Life is a minestrone as the song says - my new diary

teapot2

Thanks all  re funding cuts, I too think we are probably in for years of even more cuts to funding so maybe time for a rethink to how communities support each other as I know some have been doing

teapot2

Not much to report, weather has been grim for about a week, very wet, foggy and cold has felt autumnal really.  Nothing of note going on financially.  I have just under £20 on Prolific with another few quid pending so will cash that out to pay the minimum on a CC, also up to £18 on 1poll.  Main invoice still not been paid so money a bit tight to pay more than minimum on cards but will see whats spare once money comes in and add to the payment, home and contents insurance also due this month so need to do a comparison later.  Don't think there will be much spare to put into savings this months but hopefully August's income will be better than July's.  
Had a wander up to the PO earlier to post a wee online sale and buy some bread and a bit of fish -  trying to support local shops as much as poss.  Veg place had a box of free over ripe bananas outside so took a couple to do some baking with.
One online meeting this affy was cancelled due to an emergency - theirs not mine.  I have another one shortly to discuss the withdrawn funding and possible ways forward - think that will be tough going.  However the sun is out for the first time in about a week so will have a cup of tea sitting in the garden before that starts.
Missing going to the Edinburgh Book Festival this year, a much scaled down version online so I've watched a few events there.

beanielou

teapot2 said:

beanielou said:

How long til your SRP kicks in? 🤔

Under a year to go Beanie

That's good then.
The end is in sight   

beanielou

Oh the Val McDermid event is this week I think.

teapot2

beanielou said:

Oh the Val McDermid event is this week I think.

Yes her event was on the opening night - still available via video though.  Also Ian Rankin been on as well

teapot2

This afternoon's plan was to cut the grass however it has started raining heavily so thats not happening.  I've plugged the cordless vacuum in to recharge so will take that upstairs and do a hoover round and clean instead.  Family came round yesterday so had a catch up and I'd cooked some fish curry for them to take away - enough for me to have some for tea as well.  Fridge is a bit empty but have done a S@insbo order to be delivered this week.  I've not been able to get a slot with them since lockdown but they seem to have more available and they sent an email giving me £6 off as I hadn't used them for ages!!
I did a comparison for home and contents insurance which is due and the renewal price I had from current insurers was actually pretty competitive.  We used to have separate home emergency cover but had a 'mare with the company who twice caused me to be in overdraft by taking the annual payment rather than monthly as set up.  I looked at adding home emergency to current cover but really not sure its worth it - maximum they pay is £500, there are a very large number of exclusions and it would cost an extra £45 on top of home and contents.  Hope I don't regret this but am thinking I won't bother - have been able to build up my EF a bit in lockdown so it looks healthier.
I've still not been paid from my biggest invoice so will chase that up next week as the manager there will be back from holidays.  The next invoice is due to be submitted on Thursday so hopefully they might be paid at the same time.  Am up to £35 on Prolific - got a survey the other day that paid £4 and a £5 bonus so that bumped it up.  1Poll is nearly up to £20 so not long to payout there.  
I've been growing peppers for the first time, they are indoors as I don't have a greenhouse and they've done well.  I've 4 plants of small, sweet peppers and 3 plants of the long pointy peppers.  They all have peppers on them but don't know if they will stay green or turn red as the weather has been so poor for weeks now.  Theoretically they are positioned in full sun but we haven't had any of that consistently for ages so not sure what will happen with ripening.
Not sure what to have for tea, I have half a block of paneer, a packet of tofu and plenty potatoes so might make something curried out of that.  I've got a couple of video calls later to catch up with friends and will look to see whats on at the Book Festival as well.  Last night I watched Nicola Sturgeon interview Bernadine Evaristo and really enjoyed that - normally I wouldn't be able to get a ticket for one the events hosted by NS as they sell out immediately so it was good to be able to see it online.

Karmacat

Sounds like you're using your broadband connection really well, teapot. 

NS ... I hate to sound enthusiastic about any politician these days, but I love NS!  I think she's wonderful ...

beanielou

Karmacat said:

Sounds like you're using your broadband connection really well, teapot. 

NS ... I hate to sound enthusiastic about any politician these days, but I love NS!  I think she's wonderful ...

I really like her too.
I have met her twice.
Once earlier this year when I met her personally.

teapot2

Yes I like NS too and it was good to see her more relaxed and obviously enjoying the interview.  In case anyone is interested, all the book festival events are available free online till the end of August [donations also welcome].  Just search for the 'Edinburgh International Book Festival'. 
Val McDermid talked in an earlier event about her theory that something all the best leaders [mostly women]  have in common is that they all read fiction and this encourages empathy and gives an insight into different lives which is an interesting idea 🤔🤔

beanielou

Val McDermid is a fellow Fifer