The Best Is Yet To Come

Bargainhunter30

Sometimes you have to go ahead with the things you think you want to realise that the grass isn't greener on the other side. 

And sometimes the perfect thing is waiting for you. Everything will work out as it's meant too x

debtfreewannabe321

We've got a total reno again ☹️ third in a Row. It was the only way we could get where we wanted to be as the houses are more expensive here. And we got an extra bedroom this time (for the office). 
Prices seem to have dipped slightly since last year I've noticed (I'm always on RM). See if your area is the same, if it is it might be worth selling up, renting for six months and then being ready to go as soon as you see something suitable (and you'd be in a great position for a cheeky offer). Does your dad have space at his house if you were to stay for a few months? 

slm6002

Thank you.  Yes Dad has loads of space but also a wife who would say no!  Ideally I would move back home and live with him and help him around the garden and house.  He has 6 acres and although just about manageable at the moment you can see that he is slowing down.  It is part of the reason I would like to be closer to him.  The one I like in his village (the only 4 bed available) has been on the market since last April and they have only dropped the price by 10k since then so maybe a cheeky offer would work.  And then there is still the option to stay put, have the parking issue for a few more years until DD2 moves out and then maybe we only need a 3 bed?  Although this option would drive me crazy.

Anyway the washing machine has finished so I am off to reload and pop this one on the line

slm6002

Good morning, I was awake early again.  I have already given the plants some water (probably the wrong time of day, but I forgot yesterday), and set some washing going.  I plan to be home at lunch time so will pop it on the line then.  I also mended / sewed up the zip on my trousers as it broke the other day (as trousers are so old but worn all the time for work).

Mum had no electricity the other night as she lives in Spain.  They had no idea what was going on so I ended up sending screen shots of the news to her.  They had candles and water and were home so in a better situation than some.  It came back on in the night just before 3 and woke them up. Told her to make sure she has some more bits in, in case it happens again.  She is hoping to move to an apartment soon and that will require a lift to their flat.  That worries me a little.

Saw Dad Monday after he took DD2 to the dentist for her filling.  She did really well apparently (I'd have been a mess). Dad was well and it was lovely to see him and hear about his long holiday.  He is now trying to sort the garden out and cut all of the grass.  DD2 joked how we could come and live with him.  He didn't say no lol.

slm6002

Am home at lunch time again - could get used to this - but the sun has gone behind clouds!  Hopefully nothing silly will happen like it starting to rain, as I would really like to get the washing going.

Any I have won another prize.  I have won £320 bundle of posh smellies.  I look forward to those arriving.  That is the 2nd prize in a month I think, although not received the book prize as yet.  Will definitely keep entering when I see them pop up. 

Club tonight so could use an easy dinner - might just be pasta

dawnybabes

That’s a great prize 😁😁😁

slm6002

Thank you, hopefully both prizes will turn up soon and we can start enjoying them.

Well that is the working week done and now we get a long weekend.  I paid DD2's final payment for her trip abroad next school year.  I have done some sums and adjusted the spreadsheet and am now on challenge to keep spending to a minimum and to save money for house moving fees.  Meal plans and sticking to shopping lists is the way to go.  I have some joints of meat in the freezer so need to defrost those and use them.

Tomorrow I have some vegetables to collect from Olio which will help bulk things out.  In the morning it will be time to get the washing up to date and then tidy the kitchen before writing the meal plan.  I still need to contact the loan people to make sure it has been completely paid off and then find this years house insurance as the renewal has come back quite a bit more.

DD1 has been going through an interview process for an apprenticeship and has completed forms, maths and english tests, online interviews, more forms and has now been invited to meet in person in a few weeks time.  I am really hoping it will be worth it and that she is near the end of the process.

Right off to bed as I am likely to wake up early as that seems to be happening now

slm6002

As expected I was awake around 6 so got up and pottered around for a bit.  Now dressed and 2nd load is in the washing machine and 1st lot pegged out.  Library books renewed online to avoid any fines if not back this weekend, although I do have 1 to collect so need to try to get there after dropping DS off at work tomorrow maybe.

I have just paid the bill for the garden waste bin, so that is covered for another year - there seems to be quite a few bills this week that need paying that are outside of the normal payments like this and each one is enough of a chunk to notice.

I got a parking fine for staying too long at maccys the other day when I met up with my friend.  We had a very long natta in an almost empty building so don't think we were stopping others from parking / sitting down to eat. I have never seen a sign up so mentioned that when I sent the appeal letter off with the receipts to prove we were customers.  I am hoping the reverse the fine but I have the money in a pot if needed.  We will go elsewhere next time.

slm6002

After saying I need to save my money DD1 wanted a companion to go around the charity shops with her and I ended up spending money.  I also bought my donation for the baby hamper for one of the staff members at work who has just had a little girl.  Even with those bits it didn't come to too much and both will come out of my pots that I have allocated for those bits.

I did also have to buy oil for the car as the oil light came on.  Only problem is that the oil is showing as ok so not sure what is going on there.  It started after I parked on a steep hill, so wondering if that has something to do with it.  I need to speak to a garage but realise they are now all closed until I am back at work!

slm6002

Good morning, thankfully the oil light has vanished on my car and the 'oil level normal' message was showing again.  I think it is because I was parked on a steep hill that upset it.  Either way I will keep an eye on it and we have oil now in the garage should we need it.  I will put my registration number on the bottle so I know which bottle is for which car.

Today we have a band event at one of the local churches for VE day.  It is a shame that the weather has turned and there is currently torrential rain. At least no need to water the plants later.  Hoping we can park close by as don't fancy a walk in the rain.  DD1 is back at work today so will have a treat of homemade pizza for dinner tonight.  We had sweet chilli chicken from lidl with sweet potato wedges and salad last night and it was really tasty - need to see if we can recreate the chicken at home.

Nothing too much planned for the week ahead.  DD1 is off on holiday with a few friends at the weekend and the local council are giving away free compost on the Sunday, so I will head there to claim my 2 free bags and hope I get there early enough, and back in time to take DS to work.  That should allow me to plant the last few things I have waiting.

Mum is visiting in the half term so we need to come up with some things to do. They will want to treat us to dinner on a couple of occasions so will need to find suitable places to eat.

Right we better make a move