Moving on

Cherryfudge

'There is a crack in everything,. That's where the light gets in.' 😊

I don't mind there being 'weak spots', if I can identify them and do something about them - certainly they are opportunities. However, today I've yet to avail myself of those particular opportunities. 😊

I was still sitting at the computer late in the morning when I saw the window cleaner approaching, so I hurriedly went and got dressed! That's one way to get me out of my chair. All windows are clear of that Saharan dust now, and I paid him as soon as I'd made him a cuppa (he more than deserves it, I think he's put prices up about once in thirty years).

It was one of those days with too many things to do, and none really urgent. I washed my hair, emptied the dishwasher, cleaned the seals and filter, did some laundry by hand and asked A and H if we can borrow their washing machine again tomorrow.

I then went out and did lots of errands: collected my V1nted parcel, dropped off the blister packs at B00ts and spent a while looking unsuccessfully for a good price for Epsom salts. In the end I've ordered those and dishwasher salt online (making the most of Pr1me while I have it). I went to the far end of town (beeandem) and found their paracetamol is 6p cheaper than L1dl's… they and Asd4 were selling off Easter craft sets for tiny amounts so I've bought some to occupy the girls over the next few weeks (when not colouring unicorns, of course). I also found yet more cheap vegetables including a roast veg selection which I cooked to go with liver and bacon tonight - then forgot it was in the oven till we'd eaten tea! It will have to be reheated tomorrow.

Cherryfudge

I've now opened my V1nted parcel - a coat that's come all the way from the States. I'm very pleased with it, it should be a good layer of protection against Yorkshire winters. Just a shame I need to wait to wear it!

I also bought my first absolutely new clothes this year: socks. There's a charity shop that seems to sell end of season ones. Last year I bought some summery ones (with bees on) later in the year. These are autumnal colours with dog walkers and falling leaves - another thing to put aside over the summer. No, I don't absolutely need socks, but I've worn some out and I know these will be nice to wear.

I also found my favourite shampoo, which was running out, as a refill which is cheaper and saves plastic.

Today's spending:

What on earth shall I count Epsom salts as? Possibly medical? £14.19

Also medical - paracetamol 29p

Gifts (to entertain the grandchildren) "2.38

Housekeeping (including the 5kg dishwasher salt) £15.20

Toiletries £3.25

Clothing £2.99

WelshmansDaughter

"we have tasted and tested too much lover, through a chink too wide comes in no wonder"

Come to Scotland Cherry you can wear a winter coat all year long 🤣

rtandon27

haha - I was going to suggest a trip to northern Ontario - currently 3 in North Bay - feels like -2!!!

Cherryfudge

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81971664#Comment_81971664

Thank you for that amazing quotation @WelshmansDaughter . I'd not come across it before so I looked it up and DH and I are agreed it's a wonderful poem.

I will cheerfully go to Scotland though I'm not sure I love the new coat quite enough to wear it permanently!

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81972235#Comment_81972235

LOL, Yorkshire has been colder than that but not at this time of year!

Cherryfudge

It's been a good day looking after the girls. We took them to the swings in the morning and they played out in the garden for part of the afternoon (sunny but a cold wind). I bought a small watermelon (on offer in Ald1 for £1.99) and we ate most of it while they played out. Even DH had some.

Having got all those activities for the girls, they partially coloured a unicorn each, the pencils were left in a cup of water and we went to play in the lounge and forgot the activity. Ah well, at least we made a start.

DH seems much better today but it's hard to predict how things will be from day to day. He did his stint of church cleaning them had a meeting straight after and another this evening, so DS gave me a lift home with the laundry basket (we'd borrowed their washer again). I noticed how fast the lawn is growing and was able to fit in mowing it before DH got in.

Dinner was sausages with the roast veg from yesterday and some spinach. Once more I've done nicely for reduced veg: spinach and kale both reduced by 75%, and salmon reduced as well. I also forgot to take coffee with me so bought some of my cappuccino sachets and discovered they are currently 15p cheaper in Sa1ns than T3sco. (Bought two packets).

This evening I've mended three pairs of socks and a top of DH's. Good to have those out of the way.

WelshmansDaughter

The advantage of an Irish education Cherry 🤣 There is a lovely statue of Kavanagh in Dublin- they have modelled him sitting on a bench beside the canal

Cherryfudge

DH has spent much of the morning replacing the handle on the washing machine, which was a bit tricky but completely successful. Two loads of washing have been completed, and should dry in this lovely sunshine. I'm afraid I wasted much of the morning finishing the novel I wasn't enjoying ('A Gay Life' by EM Delafield - in the original sense of the term but sardonic and cynical throughout with a lot of plot twists later in the book. Not a happy read and I can't recommend it, though I did want to find out how it would turn out).

Here's my weekly list from Sunday, with progress so far:

• wish DS1 a happy birthday - DONE
• gardening - started
• write up another children's session or two - not yet
• print out more resources for Thursday - not yet
• iron all yesterday's laundry pile - not yet
• mend some clothes - all but one done.

We are resuming our weekly coffee later, not sure where.

Sun_Addict

Your DH is very handy and has probably saved you a fortune in repairs or a new machine.

You've reminded me I've still got ironing to do.

Cherryfudge

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81973516#Comment_81973516

I know - and appreciate it! I'm handy with certain things but not things that involve mechanics, electrics or physical strength (potters off to pull up weeds and bake cakes).

I stll have ironing by the way. For some reason it's not done itself.