Learning to walk before I run

Suffolk_lass

My Mum has the same thing where se is, between the Scottish Borders and Glasgow - really big shortages of materials and labour. They are all busy here but it is a bit better in East Anglia. My BiL has just refurbished her shed that had completely rotted on one side (and the floor) using wood from other projects and her neighbours. We managed to get the birch ply 8x4 sheet we wanted (cut too) to fit the top of the pool table to protect it

Cornish_mum

Hi Ed,

Glad MrsE is doing well, we have had terrible trouble getting quotes for the work that needs doing on our place too (London commuter/ university town).

It’s always been challenging here because there is a lot of huge development’s going on, which offers all the trades long term high paid work; so a small residential job isn’t at all attractive. We can never get anything done over the summer either, as this is when the university does it’s never ending repairs. But this year has been particularly awful. Hence the ongoing drains saga. 

Best of luck with getting quotes etc. 

edinburgher

No real money saving news this weekend, but I did manage to sew ripped sleeves on a jumper and a fleece and also repaired a pair of jogging bottoms with a torn pocket

Really enjoyed the rugby today, even if it was a bit stop start.

Suffolk_lass

A good result for Scotland. I don't suppose you saw any of the England Women playing the NZ Women? Very quick and skilful. Very entertaining (and a good deal cheaper than men's rugby internationals if watching it live)

edinburgher

@Suffolk_lass - I've not really watched any women's rugby. I'm sure it's very entertaining (I've seen some great clips), but I struggle to even watch the men's internationals due to lack of time and that's what I've grown up with. Perhaps when the kids are a bit older (or maybe available on catchup of some flavour)? I have enjoyed that Am@zon are streaming the games again, their commentary isn't even as bad as it was for the last set of games they showed.

Still no further forward with the extension. The architect and structural engineer have been instructed to complete our building warrant pack, as quite a few firms are insisting on it before quoting. I'd be pleasantly surprised if it was approved before Christmas! We had a nightmare quote today, the highlight of which was the person offering the quote admitting that they wouldn't be paying the nearly £20k of VAT that would be due on the project

Suffolk_lass

Good grief. I thought the construction industry scheme that HMRC operates had all-but eradicated rogue builders. Imagine being stupid enough to tell a potential client that you intend fraud.

That's the second thing I've heard this week that has made me cross. [Obviously excluding the exposure of all the parliamentary practices, which makes me angry - It would be much less contentious if they followed the same rules as Civil Servants]. The second thing was a woman interviewed on a news clip, who showed sympathy for sleaze by claiming we all try to get away with what we can. I am still cross. Actually we don't. Aside from moral reasons, any public servant is likely to be prosecuted, lose their job and potentially lose their DB pension in compensation. Especially if they work for a Department that collects tax because it is completely incompatible with their job. I know Customs and Excise used to prosecute its own staff as a matter of principle.

GOW in Suffolk...

Suffolk_lass

Happy husband entirely entirely thanks to you @edinburgher . Husband looking to watch or listen to the England vs Wallabies and I recalled you saying the games were on Amazing so we worked out how to watch on the TV. Ahem! We may have inadvertently joined the 21st century!! I think we have had Prime for the last six months and only used it for quick deliveries until now!

edinburgher

@Suffolk_lass - glad to be of assistance! It's nice to get something "free" that is genuinely useful

Suffolk_lass

After the first few moments of grainy TV it got ahead and buffered a bit - all good. 

chicker

Hi Ed, 

Massive congratulations for the baby news! You’ve done really well so far to cut so much out of your budget. It’s not easy when you don’t *need* to do it. We had a sudden drop in income at the beginning of the year and had to make a lot of savings which was tough but we survived as we had too 😂

I know this is probably obvious but it’s only just occurred to me while reading your budgets to put all of our income and outgoings on one spreadsheet. I usually do it separately for each account but that means you never see the full picture. So thanks for that!

Looking forward to following your progress (and pregnancy)!

Chicker