🌞 Happy Days in our Golden Years 🌞

Fortune_Smiles

Step by step

I didn't make as much progress as I'd planned yesterday but I'm still moving forward.

My exercise class was cancelled so I felt relaxed timewise and got off to a late start 🤭 although I did catch up on some paperwork. I also did a deep clean of our bedroom which was badly needed. And what a joy to go to sleep in a clean room, in clean sheets and new pyjamas ❤ And that was the day gone 😮

The veg box and grocery shop were delivered. We were over budget again 🙄 I'm not shopping any differently so think it's soley down to the increase in food costs (a quick interweb search suggests it will be 50% by November 2026 compared to mid 2021). I think I'll have to increase the budget to a more realistic figure as I don't need or want to change my shopping habits yet. We are thinking differently about fuel costs though and Mr F has declined a couple of invitations because of the travel distance involved.

We had leftover Brummie Bacon Cakes for breakfast and Halloumi & Mango Chutney Curry for lunch. The menu plan was for a halloumi and green bean salad but it was so chilly here a salad just wasn't going to cut it 😂 Supper was ciabatta rolls with tomatoes, mozarella, basil and pesto.

A moment of magic occurred yesterday when a full, double rainbow appeared over the meadow. I didn't quite get to my phone to capture it at it's peak but here's an idea. As I was watching, three pairs of swallows danced across the view. This is very good news as last year we only had one pair.

Hope you have rainbows and swallows in your day today.

Fortune x

rtandon27

Such a lovely view! A rainbow does indeed make the day better.

KajiKita

That's a stunning photo and thank you for sharing the halloumi curry recipe - that looks worth a try 😊

KK

beanielou

Love a rainbow.

Fortune_Smiles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81991197#Comment_81991197

I added some butter beans to stretch it to another meal or you could add chickpeas.

Fortune x

Fortune_Smiles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81991169#Comment_81991169

It certainly does RT 🌈

Fortune x

Fortune_Smiles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81991311#Comment_81991311

We get a lot of them here - lots of rain and big skies!

Fortune x

KajiKita

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81991400#Comment_81991400

Ooh, good shout. That would usefully up the protein and fibre too 😊👍

KK

Fortune_Smiles

The most effective way to do it… is to do it!

I stopped procrastinating about the Court prep and put in three hours yesterday 🥳 There's still loads more to do but I'm happy I'm making progress.

I made potato cakes from the leftover mustard mash with leeks for breakfast. We had them with eggs and they were delicious 😋 Lunch was leftover Halloumi & Mango Chutney Curry.

FDawg had to go and see his friend the vet late afternoon. It was an eye-watering experience for both of us. FDawg because of 🤫 an anal gland infection 🤫 and me because of the bill 😲 There isn't any point putting an insurance claim in as there is an excess on any new condition which would wipe out the bill. However, if he needs continued treatment I shall be looking into that. In the meantime, FDawg is on short rations. He hasn't put any weight on this visit but he hasn't lost any either and overweight dogs are prone to these infections. He is a little chunky 🤭

The vet is very close to one of our favourite eateries so we thought it would be rude not to drop in. The Taxman allows us to buy ourselves employee gifts through the business occasionally so we bought some vouchers to cover the cost of supper.

We went out to water the veg patch when we got back and discovered Pigeongate 😲 We'd been delighted that the fruit tree blossom in the orchard this year was abundent and hadn't tempted them. However, it seems they have suddenly taken an interest in the immature fruit and have stripped about 50% of the trees in an afternoon 😡 We quickly put nets over the cherry trees and Mr F has spider webbed the greengage and plum with black cotton which has worked in deterring them in the past. I am very tempted to put pigeon pie on the menu next week.

The cherry trees look very ghostly in their nets. Here they are with Mr F's newly laid hedge and pollarded trees.

Hope you're enjoying the weekend.

Fortune x

Humboldt

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81989725#Comment_81989725

Hi @Fortune_Smiles, the thought of paying off the mortgage was what kept me going during those years. Not sure how I did it now, but so pleased that I did.

DH and I also won £200 on the PB this month, the most that we have ever won too. Rather than reinvest it, we now choose to spend any wins on treats. I have lost weight and need to replace some of my wardrobe staples, so I have my eye on a few items in M+S at the mo.

Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your meal choices along with the actual recipes, which provide me with lots of inspiration.

Lovely to read that the ladies at your Book Club are so supportive at this difficult time x