Flying in Cloud.

*Robin*

Hello Diary the Second, and all MSE Friends, :hello:

2015. A fair bit has changed since yours truly embarked on Flying Solo.* It seems a good opportunity to start a new thread.

Am not a great one for New Year Resolutions, because mine tend to become revolutions and spirals - therefore not terribly useful - but it's undoubtedly time to take stock..

It has been two and a half years since my Beloved-Other-Half had to leave this planet. Still miss his presence every day; am no-where near becoming a 'merry widow' yet. Three of our dogs have since followed DH, and the last is in the twilight of her days.
Dear Children are grown, flown the Nest; scattered across three continents at the moment, more-or-less confidently pursuing their own futures.

Thanks to DH's financial forethought, and living a modest lifestyle, it is no longer a struggle to stock the store-cupboard. After [STRIKE]years[/STRIKE] decades of scrimping to feed a bulging household, this is still a novelty.

Health is a problem, prompting the first two ambitions which - hopefully - Flying in Cloud will see accomplished. More about those and reasons for this thread title later.

Then there's the dreaded tax return. Without mistakes this year fingers crossed! - top of m' current 'Brain-in-Gear' list is sorting out and sending the figures to Accountant.

After that; two sets of solicitors and a tax adviser to consult. More paperwork required for the re-registration of DH's properties. New Will [might get away with codicils?] and POA.

Longer term; need to keep a closer eye on savings and expenditure. Sort out current ISA. Have a sneaking suspicion that Bank of Mum will show a small overall loss this year. Oops.

..Just thinking about the above vague set of aims, ignites a burning desire to slaughter a load of intrusive weeds - despite silver rime glittering on the leaves, which suggests the outside temperature is still close to freezing! :rotfl:


* forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=4125515&page=98

Bubblesmum

Have followed and subscribed.

Robin, thank you for sharing your journey so far.........

I have learnt that special people will always be missed everyday however long they've gone, but as they say time heals and allows new friendships to enter and give love and companionship.

Here's hoping that life treats you well x

please-let-me-be-lucky

Followed and subscribed. Cheering you on as always lovely lady Xx

grannyx2

Followed and subscribed. May 2015 bring you many moments of joy x

Knit_Witch

Happy new diary *Robin*

satchmo1

Flying over the clouds into your lovely new diary


Happy New Year, with special pats for CD xx

*Robin*

Dear Diary and Friends-in-the-Box, :hello:

Thank you for your support as this new chapter begins, Bubbles, Lucky, Granny, Knit Witch and Satchmo. :T
Hopefully a few more MSE friends will pop in - all are most welcome - because your thoughts, wisdom and occasional chiding have become essential in helping this somewhat bedraggled bird to avoid financial pitfalls, and make the most of any opportunities. DH used to be so skilled at spotting those, but I am hopeless.

Overall it has been a good Christmas at the Nest, however DS4 took the holiday atmosphere with him when he set off on his latest adventure..
It was wonderful to spend time with m' youngest lad. He made himself comfortable in the caravan where he studied with admirable diligence every morning except Xmas Day (when he was cooking). Five long essays that his UK tutors wanted by the beginning of term were completed and sent via email, because DS will not be able to deliver 'em in person.
In the afternoons DS4 used his strength and energy for the benefit of Clever Dog and self; he has installed barriers to stop newly-blind CD stumbling off the low but still dangerous cliffs which surround our Nest. He carried firewood and materials for m' next building project up to the house, also a large heap of fresh earth (needed to improve new planting areas in the garden).
Most evenings Divo Four took pleasure in cooking our meal - a novelty and great treat for me as he's honed his culinary skills over the past year - following family tradition, lol.
DS asked for, then mastered the recipe for our festive chestnut loaf; good to know it will continue to be on the menu at family celebrations in the years ahead.

But all too soon it was time to pack, print out boarding cards, and pore over G00gle maps so that DS4 could navigate to his hotel at both layovers. Student travel on the cheap involved three aeroplanes to propel DS4 half way around the world. He should have arrived on campus by now, preparing to experience Spring trimester at a North American university.

Immensely proud Mummy of course - especially as DS4 has arranged and funded this trip himself - but also feel oddly bereft because my baby is so far away.. Suppose he's just following another family tradition really; there's no one to blame for the Divos' love of travel but m'self. :cool2:

We'd used up all the 'phone-creds in checking DS' luggage allowance - not specified anywhere on the bumf from the comparison site which supplied his tickets - requiring a brief visit to the village. Was happily surprised to discover a/c balance higher than expected, so could ensure DS4 had enough cash for local transport and food on each leg of his journey.
He was charmingly reluctant to accept it, but had let slip earlier that he'd be stuck if he arrived too late to catch a bus from airport to hotel - no funds for a taxi.
Said to Divo Four that the thought of him struggling would upset and worry me; doubtless one day he'll need to deal with the shoe-string traveller's archetypal frustration - but not this time when his focus must be to arrive in grand fettle, settle quickly into halls, and be ready to impress his tutor on Monday (today!).

Spends:
'Phone credits - £25
Potting soil [x10 bulk deal] & two enormous planters - £45
Groceries & personal indulgences - £40
DS4 float - £100

ETA: Turns out this thread is a hiccup!
Started again, please find yours truly's ongoing meanderings here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/67388192#Comment_67388192

Apologies for any confusion.

grannyx2

What a lovely post. Divo4 is clearly a man to be proud of. Sorry his leaving has left you a little blue, I know too well how that feels, I cry when I drop DD to the airport and am not looking forward to leaving her after 3 months.

I hope you and CD have a good day

Granny x

missrlr

I found you!!! Subscribed!

Glad to hear Divo4 is carrying on family traditions in the culinary and travelling departments, although of course this is going to be a wrench for you.

His energy in assisting you and CD in making safe will reap rewards for many years to come, a long lasting gift. I hope he does settle quickly and enjoy N American uni life.

Doglet and I are back to the vets tomorrow. 2015 is NOT shaping up to be kind

Hope to hear from you soon ear tickles to CD

missrlr

Hello Robin are you OK?

*Robin*

missrlr wrote: »

Hello Robin are you OK?

Hello Missrlr, :hello:

Thanks for your concern, dear friend; decided a new diary was somewhat premature so have returned "home" to Flying Solo.
Apologies for the confusion..

Hope you'll join CD and self there soon - can offer the temptation of cake? It's yummy; coffee and walnut, using up ingredients left over from DS4's visit so not only delicious but MSE too.