Thank god we paid the mortgage off

ladybird1106

Thanks KK.
 Physio cancelled as they are off work sick. So quick lunch and then sent an email  to an old work colleague to ask for a reference. They work for the council still, so hopefully I’ve managed to track them down. Afterwards I went back to plot and took out several tomato plants. Lots of toms at various stages of ripening. Some roasted off and the rest are sleeping with bananas. Picked the rest of the pears. 

Spoke to 2 friends and explained that I can’t afford to go out for lunch next week They’re happy to come to me for lunch/tea. I’m happy to make something as I’ll just get stuff off the plot to save money. Another friend is coming this week for tea and cake as she is on a limited budget also. I’m going to make an apple and ginger crumble. 

Tea was broad bean, mint and feta paste on toast and there is enough for lunch tomorrow. 

No money spent today.
love 🐞

Cherryfudge

I'm not surprised at you feeling negative, considering all you've had to cope with and present uncertainty as well, but you are doing positive things: job hunting, looking at your finances and finding cuts, hosting your friends rather than eating out, planting food for the future. Those are all good moves, and it says a lot for you and your husband that you are facing it open-eyed and making joint decisions (sorry about the beer, Mr Ladybird - perhaps he could have a pint if you stick to the budget elsewhere, as occasional treats oil the wheels of stringent finances, which means you need to build a little something in there for yourself as well).

ladybird1106

Thanks cherryfudge.
 Meal plan for the week done, based meals around what on the plot, in the cupboards and freezer. 

Had some bad news about one of OH friends, they’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. 🤞 it’s not spread to their lymph nodes. Puts our predicament totally into perspective. 

Love 🐞

ladybird1106

Took a lot of effort to get up this morning. Finally managed to drag myself up to the plot after checking my emails - nothing from ex work colleagues yet or further info about job I want to apply for.
 Managed to dig over a very weedy area, took out the leeks that aren’t doing too well. Will make soup for the youngest. Just need to harvest a few carrots for a soup for us. Mum is stopping over tonight, so she is making bread to go with the soup.Need to pick 2 cabbages, 1 for a friend that is visiting tomorrow and 1 for OH parents. 

Friends have been in touch to organise a pie night, they are happy to come to us. They are bringing the pies and I will provide the rest of the meal off the plot. They gave me 2 bottles of wine in exchange for some produce which OH was grateful for. Another friend has asked OH to cut some trees down for them and they will pay him, however OH has suggested they get him some real ale instead. So just need to organise a date. I need to find a friend who chicken so I can swap produce for eggs. 

Right best get back to digging 
love 🐞

ladybird1106

Soup was delicious. 

Had a phone call from a very excited eldest. They have been asked to do an oral presentation at a big international conference next year on what she has been researching. Added bonus is we have a relative who lived in the city it’s been held , so they are planning to meet up with them. 

OH has been to see his parents and his mum isn’t good, back pain is still there and the drugs she’s on aren’t really helping ( she’s on some strong stuff). They’ve decided to go private to get to the bottom of it. Poor OH as if he hasn’t got enough to worry about. 

Well another day done🤞tomorrow is day where no further 💩 hits the fan.
love 🐞

KajiKita

It’s all coming at once for Mr LB isn’t it … 😢

Great news for oldest 😊

KK

Cherryfudge

I'm sorry to hear about the lady with the back pain, I hope they can get to the bottom of it and make her feel better.

Well done to your eldest!

The allotment sounds very productive: could you not keep a couple of chickens there? Or look into some vegan recipes so you wouldn't need as many eggs?

I see I'm not the only one whose leeks aren't doing well. I've never grown them before and haven't much idea how to inspire them to greater efforts.

ladybird1106

We have thought about having chickens many times cherryfudge. The biggest issue though is our concern of how we would get to them when it snows. Although it’s a 10 minute trip in the car, it would take just under an hour to walk there and then an hour back and that’s when there is no snow. 

Had a lovely visit from an old friend, who was 2 hrs early🤣. Menopause brain strikes again. She stayed for almost 4 hours so we had a good catch up. It did get the cogs turning about whether I should look at creating my own business.  I used her as a sounding board as this is something her and her partner are looking at doing.So it’s something I’ve started to investigate.
 Tea was leftovers.
 Love 🐞

ladybird1106

P.S. used nature’s tumble dryer, saved bath water to flush the loo and no money spent.
love 🐞

Cherryfudge

I can see why you hesitate to get chickens - it could present a problem. I assume they won't fit in your back garden or the neighbours might object or something.

How nice to have a visit from your friend, it sounds as though you had a good afternoon. Starting your own business sounds interesting - I will follow any developments!