My Off-grid and need to be frugal diary

AnimalTribe

Today I've made some pendants out of single earrings. The job lot of costume jewellery I bought had a few single dangly earrings in it, so I added some chains and they've made really nice pendant necklaces. I'm really pleased with the way they've worked out. There were also a few single, large stud earrings. I cut off the post of one of these and mounted it onto a ring base and it came out well too. I'll probably be making some more stuff tomorrow in between the regular household stuff. I find making and fixing things very relaxing.

Tonight I've started re-reading Jim Butcher's 'The Dresden Files'. The main character is a wizard who ends up solving murders and is drawn more and more into the supernatural community.

AnimalTribe

DH & I were going to clean the gutters out today so we are ready for any snow as it can get heavy and deep. However, it's been raining non-stop all day so we couldn't do it. We will have to wait for the next fair day.

It has been windy so the batteries are all topped up, a load of laundry has been done, a dog bed washed, and the house has been vacuumed.

One of the dogs had a bit of a tummy upset yesterday and woke us up at 4am & 4.30am – she is fine today. It’s probably because she managed to sneak some sheep poop on her walk yesterday. We try to make sure the dogs don’t eat it but we are surrounded by hundreds of sheep, so occasionally the dogs are successful. That’s country living though.

When I have made a few more pieces of jewellery from the job lot I will post some photos. There are a couple of pieces I’m really happy with.

Tonight, I’ve been watching a couple of episodes of ‘The Good Doctor’ it has been good so far.

AnimalTribe

It was a nice day today, DH & I should have been clearing gutters, but we went out for lunch instead. We had a quick look in a couple of charity shops. I got some nice birthday cards and a nice tin to keep some of my craft supplies in. DH found a backpack that was brand new. All in all, we've had a pleasant day.

AnimalTribe

It's a good job that I had my laptop near me as I can't get out of my chair at the moment because the dog is fast asleep on my feet. It's great that she loves me and trusts me so much, but I'm not sure how much longer I can keep my feet still - she's worth it though

The heating engineer has been here today to do the annual boiler service before the weather turns too bad. He also checked the oil tank and tightened up the nuts on the supply pipe. 

I'll have to do some baking tomorrow as I've run out of cake AND biscuits   

AnimalTribe

I did some baking - date & stem ginger flapjacks, coconut biscuits, and Victoria sponge with home-made raspberry jam. That should keep us going in sweet things for a while.

I’ve been sewing some small felt elephants. I think I’ll make a pattern for some more jungle animals tomorrow so that I can turn them into nursery garlands.

The cyclamen I brought in from the greenhouse a while ago is doing very well and has loads of pink flowers. I also, have impatiens that have been flowering for months and many of the Xmas cactus are in bud – so I’ll have a lot of colour in the house over winter.

teapot2

Your baking sounds yummy, especially the date and ginger flapjack🤤

AnimalTribe

teapot2 thanks. I was just using up the oldest dried fruit first. I get some lovely combinations that way. I often change recipes for what I have on hand. My DD used to get frustrated because I'd make something she thought was really good, but I couldn't remember what or how much of an ingredient I'd put in it. 

Sunday's are usually pretty lazy affairs. I catch up with people on the phone or online and scan the online news channels then DH and I get on with our hobbies or reading. Other than dog walking we have little physical activity on winter Sundays.

AnimalTribe

DH & I were out again last night visiting friends. Today I’ve been repairing\re-purposing jewellery (about 30 pieces in all).  I’ve loaded 3 photos.

The long diamante necklace was part of a bracelet. It took some effort to remove the loose pieces as the metal was very thick. I added a loop and a chain.

The green necklace was an earring for pierced ears. I simply bent over the post to make a loop and added a chain.

The small gold pendant was a piece of a watch band. I added a couple of loops and a chain.

in_need_of_direction

They are spectacular esp the green.  You are incredibly creative 

AnimalTribe

in_need_of_direction thanks that made my day. I've really enjoyed making stuff. I've bought another job lot off eBay so that will keep me busy for a while. I still need to work on my photography before I can start posting stuff for sale. I've relied on DH to photograph stuff up until now, but he is increasingly busy with other things.

It's been very windy today so the batteries are full. I've dried some seeds in the dehydrator since I had the electricity and I'll pack the seeds tomorrow ready for next year. Dinner was easy, bread with tomato and garlic puree and grated cheese cooked under the grill, as the bread needed to be finished. 

DH brought some mince pies home yesterday, so I've had my first mince pie of the year.