My Off-grid and need to be frugal diary

AnimalTribe

It's been raining all day and very windy. Because of the rain I haven't been able to harvest the potatoes I'd hoped to. On the bright side the wind has topped up the batteries. The only extra I’ve done today is some mending. I was looking forward to watching ‘Superman (2025)’ unfortunately, it wasn’t up to par.

AnimalTribe

It's been windy all day so at least I got a lot of laundry done. I had to dry it all inside though as it's been raining too. 

I don't know if I've mentioned before but I've made a small card to keep beside the house phone. It has my phone number, post code & my what3words location written on it. The idea is that if I ever need the emergency services I can give them the information they need. I'm sure they'd log the phone number, but I think I might be in such a panic that I wouldn't remember the post code or what3words. I've had a walker break his leg 1/4 mile from here, people stranded in winter, and broken down cars. My house is remote but I still seem to get a lot of people getting into trouble nearby. I've used what3words for deliveries too. I'm not a huge user of apps, but this one is worth it. If I'm out and about I have the app on my mobile too.

AnimalTribe

I've not done much today except repairing\re-purposing some costume jewellery. It's been raining again all day and the ground is saturated. Fortunately, as I am high up there is no danger of flooding. I feel so sorry for the people affected by the floods. 

The moor is far too wet to try to walk across, so any dog walking has been on the small tarmac road that runs by the house. I've made up for it though by playing football with them in the house.

Tonight I've watched some episodes of Black List whilst eating some chocolate. It's a lovely way to spend an evening. 

ladybird1106

After reading your diary, I found all the bits of costume jewellery even the broken bits and put on bay. Sold within 20 minutes. Thank you 
if I’d not read your diary I wouldn’t known people buy that sort of stuff.
love 🐞

AnimalTribe

Ladybird1106 that’s great. A bit of money and de-clutter for you, a bit of fun for the buyer, and a reduced amount of landfill. I’ve sold all sorts on eBay you never can tell what people want.

It’s been decent weather here today so I’ve finally managed to dig up the potatoes. It isn’t a huge crop but it’s still useful. I also managed to dig up the rest of the plants my sister requested.

Unfortunately, fair weather means not enough sun or wind for the batteries, so the generator switched on, but that’s what it’s there for.

I do Microsoft Reward clicks every day and I’ve just hit the £10 mark again. It’s not a fast earner, but it’s steady and has served me well over the last couple of years. I’ve tried surveys in the past but kept getting screened out.

I've been having a bit of a play with Google Lens - I've not used it before, but I saw someone on a Youtube channel use it to identify some jewellery - so far it's been very good.

AnimalTribe

It's been a cold but calm day today so the generator has switched on again. Never mind, that's another load of laundry done, the power packs topped up and full batteries.

DH has cleared all the gutters and cleaned the porch roof which is made of polycarbonate. I just provided hot drinks and chocolate.

I was thinking about Ladybird1106's post about selling broken jewellery on eBay. I've sold a few broken things for "spares or repairs": a vintage Kenwood food processor bowl, parts of another food processer, a TV remote from a broken TV (all from my MILs), and some other stuff. I know DH has sold some broken things too. I've also bought some broken things: a vacuum part, a vintage toy part, some tool bits. Of course, there are some things that are just junk, but if I remember I check out eBay listings and sold items to see if I can give something (or a part of something) a second life. The charity shop gets clothes, books, ornaments etc, but only eBay users have a use for broken things.

AnimalTribe

It started snowing today. There isn't much yet and I hope that it remains light until after the weekend. I have family coming from the South to stay and if the snow gets really bad, they'll have to cancel.

The generator has been on again today as there has been little sun and no wind.

Today I’ve cleared the patio and pavements of the last of the fallen leaves, as when they get wet, they are a slip hazard. Snow is bad enough, but leaves underneath snow can be very tricky.

I’ve spent the evening watching another 2 episodes of ‘The Blacklist’ and so far it’s been very entertaining.

AnimalTribe

More snow today but it still isn't too bad. DH had to go into town so he did some grocery shopping for our guests and bought extra dog food. He forgot to get cash for the kids Christmas though, but there's time yet. My extended family doesn't buy presents for adults and we only give cash to kids until they reach 21. Of course, each small family buys presents for their own. It makes life a lot easier and the kids like having cash to shop with.

Today I've been deep cleaning some areas in readiness for guests arriving tomorrow. 

Rhyddid2026

Have a lovely time with your visiting family. 

AnimalTribe

Rhyddid2026 thanks. It still snowing here but they've arrived safely. Tonight we are just staying in. They've had dinner and we are just catching up with news. Tomorrow we'll take them out and treat them to dinner at an Italian restaurant.