NST: February 2023 Freedom

Shrewbie

So long Dave!!

It was a lovely quiet weekend here, apart from bf losing his wallet on a night out. Went to see a show by my aerial hoop teacher and then out for some food afterwards. There was a carnival in Madrid so popped along to where they had a stage set up along the river. Liked seeing the parents dancing with their kids, everyone dressed up. Spent the day yest batch cooking. Made bread in the evening and then fell asleep in front of the TV. 

Splits exercises done, writing done, not so much reading. Today should be NSD 11.

Grateful for my warm bed, for fresh bread and butter, and hot showers. 

Toni'sfriend

Happy Monday

thriftylass

@Thrifty_Taylor that picture looks amazing. 

Everybodie's productivity puts me to shame, well, I'll use it as motivation and a kick up the but . 

Got bit of gardening done and did the big shop on Saturday. Then yesterday I went back to Asd@ for sth we forgot and some comfy clothes sneaked into my trolley. I count that as a selfcare spend . I used to always change after school and later after work but I have neglected that the last few years. I guess didn't want to look like a slouch in front of my husband, but now I'm beyond caring, comfort is more important.

My 3ulb account got finally moved to 0ct0pus after the take over in October. It went really smoothly, all my old bills and readings etc transferred, however they are a good bit more expensive but I just can't see a cheaper supplier. 3bulb had such good prices, maybe that's why they went bust. 

EDIT: had a little look and the three big comparison sites both say before even entering any numbers that there are no deals to be had and they won't offer a switch. Do all suppliers cost the same now then? When I looked online for an answer, I found this:

"Why are there no cheap energy deals?

To put it simply, wholesale energy prices are through the roof. Energy is very expensive for the actual suppliers, and they can't operate at a loss. It means they can't offer cheap energy deals through comparison websites - they cannot afford it"

So they are all charging the max up to the price cap as they do not need to compete for customers just now.

Like a slap in the face after they all seemed to make record profits. I know it's not that simple as they lost a lot of money 2 years ago and not all profit is from selling to the small man. Still...

Till later

grandmanerd

Quietly successful day - spent some time outdoors, continuing on from the day before, nearly all the empty large planters are stacked by type (30 l, 40 l, 30 l builder's buckets etc) along the 'cleared' side on the garden (all the soil from last year's  growing went into the tree tubs)'. Flexitubs (water emptied using a 10 l pot with a handle and used on the trees), new polytunnel cover, coiled hosepipe, bird seed, poultry manure and mealworms (huge tub purchased after mum's shed had a 'visitor') also moved across, so I can get at the stuff to be tackled more easily. Several trips to the bins, especially the green waste bin as vegetable matter in varying stages of decay was discovered (more tool boxes put in their proper homes and there were some sprouting/ desiccated/ unidentifiable things at the back of the table).

Being outdoors was very enjoyable but the work was tiring so I went back indoors to eat and rest (on the large couch). DS3 was more visible yesterday but he went off to  have a bath (an hour's peace) and was asleep early on. I took myself back upstairs because I was dozing off (I was awakened by a loud bang and it took my a while to realise it had been one of the chinchillas pounding their wheel and then making an emergency exit when it got too much) and spent some time reading and watching 'Carnival Row' (not quite what I expected but I'm finding it enchanting but lots of swearing and violence for those who avoid such things).

I became impatient  with my indolence and started sorting through drawers, with my new 'critical eye'. A dozen things gone from both the first 2 drawers, moved my old batch pills into a different drawer, packaging went in the paper bag (one pack front and one leaflet kept for each pill type) and it fits into a 1/3 or it's old space.  Cleared space was enough to put 2 largish pieces of embroidery that I'm still hoping to finish. There are two drawers that could be gone through but the contents are  packed in (a mixture of craft, baby and 'domestic' stuff (all the paperwork I need to keep but non urgent so I filed it away in the drawer until I only had the bungalow selling and mum's estate account paperwork out ) and it might be an afternoon job because I can see me getting waylaid and 'dreaming' about projects.

Another empty drawer now holds 2 cushions that are 'keepers' but not putting them anywhere near DS3 (a lot of the time it's just because he's so big, not deliberately destructive). I have another growing cs pile - mostly clothes I've held onto until I can fit into them again (although a couple are BNWT). I think it's time to let go and let someone else have the benefit, by the time I can get in them (I was very close at one point last year) they may not even suit me and there are some more in another drawer (not currently accessible) that are probably 'fantasy me' or 'long ago me'. I'm not ready to settle for beige polyester but it will be mainly t-shirts and leggings with tunics and dresses for extra layers for a while and I'll  buy a few special pieces when my current 'use up until they fall apart' items give up the ghost.

My sleep pattern is much improved, I woke several times for bathroom breaks but feel well  rested. I think some of the tiredness is from breaking the caffeine habit (done now) and changing back to drinking mostly water.

I'm going to answer Polly's questions  as best I can and it might clarify things for the rest of you:

Beloved ended up here because her dead end job and her parents (mainly her mother) destroyed her mental health and drove her to attempt suicide. Her parents have been foster carers for many years, specialising in babies and Beloved has been carting babies around for most of her life. Her father does have a son with another woman, the son is the same age as Beloved.

Beloved started a nursery nursing course but ended up doing a series of Mcjobs (zero hours contracts, unsociable hours) and was generally treated as unpaid nanny and housekeeper.  Her mother is the main earner (she 'won't work for less than 60k pa') and she wanted to adopt their latest foster child against the advice of social workers (he has multiple problems and needed full time institutional care) and the wishes of her family. She eventually got her way, her husband abdicated all responsibility, the child was allowed to wreck Beloved's possessions (targeted her computer, her savings and her beloved pets). DS3 supported her through 2 mentally abusive relationships which did nothing for her MH or self-esteem before they became a couple (15? years ago). All 3 girls are on antidepressants and if this house were any bigger, her siblings would also have taken refuge here.

Records/ auction house. My initial idea was to call in the auctioneers (they are in Newton-le-Willows) but probate was held up for months by the DWP investigation. Paperwork has now gone in but my recently bereaved cousin said that she'd been told there's a 6 month delay (it was 10 weeks when I applied but ended up being nearer 13). DS3 inherits an equal share but only the 2 eldest are executors so neither DS3 nor I has authority to sell, and they can't go to auction until probate clears. I think they're bugging me because of the space they take up but also because they're my ex's, I don't want him occupying my space in any shape or form (but I do want to help the boys). I can get them better organised but I haven't been physically able to do it for a while (I got about 300 put away before Christmas so we actually had more floor space (which DS3 noticed - he moved the full boxes according to my directions) but that's less than half of them (and some of them are on my couch - the smaller one but in much better condition).

Trip to little Arseda I'm enjoying my longer walks. I can't do them every day (so trying for the library, corner shop or post box on alternate days) but feel they're doing me good. Now I know it's not my bones that ar giving way, I feel safe to move more without damaging anything (I stop when it hurts). I really enjoyed the walk to little Arseda, the stops weren't just to rest, I noticed all the little changes, spent time looking at the medicinal herb bed at the library, surveying the Civic square and sitting by the Spring bulbs in the churchyard. Getting there was an achievement. I only noted the time  I took as it's a way of monitoring any improvement but I haven't gone there in months and sometimes I've struggled to get to the corner shop. Now it's warmer, the cold air isn't hurting my lungs.

The Couch I have 2, bought when I was 50 and hopefully will see me out. The big one is DS3's place of work and has been for many years. It's actually a lot tidier than it used to be - at one point he had wires going to the double plugs at either side and bits of tech equipment on chairs in front of the couch and shelves to the side. Now he has a super laptop, a drawing tablet (draws straight into his laptop when connected), headphones and wires to attach to other bits as needed (tv screen some of the time). he spends every waking hour working (this can include viewing other people's output. During the pandemic, the couch has got damaged (the cats scratched them early on), there are splits in the leather and one armrest is indented. I have offered to let them take it with them (it went to live with DS1 and his gf/ now wife for a while until they could afford to buy what they wanted. But my couch is buried (I'm working on that) so I tend to perch at the end (or on DS3's feet) when I need to. If he's not there, I tend to spread out a bit but when he comes down he needs me to move because he can't squeeze past me to get behind the little table he uses. He'd rather I was out of the way altogether and if I've done enough work for the day I've 'trained' him to take my heavy bags upstairs in exchange for occupancy of the couch.

Bins I'm still using my bin and the bin for the empty house next door, but I do collect litter from the backs (communal area), have disposed of some of the rubbish from next door (helps everyone). The green bin (food waste and garden waste) - I use all the green bins but I've disposed of ivy, nettles and brambles from next door (empty house) as well as cutting down the weed trees bit by bit and do extra weeding outside the other houses - my other neighbour uses a  mobility scooter or is pushed in a wheelchair (her husband has taken over most household tasks in addition to f-t work and has asked me to call him if there's  any heavy lifting I need help with) so I do their gateway and any other patches that get in my way. I'm working for everyone so I don't feel  guilty using their bins.

We still have a bit extra because of Beloved's not being able/ not wanting anyone else  to tackle the accumulated rubbish in their room - now she is tackling it and black bags appear in the kitchen. A lot of their rubbish is lightweight so I put it in the bin and then press it down with bricks to squash out the air and then find there's room for many more bags (and I sometimes use pebble theory and pack out a pile of takeaway plastic bags which fill  in little spaces and corners).

We have caught up with DS3's forgetting to put the brown bin out before Christmas and I think the last couple of times it was down to my over consumption of cans and bottles - the non-caffeinated drinks are only available from a  few outlets and to justify an order (or get free delivery) I've been ordering in bulk expecting to make it last 2-3 months but my consumption has gone up because it's easier to take up a 2  l bottle than keep going back and forth to the tap and just because it's there. I'm now tackling this (caffeine drinks have gone and replacing non-caffeine with water). This was another reason for going to little Arseda - I could have done an online order of drinks and a few bits I needed but I needed to get over the 'too much' bit so I walked to little Arseda and just bought 2 x 2 l bottles and had water the rest of the time.

Well I seem to have produced another epic. I'm grateful for good books, the library, every single turtle and some of the followers and occasional contributors - you are all wonderful and you all make a difference.

f0xh0les

NSD 12.  I still have a head cold, but am a million times better than I was on Saturday morning. Nearly feel normal so holding out for no symptoms tomorrow.  Cancelled my volunteering as 'my other men' are both over 80 and I don't want to bump them off.

Cleaned cleared and hoovered top floor bedrooms, left them with their clean sheets to do themselves, stole all their laundry - ha ha ha!!   Cleaned cleared and hoovered middle floor bedrooms, remade my bed, left DS2 with his clean sheets and duvet set.  Cleaned all the bathrooms, hoovered down the stairs to the front door.  Did the bins and recycling.

Made them all pick a plate from the fridge for lunch - I had  ended up with one portion of chinese, one bowl of spaghetti, two bowls of soup, half a bowl of hummus, 6 wraps, and 4 portions of bolognese sauce earmarked for a meal tomorrow.  The idea was they would eat what was there.  Hmm, did not go so well.  I made rice (thinking I could do a fried rice for lunch tomorrow with the leftovers), but that has just incited  DS 1/2/3 to make the bolognese into a chilli, and eat it with the rice and the wraps and hummus.  So I still have one portion of spaghetti, one bowl of soup, and half a sandwich (DS4 is struggling with his cold and eating) in the fridge..... and no plans for supper    They might just get Mr Norr's packet soup as a horrific surprise.  

This afternoon will be cleaning the ground floor as I did such a good job with the rest of the house this morning. It is taking less and less time each week to do it. At flippin' last.   Sadly, the laundry mountain is as large as ever... but if some idiot keeps stripping all the beds on the same day, what does she expect ?

Anyway, really looking forward to getting it done so I can neglect it all again until next week.

Grateful for feeling less like a snotty-zombie today, for my lovely bowl of soup for lunch (loads of veg and pearl barley) and for a DH that I adore , and that tomorrow is International Pancake Awareness Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thriftylass

Thanks for the reminder @f0xh0les , I will make sure we are more aware of the issue of lack of pancakes in our life. We shall make a difference tonight and produce some. Should have all the ingredients in.

Went to the gym for the first time in ages again and upped my membership to include the pool again too. No point saving a few £ i that means not having the thing I like most about the gym.

lcc86

@apple_muncher that's more expensive than the gym I used pre-covid I'm lucky, I have 3 gyms within a 20 minute walk, my preference is the one with the pool but that's about £50 a month so I just pay for swimming as and when I go (which seems to be never in winter!). 

Today was my final day off my back was sore this morning when I woke up so I started the day with some yoga. Did a few jobs around the house and then went for a walk. Did a few more jobs, had lunch, read my book then Did some pilates using my app. Was meant to go to a class this evening but decided I'd prefer to get it done earlier so I can just relax instead. 

The mattress I ordered which was too big (completely my mistake) was finally collected this afternoon after sitting in our bedroom for about 3 weeks. The house is finally looking normal again! Just need to wait for the refund now. The correct-sized one was £50 cheaper so I'll be in profit once it's sorted!

Have got my clothes, bag and food ready for work tomorrow and about to get in the bath. Feel so much more like myself now after finally recovering from the flu plus having some time to actually recharge. I'm going to ask to end my work secondment early when I go back as it's not working for me at all. If it's a no (and I have no idea if they will even entertain it tbh) then I'll just have to suck it up and plan my annual leave to make sure I get time to decompress until it ends in summer.

ditty1234

Happy Monday all, grateful for club run starting in a minute. 

DawnW

Evening all

OH and I have horrible colds (boo, I only got rid of the last one half way through January!) so not done much. But on the upside, we haven't spent anything either. In fact I have made a bit of extra money - £50 from yougov and almost £20 from a couple of ebay sales.

Need shopping tomorrow though, and the dog is being groomed, so I will need to pay for that.

Managed a bit of time in the garden yesterday, as we had a nice sunny day. Got all the washing dried outside too! Today is back to grey, dismal and chilly though, with warnings of more frost to come in the next few days.

Made a stir fry for dinner, with some chicken from the freezer, a round up of last week's veg and a sachet of stir fry sauce BBE somewhen in 2022. Was yummy!

I still need to check the banks and update my spending diary, and then I think I will get a hot bath and an early night!

Grateful for a bit of extra money, a sunny day yesterday and a nice dinner made from odds and ends.

apple_muncher

Today I am grateful for some extra work, for my lunch being yummy scrummy, for the croci still looking fabulous, for dc coping with their day (only just, but at least it wasn't totally overwhelming for them), for finding gf/df nuggets in sainz.