From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

On a plus side I have time tomorrow to start seed sowing 😃

Moneywhizz

Sounds like you haven't had the most enjoyable few days, with a number of difficult things to deal with.
Your electricity bill sounds terribly high. Using electric heaters is definitely so much more expensive than gas heating so investing in the heated airer might be economical for you in the long run. I use mine to dry my washing and find that it even serves to heat the room that it is in, although it is a small room. 
I know that you have an ongoing situation with getting your son to contribute any money towards his keep. it was bad enough before but now that you are losing your CT discount, it really is time to force the issue with him. He is now 18 and an adult, earning a decent wage and if he isn't willing to pay his way then I would be tempted to tell him he needs to find somewhere else to live. I wonder if he could find some other free accommodation! It must be so frustrating for you. When my daughter gave up University and I lost my single discount I told her she needed to pay the difference and don't remember any problem with it even though she was only working part time.
As for your ex, his behaviour is beyond belief. Can you seek more advice about having to allow him to come into the house whenever he pleases?  Is his name still on the mortgage/deeds and that is why he has the right to do this. No wonder you felt upset. 
You have such a lot to cope with on a day to day basis and you seem to handle things so well. I hope some these issues can be resolved and allow you to concentrate your efforts on working and looking after your children which you obviously do so well.

sashybo

Sorry to hear that horrible ex was being horrible again. 😡 Your poor dog, his behaviour is just disgraceful towards everyone and everything. 😔 

Sorry to hear about the council tax as well. Your DS really should be contributing, it's not fair on you. I understand that teenagers don't always appreciate all the costs of running a household but surely he should want to help his mum and siblings out. I'll admit I did resent being asked to pay keep money when I was living at home when I had a part time job and was still at school but my mum insisted (quite rightly) and I did pay her. It wasn't until I left home a couple of years later that I understood why she had asked for that money - she needed it! 

janb5

Please can you change the locks and keep the ex out...?  He shouldn`t be coming to the house when you`re not there for all the reasons you cited.You are behaving like a lady which could never be said about me!  Bravo!

I forgot to say vis a vis the Lakeland airer psot that you might like to look on Facebook Marketplace as they are often on there too.

VelvetFreak

Sorry you’re having such a rough time sending hugs x 

crazy_cat_lady

Hope the dog is ok today. I would almost be tempted to report his dog.
I do wish that you would lock that ex out. Let him take you to court and get it sorted. That might make him hurry a bit - you know what I did

MeandO

Sending hugs HSL2. I echo what others said - I'd report the dog as it's not the first time it's happened and I'd certainly change the locks and let him pursue you via court - as CCL said, it'll hurry other things along and probably make you feel much more at ease in your own home. xx

Cherryfudge

What a horrible day - I hope today's better and you get your seeds sown. x

savingholmes

Hi Honeysucklelou - sorry you've been having a rubbish time with the ex, electricity, council etc. Is there anything you can do about the electric? Are you on the best deal? Have you tried the MSE energy club?

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you for your comments  Moneywhizz, Sashybo, Janb5, Velvetfreak, CCL, MeandO, Cherryfudge & SH.  Ironically I do have a barrel and keys to change the locks and know how to do it. I get worried about the repercussions if I change them before I legally can. The other problem is that DS1 would let the ex in day or night, even if I changed the locks, as I’d need to give the adult children a key.

Today has been much more productive. I had DS3 and youngest DD with me today  so we made a mocha ring cake and a heart shaped cake for Valentines Day that DD loved icing and decorating. Needless to say when the hungry siblings came home, it vanished fairly quickly!

I’ve taken youngest DD to her swimming lesson and on my return found a bunch of flowers in the kitchen. Apparently the ex left here with DD3 yesterday ( after the horrible tirade) and bought the flowers telling DD to give them to me today. There was a card too  ( no sorry message inside) which I feel like ripping up and burning. How anyone can claim to love someone else after the tirade yesterday is beyond me. I feel it’s a show for the children. 

Making tuna plait for tea and night rustle up some brownies. I have set myself 2 half term projects - to get the utility room painted and tiled where necessary and to thoroughly weed and clean the greenhouse so that it can be fully functional for Spring.

SH - thank you I haven’t tried the MSE Energy Club so will investigate.