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

[Deleted User]

in_need_of_direction wrote: »

I had a boy and a girl. I'm not sure which cost more. However, my son was very sporty and participated in more than one activity. In his teenage years his feet were growing rapidly and I can remember despairing at the cost of his various types of footwear as each sport seemed to need its own shoes.

I agree about the shoes. My brother was in his school rugby and cross country running teams and was forever needing new specialised shoes/boots. No trainers in those days. My school hockey boots lasted me all my school life:rotfl:. My Mum bought my first pair with plenty of 'growing room', as with all my uniform. I ended up being pretty short in height although I seemed quite tall for my age when I left primary school. The sleeves of my one and only blazer were just about the right length by the time I was ready to leave school:rotfl:


My main sporting activities were swimming and tennis but I wasn't in any teams. My racquet was a hand-me-down from my Aunty, a heavy wooden one (anyone remember them?) and we played for free on the school hard courts after hours or weekends and holidays. Sometimes we played in the park on their hard courts which were free too but you had to get there very early in the morning before the adult players wanted them:(. My swimsuit seemed to fit me for most of my teenage years. It started off a dark maroon colour and the constant exposure to chlorine in the pool had made it fade to pink when it eventually gave up the ghost:eek:. I wasn't bought a new one just because it looked shabby, it was perfectly serviceable. It never occurred to me to ask for a new one. I think modern girls would have a whole set of fashionable swimwear. Different times, eh?

elizabethhull

carbootcrazy wrote: »

My swimsuit seemed to fit me for most of my teenage years. It started off a dark maroon colour and the constant exposure to chlorine in the pool had made it fade to pink when it eventually gave up the ghost:eek:. I wasn't bought a new one just because it looked shabby, it was perfectly serviceable. It never occurred to me to ask for a new one. I think modern girls would have a whole set of fashionable swimwear. Different times, eh?

Swimsuits used to expand/grow as you wore them. My friend had one for her 3yr old, by the time the girl was 5 it was ridiculously long, so she passed it on to my 7yr old, and she then wore it for another year by which time it was nearly adult-sized, but practically see-through ! A very economical swimsuit !!

HairyHandofDartmoor

This morning I went for a long walk by the sea which was very soothing. There's something about waves lapping the shore that is very peaceful.

When I got back I did the following:

-Put a wash on
-Folded up some clean washing
-Washed two more doors so they're ready for DH to paint
-Made an optician appointment for DS3
-Booked a table for a family meal next week to celebrate DS3 going to uni (paid for with vouchers)

I feel like I've done more than that!

Still to do is:

-Dust bookcase in bathroom
-Hang up wet washing
-Put some towels on to wash

HairyHandofDartmoor

My to do list is now complete.

-Put a wash on DONE
-Folded up some clean washing DONE
-Washed two more doors so they're ready for DH to paint DONE
-Made an optician appointment for DS3 DONE
-Booked a table for a family meal next week to celebrate DS3 going to uni (paid for with vouchers) DONE
-Dust bookcase in bathroom DONE
-Hang up wet washing DONE
-Put some towels on to wash DONE

I'm trying to relax now because I'm tired, but it's difficult. I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning so I can start doing things again . We're watching Bodyguard at the moment which is good, but I struggle to concentrate on the telly at the moment.

Sun_Addict

You probably haven't noticed this yourself HH but you are sounding so much more like your old self again. Keeping busy really does help I can vouch for that.

All the talk of girls costing more - my DS was the fashion conscious one, I always said he should've been the girl as DD wasn't girly in the least, still isn't.

Loving the story of 50s/60s from carbootcrazy - simpler days. My heyday was the late 70s/early 80s - I think looking back it was a good time to grow up compared to today.

Anyway, well done on getting so much done

HairyHandofDartmoor

Thanks SA. It does help to keep busy and then I can pretend it hasn"t happened sometimes.

HairyHandofDartmoor

I'm going to be off for my Saturday ramble in a bit.

The sun is shining so I've put the clothes horse in the garden. I'll need to get another one for the winter because we're giving DS3 the smaller one to take to uni. I'd like to get a really big clothes horse that can dry jumpers flat and I've seen one in Arg0s that I like. We just need to part with the money!

I've lost another pound and a half, which is weird because I'm not even trying. It took me ages to get to sleep last night. My dad sent me a photo last night of him holding his new great grandson, and it made me feel sad that my mum never met her great grandson and I won't see a photo of her holding him. Then at bedtime I couldn't stop thinking about the last time I saw my mum at the hospital when she was so ill. Anyway best not to dwell.

I need to get DS3 some more lapsang souchong today (that boy has expensive tastes, I drink Mr T value!) and DH wants some more squeezable honey for his porridge. I hope everyone has a good Saturday.

[Deleted User]

Enjoy your ramble, HH. I hope you find some bargains especially books:beer:

I expect DS3 will downgrade his tea choices when he's at Uni and having to pay for his own. Amazing what a bit of belt-tightening does to our preferences;)

mummytogirls

Enjoy your Saturday ramble HHOD.

Re the close airer I noticed Mr Al's had some in for £12.99 (I think) yesterday but unsure of the size etc. Plus I'm not sure if you have Al's nearby but just incase.

Lovely baby news, I'm sure Mum is looking down xx

please-let-me-be-lucky

Hope you’ve had a lovely saunter Xx