So close, we can smell mortgage freedom!

themadvix

Morning all,

Hi NG! In reality  I think I probably won’t get rid of my car (and still procrastinating about bike, but I do need to go and have a look at them), but we’ll see. Given we’d still actually have two cars, it wouldn’t be impossible… but neither of them is actually mine!

 In Glasgow now - had a lovely train journey yesterday, with a packed lunch (bought sandwiches and cookies from Coop before we left, but satsumas and crisps from home/Olio) - just £2.15 (! I thought of Mr Cheery!) for a tea on the train. Caught the local train to the exhibition centre, which is where we’re staying - only two stops but only £1.75 each - so cheap!! Scotrail is such better value for money than English train travel. Had a lovely meal out in the nearby high street (Kelvingrove maybe?) at an Italian in the evening - also good value.

Today we’re going to catch the train to Helensburgh and visit the Hill House. Free entry for NT members so just the train cost (£9.40 return for both of us - with our Two Together railcard, also ridiculously cheap compared to Hertfordshire). No breakfast included, so need to find that first. I think we may eat a cooked breakfast and that’ll do until an early dinner before the gig tonight. (Can’t promise there won’t be a cake at the NT place though!). Will take satsumas for interim snacks too.

Have a good day all, hope it’s not too hot for you - think it’s going to be 16 and drizzly here today! 

Cheery_Daff

Good snacking there! And 😂😂😂 at you thinking of Mr Cheery when faced with an expensive cup of tea 😂😂😂 It's a good instinct that he has - wouldn't be here without it! (I do corrupt him occasionally though - that's why I instigated the Treats Budget... 😉🤔😂😂

Baileys_Babe

You luck thing Vix visiting 2 of my favourite places Glasgow and Hill House. I haven't been to Hill House since the box was erected, I hope you can still enjoy the beauty of the place.

themadvix

Not sure we’re actually going to see much of Glasgow this time Baileys Babe - we’re thinking of breaking our journey in Edinburgh on the way back as Mr MV has never been (and it’s been 20 years since I was there). But all of Scotland is fine with me! 😁

Off the Helensburgh for breakfast!

Baileys_Babe

I like Edinburgh as well 😃 have a great time where ever you decide to go.

Enjoy your breakfast, to stay with the Scottish theme I'm having porridge, but I didn't use a spurtle to make it <hangs head in shame>

themadvix

Evening all,

 Thanks BB. We did have a nice breakfast in a cafe in Helensburgh - it was much nicer than the website suggested although Mr MV’s selection of the French toast of the day - haggis balls, chocolate crème and parmesan was interesting to say the least. He said it worked though! I stuck with the safer egg on toast (and lovely it was too). The Hill House was fabulous - the interiors are amazing and the box was interesting. It certainly must change the external appearance but we didn’t think it was too awful - the trees hide it from view largely and it was fascinating to see it from above. We had a wander round Helensburgh and an expensive ice cream for lunch (£10 for them but very filling!). Had a gentle walk along the Clyde on our return before dinner and the gig which was excellent! 🤠

 This morning we declined the £12.50 each for breakfast in the hotel, grabbed pastries from Lidl and hot drinks from McDs and walked into Kelvingrove park to eat. Had a wander around the museum and art gallery afterwards and then headed into the city centre. Lunched at Brewdog as Mr MV has shares (and discount) - really, really tasty veggie burger. The city was alive with a pride march and very cheery and colourful and there was a very entertaining/interesting mix of demonstrations in the square.

 Did head to Edinburgh early for a quick walk round and it was very busy in the sunshine. Travelling back first class now with Seatfrog upgrades - ended up being more expensive than expected as Mr MV got confused, but it’s been lovely - loads of food and drink and nice comfy seats.

MS things:
* YG survey
* 1P surveys
* HW - 96p won 

Have a good evening all!

Karmacat

I love both cities, no question  

I'd not heard of the Hill House box, though, so I went a-googling ... wow!  That's really thinking long term.  And I love the idea of walkways enabling you to see the roof and whatnot.  Rellies by marriage live just outside Edinburgh, so we might be visiting in the next few years  

Your trip sounds really brilliant, such a great time, in every way.

savingholmes

Sounds lovely trip 

themadvix

Morning all,

Thanks Karma and SH - it was a lovely trip and I still maintain that, despite the fact that I've tested positive for Covid this morning.... inevitable really - 12+ hours on trains and an indoor gig when rates are as high as they are. Fortunately I just feel like I have a cold at the moment, so hoping that's how it stays. Mr MV has a sore throat but hasn't tested yet - think he's reluctant to after how long it took him to recover last time! Needless to say, I will be skipping my Olio collections this week. I don't think I had much in the way of other plans (although we are supposed to have people coming on Sunday, so will have to see how things go - even I'm 'test' better, if I get the fatigue that lots of people have mentioned we'll have to put that off). I am cat sitting Tues, Weds, Thurs and as they've already left the the country, I think I'll just have to get on and do that - will wear mask and be very careful with hand hygiene - I think they're not back until later on Friday, so that reduces any risk (and they'll have been on a plane in any case, so just as likely to catch it from there!).

So, plans for today are work and watering - myself, cats and garden/allotment! And just trying to stay cool (hard when you might have a temperature in the first place!).

MS things:
* YG survey
* MM profile updates - about 200 points earned doing these yesterday
* Forgot to mention the PC survey product trial turned up just before we were due to go away - no notice from PC or check that we would be in. It was well wrapped up but would not have lasted several days on the doorstep! That formed part of a meal yesterday and I'm looking forward to the rest and the additional £3 from the subsequent survey, which will take me to over £10 there.
* VB surveys - since they've rebooted the website I get survey invites and they are quick and easy - back to £1.50 already there
* £5 rewards credited from RM CD survey
* £2 bonus from a PA survey - at £14 there so far this month
* Collected some fruit, milk and veggie bits from Olio last night - had planned to make cheese with the milk, but will now wait to see if Mr MV has the lurgy (he's just tested) - if not, he can make it!

Gratitudes:
* I could definitely feel worse.... hopefully this is as rough as I get
* Work to keep me occupied
* Cucumbers left for me from my allotment friend - I think they may be the variety you mentioned SL - about half the usual size and really tasty

Have a good day all!

Cheery_Daff

Oh no, sorry to hear you've got covid! Hope it doesn't get any worse and passes quickly.

Glad the PC product trial turned up. They ditched me ages ago sadly - didn't even tell me, just stopped letting me do anything.