Living the Good Life - mortgage free and living in line with our values

themadvix

I think hmrc have changed what is reported by employers etc - in the same way that EBay now report earnings, so I don’t think it’s Prolific’s fault, although how they’ve gone about it isn’t very helpful. Yes, I forget the £1k allowance - I don’t get it as self-employed.

It was definitely a double, don’t worry!

badmemory

I have also noticed that my savings accounts keep asking for NINo, not just ISAs.

rtandon27

Haha - yes a double is much needed today! - I'm having my winter warmer cold but it is lush full of cinnamon and Berry flavours.

Gave OH the bottle of Bud that arrived with my biryani dinner - not sure he is supposed to have it with painkillers but he's very pleased that he has it 'just in case'. It's also liquid calories so I'm not really going to argue!

Viking_mfw

@Viking_mfw, a board game cafe is a good call, but we tend to just take our games to a pub quite often anyway, so not sure if it’s that different… I have seen a murder mystery thing advertised on Instagram - maybe very like an escape room… have been thinking of it for Christmas presents but maybe that would work for this.

 

I guess the difference would be they provide the games so you could play something you hadn't before or which was seasonal? Mind you, I love board games, have a lot, don't use the board game cafe because I prefer playing stuff I know how to! (Although I think they probably help you at the cafe?)

Watty1

A board game cafe sounds such fun (off to google)

themadvix

rtandon27 said:

Haha - yes a double is much needed today! - I'm having my winter warmer cold but it is lush full of cinnamon and Berry flavours.

Gave OH the bottle of Bud that arrived with my biryani dinner - not sure he is supposed to have it with painkillers but he's very pleased that he has it 'just in case'. It's also liquid calories so I'm not really going to argue!

I think OH gets to have what he likes (as long as the combination doesn't produce awful side-effects)! Your winter warmer sounds much healthier than my vodka and orangina!

themadvix

Viking_mfw said:

@Viking_mfw, a board game cafe is a good call, but we tend to just take our games to a pub quite often anyway, so not sure if it’s that different… I have seen a murder mystery thing advertised on Instagram - maybe very like an escape room… have been thinking of it for Christmas presents but maybe that would work for this.

 

I guess the difference would be they provide the games so you could play something you hadn't before or which was seasonal? Mind you, I love board games, have a lot, don't use the board game cafe because I prefer playing stuff I know how to! (Although I think they probably help you at the cafe?)

You have a point - but I'm not sure we've exhausted our own supplies of games yet - we learnt 5 Crowns last time. (And I think the point about playing stuff you already know how to is very valid too.) In any case, we have a Geek Retreat round here, but no others - and I'm not really sure it's the right vibe for us - something cosy and a bit more mature would be nearer the spot.

themadvix

Morning all,

How is it only 11?! It feels like we've been under siege for way longer than that! We no longer have a gas connection or meter! Whoop! (That man was here at 8 😬; he did ring last night.) Holes for piping are being cored through walls (Mr MV has just said it's like Emmental at the moment!), radiators are being hung (I think?) and it's general mayhem (still no hot water, as far as I'm aware?). Fortunately the cats have got the message and are being quiet and hidey today, rather than fidgety and curious - it's making my life easier. With any luck the worst will be over by the end of today?? I can but hope.

I've booked Ginger Cat in for his diagnostics on the 12th. And noticed that the little lump on B&W Cat's head has returned - will monitor that and no doubt have to get him booked in too... Can only deal with one thing at a time at the moment. Hate to think what their insurance premiums will be like come December. (We were going to shop around for B&W Cat, but have just realised that this lump would count as a pre-existing condition.... ).

Workwise, I don't have anything from main client (finished yesterday's work up last night and returned it to him then). I should be doing Cambridge reports, but I need two screens for that, so it'll have to wait. Will use Mr MV's office tomorrow when he's not here and get on with them then. So I've done some surveys (mostly clearing out expired ones) and done the Cambridge admin work.

MS things:
* Chickpeas have been cooked ready for hummus for lunch
* Borlottis cooked ready for dinner
* No heating... it's not been too bad. We've had the oil-filled rad on in the evening and first thing, but that's been plenty.

Gratitudes:
* A lovely afternoon out with friends yesterday
* Cats are behaving
* Quick chat with Dad just now - lots going on with him too, but pleased to hear they've booked a short break in November to get away from it all (Stepmum's mum died recently, so they've got a funeral to sort and family issues to deal with).

Have a good afternoon all!

greenbee

Good luck... I need to try ringing the plumber sometime as he's reading my messages but not responding. Mind you, I might walk round later and see whether he's moved in yet (he's moving into the village sometime this week or next, but didn't have a date as of last week).

rtandon27

themadvix said:

I think OH gets to have what he likes (as long as the combination doesn't produce awful side-effects)! Your winter warmer sounds much healthier than my vodka and orangina!

lol - I didn't mention the wine - think pub mulling wine - so the toss up is between orange & berry being healthier 🤣🤣🤣