Struggling along as best I can

[Deleted User]

I have missed something about you getting a puppy? I'm sure you haven't mentioned it before. Are you looking after it for somebody else?

nannygladys

Baron-Dale - it’s not my dog he belongs to my youngest daughter. She’s very recently had a baby (grandchild number 7!) so I’m looking after him for a couple of weeks until it’s all calmed in their house as they have two other children. But he is going home at the end of this week🙁

nannygladys

Not much has been going on here. The fridge/freezer is still working, although it’s on the lowest setting the fridge is icing up inside and it’s costing me a packet in elec well more than normal! But as long as it lasts until I get my car back I’ll be happy. I’ve been eating mainly out of the freezer so my food bill has been low the last couple of weeks and sometimes it’s been a bit of a surprise as there’s not many labels on the meals I’ve put in there😂 still it makes it a bit more interesting I suppose.

I’ve only been out to walk the pup (he’s two now so lm not sure he is classed as a pup now) even in the rain ! Well I’ll correct that, once in the rain 🤣 I’m not that daft. I was out in the garden again yesterday finishing my tidy up for the winter so that’s out of the way now. I can’t wait to get down the Lottie to start that.

 I go to the eye clinic this Friday so hopefully all will be well and I’ll get signed off and then I will be on the computer /making an eye appointment - yay🙂 I’m still on the drops but due to finish them on Friday so that works out really well. It seems to have been a bit of a long haul but well worth it and I’ll be so happy to get the out and visit all the places I usually go to and can’t get to at present like the farm for my milk and eggs and the garden centre for my free coffee!

I’ll sign off now, oh apparently I do qualify for the £150 from my g&e company and it’s not a scam or anything and eon have been quick off the mark and already put it into my account with them before the gvt letter came, so that at least is helping with the extra cost my fridge is causing! I didn’t know anything about it so it’s been a nice surprise and I’m glad it’s gone straight into their account and not my bank.
Nannyg

nannygladys

Whilst I’ve been sat in not doing a lot I’ve been making lots of lists ( I’m always doing this but never keep to them!) and I have an emergency fund so buying the fridge etc is fine, but I’ve been going through the house to see what else may need replacing and it’s not a surprise  as the kitchen, which I always call new is actually 25years old and the central heating boiler is 15 years and the bathroom is older than the kitchen!!! I was going through some old paperwork and found the invoices for them! So after the front room is finished I’d better start with a few other ‘white goods’ and larger items, so I went through the house room by room and put down everything that needs doing - it’d be better just to move!!!! But at least it gives me something to work by. Obviously most won’t get done, 1. due to cost and 2. Due to my age😂 unless I come back as a ghost🤣🤣 but it’s something to aim for !! Or dream about!!

Nannyg

Cherryfudge

Great to hear you have the extra from the g and e! What a lovely surprise!

It sometime surprises me how long appliances will limp along. Are you able to get to the back of the freezer at all? Mine is hard to get to so I don't clean the back much but apparently running the vacuum cleaner over the back can help by removing insulating dust on the coils. Of course you may be doing this with regularity that puts me to shame (blush) but I'm just trying to ease it along a bit. Also if it's icing up, could the door seals be wearing out and letting in moist air? I have a suspicion they are replaceable but I've not tried it. The only other thing I can think of is for if your fridge has space inside: fill it with bottles of water (or anything that will take up space) so you're not heating a void.

I'm not brave enough to go through my house looking for what might break down but it sounds wise to me - at least you know where to target your replacements fund.

Debtbuster2023

I've spent the last few weeks reading your diary from start to finish nannyg and I find you so inspiring. I'm not yet a pensioner, still have children in education and I work full time. Over the last few years I've found myself getting so disheartened by all the consumerism all around us. I grew up in the 80's/90's and I get very nostalgic for what I feel was a simpler time. The way you live is so lovely to m, with your allotment, your family and the way you organise your life and finances. I can definitely learn a thing or two from you!

[Deleted User]

Just wondering if you have ever considered downsizing or even if it is feasible. The other option sometimes put forward to raise funds is equity release.
I am not at all suggesting you should consider either of these but was just wondering about your thoughts on each.

nannygladys

Cherryfudge - unfortunately I can’t get to the back, it’s all encased and when I climbed on a chair all I could see was the plug, so I think when they put the new kitchen n the electrician must have run out if wire as it’s about not that far from the ceiling!! So no hope of hoovering anything 🤣

nannygladys

Debtbuster2023 - Wow, fancy reading it all 🙂 it’s just how I chose to live, it’s not perfect by any stretch but I do try to live simply, cook, knit ,sew etc and after years being in debt (not that much but as a single parent it seemed like loads to me) I’ve learnt to look after my money, it’s not easy though and even now have the odd splurge but all we can do is to keep trying. 

When I was younger I used to watch The Good Life and always wanted a small holding or big garden, unfortunately I achieved neither but the Lottie (when I get back to it) is somewhere where I can go and live out my inner Felicity Kendall 🤣🤣 I’ve always grown a few veggies in my back garden and this year built a couple of raised beds and next year I’m making another one but larger, it keeps me sane in these times. 

nannygladys

Baron_Dale - I like where I live, it’s my home so I won’t be selling it, it’s not that large just a semi but in quiet Close and near enough to amenities that I can get to if needs be, the only downside is that it’s on quite a steep hill, but it’s hilly all around here and keeps you fit🤣 and with being paid for it’s the only big asset I have, equity release is another no no for me, it took me years of work in low paid office work and I’m quite proud of it really, so I don’t want to owe any more money to anyone! I’m sure it would work for some people though. I  realise it may be alien to some but to honest I don’t want to move or be beholden to anyone with the house. I know it would probably be easier to sell and downsize to something smaller but I haven’t a bad life and I’m sure I’ll overcome any problems on the way and you never know I might win the  lottery one day - I’d have to start doing it though 🤣🤣 please understand I’m not against selling or equity release but neither are for me unless I really had to. I hope that helps it’s hard to put into words.