NST August 2026: The Good Life

grandmanerd

I've done it

NST SEPTEMBER 2026 — MoneySavingExpert Forum

DawnW

Work today, and then we repotted the fig tree in the front garden. We moved it round there this morning before I left for work, while the neighbour's car was out (we live in a terrace, the one next to the end, and the neighbour parks her car in the gap between our terrace and the next one, so anything big that needs to be moved has to be done while the car is out). It looks good there, in its new posh pot. Might not get any figs next year though as it is no longer pot bound. It had got too big for its spot in the back garden, but can now spread itself out 😊

Then I did the watering as the promised rain had not materialised. We have a hose pipe ban so it meant carrying loads of cans. Shattered now, but at least it is done. I am sure more water gets wasted being slopped from cans than it does when using the hose pipe with its precise trigger thing though 🤔

OH did dinner, which was shepherds pie. The base was ready made by me and was in the freezer, so he only had to boil and mash some spuds and stick them on top. You would think it was Masterchef territory though 🤣

apple_muncher

Thank you for setting up September, grandmanerd. It was the first one you ever did, back at the beginning of the turtles, I think.

Today I am grateful for the very needed downpour (though by the time dh got to the 2 loads of laundry on the line, they were all soaked so he left them out there!), for messages from my sister, for catching up with a friend and discovering that she has a new job at a much better place, for Pip enjoying himself with a friend.

it's the bank holiday weekend, so enjoy yourselves!

beanielou

Got a parking ticket through the post.

grandmanerd

Ouch beanie.

The rain defeated me yesterday. I grabbed 2 dresses off the line just as it started to rain (so I had something to wear today) but every time I looked to see if I could put something on the line or take something to the bins it was pouring down. We shouldn't complain, we really need it, but it does drag you down when it's so relentless.

Today i've done 2 trips to the bins and put most of the washing out - 5 rags/cloths first, on the line nearest next doors wall, then a large towel and a bathmat, later on a couple of dresses. Finally brought the clothes (including some of Beloved's which have been out for 3 days) and the towel and bathmat back in. They weren't completely dry (I realised it was actually raining again but so fine I could barely feel it) but they will be finished inside.

I have ordered toilet rolls (I think there are 3 packs of 9 or less down here) but they are probably down to the last roll which is when they will come in search of more. Not either of my 2 favourite brands but they are the same speciication, just a bit dearer. I ordered 4 lots because the price reduces with the quantity ordered (and 10 lots would have caused serious storage problems). I also paid for an order I started previously (I need a pegbag, had already noted that RNLI had one and I bought a few bits from the sale section). Lots of charities are having online sales and it's worth a look, buy something you need or would work for 'that day' presents or stocking fillers (real ones not the £20 ones the magazines suggest). I still have doormats and draught excluders on my 'needs list' but I think the charities bring them in as 'winter stock'.

Meals came from the fridge (one was a freezer item but bought to defrost gently). I also made a list of things to do in September (tasks under the various challenge headings and little bits that I don't want to overlook).

Grateful for great books (really fun and enjoyable), other entertainment, hobbling determinedly through the day (if I carry enough things on my shoulders it balances me enough to not need the stick.

apple_muncher

Oh beanie, what a pain. Is it one you can challenge?

I've had a good cleaning sesh in the bathroom today, which was extremely satisfying! In the meantime, dh and Pip went for a heritage hangar day with a chance to sit in a spitfire. They had fun and took a load of photos.

Well done getting washing inside, grandmanerd. We still have a load outside getting frequent extra washes. I figured that there's no point bring it in to rewash until there's space to hang it indoors!

DawnW

One day left of August. The year is passing so fast! We have had rain at last, but it seems to be fine at the moment. I will need to go out and remove the saucers from underneath the garden pots as they are full of water (not good for plants to be waterlogged).

OH is going out today, but I am staying here as I have stuff arranged - he kept changing his mind about which day he would go, because of the weather. Originally we were both going yesterday but the continuous heavy rain put us off. Anyway, no matter, I shall enjoy the peace and quiet and get some jobs done 😁

grandmanerd

apple - the lines are still full and I have some cloths still to go out (may put them back in the wash with the next lot). I followed the time honoured procedure of pickking the things I needed most and the things I have enough of (usually sheets and towels) can stay out for as long as it takes. Each time I brought a few things in, something from the 'pending' pile went out in the space created. Beloved's things (dress, fancy knickers and knee length leggings) stayed out because 1 she wore them to an appointment (big scan thing - I forget the name) and won't need them again until there's another appointment and 2 the dress is bright red and it had already impacted on some other washing. I don't have enough clothes to risk putting it on a hanger near my own clothes.

It looks like everything will dry today but I'm going to DS2's to play with my grand-daughters. I am taking picnic bits (last time I did this, DS2 went through my bag and left half of it behind). Must get on as I haven't even packed yet.

apple_muncher

My washing has been rewashed and is finally dry! Yay!

Pip has booked himself (using my card, of course!) some driving lessons as his preferred instructor suddenly had availability.

Thank you all for joining me in August. I have had a very chill month and enjoyed myself.

Today I am grateful for Pip finding some lessons, for a smashing gym sesh, for getting a parking spot at liddle, for all the yellow grass starting to have a green tinge to it, for having the money this month to pay for most (I hope!) of my dental work and Pip's lessons, for the September challenge.

Kerry_Woman

Sorry that I have not checked in. Have managed 18 nsd. Did have a break in Nottingham earlier this month. Have struggled with my mh at times. Did spend slightly more. Grateful for an extra day off work today. Can be stressful where I work - admin in mh team. At least it is local. Got somethings booked for rest of year. Just have to book one more thing.