Tales from The Shire

savingholmes

Some great aspirations there. I think it is sensible to plan for income from your uncle given that you were renting the place out to holidaymakers before. Maintenance of the property isn't free nor was it's original purchase. I wouldn't feel guilty about that.

Great idea to keep a note of the number. 

ruby_eskimo

Happy new year Fortune.  Hope the emergency over the festive period doesn't cause too much upheaval and that things settle down soon.  Love the aims for the year, especially marking weekends with something so they seem different to the rest of the week.  I've said to DH that we should try and have brunch together on Saturday's - he's down with that because it will probably mean pancakes

Fortune_Smiles

Not the New Normal

Thanks for the good wishes guys.  Life in the Fortunate household is not back to normal, or even a new normal 😆  I haven't even taken the Christmas decorations down yet 🙄 Much of my time has been taken up supporting Uncle F.  His ex is becoming increasingly difficult which is as we expected.  Mr F is going down with him to the house tomorrow to collect vehicles and some things he needs to run his business.  We are in contact with the Police about the situation anyway but, obviously, we're in the middle of a pandemic and want to make sure they can travel legally during lockdown - which they can thank goodness.  After the visit tomorrow, Uncle F will not need to return to the property for some time and, hopefully, lockdown will have lifted by then.  The solicitors can take over then and I should have a little more time for other stuff.

I have managed to make a little progress on my 2021 goals:

• I've completed the paperwork for one of my Defined Benefit pensions and that's going off in the post today
• I have a random tiny pension which I've had for years, doesn't really fall into the usual categories and is very confusing.  I wrote to the company and they've now responded with clarification so I know to take that one at 60 so I don't lose out on any guaranteed benefits
• the first mortgage overpayment for the year has been made 😁
• we've agreed a financial contribution with Uncle F.  He will start to pay us something towards the electricty from 1 Feb (he likes it warm!) and some rent from 1 April.  This should give him some time to settle in and work out how to operate his business from here.  The rent will cover what we will lose from Air8n8.  I've suggested Uncle F join us for his evening meal (at least for the time being) and in return he'll help us out in the garden.  I was considering paying for some help in the garden this year as I've been struggling to keep on top of it so the arrangement suits us all
  
• having just increased our emergency fund target, I will have to raid funds to pay the Tax Man.  I finished Mr F's tax return today and we owe them £605.  This isn't unusual but the amount is usually deducted from his pay over the year and I'm afraid I left it too late for that to be done this year
• I'm not sure if I mentioned previously but one of our new windows leaked very badly during Storm Bella.  The company owner wanted to arrange for the fitters to come back on Tuesday but I've asked to see him first as I have some other questions for him and I didn't feel 100% comfortable with the fitter.  Listening to my gut on this one 😉
• I've done two sessions of yoga so far this week  Just a gentle re-introduction after the Christmas break and I'll start to increase time and difficulty gradually
• FDawg has been walked every day by both of us so far.  We walk him for about an hour in the morning and it's always been a good time to talk as it's quiet and we don't have the screen distractions we do at home.  That time together will become even more important now.

It's going to be a busy few months and we're expecting lots of drama but we'll keep calm and carry on.  We're all safe and well and that's the only thing that matters.

Hope you're all safe and well too

Fortune x

beanielou

Hope you can get the window sorted out.
Not what you expect from a new window.

savingholmes

Frustrating about the window. You sound very organised on the rest and kind. 

Fortune_Smiles

Drama out of a Crisis!

I didn't like 2020 much and 2021 isn't growing on me either.  We've now been the victims of a serious crime!  I can't go into details here as it's likely we'll be called to Court.  Thankfully we are now ok but it's another stressful thing to cope with.

On the up side, Uncle F has had some legal advice and we have a way forward in his situation.  He's feeling very sad about things and is facing a bumpy ride but at least has some control now and can make progress.

I'm exhausted 🥱 but the demands on my time and emotions should start to lessen now and I'll be able to focus on 'normal' stuff again.  Money wise all is going to plan.  We've spent a little fun money on takeaways but, other than that, spends have been planned for or necessary.  FDawg is running a little low on treats so I may need to spend on those today.

Meal planning has been based around the contents of the veg box and the fridge.  I'm still working out how best to cater for three but Uncle F is easy to feed as he's happy to eat almost anything 😆  He's been helping Mr F out in the garden which has been fun for them both and means the work is getting done more quickly.

We've had Broccoli, Gruyere & Chorizo Soup for lunch today and I'm planning Quick Braised Red Cabbage, Sausages and Apples for supper.

I hope everyone is safe and well.  We are hunkering down, watching the case numbers and hoping to see them drop.  The daffodils are peeping up through our verges already and a friend posted a photo of some snowdrops they discovered on a walk this morning.  Spring is coming and the sun will be shining again before we know it.  So hang on in there guys, better times will come.

Fortune x

Cheery_Daff

Goodness me Fortune! what a stressful time for you all. I do hope you really are ok xxx

rtandon27

Fortune_Smiles said:

We've now been the victims of a serious crime!  I can't go into details here as it's likely we'll be called to Court.  Thankfully we are now ok but it's another stressful thing to cope with.

Sending supportive vibes & a big virtual hug your way xxx

VintageHistorian

Oh my god Fortune you poor thing! I hope whoever committed it gets caught and punished for it.

Mrs_Money_Penny

Hope you are ok. Take care xx