Tales from The Shire

Fortune_Smiles

Goodbye Tension...

... Hello Pension 😂  Well not just yet.  I have updated my pensions spreadsheets though.  Pots are still a little diminished due to C0vid but not by much and do seem to be bouncing back.  I have a plan to start taking them from next year which minimises the tax implications and the amount we'll still need to bring in from other sources.

Our current Annex guests leave tomorrow and then we have one further booking the next weekend.  I'm not sure we'll get anything now for the rest of the year as C0vid cases seem to be escalating quickly and I'm sure people will be worried about travelling.

We had leftover fish curry for lunch yesterday and Courgette & Pea Tart with salad for supper.  The veg patch is still providing courgettes and lettuce but I don't think for much longer.  My challenge now is to use up the remaining green beans and make a start on the apples.  1kg of apples went into the freezer last night and we had apple and raisin porridge for breakfast this morning so the bag is already a little lighter.

Mr F's friends are coming to the house this afternoon for some outdoor social distancing and then we're booked for an early supper in the arbour of a local restaurant.  So this morning I'll need to sterilise the downstairs cloakroom and tidy up the route too and from in case anyone needs the facilities.

First though, FDawg needs a walk.

Have a great day all

Fortune x

badmemory

I am not sure you are right about the lack of future bookings.  I know that if I had a choice between staying in a hotel & staying in your annex, your annex would win.  There will be people who have been working from home looking at the same 4 walls, needing a break, not wanting to mix too much, it will be perfect for them

Fortune_Smiles

badmemory said:

I am not sure you are right about the lack of future bookings.  I know that if I had a choice between staying in a hotel & staying in your annex, your annex would win.  There will be people who have been working from home looking at the same 4 walls, needing a break, not wanting to mix too much, it will be perfect for them

Hi there @badmemory.  I'm sure you're right.  I was thinking more about local lockdowns and the restrictions that might come into force regarding travel.

It's by the by now anyway.  Mr F and I have had a chat and decided to close the Annex for the time being.  With case numbers rising, we don't want to take the risk or worry our neighbours who are all elderly and vulnerable.  Many hosts are reporting that guests are booking but saying that they fully expect to have to cancel and will leave it until the last minute to do so.  They are then requesting a full refund when the host no chance of re-booking the dates at such short notice.  Air8n8 are refunding any cancellations where the guests cite C0vid as the cause without asking for proof of extenuating circumstances and despite the hosts cancellation policy.  I think it's just going to get too difficult and stressfull over the winter to continue.  Having said that, if Mr F's job does go we might not have that luxury.

Sorry - I've just read that back and it sounds like a bit of a rant.  It's really not supposed to be 😀  For the time being though the 'Sorry We're Closed' sign is up 😆

Fortune x

Cheery_Daff

You've got to make the right decision for you Fortune, so glad you've felt able to so that

beanielou

Good decision to make at this moment in time 

Fortune_Smiles

Cheery_Daff said:

You've got to make the right decision for you Fortune, so glad you've felt able to so that

beanielou said:

Good decision to make at this moment in time 

Thanks guys.  It was seeing the news yesterday that made me think it would be best to close.  We can always free up the dates at a later stage.

Fortune x

badmemory

This virus is turning out to be a major pain in the proverbial isn't it?

Fortune_Smiles

badmemory said:

This virus is turning out to be a major pain in the proverbial isn't it?

A right, royal one BM 😆

Fortune x

Fortune_Smiles

Reprieve

Mr F had his team meeting this morning and it seems his job does appear on another structure chart... at least for the time being.  So we live to OP another day 😆

We have had a very social and indulgent weekend, making the most of the sunshine and freedom whilst it lasts.  More discipline is needed from now on though as we've spent the fun money and invested a lot in home improvement this month.

Today's lunch was Cucumber, Avocado & Black Bean Salad and supper, Smoked Mackerel Noodles with Cucumber & Coriander.  Yes, you've guessed it, the glut this week is... cucumber!  I didn't really enjoy the mackerel.  I think the recipe would have been nicer with sweet cured rather than peppered.

The storage baskets have arrived and they are perfect for the job.  Two are now full of potatoes.  The courgettes are still growing and I harvested a further two today along with two cucumbers.

I made a start on turning the Annex over this morning for our final (for the time being) guests.  It will be nice to have the time back so I can get on top of the house and garden.

Happy Monday all

Fortune x

beanielou

That’s good news. 

You will be pleased 😀 x