It's getting tough out there. Feeling the pinch?

YorksLass

I said yesterday our heating would be on much more over the next 3 months - well, it's been on all day today!     In fairness, I've turned down the TRVs a notch so we can have it on for longer rather than two/three periods at a higher heat and it's jolly cosy.  I'm keeping an eye on the meter readings though to make sure we don't go overboard with it.  I'd almost forgotten how nice it is to feel warm.

A very bracing walk today to the Co-op for a couple of bits and bobs - sunny, crisp, dry, no wind but bitterly cold.  Brrr.  They had quite a few clearance items, all dated well into next year and the year after, so my baking cupboard has been replenished a little, at not much cost.  Strawberry conserve, apricot jam, all butter lemon curd, almond essence, lime juice and a bag of pastry mix.  I usually make my own pastry but at 33p it's a "useful to have".  I also treated us to a fresh cream chocolate eclair each as I had a 40p membership MOC to use.

I've been very good this year at not buying any more knitting yarn and have used a lot - and I mean A LOT - from my stash that now looks more reasonable.  I did succumb last night though    and have ordered some as a Xmas pressie to myself.  Oh my, it's certainly gone up in price (what hasn't?) and, given the current postal situation, who knows when it will arrive.  Oh well, it's something to look forward to and I have plenty of books to read while I'm waiting.

Siebrie

In Belgium: from January 2023 the energy companies will work with a 'capacity tariff' for the electricity part of the invoice (so, not for the distribution network, etc). This means that they will charge you according to the peak electricity use from the month. That one hour you ran the dishwasher, washing machine and oven at the same time will determine the height of the cost for the whole month. Households on analogue meters will have their usage calculated from the year to the month. There will no longer be a night tariff.

We are still on an analogue meter, but I'm already teaching dds and husband to keep an eye on the machines they are switching on. I'll run the washing machine during the night after everyone has gone to bed, and the dryer

Elisheba

Auntycaz said:

 

Ebay have some silicon stoppers in two sizes that may work?  If you scroll through, although most of the pictures are blank there is one that shows what they look like. 

2pcs Bottle Stopper Replacement Hot Water Bottle Caps Thermal Bottle Caps | eBay

Or would a bogstandard hot water bottle one fit - are they a screw fit?

Thanks for trying to help but it's not the stoppers I need but the flat washers. The stoppers are made of stone like the water bottles but they need a washer to stop them from leaking.

Not sure if it would work, but you could try Sugru?  Its a mouldable glue that dries as a plastic.  Amazing stuff.

zaxdog

My birthday today........47 but feel 25!

Lovely warm jammies from my parents and Mr Zaxdog made a "treat bag" of all the things I see but don't buy myself (posh tea, little scented candle etc). Some money too so that will be stashed until I see something I really want. 

Started a new and healthier me thing today so there will be lots of dog walking, good and frugal food and starting crafting again.
 
Thanks to the second Highland Clearances we are in a more remote but beautiful area so some fishing and foraging will be in effect. Last year all we really got was brambles and some hazelnuts for our wee rescue pe pigeon Princess.

WFH 95% of the time due to having to move eighty miles from my workplace and the many crochet blankets I've made over the years are proving very handy to keep me snug at my desk. Started on a pair of crochet leg warmers from all the wee wool scraps in my basket.

Longwalker

Happy Birthday Zaxdog xxx

I love the "treat bag" idea. We struggle with gifts to each other, I shall take this idea on board 

YoungBlueEyes

Belated happy birthday @zaxdog! I'm also loving the "treat bag" idea. Hope you're enjoying yours

Wednesday2000

Happy Birthday Zaxdog. I will be 47 next year.:)

YorksLass

We woke up this morning to a very thick layer of frost, so thick you could be forgiven for thinking it was snow!  The council gritters have been up and down the road a couple of times, including this afternoon - it does not bode well!  Yesterday there was a car shunt at the corner of our road - think tailgating - but fortunately not much damage to cars or people.  Heating still on chez nous (dreading the bill but needs must I'm afraid) and my dressing gown is proving to be very welcome attire in the mornings and for night time loo visits.

The knitting yarn I ordered has arrived.  Ordered Tuesday evening, arrived Friday lunchtime.  The firm I use usually uses Royal Mail but are now also using a courier (Evri - formerly Hermes) that seems to have some not very favourable reviews, so I was very impressed.  I shall try to not start knitting with it until the NY but can't promise anything.     In the meantime, I went through the pattern last night and wrote out the bits I need to follow for my size.  Only a 10-row pattern but I was cross-eyed by the time I'd finished.    

I've done this week's meal plan using what I already have in, so Tuesday's delivery order is a small one.  Needless to say, yet more price increases - cheese and crumpets this time - and also WUL that I don't need yet.  We'll see what arrives.

I've already bought some sausages to make pigs in blankets for Xmas but DH says he's not bothered about them (after all these years ????) so I'll use the meat for sausage rolls instead - half pork/sage/onion and half pork/cheese/apple.  I've also got some chicken stock in the fridge so will make a minestrone type soup for lunches.

London_1

I ordered 600 gms each of pink and blue wool from Sirdar at half price on 25th November. Evri apparently have it in their possession, I wish theywould deliver it, as I am wanting to make a start on a couple of big blankets for my GtGranddaughters, plus my eldest grandsons expected baby in New York. I will know what they are having on the 20th of this month hopefully.

Sadly I found out this evening that my youngest granddaughter and her OH have split up as he 'Needs his space' Hmm hopefully I won't see him too soon, or he may have more space than he needs .
She is heartbroken bless her They have been together for around four years, but only married for 18 months, I'm so sorry for her as she's a lovely lass, but I shan't take sides as they may sort it out for themselves. 

Watching the football in the hope of England doing well but that's not going too well either at the moment 

JackieO xx

remmie

So sorry to hear about your granddaughter Jackie, hope they can work things out x