Hello. You've just got to laugh, haven't you. I got up to make a mug of coffee this morning and who should fill my space in the bed but Heidi. Luckily I wasn't intending to get back in, I usually sit in an arm chair with my feet under the covers, and read the newspaper. A nice easy and civilized way to start the day. When I remember the times I was up at four, out of the house in 45 minutes and at work for five. These days it's sheer bliss to do things at my own pace. So, I open the back door to let the kids out first, then coffee and paper, then see to the kids breakfast, then get my breakfast, and put the bed away. The last job had to wait a bit as I hadn't the heart to turf her out.
The latest blood test results came through, and although the vet explained the numbers I was still a bit baffled. The good news is that the numbers were higher this time which means her body is not attacking the red blood cells as it was before. This sounds promising and the vet has suggested another blood test in six weeks time to see if her immune system is still improving.
We have a big Home Bargains which has a chiller cabinet, so I had a look. I got a big bag of spinach for 99p which is a good price. I also got a pack of batteries for my head torch for 99p, big bottle of lemon wash up liquid for 50p, bleach for 39p, and Rocky's favourite chicken jerky fillets for 99p a bag, I always get five bags.
In Poundstretcher I got Ultima dry cat food £2.49, it's more expensive elsewhere apart from the £1 store, but they didn't have any. There would be hell if I went home without it, ha ha. They had an offer of a three pack of tuna fish for £1, 33p a tin is a very good price. I found an out of date packet of hot chocolate drink mix reduced to 29p, worth a try I thought.
B & M had Nescafe 200grm for £2.59 so I got one. I have started drinking Carte Noire which is nice but more expensive, so I mix the two together to keep the cost down a bit.
A look in Wilko and I found heidi's favourite wet food, she likes the mini pouches of Sheba. Normal price is £1.99, but if you look around you can get it for £1.50. I stocked up. They were also having a sale in the gardening department and I was checking out the reductions. A woman picked up two packs of Roundup weed killer and said what a bargain it was at £2 a pack, normally about £7, and how good it is for killing the weeds. I have a lot of weeds on my driveway between the concrete, so I took her advice and picked up two packs myself. I get sick of getting down on my hands and knees to scrape them out.
Phew, it's a time consuming job to get the best buys, but it has to be done. Wouldn't it be nice to go into any shop and buy whatever you like. Ah well, it aint going to happen to me, so I just knuckle down and get on with it.
I had an hour in the garden this afternoon hedge trimming, the brown bin is now full of garden waste and ready for collection tomorrow. Rocky waiting to go out now, so I'll sign off. Thanks for popping in.
Toodle pip.
I hope Heidi continues in good health and your Gladiolas are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe pasta dinner looks, good, you really searched out some good buys!!
I find vinegar kills weeds pretty good, Round Up scares me a bit,,
What a nice and lovely post, you lead beautiful life,congatulations
ReplyDeleteI hate giving unsolicited advice, but I would be sparing with the roundup. It's pretty strong stuff - kills the worst of the weeds, but I think it can't be too good for the rest of the the wildlife around (bugs, beetles and so on). Maybe keep it for the really hard-to-get-rid-of weeds?
ReplyDeleteHi Maria. Thank you for your concerns. It is a spot on gel, and can be directed straight onto the offending weed. It will be used sparingly, rest assured.
DeleteHello,Ilona.Oh my goodness,Heidi is a darl'in.Yes it is a chore to get the good prices,I agree.Just did that yesterday too because the hubster and I are sharing my more fuel efficient car as his is too expensive to drive while commuting to work.He does get gas allowance but still...so that's why I was out on a Saturday.Yikes-the hordes!Eventually when he retires we will whittle it down to one vehicle.Your bargains are fantastic.We pay 41 percent of income to the government ourselves.Yes Canada is wonderful but we pay through the nose for everything here.So you have to be smart and frugal to make it on less after retirement anywhere,but especially here.Your meal is making me hungry, it looks delicious and easy.Roundup is hormone based so please use rubber gloves,long sleeves and long pants and do not breathe in when spraying on a day that has little wind or breeze.It dissipates in a short time they say,but it's stil useless on dandelions,and quackgrass.I tried table salt liberally poured on the weeds in the cracks effective,but they will return next year,so it's a maintenance thing.I scraped our drive and walkways of weeds-horrid job but I'm too fussy to just let them take over.Or as hubby says"too anal"haha.Your "glads"are gorgeous-I had wondered about them.They did very well.Over here we bring the bulbs in as they would not survive our winter,then replant in spring.(we are zone 5 in our part of Ontario)Brrr!And am in total agreement with annamaria magda's discerning and kind comment.Warmest regards,D.
ReplyDeleteHi Des, thank you for your useful comment. The weed killer is in gel form and won't be sprayed. It will be dabbed straight onto the weed. Yes, I have tried table salt, it works on some weeds but not all, but as you say, weed control is an ongoing battle.
DeletePLEASE, PLEASE , PLEASE do NOT buy or use around up. It kills bees and other insects, is bad for you and the groundwater...look it up and it's maker, Monsanto...they are also the ones who brought you Agent Orange and GMO seeds....
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear the encouraging news about Heidi. I've been wondering about the blood test but did not want to ask just in case the news was discouraging. So I'm very happy to hear the positive news. Glad you were able to stock up on Sheba for her. (My cat loves Sheba, too.)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers in such a lovely color.
I also go from store to store looking for the bargains. Here some of the best deals are at the drugstores. I try to avoid Walmart but I do go there for a few things even though it is a madhouse.
Have a great week.
I cherry pick the best deals too, fortunately our town is not that big from one side to the other so takes little gasoline to get them. If I didn't drive all over town I would never stay on my food budget. I avoid weekend shopping too except one store that has mandated every single register be open on Saturday and Sunday - almost a pleasure to shop there on the weekend as never a line up anywhere.
ReplyDeleteHi. My town centre is easily accessible from one central car park, no need to drive anywhere. The trolley comes in handy for walkabout shopping. Could you do the same, saves moving the car.
DeleteLook for a no name brand glycophosphate weed killer - Roundup's generic name and so much cheaper
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear Heidi is coming on well! I hope she will continue to improve. I think comfy snoozing arrangements are probably helping her recovery :)
ReplyDeletePlease be careful, Roundup is forbidden in many countries because it is highly toxic. Apparently they're dumping their stock in the UK now:(.
ReplyDeleteKind regards, Carolina