NST: December 2016: A pared back Christmas

nannygladys

Hi everyone

A quiet day for me today as guests went into the city for sales shopping, no way I would go so another sfd for me, but they said the shops weren't particularly busy and they didn't see anything they wanted!!!

Another quietish day tomorrow as they are taking their son off to some military museum and I'm going to a friend's for a coffee so I will take a few biscuits around with me.

Nannyg

mothernerd

I've had a lovely Christmas.

Went out on Christmas Eve - didn't want to. had to drag myself out of bed but the P.O. had two parcels for us, one of which was the replacement internet wires and I couldn't bear the thought of DS3 moaning every time the internet went down (we think the chinchillas might have had a little nibble when they took out the telephone - just enough to disrupt the service once in a while).

Had missed the bus by 5 minutes, so walked all the way there, heard the estate bus go by as I got to the gate coming out of the sorting office, crawled to the top of the lane, saw 2 more pass jsut before I got there. Bus that came wanted £2.35 (for 2 stops!?#8!!) but was so exhausted, I paid. Sat down in the bus station and the Bolton bus came in, so paid another £1 to get to the first stop which saved my walking across the bus station, past the one of the drunks pubs and some shops or queuing at 2 sets of lights. Straight back into bed and more or less stayed there (I have had baths and food).

DS3 has been quite cheerful, denied that he sulks and if he felt like that he would come and sit on my bed to talk about how he was feeling. He asked was there a 'surprise' so I let him open my present from mum. I thought it was obviously a box of chox (was QS not celeb version) but he was pleased. He has also decided he needs new underpants so we have had a cull of old undies (part 1) and rounded up dry washing (made him carry it upstairs) and sorted through.

DS2 called on Christmas Eve to see if I needed any shopping and on Christmas Day with a present (had told him not to and in abit of a quandary as to what to do with it). He is coming for a meal Tuesday tea time.

Christmas Day spent mostly reading and sleeping. Had my cheese, tomato and ham tortillas early and then lots celery, cucumber, carrot and red pepper (2 rice bowls worth) with ys dips. Had 3 chocolates but have speeded up since. Late on I cooked breaded mushrooms and finished off the dip. Started sewing and worked through the night.

I have been working on a long anticipated piece which was joyful but became increasingly dutiful so having nearly completed it (was using lots of odd strands of red and had to complete the bits using them so I didn't mix them up) it I started on my beloved Snowman and the Snowdog - first time I have ever done something exclusively for me which will stay with me (with possible consideration for putative grandchildren). Was tiring by noon and slept until 10.30pm - woke when my pills were due so I am up to date.

Just catching up on e-mail and then will close down the laptop and read and doze until morning. I have several target chores but taking them a few at a time (Beloved is not back until Thursday when I hope there will have been significant improvements, including making DS3 make up this bed properly with the new bedding).

So much to be grateful for but mostly feeeling blissful and rested.

dolly84

Hi all.

Visited in laws yesterday and came home with a load of stuff we don't want as usual. I have asked and asked DH to tell them we either don't want anything at all and just to buy for the kids or to get me a bottle of red wine. We visit them on boxing day and every boxing day I fill a bag for the CS - such a shame. Anyway I have decided I will just tell her myself because it is such a waste of stuff and money.

Not sure of todays plans but do plan to get the kids out of the house for a couple of hours and hope to cycle with DH at some point.

Calling14

dolly - know where you are coming from friends buy me presents - got shoulder bag and I have almost identical one I always use, scarf off another
- identical one I have. I wonder if they see me wearing these items then buy same ��Thinking I like them Next year just suggest night out instead.

Had a quiet day yesterday, went for a walk.

Last night had a really bad night, soaking in sweat again, dripping off my forehead, if coming off Hrt is this, wish I had never gone on it. Bed stripped and washing, hanging outside in sun.

Went for a little walk curtailed by popping in the co op and buying their meal deal at half price £5. Turkey joint, roast pots, parsnips, Yorkshire puds, sprouts and vienneta. Not a fan usually of frozen stuff but all Aunt Bessie's make so decent quality and good size joint. Can't go wrong. If I had room in my freezer would have got another. Deal ends tonight folks.

Going to tidy up my patio as the sun is out, brush leaves and recycling that has landed in my garden.

Toni'sfriend

Calling - Poor you. Hope things improve soon.

I have to agree with you both about all this buying things that people neither need or want. This year I persuaded C that our week in Amsterdam in January would be our Christmas present to ourselves. Other than that we bought one another books, chocolate, biscuits etc (and in my case some nice tea), All nicely wrapped up to open on Christmas morning but not costing a fortune. He was a bit doubtful at first but has agreed that it's the way forward. We really don't need anything. My brother and his wife gave us gift tokens and my nephew bought us some nice wine, The local children brought us flowers and biscuits. All gratefully received and appreciated. We gave my son an Amazon token and all his favourite chocolate from Aldi and Lidl. He said to do this every year and for his birthday. Your idea of friends having a night out (or even a night in) instead of presents is brilliant.

Anyway C has gone to have a drink with his fiend and I'm sitting here having a lovely afternoon watching Miss Marple with a G & T. Perfect.

Eager_Elephant

Merry Xmas Everyone!!


Sorry have been missing - December has just flown by.


Congratulations to those who paid off debt/had babies born etc.


Hugs and love to those who have lost loved ones including pets.


Still been keeping up with the challenge and keeping track of NSD's - am now up to 10 NSD's (up to Xmas Day. Boxing Day may have been a spend day, I need to check my tub of money - the whole family go to my mum's for bingo and buffet, I took £40 to play bingo with (20p per card) and between my family unit we won quite a few times so need to check if I am quids in or not.
Today should be a NSD as it is my birthday!!


Did my Xmas food/Jan food shop on Tues night and Asda was dead - honestly I thought something was wrong. Popped back in Weds lunchtime for Lemonade (none on Tues) and it was dead again.
Can only assume everyone waited until Thurs/Fri/Sat to shop - luckily we missed all that. Fruit/Veg comes from local greengrocers so only have to brave a tiny village (we pre-ordered so just 2 boxes and a bag of spuds to collect)


I know I am late to the WSM party but wanted to say that DH and I are huge fans and for quite a few years we followed Britains Strongest Man round the UK!!
Every summer holiday was to the nearest Haven holiday to where the event was, day times were spent watching the heats and evenings were spent in the entertainment area - it was the cheapest way to do it.
Have not watched any Strong Man programmes this month but will watch the Worlds!!

apple_muncher

Oooh, there will be several of us glued to channel 5 at 7pm tonight!

Calling14

:bdaycake::bdaycake:Eager Elephant- Happy 🎉 Birthday.

apple_muncher

Happy Birthday EE! :beer:

clippy_girl

Oops sulking back in!

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas :xmastree::xmassmile:santa2:

Happy birthday eager elephant! :bdaycake:

Hope you are over the worst soon calling

Congrats on becoming debt fmess :beer::j:T

Today I have forced myself to go to the gym and I actually enjoyed it! :A need to get back into it as want to loose weight and get fit and it's a waste not using it!

Other than that don't need anything. Need to find something for dinner as on my meal plan it's squash curry which I was making today but I broke my peeler. Squash is in fridge so will be ok until weekend.

I've not spent much since I was paid on 19th but wasted loads at work last week on breakfast out, lunches in canteen everyday and pizzas for dinner :mad:

All stopped now!

Today not spent anything but need to order new hose for my Dyson as mine split. With the Airbnb I am always hoovering everywhere so will need to brush stairs in the meantime until it comes.

Bad news is my radiator in the living room has randomly stopped getting hot it's really cold as there's a bit of a draught coming through the front door tried bleeding it but not worked. It's barely lukewarm. Going to have to get plumber out as guess TRV is broke (was going to pull it off and pull pin up with pliers but can't get it off and spanner is too small). Seems like there's always something to pay for! :mad:

Looking forward to January challenge