The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

I called them at 2.30pm yesterday to see where they were and was told they would be with us by 3.  I know for a fact they were over an hour away, and sure enough at 3.30 they said they were still working on that job. They are in theory coming today at 1pm ish.  I asked to be put 1st on the list as they keep running out of time, but apparently they cant as the person in the morning is waiting for them to finish!  I have had someone here to house sit, or have been waiting in myself for 2 days now.  I really hope they arrive and finish the job, but have a feeling they will start and have to come back another time.  We will see, but at least the only thing planned for today is DD1 has her saturday job to go to, but she can walk there and back so not an issue.
DD2 seems fine although arm is a little achy.  She plans on using it as an excuse not to go to XH tomorrow lol

slm6002

Oh and still no news from the builder or his wife.  Really hope it's not too serious as her email to me was lacking in any detail

slm6002

I have solar panels yay.  Took a while to get here but they are up and generating power.  I cant say how much as my app isn't connecting to the panels yet, but I saw they were working when in the loft. Hopefully after 24 hrs it should connect, but if not they will be back to change dongle thing. They also kindly put the cowl on the top of the chimney too so no stray birds falling down the chimney into the gap behind the gas fire, which then need to be rescued.  Scaffolding should be down in a week or so and then it will look quite nice.
Need to read up and get tips on how to get the most out of the solar. I know that when I was in the loft and the kids were amusing themselves, we were not taking any power from the grid, and it was also filling the batteries nicely.

slm6002

Yay cooking dinner cost nothing tonight.  I think I am going to enjoy discovering and tracking energy used and saved.

My sister said she is hoping to come to visit the area in the half term which will be good.  She has been following the progress of things via photo so is looking forward to seeing things in person.  Would love to have window finished and be painting before she arrives

slm6002

Loving the solar.  Woke up to 51p on my smart meter.  Turns out 48p of that is standing charges for gas and elect.  The meter is now showing 55p.  We have done 3 x loads of washing, turned oven on x 2, dishwasher x 1, microwave x 3, plus the usual tv, laptops, phone charges, fridge etc.  I think that is very good and hopefully now the batteries have had some charge, the figure I wake up to will be just the standing charge
Nothing much else exciting has happened today.  Back to work tomorrow and we are an important member down so its going to be a hard week.  Early night so we can be up early in the morning

Jessy103

Glad to the hear the panels are working well 🙂

slm6002

Thank you Jessy.  Yes they are working well.  I put the dishwasher on too early today as the sun had obviously not got to the panels until half way through, as I could see we were paying for electric until this point.  Need to remember that for next time.
I was poorly the other night for some reason so was home yesterday sleeping, and because of school policy I am not allowed in today although feeling much more myself.  Anyway half term has kind of started for me.  Need to print out calendar to show what we have planned - not a lot as need to decorate.  Need to buy pink paint for DD2's feature bit in her room.
The builder is currently here with a young lad who is acting like a shadow lol.  They are finishing things off so we can start painting once the plaster has dried.  I will also get the final bill I am guessing for all the little extras I've had, and less some of the bits not needed.  It will be good to get it all finalised so I know what is left in the house pot.  Still not had bill for the panels as yet so that needs to come out too.
Today will be trying to clean and hoover while children are out of the house.  Several loads of washing need to be done and can be dried on the line.

slm6002

Good evening to you all.  The builder has finished and the walls are now dry.  Awaiting final bill.  My brother has started on the wardrobe and will return wed to finish them off.  Tomorrow and Tuesday I will paint and paint, and hopefully only need to do the bits he then has to plaster.  Its the woodwork that takes the longest so if I can make a good start on this that will help.
My sister was supposed to be visiting today but still hasn't turned up.  She has to travel a few hours so the roads may have been bad with all of the half term traffic around.  She may appear tomorrow as is staying with my Dad. I did ask her to bring the sunshine with her as its been so grey and miserable today (not helping with my energy lol), and it has been raining on and off all day. 
I need to look at meal plans for this week, and then take a trip to Aldi with my free school meal vouchers and a list.  Meals have become a little repetitive lately as DS eats very few things.  I would love to add a few more meals into the mix.  Carrying on with the energy reducing theme, I would also like to see if I can find any meals they will eat that I can cook in the slow cooker while the sun is out and therefore cooking for free.  If I could hide some extra veg in there too that would be a bonus too.

Off to finish cooking the roast dinner and then hopefully pick the meat off the bones of the chicken for another meal tomorrow.  Going to relax tonight ready for all the painting tomorrow

slm6002

It is so cold - well I am.  Where oh where has the sun gone.  It has been grey and miserable all day again.  I am snuggled under my sofa blanket and duvet, pasta bake in the oven for a nice warming dinner.
We met up with my sister and went 10 pin bowling which was fun.  I haven't been for so long and it showed lol.  But it was lovely to catch up with her and her OH. 
Got to look after my niece tomorrow which will be hard work as she is not used to not having your full attention.  Her dad was talking to me and not her the other day for all of 2 min and she couldn't help but climb all over him to try to get the focus back on her.  I'm afraid that wont work around me, but as she has the attention span of a gnat I need to plan a few things.  My kids are so happy to amuse themselves, I will need to get my thinking cap on.  I have some errands to run so she will have to just come along and that will kill a little time.
I have had a couple of spendy days and payday isn't until tomorrow.  I have bought a few extra bits for the new rooms, school uniform for DD2's new school to avoid the rush, petrol!, the first game of bowling as well as topping up the treat box.  Need to make the rest of the week a little more frugal.  Still not written the meal plan or shopping list so need to get on with that tonight

Kitten868

I'm jealous of your solar panels. Just shows how high standing charges have jumped though. Even without putting any energy on its £30 a month in gas and electric standing charge. 
Hope you have a lovely time with your sister and I'm so happy that all your workman work is over!! Have a lovely half term. I hope you really get to enjoy your house now all the workman are gone xxxx