A whole new world, for now

jwil

Well done on SB!  Hope the window and carpet went ok.

in_need_of_direction

So, lots and lots to report but first, mr wii has just confirmed I’m back to 12 stone.  That’s the final pre holiday figure and, it is what it is.

so house things all kind of came together at a gallop over the past few days.  Two downstairs rooms were decorated and carpets laid.  Their contents have started to trickle back in though a few have headed to the charity shop bag.  They would have gone to the charity shop yesterday but they closed early and, even though staff were inside, they wouldn’t accept a donation.  We went after visiting the recycling centre to offload various bits and bobs.  The damp patch uncovered while decorating has hopefully been addressed by the painter clearing out the gutters.

i have discovered the amazingness of ikea’s stem glass holders (other brands are available) and purchased two other below shelf baskets that I think may work. Post holiday I will try sourcing one in a different size, possibly from the big river company to help in another room. 

The big big news is that the window was delivered on Friday and our builder fitted it yesterday.  The plasterwork needs sorted but it’s in and the difference it has made is unbelievable. I may have a redecorated hall, stairs and landing by Christmas.  This is in addition to the completely refreshed sitting room and dining room all paid for without credit.  It would be great if we could get the living room painted as the reupholstered chair and stool will be in situ by then.  The only thing that remains outstanding for the bathroom is the installation of the extractor fan and a repaint of the ceiling which should take all of 20 mins.  

So that’s the good news.  The Okish news is young relative had their major surgery last Monday and remains in hospital and is very weak.  Big life adjustments need to be made once they are back on their feet but that’s so much better than the alternative.  Given limitations she will face, normal get well soon presents are not appropriate so I have splurged on a Jo Malone candle.  I had the money and to me this is a rainy day spend especially if it makes them smile.  

There have been other spends over the week as I visited a Christmas shopping event with a friend and then we went for food.  Again, it was money I don’t regret spending plus I have been shopping for random stuff for the overseas family we will see on holiday.  I’m fine with the spends and the gifts will accompany cash presents also.  I may not be as gung ho when I retire but there have been too many reminders recently that life is short.  

you may have noticed little mention has been made of work. That was, in part, due to multiple interruptions including having to hold a ladder for 45 mins while slowly freezing.  I’m hoping to get on top of it before I go and to allocate my hour a day work time in advance to be up to date when I get back

Today I am grateful for 
dd covering the reupholstery costs as a gift
the workman willing to put his Saturday on how to fit a window
so many visible improvements 

beanielou

That’s all sounds so good house wise. 

jwil

The work on the house sounds like it will make such a difference

Cherryfudge

Isn't it wonderful how much difference you can make by redecorating! And the window sounds like the star of the show.

What a good idea to give a lovely candle for the person who had the operation. A source of lasting pleasure that they can see without having to be active. I hope their recovery goes well.

milann

I’m sure the relative will enjoy the candle…and it gave you pleasure to gift it. In my eyes that makes it worth every penny.
I’m with you when realising that life is short and needs to be lived and enjoyed 👍
The house is sounding lovely….do the carpets smell gorgeous. I think new carpet is one of my favourite smells 😂

in_need_of_direction

I’ve never noticed a new carpet smell Milann but I do love walking bare foot on them. 

Well,the holiday has been and gone and the big positive is that mr wii noted no changes to my weight. This is after a week all inclusive, 4 days in supersized nyc and 3 days with a family member who is such a feeder.  It was a costly trip with lots of shopping but, in the main, this was conscious spends albeit on nicer than usual gifts plus some things for us. 

Now there is a credit card bill to be paid and I’m just being silly.  This bill was pre holiday spend and included the replacement clutch, half the window costs, materials for building work, the new washer dryer along with normal spends.  The money is in the current account but I’m risking incurring charges as I’m nearly frightened to commit to such a large bill.  I need to get my head in the game.
While We were away, dd liaised with the builder and has set up a painter to be in and out pre Christmas for the hall, stairs and landing.  It will be great to get that done.  A new carpet will still be needed along with work on the hall floor but it’s still progress.  DD also did good work keeping the house in order which was great.  

And now for work, I got some but not enough done while I was away but my big outstanding invoice got paid which means there’s enough in the business account to cover January’s tax bill.  I’ve become a bit of a money hoarder and am reluctant to withdraw funds from anywhere. Next week is a bit full on but that should be close to clearing up all direct client engagements.  I’d really like to go into 2026 on top of all my work.  

On other news, young relative continues to improve and to adapt to the new way of living but there’s still a way to go. I worked in Dublin on Friday and came home via Aldi and purchased a reasonably priced Christmas ham plus cheeses, butter and other essentials. Lots spent but what I bought was so much less than it would have been in the north.  

I have received some Tesco vouchers to be used in the run up to sproutmas and, these combined with my £50 sb voucher for m&s should be close to sorting out what’s left to get bar a speciality chutney or two from the market and some bread from the specialty bakery. I also bought on offer red onions from Aldi so will make some caramelised red onion jam as I have a family who will happily eat all left overs between two slices of bread.  

The current major downside currently is that DH and dd both have that absolutely rotten flu that is doing the rounds.  They are both quite miserable and I’m insisting on keeping the house warm for them so our gas bill will be astronomical.

right, I really need to get a wiggle on. Today I am grateful for
the money being available to clear the credit card
£250 we received from Ernie
seeing new family members 

jwil

Glad you had a lovely holiday   Hope DH and DD feel better soon.

Sometimes when I have a big bill to pay, I do it over a couple of days so it doesn't feel like such a bit hit in one go.  

beanielou

So glad you had a good time. 

Chrystal

It sounds like you had a fantastic time, and well done to DD for being super efficient.  

It will all be worth it at the end.  XX