Simple living in the country - back to basics

Suffolk_lass

Ooh lovely Cheery! I was mumbling on about being uber frugal and dropping a stone or two through January (and maybe beyond) to bodyshock us back to normality after meandering through excess spending and eating (and drinking). I did try Mrs Frugalwoods UFJ a couple of times but I found the amount of email, marketing and worthy but dull stuff tripped my rebellious filter and I stopped.

So I will read along with you and chip in if that's OK?

I hope so - to begin, we live in a thatched place and my previous insurer insisted the chimney was swept annually by 1st Sept (that was NFU) but never checked - last year we switched and I had to produce the certificate of sweeping (guild of master sweeps).

I also treat this as a "12000 mile service" prompt and last year (because of the new insurer) checked when the electrics were last checked (2021 with a new board fitted and the dead rat removed...) and the boiler serviced. This year we replaced our oil tank with a smaller metal bunded one, reducing from a rusty, smelly 2500l monster. We use about 1200l per year so that is the tank size. Unlike your monthly deliveries of LPG we go for a big one in late Spring when prices are lower (normally) and maybe a top up in September with the Village syndicate. He buys twice a year but I try to avoid January as it is always the most expensive. I look up the cheapest supply on an online checker then phone the regular guy and ask if he can match or better it. I assume there is a similar option for LPG but tank size driven. Our thermostat was on 22 when I checked just now so is now on a gradual reduction schedule at 20 for today. Off to catch up and steal the questions for my own reflection now... (and take the soup off the hob)

greent

Another one here who finds the FWoods just too much - I am surprised that no-one has ever adapted it to be more UK focussed and less preachy for a MSE Jan challenge (nope - I'm not offering to do so!) as many on here do a frugal/ no spend Jan anyway after all the Xmas excess. I do like reading what others do, though - and admire anyone who can truly keepm up with all teh FW emails! x

Cheery_Daff

Hello lovely people,  yes do feel free to join in here,I love reading about other people's stories!

hb, I've often had a budget, although not always stuck to it. Necessity at first, and a habit acquired from my mother who was a single parent on benefits, working part time later. I distinctly remember going round Kwik Save with her and doing sums as we tried to keep the weekly shop under £8 ( late 1980s).

At university many friends complained of poverty, but I'd never had so much disposable income! I'd worked since I was 13 in a paper shop, and those few quid had bought all my clothes, toiletries etc, so I was used to handling money and doing without when there wasn't any more, unlike some of the other people there.

Anyway, it's only in the last 10 years or so that I've been in a position to NOT budget if I wanted to, and old habits die hard Mr Cheery gave his 'proper' job up before I got mine, so while I'm pretty well paid, we've only ever realy had one decent income at a time.

One day I too will be retired with a paid off mortgage! I am SO looking forward to it and eagerly watching you all for tips about how to get there 😀 

SC, that's all fascinating,  thank you! LPG is different to oil - mostly you need to tie into a 2 year contract with the supplier, who owns and is responsible for the tank, so no switching each time. we're out of contract now, but can only have tank filled by that supplier, unless we switch to a contract with someone else. Only topped up 3-4 times a year, usually when they're in the area with a smaller tanker (to get down our awkward drive) so no ringing round each month, thank goodness.

Anyway, I'm waffling on. Much palaver last night, Mr Cheery's dad is poorly, and for a variety of reasons we set off at 11.15pm to collect his dog. Got back at 5am, with a very confused dog.Mr Cheery is on the phone now sorting out news about is dad, and I am trying to force myself to get up and see to the pesky dog (thankfully we remembered we bought a dog crate for the chicken vet trips so he's been sleeping in ther, so there shouldn't be any damage to the living room...) 

Karmacat

Oh Cheery!  Here's thinking of Mr Cheery's dad, and hoping that his dog adapts to your place as quickly as possible.  Things happen, don't they  

starnac

Hope Mr Cheery's dad is on the mend soon and that the dog adapts quickly to his new surroundings. 

Cheery_Daff

Things certainly do happen KC 🙄

All uneventful this morning. Took the dog to the cafe, but he was whining and wouldn't settle so ended up in the car. Don't think he's ever been in a cafe (or a car) before 🙄 Been for a walk up the road, and now Mr Cheery is having a nap and I'm sat on the sofa, but pesky dog won't settle, keeps sitting on me, then wandering around 🙄

ElmoR

pesky dogs are our thing! I spent yesterday applying cold compresses to the pups 4 paws after she walked through glass verges with something spiky/nettle-y?! She was not a happy pooch.

Your pooch will be looking for their pack mate and be feeling very lost. Did you bring any blanket or bedding from his home? If not, you may need to make another trip for a few of their familiar things before they'll settle...

xx

beanielou

Hope Mr C's dad is on the mend soon.

Cheery_Daff

Thanks all. We didn't go to his home - Mr Cheery's sister collected the dog and some food, and we picked him up from her. He's finally fallen asleep on the sofa though, thankfully.

I need to go and check on the poor neglected chickens! We opened their house door when we left at 11 last night, just in case we didn't make it back, so they could get at food and water this morning. Still not been in to check on them (although I did walk past with the dog and they were all lined up at the door shouting so I suspect they're fine 😂)

hb2

Cheery, your life is certainly eventful!