Finally Debt Free After 34 Years, But Still Need to Live Frugally

jwil

We've got a load of Angela Thirkells in the loft. I've never read them. Maybe I will try one day!

redofromstart

jwil they are gentle countryside books where nothing much nasty happens. Soothing. Set in Anthony Trollopes Barsetshire.
elizabethhull you are right, it just wasn't very well paid as it was before minimum wage and arguably was a waste of an expensive education, rather than I was in a mess.
It covered food and rent, but not savings or holidays and after a few years the novelty value of being paid to read all day does wear off.
carbootcrazy Wentworth is definitely at the lighter end of the golden age stuff, and (like any author) she wrote some enjoyable books, and some clearly done to pay the bills

I tend to try the free sample on kindle of new to me authors, can generally get a feel of whether they are for me or not on that basis. HHOD You can do that on a tablet or the computer as well, doesn't have to be a kindle.

HairyHandofDartmoor

Sun_Addict wrote: »

Well done on the cash out and the cleaning mission

Thanks SA

Cumbria_lass wrote: »

My books have arrived , have started The Coffin Trail tonight. I have walked the coffin trail a couple of times so can identify some places .

Operation clean up sounds good, nothing like a bit of spring cleaning !

The books do make the Lakes sound beautiful.

HairyHandofDartmoor

carbootcrazy wrote: »

redofromstart, thanks so much for posting about Angela Thirkell:T. I've often seen copies of her books at car boot sales and charity stalls but walked by without a second glance:o. I'll definitely buy at least one next time I see any at a bargain price. I love discovering a new author:j


As for Patricia Wentworth, I'm sorry to say I'm not a fan:(. I read several of her books many years ago and I found them pleasant enough time-fillers but that's about it. Just goes to show how different we booklovers are;)


I'm green with envy that you once worked in a second hand bookshop. That's my idea of paradise, even if it had been in a difficult financial situation like yours. I could happily live on air if I had unlimited books to read:j

I'd love to work in a second hand bookshop too, but there's hardly any left now (apart from Hay On Wye, my idea of paradise ).

Patricia Wentworth (like Christie) is never going to be highbrow literature but they's so cosy and escapist that I love them .

elizabethhull wrote: »

Perhaps that was not exactly what you said !!

The opportunity to lose oneself in another world is priceless, whether Agatha Christie, Dickens, Stephen King or the latest post-apocalyptic doom-laden story.

Thanks to Tramadol I had a very productive day yesterday, so today without it have at least brought in all the washing I'd done. Doesn't line-dried washing smell just fabulous ?

There's that bit in Elizabeth Taylor's 'Angel', where the main character's mother, given unwanted riches and servants, bewails the loss of bringing in fresh washing, and knowing just the moment when a cake is ready by the slight sound it makes. All the things she had learned and perfected are now unneeded skills.

I agree about losing yourself in another world, sometimes I want gritty noir and other times cosy and predictable, but it's always good to escape to another world sometimes .

It would be tough if you weren't allowed to use your skills or do the things you enjoy, sometimes the simpler pleasures are the most rewarding.

[Deleted User]

elizabethhull wrote: »

Perhaps that was not exactly what you said !!

No, definitely NOT what I said:rotfl:. As someone who hasn't a sweet tooth I very rarely eat cake, usually only to be encouraging if someone like a young godchild offers me a slice of something they've made and are mightily proud of, for instance. I certainly couldn't live on it:eek:

HairyHandofDartmoor

It's been beautiful weather today, sunny and warm but not hot .

Today was my big weekly shop at Mr T which was only about £3 over budget :T.

I spent another £12 on food for our dinner party (that sounds much posher than it's going to be) but that's from a separate budget. I bought two chocolate gateauxs, an apple strudel and a tub of ice cream for desserts. I also bought some pine nuts to add to brown rice and DH is going to do a chicken curry with a lentil version for me. I'll buy some olives and nibbles another day for starters.

I looked at wine but it was very expensive so I couldn't bring myself to buy any . Where can I buy cheap wine that doesn't taste like tractor oil?

I got another YG survey today which is three this week, unbelievable! I'm nearly at 3000 points but it's a year since I last got a payout :mad:.

Hope everyone has had a good day today .

[Deleted User]

HairyHandofDartmoor wrote: »

Patricia Wentworth (like Christie) is never going to be highbrow literature but they's so cosy and escapist that I love them .

I tend not to read too much highbrow literature these days:o. I just like an escapist read but couldn't get enthusiastic about the Wentworths.


I love Agatha Christie books:T and think I've read most of them. I've got a paperback somewhere about how she plotted her stories. Note to self: have a good look for it and read it;)

beanielou

A wine box?

Sun_Addict

Look for the wine deals when the good ones are £5 a bottle - if you drink red I can recommend the Isla Negra from Mr T, usually selling at 2 for £9. If you drink white most Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is fab.

Anyway back to books, another weakness of mine, I enjoy ones that are recommended by the Richard and Judy book club as it makes me read books I might not have chosen otherwise. I've never been tempted by Kindle books, despite having the app on my iPad. You can't beat the smell and feel of a real book

HairyHandofDartmoor

carbootcrazy wrote: »

I tend not to read too much highbrow literature these days:o. I just like an escapist read but couldn't get enthusiastic about the Wentworths.


I love Agatha Christie books:T and think I've read most of them. I've got a paperback somewhere about how she plotted her stories. Note to self: have a good look for it and read it;)

I think I've got that book Carboot, I must read mine. I've also got her autobiography which I want to read .