The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Happy June, dare I say it, but I think the sun is out lol.  Anyway we have a very busy day today.  We have a dress fitting for prom, got the solar people coming round to sort dongle out so it connects to the app, for my brother coming round providing he hasn't got Covid (niece caught it so we didn't need to have her yesterday), my dad is coming over to say hello and have a nosey at the decorating, and of course I need to paint.  I did finally get the first coat on most of the walls yesterday so feel as if I've at least made a start.  I did however forget to put the bins out last night and think I have missed them.  I have left it out front just in case, but might need to beg them to stop as they are always using our road as a cut through to their depot.  I need to find our bunting as I think we are the only house in the street not decorated as yet.  The street has organised a party and the road will be shut off most of the day on Friday, but because we didn't initially say that we were interested I'm not sure if we are allowed to go along.  We only really know our immediate neighbours well but it might be fun.

I had a lot of calls to make yesterday so don't feel like I managed much at all.  I did however sort my phone/internet contract out as I had a call to say that was about to finish the other day.  They wanted more details than I felt comfortable providing when they called out of the blue so said I would call back when I was ready.  They still needed the info but me ringing them felt safer.  I have another years worth of internet and phone for £20 a month (special universal credits rate).  Happy with that and another job ticked off the list.

My other big phone call was to the council as I haven't received the £150 government refund as yet.  Turns out because I pay by standing order rather than direct debit, I will need to apply for it when I get the letter through in the next few weeks.  At least I know why it hasn't arrived into my bank.  

Must get on as the sun has reached the panels so its time to start the washing machine and then put the clothes on the line to dry - fingers crossed the sun lasts more than an hour today - clouds now appearing!

slm6002

I spoke to soon and the sun vanished.  It did appear a few more times in between showers and hail, but no chance of drying clothes today.  I also had a delayed start as the fuse in the plug for the washing machine had gone.  It surprised me but thankfully I have a stock of fuses at hand, and pretty chuffed with myself for finding out what was wrong and mending it. 

I have paid the builder his final bill and am pleasantly surprised at what was left, as I had asked him to sort a few extra bits out so his quote was out of date.  The extra left will pay for the other electrician to replace the light switches in the high use areas that are very old and some that have cracked.  He will also be hooking up the emersion tank to the panels hopefully so we get free hot water.

The solar man came first thing rather than in pm, and mended the dongle so it now show what we are producing and using on the app.  I am definitely going to become a geeky solar tracker type person.  Also because the man came in the morning it gave us enough time to go into town to post some bits as well as opening a bank account (with a card) for DD2. DD1 was also able to pay in some money that she had raised for charity a while back.  She has since posted it off to the charity.

DD1 had her prom dress fitted today and so the next time we see it will be the day before.  It still looks lovely.  Just need to find her a bag.

My brother has now plastered DD2's wardrobe so and will come to complete it hopefully on Tuesday am before he goes to work.  I can now paint the whole room.

So many jobs done today, but house looks a tip so maybe tomorrows focus?

slm6002

Ooh how I love my solar app and all its facts and figures lol.  Still using little if any energy from the grid and fully charging the batteries in several hours.  Yesterday we exported over half of what was generated by the panels.  Will be interesting to see the winter side of things and how much it differs.  We cant claim yet for the amount we are giving back to the grid as still haven't paid / received the bill and therefore not had the paperwork needed to claim.  This extra will also hopefully be turned into hot water once the electrician has been so no need for gas until heating is needed.

There is a street party happening in our road which is shut off all day today so might take a look later, although we didn't sign up for it so not sure if we are allowed.  We probably also look really miserable as we couldn't find our bunting the other day and it was a little late to buy anything.  

I overdid the painting yesterday and my arm is too painful to carry on with that today so will leave it until tomorrow.  Got enough to keep us busy without that.  Off to the local museum to make scones later which will be nice.  Only DD2 wanted to go so its just the 2 of us.  Will have our very own cream tea once home.  We also have an olio collection but a little earlier than normal due to supermarket closing early today.  I also need to start printing and sending out begging letters for raffle prizes for the children's band concert.  I normally have a few months notice but we are now only a month away so need to get a wriggle on.

Enchiladas for dinner and everything in the fridge / cupboard for that so no need to spend anything today hopefully.  Going to try to keep track of NSD's this month as tend to spend most days, but only generally little things here and there, and I think they could wait until 1 bigger shop - we will see

slm6002

Well it is cloudy and looks like its about to rain here, fingers crossed I am wrong.

Not much going on today, waiting for people to come and collect their olio parcels from last night.  Going to attempt painting again, although will go easy with it as don't want to aggravate arm again.  I need to look at what we are having for dinner tonight as I currently have no idea, and no idea at the moment what is even in the fridge or freezer, so that might be the first job.  It might be homemade pizza as that is a firm favourite of everyones.  If so we need to buy some cheese.  I have a £10 voucher for lidl so might pop there to spend that.

DD1 is off to work later but that is about it for today.  We will watch the concert at Buckingham Palace tonight  maybe with some nibbles as a treat.  We didn't end up wandering down the road yesterday but did enjoy our scone making at the museum.

slm6002

Been back at work and although I don't look forward to going back to work at any time, really its not bad at all (99.9% of the time).  I think I just remember the dread of previous jobs.  I am doing a few more hours here and there as we are all doing our bit to cover for lady who left.  Turns out it is only going to be a part time position that will be advertised.  It has been hinted that I might like some more hours after sept as DD2 will be at high school.  I will also need more hours soon enough to qualify for UC, so might be worth taking them on now rather than waiting?  Moneywise I would only be very slightly better off as what extra I earn will be deducted from benefits.  I will however only loose more time off without children in tow, although if organised I can probably cope.  I have to remember I do have school holidays off and would finish at 3ish so would still have hours after school to do things so am very lucky compared to some.  All I know for certain is I do not want to go through process of job coach making me look for things again - worst time ever.
On a plus, today I got paperwork through about money from XH for children.  Payments are up £20 a month.  Not a huge amount but could be worse as he is living with new girlfriend who has children, but wont admit to it.  If he did I believe I get 25% less as he is looking after more children.  Anyway he is unlikely to admit it so will let him carry on.
I have just the woodwork left to paint in DD2's room and have contacted the carpet man to say we will be ready by next wed ish.  It means I need to paint after work every day until it is done.  I have Saturday too, but Sunday we have a concert at local event so will be gone most of the afternoon.
Solar update - after a few grey and miserably days where I had to actually pay for electricity from the grid (boo, sad face), the sun has appeared and charged the batteries up nicely and cooked dinner for us for free.  Anyway as long as it more bright than grey we don't tend to need to buy electric.  I also received the invoice that will be paid tonight,  and after that I can register to get paid for the power we don't use.
Ok I'm off to paint

slm6002

Just sat down after doing bits and pieces around the house all day.  I did go to the tip early this morning as missed the last waste collection and the bags were starting to stack up.  Things are looking much better now.  Been freezing parsnips as loads left from the last olio collection.  I am the only one in the house that eats them so will keep me going for a while.  My brother came over and finished the building works in DD2's room so it is all go now in painting the doors as that is the only thing left, oh and the small bit of new coving that is needing painting above the wardrobe.  I have given most things one coat, but from experience of the other rooms, I will need to do at least 2 more coats before they look ok.  The lamp shade is on and the curtain pole is up.  Just waiting on the paint to dry a little more before the curtains go up.  Should be up by tonight though.
The children decided they didn't want roast tonight but would like chicken, wedges and beans.  Nice and easy so agreed.  I was about to get in the car to go and buy ingredients when I stopped and thought, I've probably got everything in the freezer / cupboards.  I indeed do, so today is another NSD for me - yay.
I've been trying to think where my belongings can go when I am painting my room.  Up until now everyone else's bits have been stored in my room.  I might get the odd box in the children's rooms but they are small so my bed or mattress would not work.  I am really hoping to complete all bedrooms by the end of the school year so we can relax over the holidays.  DD1 has now finished school apart from exams so it might be easier to arrange for the carpet man / electrician to come round during the day.  Off to get some cherries (another thing we have many of from olio).

slm6002

Another few days of solar done.  Since the beginning of June I have spent £11.56 on gas and electric according to my B.Gas.  This includes the standing charges.  I don't think that is too bad at all.  The only days we really spend are grey and miserable days so far, so I need to still pay my £95 a month ready for the winter, but hopefully I will have a nice cushion by then.
DD1 is now on study leave so hoping to get her doing a few more things around the house.  Carpets are hopefully coming tomorrow if all is still going to plan. I still have some painting to do before then.  Hopefully I can get it done before they turn up, but if not I may just have to cover the carpet really well before I finish it off.  I cant wait.  My wardrobe it blocked with all of DD2's belongings.  I have my work clothes that I am wearing on a rota type basis and then a few (mainly paint covered) bits not for work.  I need to get to it to get some summery items out before I go and buy more!

slm6002

Carpets are going in as I type. Yay.  Sofa was not comfy last night so hoping we can get DS and DD2 in their own rooms by this evening.  Only other thing to do tonight is an Olio collection which takes quite a bit of time.  Never mind, as it is all coming together well.  Next job is my room and fence for garden as neighbour walked into my house uninvited 3 times the other day.  I want to be able to leave back door open in the warmer months without worrying he is .about to turn up.

No exam for DD1 today so she has done revision and some bits around the house.  She has now gone out with her friend for fresh air and will be back to come on school run.  I need to collect the shorts I ordered for DS when out and about.  Hoping carpet man finishes soon so I can go before school run

tryingtodobetter

Regarding the extra hours at work, I would definitely pick them up now if they're available. I remember you writing about the horrid time you had with the UC 'work coach' last time. Good news about your energy costs that's brilliant 

slm6002

Thank you Tryingtodobetter, I have decided that if they are available and it will work I will take them as yes the work coach situation was horrid.  The post is being advertised as part time, but more hours than I would be able to do.  Also some of the job being advertised would not fit around my current position so would need to see if that could be sorted.  

Slept in my bed in my room all alone last night.  It was lovely.  All children are in their rooms 2 out of 3 still asleep.  I am ready for my Olio collections and have a selection of bits not claimed outside ready for anyone to take.  There was so much stuff last night - over 9 banana boxes of food all needing photos taking and putting on the app.  We didn't finish entering it all until 10.20pm and we were melting by the end of it.  Most weeks it is all collected so it is for a good cause, it just takes so long.

A few jobs on todays list other than Olio.  I need to buy 2 shelves for DD2's room.  Need to dig out her desk from the garage so brother can put them up at some point.  Need to buy special plasterboard screws too as we have used most of the others up.  Curtains to be sorted in DD2's room as they are too long and fall on her bed.  Post letter, collect library book that's finally in, deliver flowers to DD1's friend, sort dinner, DD1 has work, and then possible start to sort my room, oh and washing.  How much that gets done depends on how hot it is again today.