Cherry takes the reins

Seasidegal58

Belated birthday wishes Cherry and I'm glad your DFIL's funeral and memorial service went off as well as can be expected in the circumstances.

You've given me a push to go through my larder and freezer at the weekend.  I went through them in November but it would be a good idea to do it again and find anything missing that I might need.  I'm not stockpiling out of principle, plus I have limited kitchen space anyway!  

HairyHandofDartmoor

I've caught up with your diary at last. I'm very sorry about DFIL.  Congratulations on paying off your mortgage though 🎉🎉🎉.  Belated happy birthday wishes too 🎂.

Cherryfudge

Thank you SSG and HHD  

Today has been a bit odd: after all the unsocial hours trying to complete things for my appraisal, my manager forgot! This despite me having spoken to him about it yesterday. It's been rescheduled for a couple of weeks' time, but with the changing situation and the fact my manager is on holiday abroad between then and now, who knows what will happen. Then the person I was allocated to support today didn't turn up so in the end I had office time.

I've spent nothing, done nothing money saving and decluttered nothing.

I did measure the water that came through the roof of the bay window the other day: 1,600ml. Then I used it to water the plants as they like rainwater. Always a silver lining.

Tonight I have a special reason to be thankful: realising the slight numbness left by the op on my arm a couple of years ago is now replaced by normal sensitivity: the nerves must have regrown.

WannabeFree

Oh gosh I have so much to catch up on. 
I missed your birthday hope you had a lovely day. So sorry to about dfil. Amazing news on the mortgage. 
Still catching up so I'm sure I'll be back with more comments 

Take care x

Cherryfudge

Thanks Wannabe There's so much on these forums I can never keep up to date.  
We had a message from A and H this morning to say they are waiting to hear when they will be flown home (they're in Spain which is nice for the sunshine but maybe not an ideal holiday spot as planes are now turning back mid flight). They have decided to relax while they wait which I think is sensible. I've offered for us to take food to their house for their return in case they are asked to self isolate.
In other news, DH is having another go at switching energy providers (last time we got stuck as the page hadn't updated) and I have found my travel money card with 76 euros still on it - but the site is suspended till Monday.

Sun_Addict

My cousin is stuck in lockdown at his hotel in the Canaries.  I suppose they'll have to make the most of the sunshine and sit on the balcony.  It's a shame for the local businesses though, they must stand to lose a lot of money.

Cherryfudge

A and H have sent us some holiday photos but are hoping to be home tomorrow. One of them was a video of the round of applause for health workers: at first they thought there was a stampede going on! However it turns out they were there for a historic moment. A also said that flights home will be continuing as normal till the weekend.

Church this morning was subtly different: last week they stopped shaking hands at the door and communion, which is usually passed along the rows, is now given out individually. This week the offering is no longer passed around (you have to go to someone to give any donations) and teas and coffees aren't being given out afterwards. However, as we don't know how long we can go on meeting en masse, we were grateful for the normality of being together. I know there are plans to hold small meetings if possible and online services which is good - though harder on those who don't have internet, but they are trying to sort out how to support people who will otherwise be isolated.

The talk this morning was an encouragement too. I didn't stay to socialise afterwards as I'm getting wary of public places. I mustn't let that get a hold, though. Getting out for a walk through town has always spelled freedom for me. We are still booked to go to London next week and I'm definitely wary of that, but Saturday morning here was also far too busy for common sense. People were carrying on as normal - possibly they are unaware that Covid-19 is in this area.

Talking of that, we had a scare at work to do with the virus yesterday. We worked out soon enough that we weren't in immediate danger. It does raise all sorts of questions about staying open though. Our manager, who is supposed to be on holiday, couldn't get a flight so he's likely to be back in the office tomorrow and trying to steer us through it, poor fellow. Yet on another level, ordinary life goes on.

DH and I did some shopping yesterday (I know, part of the mad crowd, though I hadn't expected them). We're overspent on the food budget, probably by about £20 but maybe less. That is largely food for the future. There are some gaps on the shelves here - no pasta, surprise, surprise - but not too many. The lady from the eco shop said she wasn't limiting me when I asked about buying beans, as I'm a regular. I did limit myself to a jar full though. I know she's rationing hand soap as she is saving half her stock for people who have a special need. Good to see her shop so busy - she deserves to flourish and I hope that gives her more customers in the long term.

Today we went for a run, J and L came to tea, we played 'taboo' later and then I baked a cake. I've used up the cocoa and some buttercream I had in the fridge. Baking chocolate cake is a nice thing to do! I also discovered an unwelcome smell in the fridge and ended up throwing out two bags of parsnips which had gone off. I feel bad about that but they smelled horrible. We also finished some parsnips from the freezer with gammon for tea, and the remains of the gammon are in the freezer ready to add to chicken pie. While cleaning the fridge I also disposed of three tins DS2 had left there: there's no way anyone was going to use those. 

Spending (yesterday)
Housekeeping - about £20 but I've lost my note of it. That's all overspend.
MS
Gammon scraps saved to add to pie.
Turned down an invitation to go out for ice creams with J and L (didn't read the message till late)
Decluttering
three bags of parsnips, an apple that was bad in the middle, approx. 20 pieces of paper, some scented tea lights and a scented wardrobe sachet to J.

Tonight I'm thankful for being able to stay off the news most of the day (memo to self: limit this, it only makes me anxious), for DS2 having a quiet day at work and for time with J and L which is very welcome.

Cherryfudge

Our milk delivery just arrived (midnight is not unusual for him) together with a  letter. At first I thought oh no! as for some reason I thought he might be saying he couldn't deliver any more and I've been counting on his deliveries to make shopping easier in the coming weeks. However, it turns out he's teamed up with a greengrocer so there will now be eggs, yogurt, juice and veg boxes available. I'm so excited! They will be more expensive, of course, but I find fresh food makes a big difference to feeling good. And besides, a veg box will have surprises in! Like Christmas. I'm not about to order tonight though - need to give it some thought.

in_need_of_direction

Glad to hear the note was a pleasant surprise.  I feel your manager’s pain!

greenbee

That's a great way of not only supporting the local community but also supporting local business. I hope that you can make it work for you. I find that the cost is offset by the fact that I don't have to get in the car and drive somewhere to shop, but then I live in the sticks!