The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Well I didn't get as much as I needed to do yesterday.  I did contact the boiler service man who will hopefully be coming to see us in the half term.  He warned me last year that the price will need to go up by this year with the prices going up.  It had for the previous 5 or so years been £50 and has increased to £60.  I still think that this is ok and am happy if it means the boiler is safe and working ready for the winter.  It's the start of the my 'get house ready for winter'
I also asked my brother some advice about a water butt as I would like one ready for next year and he said he actually has a spare one that I can have.  Yay money saved.  I do need to get a stand as his was broken which is why he wasn't using it.  I am wondering if the plastic type is any good as seen many comments of them cracking under the weight and then loosing the water.  My brother has a chunk of wood under his but they are starting to rot.  I will keep thinking, but not too long as I would like to have it in place ready for the rain that will no doubt turn up before long. 
We will be watching the funeral and the lead up to it.  Not sure if it is acceptable to do washing and hang outside today, but might do after the funeral as the kids need clothes and it is sunny at the moment.

Pollie

My water butt is standing on breeze blocks which I already had. Perhaps you could get some of these or bricks for free.

slm6002

Thank you @Pollie, that sounds a better solution and less likely to break under the pressure.  I am secretly hoping that my brother offer to attach it for me too when he brings it round.  I'm not sure of the size of it but from the picture it looks quite large.

slm6002

Good evening, we have been busy again today.  Uncle arrives tomorrow and still need to hoover throughout and finish the kitchen before he arrives.  Not yet done the shopping either.  I wonder if it is too late to get a delivery?  Anyway I have got the ingredients for beef stew tomorrow so that will go in the slow cooker all day (must remember in the morning to switch it on).  Will serve with mash and peas when he arrives.

Today is the first day that the solar battery has not completely charged.  It only got up to 60% so is almost empty already after doing the dinner.  We are not using that much energy and we are on a fairly low tariff compared to some, but I find it hard to pay for it if we can get away with not lol.  I fear it will get much worse over the coming months.

DD1's friend tested positive yesterday evening and had spent the whole day with her.  Currently DD1 is still negative but who knows what the next few days will bring.  I have my flu and possibly covid jab on Sat so don't want to be getting anything before then.  I got a text from the health centre saying that i was due covid and flu jab, but not sure if due to age it was just flu once I put in my details as I assume it was a standard text.  We will see come Sat, but I am happy to get both if allowed.  I need to take my blood pressure too so hoping I can do that at the same time as it is in the waiting room.

I need to put some evidence on our work appraisal system over the next few days as it will go towards the decision to get a pay increase or not.  All of my line managers are always praising me so I am hopeful.  We are also hoping for a % rise too for the cost of living.

Off for a shower and then bed as exhausted 

slm6002

Well my uncle has arrived, house is still fairly clean.  Need to keep it clean for a few more weeks as yet before mum comes to visit.  I have had both booster jab and flu jab today so fingers crossed that will keep me going over the winter months.

DD1's birthday on Monday, but I don't really have that much for her (she doesn't really know what she would like) so will probably put some money in a box and wrap it up with the rest of the small bits I have for her.

Its been drizzling on and off today so not managed to get any washing done which is not good as we will need some clothes for school and work come Monday.

It is nearly payday

slm6002

Feeling rather rough last night and today and really grateful that the training that was supposed to be today is in fact tomorrow.  It is only the result of the jabs and I think I have suffered from them all now, so hopefully in a few days time I will be back to normal.

I have just received notification that DD1's college admin fee/ resources deposit, and bus fee for the term has been refunded in full.  I was expecting to only get half of the admin fee and maybe a small token payment for the bus.  I am now (well when it has cleared) £310 better off.  Cant complain.

Today is DD1's 17th birthday and she is having a few of her friends over tonight for pizza and to watch barbie movies (yes you read that right she is 17 not 7!).  I've no idea why but she is happy.  I need to get the dough in the bread mixer shortly ready for them to make their own.

Cant wait for bed, but we have club and then DD's friends over so will be late-ish to bed.

slm6002

Feeling a bit better today but doing too much does tire me easily.  I had an extra hour of training today after work.  I really could have sat on the sofa under my blanket instead, but it was an interesting and I get an extra hour of pay.

I heard that I will be getting a cost of living increase, probably in the Nov pay, but back dated from April.  It wont make much difference as the extra will be taken off my benefits so not really any better off.  Never mind, for other staff members this is a welcome step as some are struggling.

Off for a shower shortly and then bed.  DS is helping out at school tomorrow night so no quiet night as yet - maybe thursday

slm6002

Feeling brighter today.  Still need to rest in the afternoon after work but nothing too urgent to worry about this week. 

Had my performance meeting at work and I am being put forward for a pay increase there too.  It was a bit awkward today as new lady keeps giving me work that should go to another member of the team and they are not happy its coming to me.  Line manager is going to sort but I feel as if I've caused problems even though I've just done as I've been asked.  I am sure it will all get sorted.

I could really do with getting some washing done but I keep seeing really really black clouds coming over but I don't think its actually rained as yet.  At this rate I will need to turn the tumble dryer on because we are all starting to need work / school clothes.  This will also help to warm the kitchen up so might be worth it.

slm6002

Oh dear people are going off work sick with all sort of flu / cold / covid symptoms at the moment.  As the weather was nice today we made sure the windows were all open and letting in fresh air.  I am feeling almost back to normal today although still tire quite easily.

Because it was nice weather I was able to put 2 loads of washing on when I got home at lunch time and then onto the line.  Most of it was dry but a few of the thicker things are now hanging on top of the doors just to finish off.  I could do with doing the same again tomorrow and we will then be up to date.

DD2 went along to orchestra this evening and tells me she will be going to a concert soon to celebrate the opening of a new school close by.  She really is enjoying trying out all of the clubs high school is providing.  I haven't suggested she tries them, she has just gone along not knowing anyone or what to expect.  Much braver than me at her age.

Payday tomorrow and I know there is some overtime in there from over the school holidays.  I need to get moving on Christmas bits as time is flying by so quickly.  I also need to chase a few of the outstanding DIY bits (fence and window fixings).

Right off to bed to which will in turn stop the use of electric lol

slm6002

Another good day at work and then met up with best friend for lunch and natta.  Put the world to rights and enjoyed ourselves.  We don't get together as much now I work more hours but it is great when we do.

I got paid an extra £200 from overtime so I look wealthy now but it will reduce UC payment next month so need to keep it to one side.  I bought a few bits too but not gone overboard as I am very aware things are going crazy at the moment.  I bought an indoor drying rack as stupidly gave XH mine when I thought things were all my fault and he was setting up home in the caravan.  I have also bought a nest of tables for the living room as going to slowly be doing this up.  Both items are coming out of the right pots so not in my monthly / current account spends.  I could use a thin bin to go next to the sofa but they are really expensive.  I haven't seen a cheap one as yet.

People are still getting ill all around us which is a little concerning.  We keep popping our vitamin tablets and opening the windows for fresh air.  Fingers crossed we can keep well.  

Off to a local county to get rid of all of our old paint tomorrow.  It is free to dispose of it this weekend.  It is around a 40 min drive and we will hopefully get to visit the England forest site at the same time for a family outing (more fresh air).  I am planning on going there Sunday so tomorrow I need to do some food shopping as milk, fruit and veg has all gone.  I have also asked for some bits on olio and am waiting to hear back if we can have them.  They are  tops for DD1 and 1 still has the tags on while the other 2 have only been worn once each.  DD1 wears these type of tops all of the time so its perfect for school.

Right time for bed