The Final Furlong

remote_control

Marie Kondo says when decluttering just to get it anything you don't want out of the area, e.g. put it all in a box in the hall. Then deciding where it needs to go (e.g. sell, charity shop, recycle) is actually a separate job. If that makes sense. 

Dottles1

That makes a lot of sense actually as once I have the room how I want it I wont want to spoil it.  At least then you only have one box to sort through

savingholmes

I think her other thing is group like things together so it sounds like you are well on your way

Dottles1

It does doesn't it.. Everything seems to stop during the week though and pick up again at the weekend.  Mind you so long as it gets done that doesn't really matter.
Well it's Friday again, where has the week gone?  I now have my new interior doors fitted, they look lovely and shut properly so everywhere is feeling more cosy.  The guy was brilliant at social distancing, came with a gazebo to put on the drive to work under and tidied up after himself.  All Tilly and I had to do was to shut ourselves in the living room and then relocate to the bedroom for a while.  He has done  a fabulous job and I found out that he also fits kitchens so I'll definitely use him when I get mine done.   
DGD4 came for tea again on Tuesday which is now becoming our regular slot and I've had a Zoom call this afternoon with friends P & S.  It is looking doubtful for my weekly long walk as we are forecast snow for the weekend, as are most people.  Still we've agreed to decide in the morning when we can see what it's like as last week the forecasted rain didn't come until the afternoon but we had already moved the day.  If not I will crack on with a few indoor jobs I have on my list instead.
 on the sofa but needs must.  That's one of the good things about having a dg, you have to get some exercise whether you feel like it or not!
I'm off to make a cuppa first as I've not had one since first thing.
Keep warm everyone
Dottles x

foxgloves

Great that you got the work on your doors done, Dottles. We have postponed the remaining work on our house as I'm worried about social distancing, but I think this weekend, we at least need to make a plan of what exactly we have left to do, all the fine detail, etc, as even getting a quote would make me feel we're still moving forward.
Yes, I think almost everywhere is on for some snow this weekend. I only have to go out on Saturday morning, as I need to collect our flour order from the local (ish) windmill. I said I'd go the following weekend if it turns out to be snowy but I think our area is most likely to see snow on Sunday & maybe Monday, so hopefully we'll be ok. I like snow, actually, but don't like driving in it much. I skidded off a rural road on a hill many years ago - no damage done, but it shook me up as I couldn't see how I was going to regain control of the car - so I think it just made me aware of how skiddy it can be. Ah well, let's all stay cosy, anyway.
F x

savingholmes

Glad you got your doors sorted safely. Sounds like you're really making your home your own.

Dottles1

Afternoon All.
I've been MIA for a few days, nothing to worry about, I've just been busy with work and not much happening.  I decided to stay off the internet for a bit and spend some time resting and being kind to myself (i.e. not making lists of things to do) however I'm now back in the world of the living.  I've realised that my work load has grown far more than I'd expected and whilst I'm not complaining and given the current financial climate I'm very grateful, neither do I want to end up working all hours as I was last year.  I have decided to see where I am at the end of June and plan from there.
DGD4's Tuesday visits for tea are now a regular occurrence and I love planning our meals together as she is happy to try new things and I get to try out recipes.  I walked her home on Tuesday instead of driving as the weather was quite mild and dry so Tilly got an extra walk in and I increased my steps for the day.  I'm averaging about 8,000 steps a day at present so not bad but room for improvement as the weather improves.  I have plans to walk with friend P again on Saturday but the forecast is not looking promising; I'll keep an eye on it and decide nearer to the time as it often changes.
I have all birthdays for this month sorted out, one doorstep delivery, another tomorrow and card sent to America (I'm depositing money into her in bank account next week to go towards her new phone).  I now have a respite until April.
Last weekend I decided to give the kitchen a deep clean clearing all the worktops in the process so that I could clean to the back properly.  I was so pleased with the results that I plan to put aside time to do the living room thoroughly on Sunday.  It's funny how I love the feeling of a really clean room but hate doing it, hopefully just concentrating on one at a time will make it seem less of a chore.  It also helps to have a treat like feet up with a coffee and either a good book or a film afterwards
I'm working through my fridge and freezer this week so that I can use the left over money in the food budget to stock up again.  Tonight is looking like fish with parsley sauce, green beans spicy potatoes and cabbage.  I have more green beans, broccoli and cabbage to use up and maybe will freeze some for another time or for soup.
Well I'm off to make some coffee as I have another client in an hour so I might just do some food prep while I'm waiting for it.  
Keep safe and warm everyone.
Speak soon.
Dottles x

savingholmes

Glad you are doing okay. Sensible to review your first year following retirement and adjust as needed.

Dottles1

Afternoon everyone. 
It's a bit chilly here today but at least it's dry, too windy for rain I think.  I've been to the hospital for a check up on my left eye post surgery a couple of years ago.  I was due to have the right eye operated on a year later but with everything happening I'm still waiting.  The consultant was most apologetic but it's not as though it's an emergency and given the circumstances I'm just being patient and grateful for the NHS.  I don't have to go back until October when he hopes that I will have had the second surgery so fingers crossed.  I have cashed out £56 from PA which I have put straight into the birthday and Christmas po and checked the budgets in readiness for pay day on Monday.  I have enough food in for meals this week apart from a few fresh vegetables so expect to have £20 left in the food budget which will go into the vet pot.
Clients are beginning to slow down now as a few are coming to an end.  I have 15 this week but it looks like it might settle down to around 10 per week which would be manageable and enough to cover my expenses with a little extra to put away.  
It was DD1's birthday on Friday so I took her presents over and did a doorstep delivery.  She loved everything and seems to have had a pleasant day despite not going anywhere to celebrate, how easily we have become used to this "new normal".
Well I'm going to make a coffee and have 10 minutes before making some tomato sauce to have with tagliatelle and meatless balls as it's GD4's night for coming for tea.
Enjoy your afternoon all
Speak soon
Dottles x

savingholmes

Nice to have company. Glad demand has stayed strong for your skills. Hope you get your eye surgery