Fabulously Frugal and Free at 50!

UncannyScot

Thinking of you and yours
Hope all is well
(((((HUGS)))))
:A

beanielou

How are things in these very windy lands?

EssexHebridean

Check-in on behalf of the Stripey one. Thinking of everyone but lots going on at the moment and a bit too "full up" of stuff to manage to get in here as well. She will be back and sends a wave!

WannabeFree

Sends a wave back..

Stay warm x

beanielou

Thanks EH for keeping us updated
You are a wee star.

rtandon27

Virtual Kettle on & the fire kept burning waiting for your return Pips! In the meantime anyone up for a Nanaimo Bar or Butter Tart?!?:D:D:D

EssexHebridean

Oh now you're talking RT...I'll contribute some cheese to keep everyone going.

*edit* OK butter tarts look and sound incredible! I knew about nanaimo bars already as a pal makes them for a living!

troglodyte

Ooh a virtual party! I can bring some Florentines!


RT not heard of Nanaimo bars before, but a friend always makes us some butter tarts and they are yummy!

Pippilongstocking

Hey there chaps I really appreciate the patience and the support.

Lifes been a bit full on crackers here. The wee ma patient is responding well to the treatment but is a little further along the path than we thought - so all those kind thoughts are very very gratefully received. We're doing what we can to help. Beanie she got that payment sorted and a bright blue badge - so thank you for the prompt there. x

The elder pup has had some routines tests and appears that he's got a late stage degenerative disease (as well as a wonky knee now) so we've had a shareful of vet action this month that has equated to almost my entire salary. He's comfortable, but his coat is on a shoogly peg as we say round these parts - so he's with me all of the time the now - and quite heavily medicated. But, he's from the northern isles so very stubborn. We'll just see how comfy we can keep him.

So spends on fuel and spends on vets have been eyewatering - which means a keen eye on the cupboards and eating a lot out of the freezer.

I've taken some time off today as my holidays run out at end of year and I have had too many to take. Today I've reactived the credit card - I know its not a solution but its getting uber tight the now.

We've a holiday soon and thankfully its all paid for - aside some spends - which I did put some by for.

I hope you're all well - thanks for keeping the patch warm.

Off to check banks and update spends on my spreadsheet I think petrol iis double its normal - but food spends are down. We don't buy xmas pressies so its not too crazy a month aside vet bills.

All the rest of the family is fine so that's a blessing and the cupboards are groaning so we are so much luckier than folks in so many ways. I know that for sure.



So I've just butchered a gifted crown prince squash and have some a souping and some a roastign and with the quarter I had left I wondered about making a 'pumpkin' pie - although all the recipes I've seen start with 'open a can of pumpkin puree'.......must look more on - kitchen smells lush though.

Some random reduced pork chops and some puff pastry (30p) have been repurposed into sausage rolls for lunches. Kitchen is cosy.

Also picked up a half a car of free wood from brothers job - need to get that stacked.

Pippilongstocking

Card update one is at zero the other is a at £2015
Both OD's are just as they were - although I was trying pay them off right now I'm just muddling through. Although I have 500 left in the main overdraft I'll likely spend that before pay day - but I hope not all the bills are off and I've paid small amounts to the bigger CC just over the minimum - but not put anything new on any cards this month.

I'll see what I can put towards debt extra - I owe DH £100 to finally pay of holibub but he's not fretting about that atm.

We probably need more oil - I'm guessing its false economy to leave that til Jan as its a 5 week month - we're not using much and I've just inherited a half share in a calor gas fire to help take the chill off when the stoves aren't on.

SO debt the now is at 4015 approximately. Its down slightly but not much.

We've spent less than £24/£200 on food this month so far - mainly milk, dog food and the odd reduced thing.

Still accessing a lot of free fruit and veg from work and picking way through the freezer. All our lunches have been HM and the best part of rest of the meals have been HM too unless out over in the land of Marmalade.

Its not as bad as I feared but its not the progress I hoped for before the goal posts changed. Must do a meal plan.