From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Spendless and Willowtree222.

The last few days have felt very much like one step forwards, two ( or maybe three or four) steps back!!
Storm Garreti ( or whatever it was called )ended up causing 5 fencing panels to collapse with another 2 looking precarious. I looked into making a claim with the house insurance only to be told fencing wasn’t covered, despite me spending in excess of £600 a year just on buildings insurance. We’ve had a quote from a local handyman which is a few thousand pounds, which I just don’t have.  Fortunately there is a differing level with the neighbours as the lane we live in, is in a slope, so dogs can’t roam into the neighbour’s garden, but it is something I need to get sorted asap.  I also went up to the allotment to find both greenhouse doors literally blown off their sliders. I was able to salvage the glass in one door but sadly not the other. In all I think I’ve lost about 7 panes of glass 😢.  Lots of clean up to do!

dawnybabes

Oh no, that’s annoying it’s not covered.  Have you got a few quotes, I lost 4 panels last year and a d I got them replaces for £1k. 

Cherryfudge

That sounds like an expensive storm. Would it be possible to replace with posts and wires, then grow espaliers along them? Not a short term solution, of course, and might be unsuitable for  the dogs, but you might be able to cover with mesh behind the trees.

Spendless

Oh no. Insurance companies covering fences/boundary often has a get out clause. 25 years ago, my parents were subject to an arson attack (not targeted done for the 'lols'!) when newspaper was stuffed into their hedge surrounding 2 sides of their property and set alight. They were asleep and oblivious and lucky to be rescued in time. The insurance coughed up just for the trees (conifers)  that were damaged by fire (yup they counted them) not the whole hedge not even that run of hedges to that side. Parents had to add their own money to replace with fencing. Add in you've got storm damage, that's sometimes also not covered. 

It's so frustating when life throws a spanner in the works of what you've thought. Have you exhsusted all feasible options to replace? 

Take care when clearing up all that glass. 

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Spendless, Cherryfudge and dawneybabes. I love the idea of espaliers…unfortunately not doable on that boundary as much is concrete and, I believe, a retaining wall but is something I could do at the allotment 😊.

It’s looking like a hit and miss plank style fence is the cheapest option - one that will give privacy and be durable to withstand the winds we get here.

The last fortnight has been challenging…last week I sustained a puncture which I discovered when I parked at work. A triangular ish shaped stone had gone right in and damaged the tyre. Cue money going out that I hadn’t anticipated. I’m very thankful I got to work ok and although it was tricky to sort out ( had left my phone at home that day so couldn’t call or get details of the AA as it’s all linked to my back account), I was safe and was able to get back into the road later that week.

Lots of lurgies going around at the moment. DD3 is unwell as is DS3. DS3’s childcare has required some juggling. DH has done a couple of days and I’ve done a couple but hopefully now he is on the mend.

Moneywise I did not do well last weekend. I splurged on a couple of things - slippers and seeds which weren’t much each but was more than I had intended to spend so have felt bad about that. Have used the council tax free month to boost DD4’s rent fund so I have almost half ready. With Job 2’s wages I should make the total on time.

Have been enjoying homemade soup for years cakes lunches. Last year, I bought a food flask so keeps it hot. Cheese scone as an accompaniment has been rather lovely!

Spendless

Youre doing well despite all the curveballs life keeps throwing at you.

Do you still have the emergency fund going? That used to serve you well 'back in the day' If you dont then what about starting one back up even if its minimal what you do to build it. I have a monzo account and love all my little named pots, really helps me think about what is ear-marked for where.

I'd not thought of a cheese scone to go with HM soup, what a great idea.

Sun_Addict

What a stressful time for you recently. I hope things start to ease soon. I also hope your kids realise how lucky they are to have you to help them.

Willowtree222

It must be a relief to know most of the rent is paid. That must be so hard to be worrying about saving that, especially when unexpected things crop up.

Cherryfudge

That's a lot to have going on. I hope everyone is well soon.

Oddly, I was just thinking of scones (blaming Watty for mentioning them earlier) and thinking I would like to bake some. You could pop a few (wrapped) on your plants-for-sale place in the summer and see if you have any takers, though you might have to take donations rather than charging a price (not sure how it works). And I am sure your slippers and seeds will be worth it. What seeds did you get?

lucielle

Glad you got the car sorted. Soon be time to get those seed’s sown.
L