Little by little, and with love

EssexHebridean

That all sounds pretty organised - apart from the food, but hey, it IS Christmas after all! 

We’re doing the PB thing too - it’s not like there’s a huge amount of interest on easy access anywhere at the moment and as you say, there’s always the chance of a win! 

TheAble

Definitely avoid the scratchcards! Tempting and fun as they may be they have a negative expected value - the more you play the more you lose.

You're right about pets, again lovely as they may be. The cost is a lot higher than people appreciate, which may of course be worth it depending on your point of view but certainly something to go into with your eyes open. 

redofromstart

Merry Christmas Rosa

kerri_gt

Merry Christmas Rosa. 🎅 

RosaBernicia

Thank you @redofromstart, thank you @kerri_gt - Merry Christmas to you too. 

All is well here, a very quiet and beautifully peaceful day - hope all is good with you. 

RosaBernicia

TheAble said:

Definitely avoid the scratchcards! Tempting and fun as they may be they have a negative expected value - the more you play the more you lose.

You're right about pets, again lovely as they may be. The cost is a lot higher than people appreciate, which may of course be worth it depending on your point of view but certainly something to go into with your eyes open. 

I occasionally see people buying scratchies and think 'what the heck, maybe the fun is worth it' - then I see they now cost a fiver!!! and go 'nope, I'd rather have chocolate and know I'm definitely getting enjoyment out of it'

I think the pets thing is partly about adjusting - it takes time to figure out how to fit them into your lifestyle and even listening to recommendations, sometimes you need to try more than one option (this is why there is now £100 of car boot crate unused, and £40 of back seat hammock and seat belt restraint instead) and partly that I have been busy and gone for time saving over money saving options (dog shower and drying coat vs having to get dog in bath, wash dog, clean bath... ).  It is calming down now we are more settled and have everything we need). 

Tiredbutdetermined

Hello, just had a cuppa and read through your diary.

my daughter is visually impaired and was told at the start of the week that she is eligible to apply for a buddy dog. It would be amazing for her independence and self confidence but I am not at all sure it is a financial commitment I can make at the moment

Buffythedebtslayer

RosaBernicia said:

TheAble said:

Definitely avoid the scratchcards! Tempting and fun as they may be they have a negative expected value - the more you play the more you lose.

You're right about pets, again lovely as they may be. The cost is a lot higher than people appreciate, which may of course be worth it depending on your point of view but certainly something to go into with your eyes open. 

I occasionally see people buying scratchies and think 'what the heck, maybe the fun is worth it' - then I see they now cost a fiver!!! and go 'nope, I'd rather have chocolate and know I'm definitely getting enjoyment out of it'

I think the pets thing is partly about adjusting - it takes time to figure out how to fit them into your lifestyle and even listening to recommendations, sometimes you need to try more than one option (this is why there is now £100 of car boot crate unused, and £40 of back seat hammock and seat belt restraint instead) and partly that I have been busy and gone for time saving over money saving options (dog shower and drying coat vs having to get dog in bath, wash dog, clean bath... ).  It is calming down now we are more settled and have everything we need). 

I think between the rabbits, dogs and guinea pigs I have bought every new fangled gizmo over the years. It is very annoying, I now have enough stuff especially for the rabbits (various housing options, barriers and little cute houses I couldn't resist) I also have a few dog crates.... I keep threatening to sell them as I don't personally like them and wouldn't use them again. Also some of the small pet stuff could be sold. The guinea pigs have more bedding than me! I will say that is over a 12 year period! but still... 

RosaBernicia

Tiredbutdetermined said:

Hello, just had a cuppa and read through your diary.

my daughter is visually impaired and was told at the start of the week that she is eligible to apply for a buddy dog. It would be amazing for her independence and self confidence but I am not at all sure it is a financial commitment I can make at the moment

Hello Tiredbutdetermined, welcome. 

A buddy dog sounds wonderful.  Might there be any support available to you for the expenses - eg one of the relevant charities helping with a grant or loan of equipment? 

RosaBernicia

Buffythedebtslayer said:

I think between the rabbits, dogs and guinea pigs I have bought every new fangled gizmo over the years. It is very annoying, I now have enough stuff especially for the rabbits (various housing options, barriers and little cute houses I couldn't resist) I also have a few dog crates.... I keep threatening to sell them as I don't personally like them and wouldn't use them again. Also some of the small pet stuff could be sold. The guinea pigs have more bedding than me! I will say that is over a 12 year period! but still... 

Exactly, I have cat beds, trays etc in the loft and plenty of toys they don't use because it's all been acquired little by little over a decade.

I found the dog crates really helpful though, mine voluntarily sleeps in them and it doesn't just save chewing as a pup but also I don't have to worry what wires, food etc I might have left in the rest of the room when I go out.  Definitely one of the things that was worth the money!