.46. J- £103.27, F- £115, M- £91.50, A- £100, M- £200, J- £200. J- £200. Aug-£200.
    Total- £1362.23
    Goal pay off 1% of current mortgage in 1 year. £1650

    EF- first goal £300
  • grannyx2
    grannyx2 Posts: 3,455 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Ha ha, yes well spotted It certainly wouldn't have been very nice if his cargo was carrion :o

    Hope Dgd is ok after her op and your trip to the beach was fun

    Also hope you get a better night's sleep tonight

    Granny x
    Targets
    Trip to Australia (On hold until 2022 now) to meet new grandson born jan 21!

    Lose 84lbs. Update (minus 65lbs mostly during lockdown as of 18.05.21)

    LBM : July 11 - £56,962
    DEBT FREE 21-05-21
    MORTGAGE FREE 13-06-18

    Loving my kitty cat

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3958715/return-to-solvency/p1
  • kissjenn
    kissjenn Posts: 2,358 Forumite
    Mortgage-free Glee!
    *Robin* wrote: »
    Think this is the fella:

    stork.jpg

    Wow...that's a big birdie. Hats off to you Robin, you've a marvellous life that you've worked so hard to build and maintain.

    KJ xx
    :A Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust :A
  • Hope the beach was fun! :D

    Mmmm enjoy the baileys!! ;)
    Wealth is what you're left with when all your money runs out
  • *Robin*
    *Robin* Posts: 3,364 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Stoptober Survivor
    Hello Diary and MSE mates, :hello:

    Thank you for posting, Lucky, DFw, Granny and Kissjenn; lovely to 'see' you all in my diary. :T
    Hope you have a wonderful day
    Day at the beach sounds like fun ...and you enjoyed your lunch
    grannyx2 wrote:
    Hope ... your trip to the beach was fun

    It was difficult to believe we were beside the Mediterranean yesterday, because a stiff wind was driving two-metre-plus-high waves onshore with a force more usually experienced on Atlantic coasts.
    CD and I arrived early, in time for a decent walk before the others joined us (just in case DGD didn't feel up to it). A couple of CD's doggy chums were at the beach so she had fun playing with them - one, I feel so sorry for: Impossible to guess his parentage, he lives with the illegals who obviously can't give him the best of care. Skinny, scarred and tick-ridden - it was like watching Lady and the Tramp - I nearly cried. :o

    New information boards have been erected, announcing that la playa has been designated a special area of natural interest. The street-peoples' camp is well within the boundary so have a suspicion they'll soon be evicted (one of them, who begs outside my preferred supermarket, said he's already moved into an abandoned car - I pay him to ensure none of the others makes an attempt to steal CD, then can leave van windows open while shopping ;)).
    Ironically I've spent more time thinking what to put in a xmas box for this guy, than gifts for family. :cool:

    Anyway. Back to the beach: CD spotted Divo Two and family walking towards us when they were still almost a kilometre away - for a twelve year old dog her eye-sight is phenomenal - and galloped off to give them a joyous welcome which delighted DGD. :D
    The restaurant I was thinking of didn't look very inviting; sea-spray and cold gusts of wind were blowing through deserted tables on the terrace.
    On her lead by then, CD pulled me past the entrance and round a rocky headland to another restaurant - where one of her favourite doggy mates just happens to live. They bounced happily around each other while we considered.. This place is rather more up-market; somewhere we've enjoyed many a birthday or special-event outing, but rather pricey for Monday lunch.
    An especially high wave crashed over the sea wall, dousing us all with cold salty water. At the same moment, the waiter appeared and beckoned us in. He's one of Divo Three's mates, so greeted us like family and soon installed us at a table on their blissfully warm, roofed and glassed-in patio. :D

    It was a very good meal (award-winning Chef). I really enjoyed being able to watch the wild sea in comfort, perched above the waves as we ate. DGD impressed me with her manners and knowledge of which cutlery to use for each course (yes, it's that kind of restaurant - tbh we were all rather under-dressed but it made no difference to the welcome we received :)).
    Sitting opposite GF, it was gratifying to see how much happier she is now, quite at ease - and she's wonderful with DGD; anyone who didn't know the family would never guess she's not the child's natural mother. Moving into the campo has definitely been beneficial for GF. She is enjoying the peace and quiet of village life, and feeling safe when she ventures outside her home. The village grannies have not just accepted her; adopted is a better description. They spoil the family with daily gifts of garden produce - one of the things I love about folks here is their caring attitude; they really can say "we're all in it together" - so even if financially life gets even tougher, neighbours will not permit anyone they consider extended family to go hungry. :grouphug:

    Of course the meal we'd just enjoyed was the antithesis of poverty rations. Everyone acknowledged it was a real treat, although I must confess to a nervous, sinking feeling when asking for the bill.
    ..Pleasantly surprised: £60 - roughly two thirds of the total privately totted up from their menu. :D
    Actually pretty reasonable for a quality three course lunch, especially given that DS and I both chose a speciality main (confession: Had one of those Just enjoy it! moments. Not at all MSE, but don't do it very often, and had never tried the dish before :cool2:).
    May blessings rain down upon DS3's mate; no doubt we are extended family in his eyes. :T
    Mmm Bailey's, ENJOY!

    At the end of the meal I made a mistake: Being chilled and damp from the blowing sea-spray, I'd wanted hot drinks while eating so had already downed two mugs of hot chocolate (alas, English tea is rarely available in local restaurants). When DS & GF ordered coffee, an impulse arose to ask for a Baileys. It was delivered brimming to the rim of a whisky-glass (briefly thought :D then _pale_ !).
    Desperately hoping it wasn't going to put me over the limit, I reflected on how the waiter was just being kind and generous, and I ought to have stipulated a small measure.

    Made it back to the Nest without incident or incapacitation (although did start feeling distinctly tiddly about half an hour after arriving :p).
    As expected, today am not worth a lot; paying the price of too long a walk and indulging in richer vittles than usual (full-fat milk is my downfall :(). Nagging all-over aches, nausea, thick head and uncertain gut - bleugh - but am well aware others suffer far worse so am content to wait it out in something of a pharmaceutical haze; have no ambitions beyond a gentle amble watering the easiest third of the garden, lighting the stove tonight and a hot shower before bed. Don't even need to cook. :)
    hope DGD isn't in too much pain
    grannyx2 wrote:
    Hope Dgd is ok after her op

    DGD showed me her tiny scar; keyhole surgery is amazing. She's fine, healing fast. Told me she has to stay off school for a week but doesn't feel at all ill, so she is very grateful to be enjoying an unexpected holiday with her Dad and GF. :)
    Bless the child; of course I'm biased, but she really is a darling. :happyhear
    kissjenn wrote: »
    Wow...that's a big birdie.

    Indeed, impressive isn't he? Humbling to think that had I not run out of energy, I'd have missed his visit. Reckon he's the largest wild bird I've ever seen close-up (about four metres). :cool2:
    kissjenn wrote: »
    Hats off to you Robin, you've a marvellous life that you've worked so hard to build and maintain.

    Thank you very much for saying so, Kissjenn. Your comment has sent my thoughts all over the place, and deserves further reply - but it will have to wait; there's a cold gusty wind tossing almond branches about madly, and the sun is setting; delaying my chores would lead to regret later. ;)
  • *Robin*
    *Robin* Posts: 3,364 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Stoptober Survivor
    Hope the beach was fun! :D

    Mmmm enjoy the baileys!! ;)

    Hello HAW, :hello:

    Thanks for popping in - sorry, didn't see your comment before posting.
    ..Must run or m' tatties will be wilting tomorrow. :p
  • The day out sounded lovely so glad you had a good time :) And I think we all have those "just enjoy it" moments and without them it would be very boring ;)

    I hope you're feeling better soon, thank goodness you did some batch cooking you won't go hungry if you don't fancy cooking :)
    MORTGAGE BALANCE when we moved Aug 2024, £120,000. January 1st £118,267.06. May 1st, £116, 123, June 1st, £115,536, New mortgage added for extension- £165,000 July 1st!
    Mortgage Overpayments - September-December, £152.46. J- £103.27, F- £115, M- £91.50, A- £100, M- £200, J- £200. J- £200. Aug-£200.
    Total- £1362.23
    Goal pay off 1% of current mortgage in 1 year. £1650

    EF- first goal £300
  • grannyx2
    grannyx2 Posts: 3,455 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Glad that you had such a lovely day yesterday but sorry to hear you are suffering the effects today

    Granny x
    Targets
    Trip to Australia (On hold until 2022 now) to meet new grandson born jan 21!

    Lose 84lbs. Update (minus 65lbs mostly during lockdown as of 18.05.21)

    LBM : July 11 - £56,962
    DEBT FREE 21-05-21
    MORTGAGE FREE 13-06-18

    Loving my kitty cat

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3958715/return-to-solvency/p1
  • missrlr
    missrlr Posts: 2,192 Forumite
    Sorry I have not been around much, still struggling with flu leftovers and a thoroughly evil cough. 7 weeks and counting now :mad:

    Have given in and am on antibiotics. Boss being less than pleasant which is not great just before Christmas so draining me more than is fair. My MSE has suffered as a result. However I have read this through and you are continuing to amaze me, such progress, and gentle good spirits ;)

    We have a pair of storks here. Spooky when they fly over you silent but such a large shadow! And my when they fish so Accurate and deadly with that beak, spearing the fish! I would love to spend more time observing them , it is on the one day list

    Ear tickles for CD she sounds full of vitality Doglet is OK, not so keen on the cold frost of late for walks but not suffering all the same.

    Meal sounds lovely and well deserved. Glad you had and enjoy it moment!
    Start info Dec11 :eek:
    H@lifax [STRIKE]£13813.45[/STRIKE] paid Sep14 paid 23 months early :T
    Mortgage [STRIKE]£206400[/STRIKE] :eek: £199750 Mortgage £112500
    B@rclays £[STRIKE]25000[/STRIKE] paid 4 years 5 months early. S@ntander £[STRIKE]9300[/STRIKE] paid 2 years 2 months early
    2013 8lb lost 2014 need to lose 14lb. Lost 4 so far!;)
  • *Robin*
    *Robin* Posts: 3,364 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Stoptober Survivor
    Hello Diary and Faithful MSE Friends, :hello:

    DFw thank you for validating my Just enjoy it! moment - made up for it with mostly NSDs since. ;)

    Granny thanks for your good wishes. Up, down and up again is normal for me - am more worried about your health atm; do hope B* can get you sorted asap. :cool2:

    Missrlr - thanks for popping in; you are often in my thoughts as I potter about - (((Hugs))) and positive vibes regularly head your way across the ether. :)
    How wonderful that you have storks living nearby! Definitely worth making an effort to spend time watching them; hope you get an opportunity soon. :)

    Did the antibiotics do the trick on your cough? Influenza can have a knock-on effect for such a long time (don't forget to restore gut flora killed off by the anti.b's or you'll fall prey to the next bug going round too ;)).

    Not surprised Doglet isn't keen on getting frozen paws; comes a point when comfort is most important for a senior, and loving companionship [with tickles] of course. :)

    Think CD is missing her four-legged family - that's why she made the most of playing with her friends at the beach. :p


    Hard to believe another week has passed since m' last update.
    ......
    ^^ That's [STRIKE]quarter of[/STRIKE] an hour wondering what I've been doing? :o

    Most notable things that happened:
    Belated celebration of CD's twelfth birthday; went for a long meandering walk (enlivened by butterflies :)). Then cooked chicken hot-pot which we shared. :):)
    Took CD's car-park Guardian an xmas box. Made his day; humbling to see the surprise and pleasure on his face. :):)
    Van's technical inspection expired (Friday 13th). Managed to sleep through the appointment. :(
    A section of chimney-pipe suffered metal fatigue and disintegrated. Guess it must have been damaged when the whole thing fell apart, but I didn't notice flames flickering through ever-widening cracks in the tube until turning out the light (Friday 13th again). :eek: ..Kept a nervous eye on it until the fire died down to embers, lol.

    Money. Succumbed to on-line shopping: Found a present for DGD, then was seduced by a set of solar xmas lights to hang in Almond One (don't seem to have any decorations left from previous years - reckon DS3 slung 'em out by mistake. :cool: Justified the purchase because these lights will come in handy all year round to mark a safe pathway ;)). Couldn't help checking out a desire of my own; ordered, but an hour later MSE senses woke up so cancelled it. Spend reduced by £35. :D
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