The Final Furlong

Dottles1

Not a bad day at work today, mostly marking and a bit of IT training but I didn't leave till 7pm. I've been out and bought the voucher I wanted and tried to book a able for Sunday's family get together but they wouldn't allow it so we're going to have to take a shot with fingers crossed. I'm sure it will be ok.
Tomorrow is going to be another 8.30 to 9.00 shift but then I'm finished for the holidays. Private work on Friday has been cancelled again which is a pain financially but can't be helped and it does mean that I can get on with prep for the weekend. I'm getting excited now.
I still have lots of wrapping to do but I'm not going to think about it until I get finished tomorrow.
It is pouring down here.
I hope you are all keeping dry and warm
Dottles x

Dottles1

Good morning Festive Frugalers
I haven't checked in for a couple of days as it has been rather busy (insert crazy) around here, but in a good way. I went out for my Christmas meal with friend P. We went to a fairly new place in the village which has been opened in the vault of the old bank. The building is very old and was originally a pub, very atmospheric with domed ceilings and brick niches in the walls. P paid the bill for my Christmas (very generous) present. The food was delicious and it is walking distance from my house so a very pleasant evening was had.
Yesterday was panto day - Oh yes it was! Sorry, I couldn't resist. It is tradition that I have always taken the grandchildren to the small theatre in the next town every year but as they are getting older there are fewer of us to go. This year it was me, GD's 2 & 4 and my little great grandson who is 2. It was magical watching his wide eyes as he took in what was going on. He loved it so I think he may be onboard for a few years now.
Today is going to be busy, DD2 is coming up from Manchester so we are all, apart from GD3 who has to work, gathering for a meal in a local pub. It's a chance to swap presents before everyone goes their own ways for Christmas and we plan to facetime GD1 in america so she can be involved. It will be a real treat for me as I don't often get all my lot together at once.
I have 2 more gifts to wrap and deliver and then the rest of the day will be spent packing, checking I have all documents and a bit of housework so that I can come home to a tidy house. I also have to pack up Tilly and take her to GS's house. I think after that lot I will have no problem sleeping.
I'm getting excited for my trip now. I don't relish the long flight but armed with a new book, comfy clothes and inflight films, I should be ok and might catch up on some sleep.
Ok I'd better get started on some of those tasks or I'll never get done.
I may drop in later if I get chance, but if I don't I'd like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas spent in whatever way you would wish.
Merry Christmas everybody, I'll see you all next decade.
Dottles x

LABMUM

Merry Christmas. Have a lovely trip.

Honeysucklelou2

Merry Christmas...have a fantastic trip .

beanielou

Enjoy your trip

cathybird

Dottles, hope you are having a lovely time, and Happy New Year to you xx

Seasidegal58

I hope you had a very merry Christmas overseas dottles and all the very best for a MSE 2020!

cathybird

Happy New Year, Dottles! Hope 2020 is a great year for you

savingholmes

Happy New Year

Dottles1

Thanks for all the New Year wishes and a Happy New Year to you all.
I got back late on the 1st with a cold that appeared mid flight and jet lag, hence the late night post. I was awake looking through empty cupboards for food at 3.30 yesterday morning and then did not wake up until 1pm. Crazy !!
I have come back to a bit of financial chaos (or that is how it feels) but plan to sort that tomorrow. I went over my spending budget for the holiday by £100 and estimate that I have £200 hanging over from Christmas shopping. There is also a problem with my car that I should have a quote for tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed but fear it may be expensive. I'm trying not to get too despondent about it as I know that next year I will have complete pots in place for these things. Anyway I'll update the figures and plan of action tomorrow when I know what I'm dealing with.

I can't begin to tell you what a fabulous trip I had. I walked miles, ate delicious food and made memories with my brilliant GD1. L A appears to be a city of extremes, the very rich and the very poor. Whilst I enjoyed taking a peep into the glitz and glamour I was saddened by the number of homeless people and obvious mental health issues there and how "invisible" they appeared to be. It makes me think how lucky I am to have what I have.
Ok I'm going to try to get my head down and will report back tomorrow.
Sleep well all
Dottles x