From debt to freedom...

Cherryfudge

That's a hefty diesel bill! Maybe invest in a pony and trap? Or are the older ones big enough to share a moped?

It sounds like a glorious walk.

magicgal

Agree with cherry. That is a large amount spent on diesel. Hope you can find some savings somewhere. With the weather getting worse and the dark coming early, you will probably find yourself using the car more anyway but hopefully you can work something out. I’m glad you have so much organic beauty around you to appreciate. Definitely a downside for me living in the city. I miss countryside so much. 

I hope you manage to get a rest this weekend. X

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Cherryfudge & Magicgal...really hoping that this week’s travelling is less. Unfortunately DD1 and I work opposite days so even if I’m not at work, it’s an equivalent commute to get her to work. The season is coming  to an end though now, so her hours are reducing.

A fair bit of taxiing was done today but all mainly work related!  I’ve tried to keep busy tonight and have got about a third of the ironing done 🙂.  I have gone through a cupboard and removed bits that the ex has put in there since separating ...the cupboard door can now shut again 😏.  
We ended up with a proper takeaway this evening ! DS1’s turn to cook but for whatever reason, he chose to go and get a takeaway instead😋. It made a nice change, even better when I haven’t had to pay for it!

All in all its been a busy day but am conscious of feeling much happier than I have in a long time. Not sure what or why  ( maybe passing the 4 year anniversary of separating ) but somehow feeling different. I’ve so enjoyed simply listening to some favourite music and reading this evening!

janb5

Hi HSL...did you think any further of writing a blog about your walks.  I know lots of us enjoy reading about them and it could take off and pay?  We will  all claim commission if that is the case...............!
I smiled when I read about your sorting out that cupboard!

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Janb5 - I do keep wondering about it! It would be good to take photos and out together with words to share the beauty of the natural world around here!

A busy week has flown by again. It’s now half term so looking forward to some less time pressured mornings. I’ve taken baby steps forward and had 2 estate agents round to give valuations. It sounds something quite simple when it’s written down but with the dogs, I find it quite a challenge when a stranger comes because the younger dogs bark . The elderly lurcher can always be relied upon to amble up and give a friendly welcome! With
the 2 valuations in, I have contacted the mediator so I’m ready to start.

Tidying up for the valuation was a good opportunity to declutter so 6 bags left the house this week! I’ve spotted some books that could potentially be sold too, so will check those online later.

I spent some time at the allotment this afternoon. I cut down the remaining sunflower heads so that I can harvest  the seeds.  I saw some sloes there, so must go back and forage some of those in the coming week. DD2 seemed keen on making some sloe gin.
I’m looking forward to having a bit more time to get into the garden as well this week. The leaves need sweeping up from the nearby trees and some errant brambles could do with chopping back.

janb5

I have a friend who collects sloes for me every year and I return the compliment by giving him sloe gin!  
This year we cant meet up because I`m in Tier 2 and he isn`t at all so sadly the sloes are in the freezer. 
 At least his gin is well matured!
Btw, you can buy cheap gin for making sloe gin- usually I get it from Lidl or Sainsbury`s.

savingholmes

Your descriptions of your walks are always fab. You make me think of Rosamund Pilcher when you write. 

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Janb5 and SH.

Turning out to be quite a late night...I had a letter, finally, from the company to whom I  put in a PPI complaint. Only taken 14 months! The company has asked for more information. Thankfully, I have kept some of my statements from 15 years ago, so can prove that I did pay PPI. Just hope it’s enough information  to get the money refunded,   that was spent on  PPI.

As I was rummaging around for the old statements, I found an annual statement from an old pension provider, but on reading I noticed, they didn’t have an “ expression of wishes” form, so I’ve spent time filling that out. Quite an exercise listing all the children and their full names! That’s another life admin job ticked off. I’m on a roll this week!!

savingholmes

Well done on the life admin. Hope your daugther's plural health conditions improve soon. 

janb5

So impressed with you sorting that out although I didn`t know about the ` expression of wishes`.  I did notice you are up as late as me so hope you caught up on some rest.