Thank god we paid the mortgage off

ladybird1106

Definitely wouldn’t fit in our back garden, unfortunately cherryfudge.
 Washing is on line as the ground is dry, not a lot of wafting but it should dry.
OH off work with migraine, he’s had for 3 days now. Probably stress related.
 A bit miffed with myself, thought I was really prepared for a session at the allotment, took breakfast and a hot drink. Was planning on being up here for most of the day, but forgot the shed key😤. So, I’ve just watered the greenhouses, moved some netting as the pigeons have nibbled my freshly planted winter salad stuff. Don’t think they’ve took the centre bit out so hoping I’ve managed to save them. Wood Pigeons are a real problem on our allotments and netting is vital. 

Right had my breakfast listening to the birds, but I might as well head home as I can’t really do a lot without tools. Hmmm I’ll go and pick some apples and spinach.
love 🐞

ladybird1106

Just been looking at what we spent last year this week ( 10th-17th October 2024) compared to this week. Last year we spent £142.51 on food, £233.10 on a yha wkend, £53.52 on petrol and £110.35 on other items. 

This week since we decided belt tightening was needed, we’ve spent £45.19 food, £80 medical and £75 on glasses for OH. 

Last year £539.37 compared to this year £200.19 a difference of £339.18. This has really made me really think about how much we’ve spent. Definitely worth doing again.
love 🐞

Cherryfudge

That's an amazing difference. What changed? Was your eldest at home, or did you spend more on food with going away? Are you living more out of the cupboards this year or are you choosing different foods?

Whatever the causes, it's quite an eye-opener.

badmemory

For a year on year comparison that is incredible.  I have kept housekeeping figures for years now as DS paid almost half even when he stopped work. I halted that when his savings were going down & mine were going up, which seemed a little silly in the circumstances, but I kept up with the figures.  Frankly they are eyewatering & have been for 5 years now.

beanielou

Blimey. That’s a huge difference. 

ladybird1106

I think to be honest folks that most of  the savings is just from circumstances more than anything. Not had to fill the car this last week as I’ve been ill. Obviously not booked to go away this week so no cost there. Consciously not spent money this week as need to carefully consider what we actually need rather than want. Food I think since we have maximised the allotments to produce as much food as possible, meal planning has been done around what is available on the plot, cupboards and freezer and we’re no longer buying organic or ethical/sustainable food/products. I do think that comparing this year to last year week by week is something I will continue as I found it interesting and hopefully it will help us save money.
 So OH has a job interview for the part time job 😁 next week. We’ve also found 2 other jobs that OH has the skill set for. However, these would involve a house move, but they are jobs OH would love to do.
 Washing dried, tea was veggie curry (spinach) from the plot and there is enough for another meal.
love 🐞

Cherryfudge

Very well done to your DH! 

beanielou

Positive news. 

ladybird1106

Thanks cherryfudge and beanielou.
 OH is planning on applying for a couple more jobs tomorrow.
 Today we went to the plot. Managed to get weed membrane down, hopefully it will kill the weeds off and they will feed the soil. That area will be for potatoes , only ordered enough for 8 rows. Weeded the winter cabbage area. De-caterpillared the brassicas I planted this week. Cut down a the asparagus ferns and put on the bonfire pile. Managed to cut back the rose bush so that we can paint the shed next time it’s dry. Harvested stuff for tea tomorrow. Gave several people at the plot and our neighbours some cooking apples as we have lots. Going to try and make some apple turnovers

Tea was homemade beetroot pizza with salad from the plot. 

Miss giddychops forgot she is no longer a puppy or even a middle aged . She decided to leap off a small hillock and collapsed in a big heap. She looked a bit stunned, but eventually got up and carried on walking. I was really worried she’d hurt herself. 

No money spent.
love 🐞

KajiKita

That sounds like a really productive day 😊👏

Poor Miss Giddychops, is she okay today? 

I’m amazed you still have caterpillars - they disappeared weeks ago here and the, poor, on the wonk, but still growing in its third year, kale has resprouted leaves again 😊

KK