My Off-grid and need to be frugal diary

AnimalTribe

The only extra things I managed to do today was some crafting and practicing my photography. My photographs are definitely getting better, but I've still got a ways to go.

One of the dogs has a slight leg strain. I noticed it a few hours ago - it doesn't seem to be giving her too much trouble. I think it will probably only last a day, but I will keep a close eye on her. If it persists it will be a vet visit.

beckstar1975

 Are you still having to juggle all the power packs and cables around? We've been putting up fairy lights to try and warm the place up and so have been having to shift plugs and extensions around and have been thinking of you having to do it so often!

AnimalTribe

beckstar1975 Unfortunately, yes DH is still having to juggle power packs and cables around, and sometimes he has to go out in the rain to start up the mini portable generator. Hopefully, we will be back to normal when the engineer fixes a new controller on Friday. Fairy lights certainly brighten up the place on the dull days we are having.

You’ve just reminded me that I made some terracotta plant heaters a few years ago. They don’t put out a lot of heat, but do take the chill off a room. I’ll have to dust them down for later on in the year.

The portable generator is a petrol one (the main one uses red diesel), so we’ve been having frequent trips to the garage to top up jerry cans, which is an added expense. We filled up again tonight, but it was a good excuse to go to an Italian restaurant for a meal. We just had pizza but it was excellent.

The dog seems to be back to normal today, so her limp didn’t even last a day. Maybe she had just been lying in an awkward position. I will still monitor her for the next few days though, and not play any chase\retrieval games with her.

AnimalTribe

DH had to go into town today for something work related. I asked him to pick up some dog food on the way home, as I'm building up my winter supplies, a bit at a time, in case of bad weather. DH and I were snowed in for 6 weeks in 2010. We had enough of everything and we were fine, but I always make certain not to be caught out.

DH loves a bargain and came home with some reduced priced groceries. There is no place for anything in the freezer so they will have to be eaten first. Unfortunately, the courgettes I was hoping to use up will now have to keep a bit longer. Hopefully, the veg won't go off before I get to use it, as I hate waste.

AnimalTribe

It's rained heavily so it's been an indoor sort of day. There's not much going on here, DH fixed 2 more small items from his 'fix it box' and I've been making some jewellery. 

Tomorrow of course is the big day, when the engineer comes to fit a new part on the generator - I hope that fixes the problem.

Rhyddid2026

I'll have my fingers crossed for you tomorrow.

beckstar1975

Yes really hope you can get it fixed and back up and running

AnimalTribe

rachmac3 & beckstar1975 - thanks and . . . YIPPEE! the generator is fixed and working, no more going out in the rain for DH and proper ceiling lighting all the time.

Rhyddid2026

Congratulations!!

AnimalTribe

rachmac3 - thanks. It's such a relief.

Today I made a couple of carrot cakes. They take an hour to bake and it's not worth turning the oven on for just one. I'll freeze one.

DH fixed a wonky gatepost and the gate opens properly now. He also sold an old sign on eBay so that's something else out of the house and a few pounds in the bank.

I bought a job lot of costume jewellery a while ago, so I've been looking through it today to remind myself what's there, as I plan to make some jewellery tomorrow. Unfortunately, while I was in the crafting mood I decided to buy some material so that's a few pounds leaving the bank. I do like making stuff though.