The Big Adventure

Karmacat

I like your plans Goldie, sounds great - and I'm so glad you've conquered the anxiety.

As for the rocky world economy - urgh, I haven't even checked the effect on my portfolio yet but obviously it will be affected. Don't know at what point I'd de-risk - and I have the probate money to allocate now too.

Two cruises where are you off to?

Good to hear you've been building up your stocks against Brexit - I have to. I do think the worst that will happen is a lot of inconvenience in case of shortages, but why not insure against that by stocking up, if you've got the money and the space as we have? It actually leaves whatever's in the shops at the time for people who *haven't* stocked up.

Anyway ... whatever happens, it'll all have settled down well in time for your first cruise

Goldiegirl

Hi, KC and Cath

I just need to update my eBay profit for the year, to increase it to £377. ( I realised I'd not included £96 on another page of my spreadsheet!)

Mr Goldie went back to the hospital this morning so they could recheck his eye. There's no tear in the retina, so it's just the vitreous detachment, which is fairly common as we get older. They say the floaters should subside in time. So, good news on the health front. In the new year, I must remember to inform the travel insurance company, just to be on the safe side.

Our two cruises are in May and September. The first one goes to Netherlands, France, Ireland and Scotland, and the second one goes to the Med, to mostly Greek Islands.

The first one sails 5 weeks after Brexit. I booked it 18 months ago, but, if I'd know it was going to be such a mess, I probably wouldn't have booked it. I pay the deposit on 27th January. I'd hope there'll be a bit of clarity by then as to what's happening. But we'll still probably be none the wiser!

Karmacat

Yep, that might be a bit soon for clarity on Brexit, I'm afraid. Still, May is good enough in terms of the governments and the holiday companies sorting requirements and procedures, though I can understand that by preference you'd not have booked then. Still, it really *will* be an adventure!


Happy New Year

newgirly

Hi goldiegirl, you have had a good year, all the best for 2019

Fortune_Smiles

Happy New Year Goldie.

Fortune x

Goldiegirl

Fortune_Smiles wrote: »

Happy New Year Goldie.

Fortune x

newgirly wrote: »

Hi goldiegirl, you have had a good year, all the best for 2019

Hi, FS and NG I'll be looking in on your diaries to see how you are getting on.

Karmacat wrote: »

Yep, that might be a bit soon for clarity on Brexit, I'm afraid. Still, May is good enough in terms of the governments and the holiday companies sorting requirements and procedures, though I can understand that by preference you'd not have booked then. Still, it really *will* be an adventure!


Happy New Year

Happy New Year !

I'm thinking, if there's enough problems five to six weeks after Brexit to stop a cruise from sailing, then the country would be in such a state, a holiday would be the last thing on my mind!

As ever, just hoping for the best, and yes, quite an adventure to be one of the first to venture abroad in our brave new post Brexit world !!

Goldiegirl

I'm going to try to do at least semi regular updates this year, although, although, like last year, I might drift off for months at a time!

This week, I've been going through my wardrobe, and getting rid of some really old stuff. Last year, I bought quite a few new clothes, so I want to make some room. The clothes that are going are beyond redemption, so I'll put them in the clothes 'bin' at the recycling centre.

I've also identified some nice summer clothes that I haven't worn for a few years, and no longer feel 'right'. I will eBay them in late spring, when people will be looking for summer wear.

I've also been taking stock and noting things I need to buy. At this time of year there's always some bits and pieces that we need, such as batteries for the fire alarms and the gunk we put in the central heating system which (apparently) protects it. However, I'm also looking at things we'll need in the next few months, such as caddy liners and tin foil, and will get them sooner rather than later.

I'm pleased that I spent all that time decluttering, as it means I have space for all my supplies I've been gathering. I do hope it's going to turn out to be an unnecessary precaution.. But, I think it could get really bad. Time will tell.

I've also noticed all the packaging supplies have built up again. When we decorate our bedroom, there will probably be a few bits to sell on eBay, but after that, I will dramatically rationalise the packaging supplies.

Goldiegirl

I'm not terribly good at switching providers. When something comes up for renewal, I make a half hearted attempt to get quotes, and if the quotes come out at fairly near my current supplier's renewal figure, I normally end up simply renewing.

My RAC premium has gone up a lot in the last couple of years, and I've just had my renewal figure for 2019. It was £231.99, which I thought was OTT.

So I got a quote from Green Flag (who we used to be with some years ago). The quote was £95. I phoned RAC to see if they'd be willing to reduce their renewal figure. I got them down to £119, and they will send me a £25 voucher for either Amazon, M&S or John Lewis.

It took about 30 minutes of my time, but the result was well worth it.

Very pleased with this result.

Goldiegirl

Just thought I'd do a little update as it's getting towards the end of January

The revised RAC bill came in at £113.85, which was slightly lower than quoted. I got an email link to claim the £25 voucher they promised me, but it linked to an unsecure website, and the laptop (Chrome) won't display it. I tried on my ipad, same result, and on my phone on 4G, to see if it was something to do with the wi-fi. Still no joy. However, I don't intend to persue it, as £118 saving on RAC is a good enough result.

We've emptied our bedroom out, ready to start decorating tomorrow. I've also bought a new lampshade, new bedside lights and a new piece of wall art, to give the room a more modern feel. I got a duvet set in the sales, and there's another that I like in M&S, but will wait for a 20% off day until I buy. We also need new sheets, as some of our old ones are getting on for 20 years old and are very thin. Oh yes, and new pillows, as the current ones are now as flat as a board!

We may also buy a small wardrobe (1 door) for an unused corner. THis would make our storage a lot more efficient.

Apart from that, it's been very quiet this month.

Karmacat

You're giving your bedroom a real makeover lovely!