Moving on

Cherryfudge

Today has been bright and pretty calm. I woke up feeling I really wanted a slow day, and most of it has been so. I have a headache that could be eye strain, and painkillers haven't removed it. Really I need a weekend off, so I'm grateful my Sunday morning slot has been swapped.

We met J, L and their dog for a walk then went for coffee where we bumped into a few people we know. Mine was a gingerbread cappuccino and I shared a cinnamon bun with DH. When we got home it hit me that I really don't feel right, though nothing significant. DH cooked lunch (tuna pasta) and has been doing car stuff and having a walk while the weather holds, but all I've done apart from a computer game has been washing a load of towels (half dry on the line) and mending some socks. I've missed sewing so I might find some more to do. I remembered a cross stitch started when one of the children was tiny and suitable for a nursery so I will try to find that for J and L's baby.

Cherryfudge

I meant to say we saw a bullfinch on our birdfeeder this morning. I hope it's back tomorrow as I'd like to do the RSP*B bird count (always forget so perhaps for once I'll manage it).

I've gradually felt better through the day and got active enough to ransack a couple of cupboards trying to find the cross stitch project. No luck: two pieces are missing though I've got most projects together. However, I'm quite proud of myself for getting rid of an entire carrier bag of clutter that I must have shoved together when Mum was in the nursing home. There were some bits of costume jewellery of hers some of which will go to my sister who was willed all the earrings (I don't wear them). A couple of pieces will go in the box for my sister and me to sort through once my sister lives in the UK again and has the time for these things (I hope). There were some hearing aids which DH thinks can be donated via Sp*csavers, some gungy ancient sweets (dated 2013!) and some ruined bits of paper of no consequence - all binned. (Paper decisions: 14). 

Spending:
Entertainment £22.05
Household £6 (window cleaner)
Housekeeping £9.13
Gift £0.79

Cherryfudge

A quiet morning, with church online (people dressed in coats as the heating broke down the other day and spot heaters can only do so much). DH bravely went in.

I gave my hair a trim as it's been suffering where it's rubbed on collars and scarves to the point where it's almost layered. At least the ends are better now and it cost nothing.

It's been wet and windy but DH had a brief walk regardless. I stayed in to count the wild birds but they were mostly sensible and stayed under cover. Yesterday would have been a better choice as the weather was nice.

We went over to A and H's for H's birthday tea. D and E went too and we not only took H's birthday gift but also a mirror and a bag of clothes of D's from his old room. We didn't tell him they were coming so he couldn't refuse them! A little bit of space gained.

I also found that a plant I'm supposed to be rescuing for H has mealy bug and it's spread slightly to neighbouring plants, so I've washed them all and set the affected one aside. I think if I keep them clean and perhaps paint the nooks and crannies with oil, they should be clear in a few weeks.

And I'm fairly sure I just heard that mouse! Or possibly a friend of its. The trap goes out again tonight and I may have to plan a walk out to the fields tomorrow.

Talking of tomorrow, it's my only time to sort out various bits and pieces as we are away later in the week. There's the start of a shopping list for snacks to save us a few pounds, then I saved on the shopping by checking the cupboard for hot chocolate sachets. A couple are out of date but will be okay and the cupboard will be tidier.

Nothing spent today.

rtandon27

I love the cupboard decluttering!  Almost as good as a good freezer dive 😁

Our church also has no heating at the moment.  The weekly online bulletin keeps reminding us to 'rug up' and bring throws & hats & gloves.  They've also shortened the service to 45 mins.  I suppose that the temperature is probably more in keeping with what a medieval church would have actually been like, but our solution for months on end has been to watch live via utoob.  The warmth of our house has won out every time!

Cherryfudge

@rtandon27, lockdown did us a favour in promoting online church! Not the same as in person, but what a favour if the weather is foul, or someone is ill or works shifts. It also lets us visit and try out different places!

I'm looking forward to further cupboard treasure hunting. 

Cherryfudge

I woke woken by a tapping sound about 20 past five. Eventually I went to investigate and there was a mouse in the trap - but also a friend of its running off down the hall. I suspect they get in through the skirting near there but we aren't sure where. Anyway, DH took the mouse to release at a distance (at least it had a sunny morning) and I'm feeling slightly short of sleep. The trap will be set again tonight for mouse no. 2.

I know last night was another named storm but it was gone but the time I got up. I've some jobs to do but nothing particular to go out till paid work. Priorities are laundry, resetting my work password and food shopping.

Cherryfudge

The washing is on the line and I've to take my laptop in to work (will go in early as that department closes as mine opens) as it seems it may have dropped off their system as a security measure. Once they've reset it, I should be able to complete my timesheet! Doesn't have to be in for 31st but soon after would be good.

The cupboard decluttering has given be two sachets of mayonnaise for the trip away.  

I need a plan to use up bananas, blueberries and any veg from the fridge. Blueberries can come with us in a tub and any surplus can be frozen.

Cherryfudge

Tuesday was, as usual, about looking after the girls. DH did the morning run, with toddler club, while I released mouse no.2. I've set the trap again tonight just in case, as I feel that two very small mice appearing at the same time might spearhead the invasion of a dynasty.

The time with the little ones went well apart from the smaller one developing a light rash and refusing to eat or drink. Her health has been up and down and sometimes she just refuses things so we didn't think too much of it till I discovered we'd picked up the wrong food for her and she was showing an allergic reaction to dairy. DS was very kind about it and showed us how similar the containers are (mango and mango yogurt pouches, if anyone needs to know, are different shades of orange but otherwise similar at a glance). By late afternoon, thankfully, she was her cheerful self and eating again. She is more allergic to peanuts so they don't have those in the house any more.

I've introduced the older one to Judith Kerr's stories and she requests them now, which I feel is expanding her horizons as the pictures and some names are delightfully 1960s/70s.  

We also played our elephant game: we take it in turns to be the elephant pushing a log (the other person) through the jungle to make a house. The elephant then goes to sleep in the house. Today's variation was that the house migrated to under the table and the elephant took a blanket in, thus making her look like a mermaid. Being three is a great age.

We avoided our usual detour into the supermarket, which will have saved several pounds. Absolutely no need to go when I bought so much yesterday and it was raining and nearly lunch time.

This evening the group from church who are on the course together were invited to the pastor's house for a meal and to talk about how it's gone so far. I wish I'd reread my notes as my head was full of toddler stuff and I'd forgotten a lot, despite having gone through the notes when the first session finished. However, I can only hope to improve.  

We have to be up in the morning as we are away for a couple of days. How can I have so many things on my list to remember tomorrow? DH still has to find his railcard... mine's on my phone with the tickets.

Nothing spent today...

Cherryfudge

In the interests of having things to hand while away, I've been downloading or updating apps. It's daft: there are a couple of things I need to order later in the week but they will probably be left on our doorstep if I order now so I've downloaded that there Big River app, though I don't use it that often, and in the interests of never missing a bargain, I've made sure my coffee shop apps are up to date!

MS-wise, there are three days' worth of snacks and small tins of tuna to reduce the amount we eat out!

rtandon27

@Cherryfudge - enjoy your time away!

We too take easy win pack-up when we do a short time away.  Usually eat one main meal out a day and self cater any other food. 

Coffee apps are great for discounts on the go.  Sometimes a couple of snacks and a drink order through the app cost 50% less than ordering in person.  We regularly use this trick for one of our coffee shops in town, and the manager always laughs and puts it in real cups so we can stay in.