Next steps; grip-relaxing bimbling, and avoiding the temptations

Suffolk_lass

We are off to view a truck this afternoon! We had one of those honest discussions where I told him I didn't think he should nobly offer to drive a small car that he hates for his remaining years driving. I would rather we have the double cab pick-up (we can acquire a rear cover in due course) so we can use it for beekeeping, while we do that. We can keep it as long as we can.

Also, contrary to what she thinks, my 96 year old mother will eventually die and something we can fill and tow a big trailer with, will be important then. Her house has three lots of people's stuff in it and masses that will need to be shredded, burned or skipped. She loves her memories. Death cleaning? whoever thought that was a good idea has not met my Mum. Anyway, she powers on and good that she does.

My study buddy has just called off for today so I will take advantage and re-write (correct/embellish) some study notes, do some garden stuff and get on with some other bits here. Oh, and I need to do some more prep for tonight's online study group.

The blue sky of dawn is just disappearing and more grey clouds are sweeping in. I still need to plant my seeds.

Stealth Cat had a bit of a wail last evening. I think she thought she was on her own. I am changing her diet over to a renal one, to try and arrest the loss of condition, muscle and fur that is evident. Expensive, but less than a vets set of tests to confirm what we know. I hope she doesn't have dementia too. She still knows where her litter tray is, and makes regular deposits, with the extra food she is eating. I carried her into the lounge last evening and she did happily settle on the back of the sofa (the dog likes it there too - as well as the front windows vantage point, he gets the waft of heat from the radiators!).

With house insurance looming next month, I need to send sweep and thatch reports, and come April, the 5-year electrics test is due. The thatch report will say the ridge needs doing. We want a Dutch tiled ridge - I need to speak to our Master Thatcher, to both do the report and get his former apprentice to take on that work.

Oh yes, an appointment with a specialist nurse on Thursday (by phone) suggests things are moving. Have a good day everyone

Watty1

hope the truck proves a good option. And I agree, enjoy driving what you want (writes she who drives an ancient mini she loves).

Makingabobor2

You mum sounds like my dad. He will be 94 in August, and has so much rubbish and stuff in the house it is unbelievable. My sister and I have offered to do some sorting out, many times, but he won't let us. Just says it will all be ours when he is gone! Trust me, there is very little there that is any good to anyone, except maybe some kitchen bits. He hasn't touched the cupboards since my mum died over 5 years ago! I am already sorting out our house, so my kids don't have to deal with it all. Just don't understand this "hoarding" mentality. The inlaws do the same, so that's another house we will have to clear!

beanielou

My DS will have the joy of clearing my house!
Hopefully he will get a wee hoose in exchange 😹

Hope the truck viewing will go well.

beanielou

Oh & big cuddles for Stealth Cat. 🐱

trix-a-belle

Fingers crossed on the truck, not sure what you're specifically looking at but if you want any comparisons there is a well regarded japanese specialist up my way that has those sorts of things (Truck Monkey Garage)

Makingabobor2 my neighbour is 94 & she honestly admits the mentality comes from having gone through rationing in the war.

rtandon27

Wow - I'm amazed at all the parents who hoard - mine is the exact opposite - she has death cleaned her house three times in the past 20 years, and has even purged antiques (that i would like to have loved to inherit) because she didn't like them anymore. Her view is it's only stuff and she has no need for it, and i should not be materialistic or expect anything from her! She is constantly quoting the KM method and has gifted me all the books. I've not read a single one - they sit on my bookshelf along side my favorite one the anti-thesis 'Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives'.

foxgloves

Anyone visiting my parents' house during their later years wouldn't have guessed how many things there were piled up behind the scenes....neither did we. It was all tidy & quite organised on the surface, but as soon as we began opening cupboards, oh my life, the stuff!

Suffolk_lass

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81897897#Comment_81897897

This is what we have to look forward to! I opened the door to the cupboard behind a chair in the family room and found vases that were my grandparents that I remember from my childhood. Then there is Great Auntie's stuff too.

We put a deposit on the truck - next week to collect it. Need to do some financial jiggling. I did look to see if if I could get a loan for part of it but I can't bring myself to pay nearly 6% in interest. Off to walk dogs in a minute.

Spendywendywoo

Oh @Suffolk_lass, we can relate… my DH grandad and grandma are of poor health and are in their 90s now. Their house is suffocating with decorative plates and ornaments on shelving all the way around rooms, rooms full of older items, an old garage of car parts (most unusable) and a couple of sheds of old gardening equipment - it will be some task when the time unfortunately comes.

Great news re the truck, and I agree - life is too short not to have things you want or enjoy, obviously within reason but it very much sounds like the truck will be used and will be looked after. I agree re the interest rates too, ridiculous!

You're clearly very busy with lots on but still maintaining your study time and other tasks :)