So close, we can smell mortgage freedom!

EssexHebridean

What a lovely idea to do something like that as a day trip - and really that's a quite reasonable price as well isn't it! It hadn't occurred to me that it was worth doing a trip like that in a day, but when you think of the actual travel time, why not!

Baileys_Babe

Make the most of your sunshine, it cheered me up to know some people have some sun. Here it is dank and grey, not actually raining but the air is very heavy with moisture - I popped out to bring the bin in after collection and felt rather damp on my return.

themadvix

@EssexHebridean it could definitely work for you. But do check what time you can get to St P's - you're meant to be there 60-90 mins before departure - we'll be getting the first train from us and it will get us there in time, but not the full 90 mins (which as we want to enjoy the lounge is necessary!).

Thanks BB - sorry to hear you've got rubbish weather. Not sure how well the washing will dry, mind you, the ground was still damp when I put it out. I've put another wash on now though as the sun is still shining and I've finished using the oven. Also chucked some granola in the oven while it was on - now have to stop myself nibbling it every time I pop into the kitchen. Phone is doing update and as I use it to keep track of working time, am back on here until it's finished... didn't entirely think that through!

Karmacat

My bag got searched by the security people at St P the last time I used it - I'd packed my umbrella right next to a little cardboard box containing something fragile, and it looked like ... a problematic device, lets say.  There may have been an alert that day - my mother was then 86 years old, and she was searched at Manchester Airport, same day 🤣

This is a great idea as a day trip, though - especially when you can plan the connections and so much of what you want to see so well.  

As for the washing ... I haven't even tried to put mine outside, I've draped it in the bathroom, put the heat on for a bit, and now the window's open to let it evaporate out there.  Good luck with yours!

EssexHebridean

I'd assume that the first tube on the Central line would get us to St P's in time although obviously would check. it will rely on MrEH renewing his passport before we could even consider it anyway - which may never happen!  

themadvix

My first lot of washing is mostly dry - I've brought in the tea towels and dress, just left slightly damp proper towels out there! Second load out and I'm sure it won't dry completely but it'll be better than nothing.

I'm quite excited about the thought that we'll be able to bring back liquids from Brussels - no chance of that on a cheap flight, so that's a definite improvement. Will watch out for sharp items and dubious x-rays, although I've been searched at airports before (notably in Germany) and it's not too terrifying (SIL lost BIL at Sydney airport though as there was a problem with his visa - she was understandably terrified as no one told her what was happening. It was all sorted in the end, but not a nice experience!).

themadvix

Went for a quick walk earlier while the sun was still out - good to get out and get some fresh air. Have done a good amount of Cambridge work today - 4 hours (which is sometimes more than I do in a week) and made good progress. Have also heard from main client that there'll be a bit of work (at a slightly better rate than normal) tomorrow and UK client has been in touch to ask if I want to quote for another project.

Washing all in now - the first load was dry enough that the two towels went straight into the airing cupboard. The rest is on the airer and we'll put it on overnight using a smart plug - much better for a few hours on the line though. Will go and start on the carrots soon as it seems to take a while. 

Mum is being plastered properly in the morning and I'll see her - not sure if she's coming here or I'm meeting her - she'll let me know. If she comes here, tomorrow should be another NSD as I won't need to buy a drink in Sains cafe. Tomorrow will also be invoicing and paying myself, which will be good.

November is going to be a busy month - we're away, there's Dad's wedding, it's Mr MV's birthday, trip to Brussels etc. etc. However, it would be nice to keep additional spending to a minimum on the 'non-event' days - using up food we've got in and so on. Presents are budgeted for, so spending on them will be excluded because I probably do need to start thinking about Christmas. We'll also need to make our trip to Manchester cheap! Easier said than done, especially if we're seeing as much of Mr MV's friends as planned. But we've got a museum, a couple of NT places and a park to visit, weather permitting. I still need to organise footwear for the wedding and/or decide if I can get away with a black dress... Cat/Olio friend mentioned the tapas bar the other day, but I think that's going to have to wait a while!

I have a meeting this week with the other Cambridge person I do work for - this may mean starting on some projects for her, which would be good (it's also at a higher rate than I do for my friend - more my professional skilset). I would like to be as productive as possible for the next few months, to put us in as strong a position as possible re buying a car in the spring/having the mortgage money sitting there.

Cheery_Daff

EssexHebridean said:

I'd assume that the first tube on the Central line would get us to St P's in time although obviously would check. it will rely on MrEH renewing his passport before we could even consider it anyway - which may never happen!  

Mr Cheery actually renewed his a couple of weeks ago (and he approaches anything official like a cat approaching a bath) so the fates may be in your favour!

I was searched at St P too - I stupidly had an Omron pedometer in my pocket 🙄 I did get on the train eventually!

rtandon27

I love that you ladies are such good company with the stop and search stories - I once forgot to take off my clip-on step counter when entering the US - it was clipped to the middle of my underwire bra. Not only was I patted down, I had to remove both the gadget and the undergarment.  The lovely security guard (female) and I were  both in hysterics when we figured out what had made the wand beep!

Watty1

ohhh a day trip to Brussels.  How wonderful.   In a different life I used to visit there often for work and it is a city I love.  Just to sit in a cafe on Grand Place with a coffee and indulgent chocolate and watch the world go by was a life pleasure as was getting up at 6.00 am just to stroll around the city before work. 

An American friend knowing how much i loved the city suggested I could move there now I'm finally free of my ex.  I considered it for a brief while but decided 3 horses, a dog and cat and self were too much to move to the city!  Although Ostend on the other hand.....