I have three weeks at here before I go back to England to visit sister and family. I'm so excited! But, for now, I need to try to get back into the groove of household stuff before the trip home. That means trying to get things under control and getting back into daily stuff.
I've been walking in the mornings with my friend. It's been hot and humid first thing, so we've been trying to get out early to beat the heat. The horrible bitey flies are in full swarm and I've taken to wearing a scarf about my head as they seem to like landing in my hair - yuck! I shouldn't complain too much. When I was at daughter's I managed to go to the wildlife refuge drive a couple of times and they were so bad I couldn't even get out of the car at points! I also had to roll the windows up. A shame really as it was really lovely and I could hear lots of birds singing. I can deal with mosquitoes, but the bitey flies (I think they are called deer flies) aren't deterred by sprays and when they bite, they hurt! I swell up quite a bit with them. It isn't fun! Some mornings it's so bad I wonder why I'm going out at all!
The house stuff, well, I'm caught up on housework and I'm trying to sort out a few bits. It's not going great, but better than it did last month - so I'll take that! I am limiting what comes into the house too. With prices going up and husband's countdown (2 years) to retirement, I really need to watch what we're spending. I think it all comes down to choices and what we choose to spend our money on. I don't need anything else for hobbies - no matter how pretty the papers are or how cheap they are. I'm really trying to change my mindset and not fall back on old patterns of spending especially if something is on sale, or a bargain, or I feel the 'need' to shop when I'm feeling down.
I'm back to writing lists and planning menus. The freezer is full, so it's mainly cooking from there with some fresh bits. Things seem to be going up every time I go to the shops! There are some cod fish fingers/sticks I like that (for 15 of them) the price has gone up from 7.99 to 11.99 within a few months. Sadly, I won't be buying them at that price! There are so many things that are out of the price I'll pay for them now. I watch for sales and plan around them and stock up when things are on sale. I need to go back to the recipe books and find some cheap, hearty meals.
Is there a favourite recipe you use when trying to save money or use up freezer things?
Photo for the day
Summer Mornings
Three weeks will fly by.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to resist 'bargains' isn't it? Prices are going up all the time and it will be worse in the latter months of the year. We have such a lot to thank the Orange One for!
I'm so looking forward to going.
DeletePrices are terrible. I am so angry at HIM. I try not to think about him too much as it's bad for my mental health.
The cost of food is ridiculous. I'm so pleased to have space to grow my own vegetables. The money that I save goes towards the cost of meat and fish. And crikey fish is expensive. I bet you are really looking forward to visiting England again. Your holiday will be here before you blink.
ReplyDeleteI am SO looking forward to it. Sister and I have such a good time together.
DeleteWe are rethinking the garden for next year. Because of the way our garden is, it is not fenced all the way around, but we are definitely looking at that as an option to keep the deer out. We really want to grow fresh veggies as nothing tastes better! You inspire me with your pots as I don't really want beds in the garden again
It's scary how prices are going. I'm in the same boat, we need to watch the pennies as DH will retire soon. If I have any good ideas, I'll share!
ReplyDeletebtw lavender essential oil is really good for soothing bites and will deter a lot of insects over here. I'm not sure how they'll work on deer flies, but it may be worth a shot. Good luck.
Oh thanks for the tip! I will definitely try it.
DeleteI'd appreciate any tips. It will certainly be a leap when he retires!
Beautiful photo!
ReplyDeleteThe prices of groceries are a bit crazy aren't they? I am trying to shop only the sales and will pay full price for only a few special items.
That's how I'm shopping too.
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