From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

Cherryfudge

Oh no, I hope you've not got it. And if you have, perhaps the care you've taken means a milder dose? Get well soon, both you and LG.

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Afternoon MFW'rs

Well, we popped out.  I was going to go to a 'new' spot (we've actually been there before, but yonks ago), but LG suggested going to a teeny-tiny place with a view and a ruin, and whilst we go there quite often each year, it's a nice spot and the countryside is beautiful around, and it's a nice drive.  So I packed up 1 and a half sandwiches (the half was for me), some mini chedderz  and an oaty breakfast bar thing, and some water to drink.

We walked up to the ruin and had an oaty bar, and then LG decided they didn't want anything else to eat and pootled off to find blackberries. I finished up my sandwich and eventually followed them.  Last year we got some quite nice black berries from this area, but this year, although the fruit are abundant - and of course, huge and juicy looking just.out.of.reach. the berries today were at best insipid, and at worst bitter.  It's like they've taken all the sunshine to grow big (out of reach) and in abundance, but haven't converted the sunshine to sugar.  

We spent a good 3 hrs out of the house, wandering about, and looking at various sights and views.  When I asked LG what they liked the best, they said, "getting out of the house", so it was definitely the right course of action 😁

It's a spot i want to return to before the end of the holidays, as they have a tiny-wee museum there, that I knew wasn't open today, but had noted (due to Vintage Historian's suggestion), down as a possible trip for the hols.  In addition, there is another historic site nearby (that we haven't visited), that I can add to the list too - so it'll be an even 'fuller' trip when we do go back 😁Today's trip was 'just right' given we didn't know how we both were going to feel.  As I write, everything that has been eaten has been kept down, I can't at the moment comment on the 'out' bit.........  LG is definitely 'brighter' in themselves, so fingers crossed they're on the road to recovery, and everyone else in the household dodges it.  

We sent DH a picture of our adventure and he's got through the assessment that was on today, so he's a bit more relaxed.  Here's hoping 'Summer Hol's '25' are back on track 😁

Not too sure what to do for tea.  LG is vacillating between wanting nowt and then moaning they are hungry.  I might suggest lentil bolognese with pasta.  That's always a favourite, and they needn't have a big portion, although I think their appetite is beginning to return.  

Greying X

Suffolksue

Well  done I only managed dry toast !

Greying_Pilgrim

Good Morning MFW'rs

Suffolksue - yesterday was day 5 for LG, and by the end of the day they were 48hrs on from their last 'episode' so fingers crossed they are through with it.  They did have some lentil bolognese.  They put their own portion on the plate, ate that and went back for a spoonful more.  That was the most that was eaten yesterday in one sitting.  They had also had some toast, an apple and an oaty bar thing over the course of the day.  As I type, there have been no issues with (finally) eating something.  I was pleased that they drank a goodly quantity of water yesterday.

Here's hoping the rest of the household don't go down with anything.  I'm not feeling totally tip-top, but the symptoms could be due to something else, as some of them I have experienced before - like waking up in the early hours, and only drifting back to sleep just before DH gets up, and then feeling awfully groggy/sleepy/washed out.  Bizarre, but possibly more likely to be meno-related.

I was planning on going into Greying Town this morning to do the money-shuffle, do a trail/look in a museum and then go to the last lunchtime concert.  But the weather is currently dreich and getting LG out of the house is going to be no easy task, as I intend walking and they'll want to go in the car.  You get wet either way.  But we both need the exercise.

Whilst the summer hols need to be relaxed and not a regime, we are getting a little out of whack with getting up times (during the week), and we've lost focus on the diary keeping (there was actually something to write about for yesterday's entry!).  I don't want LG to get to the start of school and say 'we didn't do anything', because actually, we have been doing some things, and who is to say any of LG's peers are necessarily having 'more' fun - irrespective of whether they are holidaying near or far?

Anyhoo, I'm hopeful I can do the money shuffle today, so that the bills will be paid for August.  At the moment tea will possibly be wraps - unless something changes in the interim - and we should have a low spend day, with a retiring collection for the concert if we attend, and maybe a donation for a drink, if LG would like one.  

One of the films that I'd slated us to go and watch at the cinema is already out - I thought it was releasing on Friday, so at least we could factor that in this week as the weather forecast isn't great.  I must also make a note of the week the third Paddington film is on the £1 ticket offer, as I've not seen that one.  LG saw it at a chums house on pay per view, or whatever, but they've not seen it at the cinema, so that's another option to add to the list.  I was watching a podcast recently and one of the gals had been in a family group of 7 to see a kid's movie, and with snacks and the film, it had cost $250CDN.  No longer a cheap option to take in a film it seems ☹️

Right, I've had a glass of water, but no coffee, so best go off in search of one.

Ta for popping in.  Greying X

themadvix

Glad to hear that LG is on the mend and you seem to have dodged it!

CAN$250 is insane for a cinema trip. I'd argue she needs to learn some MSE ways - who buys cinema snacks round here rather than sneaking some in?!

Greying_Pilgrim

themadvix said:

Glad to hear that LG is on the mend and you seem to have dodged it!

CAN$250 is insane for a cinema trip. I'd argue she needs to learn some MSE ways - who buys cinema snacks round here rather than sneaking some in?!

Ha ha - I think it was a holiday splurge, with family and I don't necessarily think MSE ways came into it - although she was shocked at the cost.  Perhaps cinema snacks are comparable in price to eating out - so it was a cost, just depends whether the cinema or restaurant got the $$$.  I don't know what the exchange rate is to £'s, but I know that $CDN is more than $US - so that possibly made it sound worse.  

I thought cinemas - possibly some of the chains, rather than a small-town independent - were more relaxed about taking some things in now?

Greying X

rtandon27

Piping in about cinema across the pond!  There is no such thing as sneaking snacks in for most big cities.  Guards are employed and check your bags upon arrival (for food and weapons).  No rucksacks are allowed & all food consumed on premises must be bought on premises (and it's not cheap).  In fact, the only thing you are allowed is a small bottle of water & everything else you need to pitch into the rubbish bin or eat before entry.  I'm hoping that 250CAD was for all 7 family members, which would be about 35CAD per head (roughly 20 quid) which is about norm for movie theatre admission and overpriced snacks!  That being said, the cinema food is 100% better than here!  I can honestly say that for me, once upon a time, a movie was a once or twice a year thing & a really special event such as a birthday or family outing!

Greying_Pilgrim

Yeh, rt these lasses are proud Canadians, and whilst they were a bit shocked at the cost, from what they've said about eating out etc in the past, it wasn't mega, mega outrageous.  I'm not sure what the composition was aduts:children, but the exchange rate does make it "sound" expensive.  For example, when they talk about yarn/books they are talking $50CDN, whereas we would be £23-£30 for similar items.  

However, I shall be eating breakfast/lunch before I visit our local picture house and seeking out the £1 shows 👍😊

We've had a very constructive morning.  I have moved the money to cover the DD's for August.  I have availed myself of the TV listing mag (now soaked) and a jar of everything that you may expect to find seasoning the top of a bagel, from M&$.  £2.82 spent.

We then went to the lunchtime concert.  We got there early and had a drink each (donation), and then discretely and tidily nibbled our snap, waiting for the venue to fill up and things to start.  The concert was excellent.  I found myself musing how lucky we were able to access this for a retiring donation - It was so accomplished, and just a pleasure to listen.  

On leaving the venue, the heavens opened and we got drenched in 1 minute flat, trying to find shelter.  Almost no sooner had it started, the downpour ceased.  And whilst we were wet - and my cheapo backpack soaked - it stopped raining and we were able to walk home without further incident.  

The TV mag is drying on the window sill, our trousers are in the washing machine, and I'll need to stuff our trainers with newspaper, and coats have been hung up.  But I wouldn't have changed getting out, getting some exercise and listening to some gloriously original music.  

LG seems to be feeling better.  They only had one sandwich for lunch (their request), but did have some chedderz and a chocolate biscuit, so I have an inkling we're over the worst............ 😉  They are still complaining of some aches - but I still think there is an element of muscle strain, which, when combined with some form of tummy bug has made everything worse, and muddied the diagnosis waters.  

We're still on for wraps for tea with qu0rn nuggets and salad.  LG seems interested in having one at least.

Greying X

themadvix

That's interesting about the cinema over the pond RT - it wouldn't have occurred to me that bags have to be searched for weapons. (So glad that's not the case here.) I think I'd still be eating before going like GP though, rather than pay those prices! (That being said, I don't think I've been to the cinema since Covid, so I'm hardly keeping the places in business anyway!).

Sorry you got wet GP, but it sounds like it was worth it for the concert 😊

redofromstart

Just a quick post to say that I was posting about pulses for @missymoo81 when I spotted that MrS have lots of Laila pulses half price nectar offer.  The smaller kilo bags so should be easier to find than the huge bags.  

You may already know this and have posted it, but my 'heads a shed' at the moment and I don't recall having seen anyone post it.  It'll certainly help my budget.