From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

The good news is I only needed one new tyre as the garage was able to repair the tyre with the slow puncture. The result was a bill of £122 compared with the £198 I had been expecting. The bad news is that the back tyres will need replacing soon. They are not urgent but something that I will now need to plan for.

The shopping trip to Mt T's was interesting as there was NO milk, no bread, no fresh veg except a few punnets of tomatoes and very little fresh fruit. It was quite incredible. The frozen aisle was much depleted too as was the fresh meat section.I did ask the checkout cashier who said that it wasn't so much panic buying as the delivery lorries not being able to get through and the last delivery was on Tuesday. I was able to get a fair bit of my shopping list and just made substitutions as to what was available to buy. It does make one realise the organisation and logistics that goes in to keeping our supermarket shelves full...and also how a little adverse weather can affect it so much.

Honeysucklelou2

I've spent £140 nursery fees, £40 diesel and £77 on groceries today.

Cherryfudge

Good to hear the car wasn't as expensive as expected, though it sounds as though you had a costly day today.

We went to 3 different supermarkets before we could get my FiL's corned beef! We found the same as you: depleted shelves everywhere, though we have fruit, veg and milk. The pharmacy didn't have all my prescription either (should be in by Tuesday and I'm okay till then). It's made me think twice about having a couple of week's tinned food in. I won't call it hoarding! It could make a difference if we have a bad winter again or one of us is ill.

Honeysucklelou2

Yes it did make me think about keeping some tinned or dried fruit in. Fortunately we have a fair bit of flour and sugar so as long as we have eggs and butter we can keep baking!!!

Honeysucklelou2

A busy week at work but by and large used ingredients we had in. The local Mr Ts has milk now but still no bread and some shelves still quite depleted. Makes you appreciate the choice normally available. We have an Ald1 opening soon so am intending to go and see if Ican reduce the food bill at all.

Made a payment of £64 to the credit card debt. That is on 0% so at least it's all clearing debt.

Cherryfudge

Well done on the £64!

We had bread back in the supermarket the other day but a distinct shortage of frozen veg. Very odd.

Spendless

Feel your pain with the tyres. I discovered a puncture on leaving work the other week (I work in the sticks). Husband away, Dad had an op no-one to rescue me! Eventually sorted, but I also had a replacement tyre (only £50 though) and now have to gradually replace the rest.

I work at a distribution centre that delivers food (won't say what, but it's a staple part;)) and most customers work on a 'just in time' policy ordering on day 1 for day 3 delivery. Inclement weather puts a huge strain on everyone. Customers buy more, so they sell out quicker, then they need more. Meanwhile deliveries struggle to get in, more pressure is put on the drivers, some who can't get to work themselves and we have to ensure their safety, regardless if there's nothing on the shelves. The best thing to do is gradually over the months make it that you've got enough in as an emergency stockpile, such as bread flour and yeast as well as your tinned/frozen goods. That way you'll never be caught out but won't be contributing to the scarcity either.

Honeysucklelou2

That's interesting to understand the just in time aspect of food distribution. Fortunately I do keep flour in and my lot tend to like bagels rather than proper bread so I had a couple of packets of those in the freezer. Good idea to keep a few tinned goods in for such times.

dustydigger

:hello:Hi HSL. I have really enjoyed your diary. I admire your hard work coping with a stressful job,a big family,a difficult relationship with you ex,and your determination to clear your debts. And what a terrific job you are making of bringing up your family.:T I do worry a little that you never have any ''me time'',but I am sure the baking and the country walks with the kids are your stress busters:D
I never fail to find something of value and encouragement in the DFW diaries,and you have encouraged me so that I am definitely going to reconnect with nature. After 5 years ill health and being housebound,I am yearning to get back out into the countryside,and the beach.I havent set foot on the sands for a decade,when I used to take my grandkids.I was born in this coastal town,and there is an ingrained connection with the sea,very much muted for a long time
I live about 1.5 miles from the beach,up on top of a hill,but every time I step out of my gate I instinctively turn to look down towards the sea. Its always a different colour,and it soothes and calms me.
Once Mr Dusty is back(he's away for a month) and I am in routine,and hopefully back to health and without spectacular nosebleeds(dont ask,but its all in my Frugal Fortnights diary) I will make an effort to get down to the beach. I miss the sounds and smells!And the ubiquitous wind which blows away the cobwebs
Love your tales of cooking,gardening - and chicks.:) Wouldnt dare have all those lovely cakes etc in the house(diabetic and slimming) and I think I not only dont have green fingers but def black ones,but love hearing about your flowers.Heartwarming stuff,keep on sharing - and keep on debt-busting!

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Dustydigger for such an encouraging post...I'm glad the DF diaries have inspired you. I enjoy reading and gleaning tips from other people's diaries.

I've lived by the sea and in a rural location for most of my life and it is definitely my stress buster. I have spent today roaming a beach further down the coast...a real day out. It's been good for the little ones to get out and fill their lungs with sea air!