From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Cherryfudge, CCL & Drawingaline. I think that hits the nail on the head, about wanting to make a dent in it but not keep throwing more money away on meeting interest charges.

I found 3 companies on the MSE availability tool, which gave me a 95% chance of approval. One sounded like early overpayment of the loan would be chargeable, so that put me off. The second, ironically, was with the existing provider of the window loans, so I think the 3rd looks more likely as it clearly states that overpayments are acceptable.

I've spent most of today on work stuff and still have a bit more to go. The pheasant casserole was cooked in the slow cooker which made it so tender, it was lovely. I made magic lemon pudding too so a nice meal all told. Today I gave got a little cross with everyone watching screens while I hurtle around trying to do everything, so after we'd eaten I got DS1 lighting the fire, DS2 washing up, DD5 drying up and DD3 collecting and clearing crockery and cutlery to be washed. Must have had a good effect because 2 have made their packed lunches without being reminded.

I'm feeling a bit guilty about the children's car insurance. I've paid DD2's insurance every month since last May and it has, at times, been a struggle to pay it. When DS1 turned 17 and his insurance needed paying, I explained to both of them that I couldn't afford to pay for 2 lots of insurance and that I would contribute £50 per child per month ( about half) but anything over that, they would need to pay themselves. DD2 has been accepting of that and tonight offered me the other half of her insurance which I said I'd have nearer the payment date. Why do I feel so guilty? I know they need to stand on their own 2 feet and learn responsibility. DD2 does work hard and I know she values her new found independence. DS1's insurance is fairly low at the moment because his is a provisional licence but I know when he passes his test it will rocket.

I'm onto plan C for my plants. I found the mini greenhouse on the floor today as the high winds had flattened it . I've tried to salvage the compost and will have to look carefully at the leaves to determine the seedlings as and if they come up. I've wedged a 20 litre flower pot in front of the mini greenhouse and moved a bench so that it is against the side of it. The other 2 sides are against the house so that, hopefully, it won't blow over again.

I've topped the tins up too today with lemon drizzle cake, fruit loaf and some maple syrup muffins.

Cherryfudge

How come I want to do some baking when I finish reading about lemon drizzle cake and so forth?

What a shame about the seedlings - you might have saved them though. We haven't had the worst of the winds here (yet) but all the new growth from last week's nice weather is probably a bit vulnerable.

I think feeling guilty for having the children pay towards their expenses is par for the course, but if you look at it the other way round, it's much easier for them than having to fund it entirely themselves. And they get lemon drizzle cake for free - what more can one ask?!

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Cherryfudge. The wedging of the large flower pot seems to have helped with the subsequent high winds we've had over the last few days. The tomatoes have germinated and are looking good. They are growing on an indoor window sill, so plenty of shelter and light.

Work has been very stressful , to the point at which I ended up with a migraine. I rarely get these but I couldn't carry on yesterday and had to come home . Being in the house on my own was really weird...it hardly ever happens...so was able to get some sleep. Bonus was a NSD...!

I've been able to buy some Seville oranges:). I'd looked in Mr T's without success, since New Year but happily the veg box company sold some, so am looking forward to making some marmalade.

crazy_cat_lady

Hope you feel better HSL - I have a migraine trying to burst through today - really not fun.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you CCL. I was off work today to recover from yesterday. I did get to the doctors and explained the migraine and a couple of other unnerving symptoms and he said it was all due to stress. I did suspect that but at least a doctor has confirmed it and it's on my notes. The dr has advised me to rest tomorrow. Interestingly he did say that the occupation I work in is one of the most stressful ones and he often sees people laid low with stress. At least it's not just me!

Cherryfudge

Reassuring in a way to hear that from the doctor. I hope tomorrow's properly restful.

crazy_cat_lady

Seems like lots of government jobs are really stressful. Teaching, NHS, Police, Social work etc. Funny - my mam always used to tell me that it was great working for the government, but not so in the 21st century with all the cuts and austerity... Hope that you're feeling a bit better today.

Honeysucklelou2

Bizarre day today. I had been told to rest, by work and advised by the dr, , but then got invited in for a meeting this afternoon. Occupational health has been suggested but I'm not sure what that entails or what to expect. The doctor yesterday suggested counselling so am thinking that over.

Not a NSD as I had to top up food a little.

Cherryfudge

That does seem odd. Did you get any of the prescribed rest? Not easy when work won't leave you alone!

I hope today's been better overall.

Honeysucklelou2

Not really, unless you count a slightly later get up time. By the time I'd done the school run and got back home, the message about the meeting came in.
I have half of my usual day off tomorrow, so intending to see my mum. Hopefully a little more restful than today!