Escape to the country & living off savings

Skint_yet_Again

Thank you for your lovely comments and good wishes thriftylynny, SQS and Time2count. 😊

Had a lovely dinner at DF’s. I provided dessert with a lemon cheesecake 😋 Had a lovely relaxed NY day. Transferred all birthdays to my new 2024 calendar. Read more of my book. 

I  was always a reader from childhood but 3 events stopped me over the years, when my DS was born, when I divorced and when my mum died. Each time I didn’t read for several years. I suppose I didn’t have the time, or concentration. I have enjoyed getting back to it this year after a 5 year break. I am currently re-reading one book I have had for years. Once I have finished it I will read the new book I was gifted for Christmas & then I will keep using the free book exchange in the telephone box in the village. 

I also want to do some sort of crafting. I have 3 blank canvases I salvaged from the loft in my old house. I have kept all my “new home” cards and would like to do some sort of collage/ decoupage on one of them, so I will need to buy some glue. I also brought with me my calligraphy set but may need to buy more inks. 

I also plan to cut up this years Christmas cards with pinking shears & turn them into tags for next years presents. I remember doing this when we were kids and it’s been a tradition since my DS was little. He’s 28 now so maybe it’s developed into a habit 😆 It’s a nice way to recycle my cards, some of them are really lovely ☺️ I always struggle to throw cards away! 

thriftylynny

Likewise with the reading SYA loved it as a child , all stopped after marriage,divorce & controlling behaviours of close family members  ..stress has eased off a little now & I've learnt I can at least escape with a good book ! 
Your crafting ideas sound good got me thinking I've some lovely picture frames in loft I could fill with nice wallpaper samples already have to match lounge decor ..been in loft since I moved 7 years ago ! You are so good with filling your days , 2024 has to stop me moping about I think ! 

Skint_yet_Again

Same here thriftylynny. I will still spend some days on the sofa watching things I have recorded on my freeview box but I want to enjoy my days now I have no work. 

My canvases were covered with wallpaper in my previous house but no longer match my decor. 

Have been to aquafit and it was lovely and warm today 😊 Got some stew beef on the way home & punnet of strawberries rtc 59p and pigs in blankets 28p. It’s pouring with rain & lots of flooding running off the fields & on the roads. 

I will make stew in my slow cooker with the 15p swede & carrots I bought on way home from Christmas at sisters, plus parsnips & leeks from DF’s allotment. 

SuzeQStan

28p pigs in blankets!!!!! Yummy

same here with books - always wonder why as they are such an escape would be great to escape stressy reality now and then by picking up a book but I never do.

i get through around a book a day on holidays/ weekends!

perfect Day for a slow cooked stew 😋😋

Time2count

I devour books! I have a new plan for the next few months. Have come across some craft kits while doing the new year bedroom sort out (ok I knew they were there, just haven't been in the mood) so I will be doing them instead of reading. I have 3 books of short stories (about 40 stories in each) so if I have the odd half hour here and there then they are also an option. But no library visits for a couple of months. I particularly want to get the cross stitch done by the end of Feb as I bought it about 5 years ago for a friend's birthday so hopefully this year they'll actually receive it! Oops

Time2count

Ps enjoy your stew and pleased the water was warm again at last!

[Deleted User]

Very best wishes for 2024. Always enjoy reading your thread. 

Skint_yet_Again

Thanks Time2count, SQS and Baron_Dale 😊

Sorry I was a bit vague. Will be making the stew on Thursday. Dsis arrived this afternoon and I treated us all to an Indian meal delivered this evening. Total £46 from my entertainment fund. They have both paid for several meals for me & refused to let me pay or contribute so this was my New Years treat for them. Tomorrow DF is cooking for us all in the evening. So I will put stew in the slow cooker on Thursday morning. 

Good luck with the cross stitch Time2count. Unfortunately I struggle to hold a needle these days. As well as reading I also enjoy puzzles and crosswords. Like to try and keep my brain active 🤪😆

Skint_yet_Again

Forecast is dry and moderate winds today. I will wash my towels & try to get them line dried. 

My new curtains are supposed to arrive today by courier. Typical that we will be out visiting my niece and baby. I have tried to change the day to Monday 🤞

I am struggling with the decision over a table top dishwasher. I am lucky that DF gifted me some money for Christmas so I can afford one. But I cannot decide whether to get the 2 place setting £269 or the 6 place setting £189. I cannot find a suitable black 4 place setting. First world problems 🙄

Time2count

Did the curtains arrive or were you able to change the day?
Hope you got lots of baby snuggles - I love that new baby smell!!
I would go for the 6 place setting, you are far more likely to want more space in it on occasion than be upset it's got spare space in it regularly iyswim?