The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Not quite sure where this month or week has gone, but we have made it to the end and to payday, the sun is shining and thanks to an hour to kill yesterday we have fully stocked food cupboards and fridge (including actual vegetables and fruit).

Yesterday was options open night for DD2, and we have come home more confused than we were when we went.  I am glad we did go though as it has crossed one of them that she was going to choose off the list as it was really not her cup of tea and to be honest sounded really boring.  We just need to see what she replaces it with now.  One of the others she chose is also now only on the maybe list.  We need to complete the form on Monday so it is going to be a fun weekend going back and forth.

Payday today and money moved to where is needs to be.  Things on the money front are looking ok for now.  No doubt by saying that we will have some kind of disaster happen, but we would hopefully cope.

A few things to do over the weekend but nothing too big.  I do seem to be having some problems with my email at the moment.  Several people have said that they have sent me emails (including the school), but I am not receiving them.  I am hoping that I do not need end up needing to change my email address yet again.

slm6002

Not sure how it is midday already, but I have done a few things after getting up a little later than normal.  Currently home alone which is unheard of now.

Need to get cracking with the washing, kitchen and the living room as they are all a mess.  Need to investigate why the dishwasher is not doing a great job on the bottom shelf.  It has already had a cleaning run, but still not washing brilliantly.  I have recently filled it up with salt so it sometimes takes a few loads to get back to normal - fingers crossed that is all it is.

I have booked for the local DIY store to come out and measure my kitchen and then do some plans, just to get an idea.  My sister is also having a go as she has renovated a couple of houses now and always does a good job.  Once I have a plan I will know roughly how much I will need to save.  I then need to see if I use my builders or the store ones.  Mine would need booking at least year in advance I have found, but then I may need a year to save up.

Right a few more bits to do before I grab some lunch.  Beef & ale stew in the slow cooker for tonight and another batch in the freezer (minus the ale).

slm6002

Been productive today and more so when the sun appeared - isn't it lovely when it isn't raining grey and miserable.
* Made myself a home made cheese mayo and onion sandwich filler.  Enough for a few days and many times cheaper than those small pots that you get in the supermarkets.  It was tasty and will be repeated. 
* Many loads of washing have been done and although the sun has been out I have used the tumble dryer as the whirly gig is in the shade most of the day at this time of year.  Hopefully soon though it will be on the line as there is nothing better.  I will have been using free electricity generated from the solar panels though so not too bad.
* Just changed the battery in the door bell - though the delivery drivers had been rude just chucking the parcels down and not ringing, but turns out battery had gone. All replaced now though.  Happy to report the right size battery was also in the kitchen drawer so no spend there either.  I had to replace a fuse (also in found in the same drawer) earlier today too.
* Kitchen much tidier and the dishwasher is getting better,  so I am thinking it was probably the salt had run really low.  I have reloaded and the second lot is washing - had built up due to items needing rewashing a few times.
* We have a game called outsmarted which is an online / board game quiz for all ages.  Every now and again we get a voucher,  and I have just downloaded another 2 subjects for next time that we play.  I don't think that I have ever paid for new topics and always wait for the freebie voucher.
*Sat outside talking to DD1 and BF soaking up the sun and getting a good dose of vitamin D.

I am sure there is more as I have been running around doing things up until now, either way the house looks better, no money was spent and the house maintenance has been started

dawnybabes

I make a cheese sandwich filler too, I also add a little grated carrot too, makes it go further and keeps it ‘moist’ and adds a crunch 

slm6002

Ooh I like that idea @dawnybabes.  I used cheddar and red Leicester mix of cheese, but we all like carrot so even if it isn't just me eating it there will be no complaints

slm6002

I may have made a small purchase of a shoe storage unit so that I can get everyones shoes stored out of sight.  With DS having clown feet I have gone for a cube storage with boxes so they will fit.  There is money in the home fund and this has been a issue for quite some time now so happy to spend the money if it will sort it out.

slm6002

I have just under an hour before I need to collect DS from work, so am sitting enjoying the peace and quiet.  It has been quite a lazy day so far compared to yesterdays running around.  It is only myself and DD2 here today as the others are at work.

We popped into town to buy some more paint so she could finish her homework off, but that was the only thing purchased.  I did suggest the passport photo that she will need, but she hadn't made herself look beautiful enough (her words) for that, so we will wait until next week.  I need to see if we need XH's permission to get it sorted or not.  If not I think we will get one for DS as well so that we all have one, just in case it is needed.  Mum's health isn't great and her OH has just been diagnosed with cancer and about to see what treatment is required, so we may be needed abroad at short notice.

Had a thought about the kitchen.... I am wondering if it is possible to put my washer and tumble dryer on the wall that backs onto the downstairs toilet sink.  The water comes from the mains rather than the tank, and there must be a drain there for the sink.  Not sure if it is possible to then attach the washing machine or not?  That would free up space in the actual kitchen but take away some dining room area, but still think it would work.  Need a VR Headset and to be able to move things around with a swish of my finger lol

slm6002

Made it to Wednesday - yesterday was a really long day.  I plan on only doing a half day today at work - not sure it will work but that is the plan.

Mum took a trip into hospital yesterday after passing out while out for dinner, but is back home now.  They think she has a virus so has been given pills to take and should be fine soon.

DD2 has completed the options for her GCSEs and now just have to wait until May to see if she gets her 1st choices,  I hope so after finally making the decisions.

Pancakes last night - why do we not make them more often,  they are yummy and easy.

Made up the shoe storage last night but should have left it until today as was exhausted.  Anyway it is done and looks much bigger in the hallway than I expected.  It may have to go elsewhere I think. We used to have a tall unit there the same size but I have obviously got used to a big space there.  Either way the shoes are no longer on the floors and do fit - even DS's clown shoes.

I best get moving as not even got my homemade porridge pot ready as yet.

slm6002

Got my half day at work and it is much needed,  I have sat in the sun and eaten my lunch.  I am home alone for the first time in a while which is great.  Not sure why it makes a difference as they normally hide in their rooms anyway, but it just seems like a treat.  Got until 5 when I need to collect DD2 from school.

Got the first load of washing in the machine and I may even pop it out on the line - will see if it is in the sun or shade when it finishes.  I need to marinate the chicken next and work out what we need to order in the shopping this week, and may try to tidy up outside a little while the sun is out.

Octopus are seeing if I can merge my 2 accounts (selling solar and buying gas and elect).  Not sure if that means a new tariff or just popping 2 in one account. Sent off my meter readings to them and b.gas yesterday so everyone knows what to bill me.

slm6002

Another half day and rushed home ready for the online food shop to be delivered.  Fridge and cupboards are filled nicely.  Meal plan in my head so I know what we are eating, just not assigned to each day.

DD1 is poorly and in bed, hoping it is only a 24 hr bug.  Thankfully she wasn't due in work today, but very unfortunate she was at BF house when it all happened.  Luckily she is quite close to BF's mum who took care of her.  I didn't see the text she sent until it was too late - although not much I could have done at that point.  Anyway today is rest and dry toast.

DS missed his bus so had to buy his train ticket and will be worn out from the extra walk to college today.  Good job he has a train card and can get a discount, but he does have to pay from his money.  I pay when he is needed at college later than the bus, but if I have woken him up and he still misses it, he has to pay.  I am probably being mean, but it encourages them to get up and be on time more.

No club tonight so plan on tv, showers and early to bed.