Great party last night at the local club. This is the bride and groom who got married, ten days ago in Greece. They honeymooned in Spain, and have come here for a couple of days so Aimee's grandmother and relatives can meet her new husband and see her dress.
Aimee was born in Canada, then her parents came back to England, then Aimee decided to move to Canada when she was 22, then she met Dustin. They are now on their way back to Canada to begin their married life together. A toast to the happy couple.
These are my good friends Julie and Frank, Aimee's parents. You couldn't wish for better friends. They are going to Spain for a couple of months soon, then they might move to Norfolk, or go back to Spain. I'm going to miss them, and Jessica their lovely blind spaniel.
You know how I cant bear to see waste, well, there was food left over from the buffet last night, which incidentally Dustin prepared because that's his job, head chef. Look what I brought home. I am chuffed to little mintballs, this is my food for the week.
Just as I thought I had a little lull in my life, it's got busy again. I'm off to another party tonight, same place in the club, with Julie. It is a 75th birthday party, and it's fancy dress. Not sure what I am going to go as yet.
Now I've got to dash to town, then I've got to sort out a load of stuff and price it up, to sell tomorrow at the cat show in Doncaster. If anybody is about I will be at Doncaster Dome all day.
Here is a little money saving tip for anyone who needs a medical, to apply for or renew an LGV or PCV licence. Also anyone applying for a taxi drivers licence. I rang my doctors surgery to ask how much it would be. Answer £106. Blow that for a game of soldiers I thought, so I rang a local driving school and asked if they knew where I could get it done cheaper. The nice man at Transafe Training Limited of Stallingborough gave me details of Getting a Medical.co.uk. I rang and have an appointment for Wednesday in Hull, I can get across the bridge on the bus, thus saving £6 in toll fees. Cost? £40. Good saving! And the medical is exactly the same as your own doctor would do. Rip off eh!
I have noticed it's getting a bit cold now, but I am determined to pile on the clothes and not put the heating on. They won't get any money out of me untill the temperatures plummet and I have an icicle hanging off the end of my nose, ha ha.
It's like the morning after the night before, all that partying has completely worn me out, ouch my head is throbbing :o) So here we are, a brand new start, let's raise a glass to the next 1000 posts.
Life goes on. This morning I fed all the cats. The new ones are doing well, their poo is looking a lot better, more normal, now they are on proper cat food and getting three meals a day. I have given them the names Linzi for the white girl, and Steve for the black boy. We will put them on our catchat page soon, they will be closely monitored for a couple of weeks to make sure they are fit and healthy.
Janet sent me this pic of Mr Beasley, remember him, the big fluffy boy with a beautiful tail, that wouldn't stay at his new home. The owner agreed to rehoming him and he has been happily living with Janet and Paul. The kitten was found recently in someone's garden and Janet has been hand rearing him. It looks like the two of them are getting on really well, and I have a feeling that Paul has fallen for the little fella. I don't think he will be going anywhere else.
I've been out in the lovely sunshine this morning walking two black labradors. We are lucky to have blue skies and virtually no wind. This afternoon I'm finishing off a couple of key rings which I am making, to give as gifts for my friends daughter and new son in law, to take back to Canada with them. They are having a party tonight in the local club, I am looking forward to that, should be fun.
I bet you are waiting to see who has won the last raffle ticket, and also one of my lovely bags. This is how I have been drawing the tickets. Every day I have listed all the names in my notebook, then I cut up a sheet of paper into squares, and added the names to the home made tickets. Give them a good shake, open the lid and dip in.
Here is a list of Bransby raffle ticket numbers and winners. I will check to see if anyone has won when the raffle is drawn on December 19th. If you want to check the numbers yourself the web site is www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
735071 Campfire 735072 Toffee Apple 735073 Linda 735074 Saving Pounds in the UK 735075 Jane and Chris 735076 Saving Pounds in the UK 735077 Kate G 735078 Campfire 735079 dont unplug your hub 735080 .........
I bet you are all waiting for this. The winner of the last ticket, and one of my hand made bags is........
EileenM Well done Eileen, please contact me with your postal address. You will find my email address on the side bar .> > > > > > >
What can I say, I am elated. I want to say how much I have enjoyed doing this, and how much I have enjoyed your company along the way. Now I have a record of the last 2 years 9 months of my life, which I will be able to look back on in my twilight years. Now without further ado lets get on with the post.
My frugal fashion today is a Lady Truckers sweatshirt which has been in my wardrobe for the last 24 years. I started the LTC in 1986, and it took a year to build up enough money in the kitty to be able to afford our own tees and sweats, printed with the logo that I designed. This became our recognised uniform if you like, members wore it at work, and at the truck shows that we attended. It was printed in the truck magazines whenever they wrote an article about our club. My trucking cap adorned with badges, has been with me at all the truckshows, making me instantly recogniseable as the boss of the Lady Truckers Club, an achievement of which I am immensly proud.
My little caravan was used as a base for the club stand, the show organisers always gave us a free space. Here I am selling my wares and signing up new members.
This was one of our earlier stands at Truckfest Peterborough, one of the biggest truckshows in Europe. We had some great weekends, it was a hoot. Aaahhhh, those were the days, happy memories with some great friends.
I've been ages looking for the last Larf of the Day, as there are so many to sift through. I changed my mind several times, it was going to be Cissy and Ada, then the Two Ronnies, but I found myself larfing at Frank Spencer. Who could not larf at the lovable simpleton. Michael Crawford played him to perfection. These old comedies will go on forever, thank goodness for youtube which means we can access them at any time.
This one tickles me because I used to be a driving instructor before I became a lorry driver. I didn't have any pupils quite this silly though. Enjoy Frank.
I'm going to be a bit lazy with my last Commandment, and cheat a little. The video says it all. Thou shalt..........click play, and I want everyone to sing along. I love this song.
Just to remind you. The last draw, from the comments on this post, will take place tomorrow at 12noon. The winner of this ticket will also win one of my hand made bags. I will post it to anywhere in the world. Good luck and thanks for reading.
I have just done the draw for yesterdays raffle ticket, the winner is......don't unplug your hub. You win ticket number 735079. Well done and good luck.
Oh dear, I am late with this today, it's been a hectic morning. I'm glad you liked the Paul O'Grady clip, someone mentioned he is an animal lover and this prompted me to find out a bit more about him. He has had quite an interesting life, travelling all over the world. He was married for a long time, but not to the mother of his daughter. He has a farm in Kent, and a flat in London. If you want to read up on him here is the site, http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Paul_O'Grady
Right, the reason for my lateness is that I went out to fetch two kittens who are in dire need of a new home. The young woman does not want them, and can no longer afford to look after them, so she says. She probably hasn't spent any money on them at all. They have fleas, and need worming, and one has diarrhoea. Janet came with me to fetch them, and it wasn't long before the yucky stink of poo wafted through the car.
When we got back the white one had her bum washed, we found worms in the poo, they were both treated for fleas with a Spot On, and both ravenously tucked into a plate of Felix. The woman said she couldn't afford to buy wet food, they have only had dry. They ate like they were starving.
Thank goodness we got them out, who knows where they would have ended up. Aren't they just gorgeous.
I made this delicious stew yesterday, and ate it for lunch and dinner. Potatoes and carrots from the garden. One onion, cauliflower, bulgar wheat, wholemeal pasta, last few leaves of spinach, soya mince, Quorn pieces, and spices for flavour. Yum. I'm going to perk it up with half a tin of spaghetti in tomato sauce, that will do nicely for dinner tonight.
For my frugal summer fashions today I am wearing a pink sweatshirt with a floral pattern, which I found in the loft. There was three bags of clothes left by the previous owners, things that didn't fit me were taken to the charity shop. My shorts were given to me, and my sister gave me the shoes. Howzat for frugal :o)
I'm wanting to get this posted quickly, so it's a short Commandment for today.Thou shalt not carry a lot of baggage around. Don't dwell on things from one day to the next. Have a clear out in your head every night, put all miserable thoughts in the trash can, dump the crap in your life, and start afresh each morning. What is worse than bumping into somebody in town or at work, and you say, 'Hi, how are you?' And they say, 'Oh, you know, things could be better if I didn't have this awful life I am burdoned with.' You wish you hadn't asked.
Think about the poor person who has to listen to your moans and groans. If you need to offload, choose a family member, or a very close friend to confide in, but don't carry that heavy baggage on your shoulders for the whole world to see. Leave it behind the front door as you step outside. In fact dump it in the bin, you don't want to come back to it later.
Here is my Larf of the day. I almost forgot the famous Laughing Man at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The first Laughing Man was bought by Leonard Thompson, owner of the Pleasure Beach, in 1932. I used to see him every day when I worked there 43 years ago. The Beach always closed at different times, depending on how busy it was and how many people were still spending their money. The first sign of closing was Laughing Man stopped laughing. The stall holders and ride operatives nearest spread the word, and it was passed along and ten minutes later we all knew that we would be closing in one hour. The next indication of closing was that top lights were switched off on the rides, then we knew we had half an hour to wind down. At closing time a siren goes off, and shutters are pulled down and everyone rushes to the Casino building to pay in their takings. I don't think they do all that now because individual rides don't take cash any more. Laughing Man brings back memories for me.
Better late than never, I've done the draw for yesterdays raffle ticket. The winner is......Campfire. well done, a second ticket for you, number 735078. Good luck.
Good Morning on this blustery but dry Monday morning. The sun is a hazy bright light pushing it's way through the grey clouds. I have a bit of good news about the kitties, on Saturday Elmo was installed in a pen, in Sue's garden. This is much better for him because he can look across to the other kitties in their pens, and Sue comes and goes throughout the day between the various jobs she does. He is not so lonely now. We were lucky enough to find a lovely lady in the village to take our two black kittens. She has previously had two cats but they have since passed away, so she is delighted to take our two into her lovely home. I believe we have two more cats coming this week, from an elderly man who is too poorly to look after them. We took his details a month or two ago, and now we find we can help to rehome them.
If you asked me who is my favouritest singer of all time, I would struggle to decide between three or four artists, but Cher is up there near the top of the list. I just love her voice, her costumes, her vitality, the whole strutting about the stage thing, she has so much energy. I went to see her in 2004 at Sheffield Arena, and I have picked this clip because it looks very much like the song she opened with. Go on, give it a blast, turn the volume up, dance around the room, what a brilliant way to start the week.
Twas a busy day yesterday, tidying the garden, and going a bike ride. I needed to get some excecise and thought I would combine it with a trip to Tesco to see if there were any reduced prices. Timing is crucial, the shop shuts at 4pm on a Sunday, so I arrived at 3pm. It was a little bit disappointing, not as many bargains as I hoped for. However I did manage to get some wholemeal bread reduced from £1.40 to 14p and a couple of other reduced items, totalling £2.63. My panniers were bulging.
I must tell you a little story about this trip. I had locked my bike to a rail near the trolley park at Tesco's, and was struggling to pack the shopping into the panniers. I had to split the six yogurts into three's, and pack and repack the bread so it didn't get squashed. Then I unlocked the bike, fastened the bag on the carrier, put my yellow vest on, don't want to get knocked off, and tucked my trousers into my socks. I happened to look up at a parked car, a little boy sitting in the front seat was giggling his socks off. It made me smile, for a moment I must have looked like Mr Bean :o)
I am going to write a seperate list of how much I spend on food. I want to know exactly how much it costs to feed me. I think you can soon lose track of how much you spend when you pick up odd items here and there from different shops as I do. I cherry pick the bargains from all shops. On Saturday I went to Pets at Home to get the special offer cat food, and while I was there I picked up a few items from Morrisons. My spend was £8.16, cauliflowers were a good price. To get a true figure of the cost of feeding me I need to keep records over several months, because I will obviously be eating from my food cupboard and freezer as well. Then the cost of replacing these items will be included in future shopping.
I couldn't be bothered to cook last night, so the easiest thing to do was to throw a bit of salad on a plate. Lettuce which was reduced to pence from a week ago. Spinach which was given me, on it's last legs. Two sticks of celery given to me, a bit limp. Cucumber reduced, from Tesco. Half a tub of cottage cheese, reduced to 9p, half a tub of coleslaw reduced to 9p. Two slices of wholemeal bread. Fab dead cheap meal.
My fashions for today are not so frugal, the teeshirt was not cheap, (cough splutter, I hate to admit it, £20) but I had to have it to remind me of the fabulous time I had at Sheffield Arena.
Here is my Commandment for today, I've lost track of which number it is. Thou shalt not forget how lucky thou are. Next time you feel that life is crap, that nothing is fair, why has this happened to me, and why am I struggling like this, just take a minute to think, it aint that bad.
As I go about my daily chores, housework which I hate, I often think I bet Victoria Beckham doesn't have to wash up, I bet she doesn't whip round with the Dyson, I bet she doesn't have to clean the bog. Oh, how I hate housework. Can you just picture her with her marigolds on scrubbing the floors, no I can't either. But then I can't picture myself tolerating having a camera pushed in my face every time I step outside my front door, so I am very lucky in that respect. At least I own my own life, and can walk around looking like a slob without it being plastered all over the newspapers.
I have been thinking of ways in which I am lucky. I was lucky to be born in England. I was lucky that I had a mother who taught me good values. I am lucky that I can always bounce back. I am lucky that I have nice friends. I am lucky to have found this house. I am lucky that I found the courage to change things that weren't right for me. I am lucky that I can open my eyes each morning and see. I am lucky that I am me.
Take a few minutes to think about why you are lucky.
OMG, I've been having so much fun on the youtube, looking for these funny clips, I haven't stopped giggling for days. So, here is my latest choice, my DAILY LARF for this Monday morning. I loved Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage, and was a tad upset when he said he wasn't going to dress up any more. But hey, Paul is just as funny as himself.
I don't know if anyone noticed but I put the wrong day in the title, ha ha. This is Monday DAY 3, as in the countdown from Day 10. Only two more days left, Wednesday is the big day.
Anyway, we have a winner for yesterday, only 11 names went in, always fewer readers at the weekend, people are busy with other things. So, congratulations to Kate G, your name was picked out, you have ticket number 735077. Well done and good luck.
A happy Sunday morning to everyone. Take no notice of the date above this post, I have never managed to adjust it to the correct time, I can confirm that today is Sunday. Well, we are almost there, only three more days to the 1000 post.
Lets kick off todays post with a little money saving tip, after all that's what this blog is all about, living a frugal life, making things last and spending less, so I have more money to spend on things that matter to me.
I was given this teeshirt last year when I completed a sponsored walk for the local hospice. It wasn't exactly free, I had paid my entrance fee. But whoa....it's a bit loud and garish isn't it. The back is the same, I really don't like it. But no matter, there is a solution.
Turn it inside out :o) One red tea shirt, and if I keep moving about no one will notice the white shadows from the print on the other side, ha ha.
Talking of clothes, here is my Frugal Fashion for today. I'll just make a note here about my three piece suite, nice isn't it. I paid £50 for it, it belonged to my friends who emigrated. Most of the time it's covered up with old sheets and curtains, to protect it from the cats and visiting dogs, but sometimes it's nice to remove the covers and relax on the settee.
The black trousers I bought new from a cheap clothes shop, Matalan I think, about 8 years ago. I have since lost weight, they are a size 14 and I am a 10 - 12, so I have to hold them up with a safety pin at the front, ha ha. My short sleeved flowery blouse was given to me. Just to complete the picture I am sipping my cider through a straw, posh eh, ha ha.
Here is my 7th Commandment for a simple and stress free life. Thou shalt accept responsibility for thine own life. When I got told off by my mum for being a naughty girl, I often wailed, 'It's not my fault'. The time I was caught playing with my brother in a derelict building which was in danger of falling down. We got a good hiding and I cried, 'it wasn't my fault, he made me do it'. The time I was out with my mates and had a few too many to drink, and threw up all down my dress. I drank whatever was put in front of me, why did they make me drink so much?
I left home when I was 18 and moved into a bedsit in Blackpool. Within a few months I had found a boyfriend, my first ever proper boyfriend. A few months later I faced the prospect of running home to mum because shock horror, I thought I was pregnant, and the boyfriend didn't want to know. It was a worrying two months while I waited for the results of the pregnancy tests, I had to have two. I cried tears of relief when they were negative, and vowed I would never ever put my life into someone elses hands again. I never had to take another pregnancy test, I made sure I didn't have another scare.
Years later I let my guard drop momentarily, and wrapped a lorry and trailer round a gate post. I didn't slow down enough as I was entering a customers premises to make a delivery. I was under pressure from the company I was working for, to hurry up and get back for another load. For a split second all I could think about was getting my load off asap. I was devastated, how could this have happened with all my years of experience? The damage cost a lot of money to put right.
I went through all kinds of emotions, sorry for myself, guilt, sorry for the guy who owned the lorry, and finishing with anger towards the company I was working for. How could they make me do this, it was all their fault. It was only several days later after I had time to think about it, and calm down a little, that it struck me. It was my fault. Why? Because I was the one behind the steering wheel, I pointed the lorry, I was in control of the speed I was travelling, not the company. Ok, they had put pressure on me to hurry, but I let them control me by giving in to the pressure. I learnt a lot from that incident.
Responsibility for myself permeates all through my life. I am responsible for everything I eat and drink, responsible for how I spend my time, who I spend my time with. I am responsible for checking my bank balance, how much money I spend and what I spend it on. I am responsible for my sadness, my happiness, my feelings, my tolerances. I can't put anger in here, because I don't get angry.
Think about your life, who is responsible for where you are today? Interesting question eh!
And here is our LARF OF THE DAY. I haven't a clue what this woman is talking about, but her laugh is hilarious.
The draw for Bransby Horses raffle ticket number 735076 has been done, and I can reveal that we have our first double winner. Saving Pounds in the UK has been drawn once again. Well done, that gives you two chances in the big raffle in December. Good luck.
Another beautiful morning, and it's the weekend, so I'm going to get on with this, then get out and do something. Saturday morning is always Sounds of the Sixties on Radiop 2 for me. Tim Rice is presenting, standing in for Brian Mathew, not sure why, I hope he isn't ill. I'm starting this post with a clip of two of my favourite singers. I have many favourites, but I do like Dolly, she is so entertaining. Take a few minutes to sing and dance with Dolly and Kenny.
Howzabout a game of rugby then. I'm posing in the garden and the sun is slowly disappearing round the other side of the house, my foot is lost in the shade. Bother, I knew I should have done this earlier. I like stripey shirts, I've had this one for lots of years, can't remember where I got it. The shorts were given to me by my friend who emigrated. The red wooly socks are at least 30 years old, and the boots were from a charity shop, they cost me a couple of quid. So there you are, frugal fashions. I bet you are starting to feel sorry for me now you know most of my clothes are very old, or were given to me, or are cheap second hand bargains, ha ha. It doesn't bother me that I don't have any up to the minute fashionable gear, fashions come round in circles anyway. I am proud that my clothes budget is miniscule compared to most other people.
Here is a little money saving tip, but it's going to take you a few years before you reap the benefits, so better start now. When I moved into this house, there was hardly anything in the garden. The previous owner did not like gardening so it was just lawns. There was nothing between here and next doors garden it was all open, no privacy at all. So I had to buy some plants from various garden centres, wherever was the cheapest. I put a few in pots as well as the borders.
Over the years I have been repotting and when they have outgrown the pots, they are transplanted to the garden. I also started propagating my own cuttings as I didn't want to spend any more money. I don't feel the need to take cuttings from elsewhere as I have enough shrubs and plants here. These are my latest babies, it has taken them three years to get to this stage. The old ironing board comes in usefull, I got it from a car boot sale for £1.
What is the Commandment for today? A few pearls of wisdom, or a load of cobblers, however you want to look at it. Thou shalt not worry about what other people think of you. I am a very unconventional person with some very conventional friends. However, they are my friends because they don't pass judgement on what I look like, or how I live my life. This suits me fine, because I couldn't give a fig about how they live theirs.
When I was a teenager I was ridiculed for the way I dressed, and it hurt. I was trying my best to be, 'with it', fashionable, and attractive to the opposite sex. I was desperate to fit in with the crowd. I was chuffed to bits when I managed to pull a dishy guy. My very attractive friend had been trying for ags to snare him, but I won, I got the snogs, ha ha, a great boost for the ego.
It's great now I am a pensioner, I don't feel the need to conform any more, I don't have to fit in, I can just be me. Mind you if I dressed up a bit more often I might be able to pull a guy again, but the truth is, I just can't be bothered. When I meet people now, they accept me for who I am, or they walk away. I am not fussed.
In the past I have battled with BDD, but it's getting easier every day for me to accept who I am. I expect it to get better from now on, I am aiming to model myself on Catherine Tate's character, Nan, the foul mouth pensioner who lives in a council flat. For our overseas readers, Google Nan, Catherine Tate, and you will see what I mean. She is so funny.
So, whenever you are passing a mirror, take a glance at your reflection and say to yourself, 'Hello me, I like you', and smile. For if you are happy with yourself nothing else matters.
Well if this aint the best medicine ever, I don't know what is. Larfing is supposed to be good for you, if it is then Dustin Hoffman must be feeling great. Take a look at our Daily Larf, and get your hanky ready.
We have a winner for yesterday's raffle ticket. Cue fanfare it is...... Jane and Chris. You have ticket number 735075. Well done and good luck.
Good morning, it's a lovely sunny morning here today, and I don't just mean inside. Outside the sky is blue, the trees are wafting in a gentle breeze, and the sun is shining in all it's glory. All is well at the Costa del Cheapskate.
I was sipping my coffee at 8am when a phone call came through, flippin heck who wants me before breakfast. It was my friends at BBC Radio Humberside. The nice young lady asked if I had seen the story about some dozy cabinet minister who had been caught chucking government papers in a park waste bin. I hadn't seen it but I got the drift. Carl Weatley on the morning programme is going to talk about things you find in bins and skips, and would I go on the radio and chat after 9am. Of course I will, I am an authority on rubbish, or things that are dumped but aren't rubbish. I was happy to entertain the listeners for a few minutes.
I've been amazed at how quickly my bank balance recovers after a bout of massive plundering. All money I have to say was well spent on things of value to me, walking trips, car repairs and MOT, and overpay on mortgage. Then I put the brakes on spending, and gave the account time to build back up again.
Last week I made do with a very small Tesco shop of £6.89, mainly fresh veg, and looking at my current stocks I will be able to delay this weeks shop untill the beginning of next week. I still have spuds and carrots in the garden, with some parsnips coming along. I even managed to pick a few tomatoes from the outside plants, which are now keeling over ready to give up and die.
Checking my food cupboards I can make a few meals out of this selection of canned items. As you can see I have marked them with the price I paid, that's to keep it fresh in my mind so I can spot when things have gone up on the next shopping trip. I very rarely buy branded goods these days, most of the Value range are just as good.
I'm going a bit posh for todays frugal summer fashions. Both top and skirt were from charity shops, and they have been in my wardrobe for a good few years. They don't get worn very often as I don't go to any posh do's. Saying that I am going out next Thursday to a wedding party, so I might wear it then.
My Commandment today for a lovely and happy life is.. Thou shalt not be jealous of what other people have. Jealousy is a destructive emotion, it harbours resentment, makes you suspicious, causes rivalry, and ultimately festers evil. Wouldn't we all like to win the lottery? But look what happened when the latest couple who won 101 million, went public. All kinds of worms crawled out of the woodwork, slinging the dirt. They anounced they are going to make twenty of their friends and family millionnaires. I wouldn't like to be around them when a few disgruntled others start bleating about where's mine.
I recall an indident when I was about 8 or 9 years old, my friends across the road had a lot of dinky toys, and me and my brother had none. We decided to steal some while they were inside eating their lunch. Surely they wouldn't miss a few when they had so many. Wrong! We hid them in our garden and mother found them. All hell broke lose, we got a good hiding and sent to bed. My mum did right, the lesson was learnt.
Consumerism is a nasty and ugly thing, it breeds jealousy and resentment. We see what other people have and we want the same. It must be terribly difficult to bring young children up in such an environment. This is why I think this Commandment is so very important.
My friend has just bought a flat screen TV, she can afford it, that's her choice. I wouldn't have one if someone gave it to me. All my purchases are carefully thought out, I don't buy things because I see other people with them. How many times do you hear the comment, 'I want one of those'. There is even a web site called iwantoneofthose.com It's full of stuff which you never thought you needed, untill you saw it there.
There is no room in my simple life for jealousy. I dont give a fig what anyone else has got. I don't want to be in anyone elses shoes, I don't want to look like someone else, I am perfectly happy being me.
Phew, that was a bit heavy, now for the LARF OF THE DAY. Another comic genius, the Eric and Ernie partnership. A classic sketch that is going to live on forever. It's only short, but it does tickle my sense of humour.
I've just done the draw from yesterdays comments for the raffle ticket. Only 12 names in the box, no it's not a hat, I am using a wooden box with a lid. Give it a good shake up and pull one out. When you win a ticket you can still comment on the days after, because your name will be included again. You never know you may win two raffle tickets. Anyway, without further ado, the winner of Bransby Horses Grand Christmas Draw, ticket number 735074 is......Saving pounds in the UK. Well done and good luck.
Good morning. I hope I've got it right this time, it is Thursday morning, isn't it?. Oh good :o) I am starting this post with a photo of yesterdays lunch, another smiley meal to get me in the mood for summer. Lettuce, spinach, celery, sweetcorn, tomato, two baby cucumbers out of the garden (because they aren't going to grow any bigger), two boiled eggs, and a bread roll, with dollops of garlic mayo (50p a jar from the Cash and Carry. Delicious. Stewed apples for pud, my kind neighbour has given me loads of apples.
For todays frugal summer fashions I have chosen to go a bike ride. It's dull outside, but the sun is shining on my world. I am wearing the shorts from the sleep set with pink top, which I wore the other day on the sun lounger. Mix and match that's me :o) My aquamarine top is from M & S, no don't faint, I wouldn't normally shop there, but they were closing down and it was only £1. Would you believe, it's a size 10 and it fits just right.
Yesterday I noted that some of you don't like Roller Coasters, ah c'mon what is there to be scared of, they are great fun. Anyway, when I was at Cedar Point ten years ago, although I didn't make ten rides on Raptor, I am pleased to say that I DID make ten rides on Millennium Force.
This is truly an awesome ride, the best coaster I have ever been on. When I was there it was the tallest in the world at 310 feet, and the view from the highest point at the top of the lift hill was amazing. Water is on the left, the park is on the right, then you plumet to the bottom at 93mph. You've just got to scream. Have a look at this short film, don't worry I'm not asking you to ride a coaster this time, look at it from the ground, a beautiful and graceful coaster?
Time for my third commandment, for a stress free and happy life. Thou shalt not join in with Christmas, unless you have a religious belief, in which case you can worship without spending one penny. I have seen the light, and no longer worry about which presents to buy, how much food and drink to get in, what shall I eat on Christmas day, and the biggest headache of all, how much is it all going to cost. I simply don't do Christmas, now all the stress has gone. You will not find me traipsing round the shops in a confused state, instead I shall be skipping around the park, playing with cats and dogs, and crafting a few bits and pieces from my fabrics, wools, and collected rubbish. So tell everyone that Christmas is cancelled, and you are opting out. The only pressies you are allowed to give are those which you have made, bringing back the true meaning of kindness. It's the thought that has gone into it, not what it costs, which is important.
Here is our LARF OF THE DAY I've been a fan of the Two Ronnies for many years, and I was going to put the classic sketch Fork Handles in here, but I think this one is just as funny. Sad that it's only one Ronnie, but Harry Enfield's facial expressions are very funny as he struggles to stop himself from laughing. Hope you like it.
Wow, have you noticed Bloggers new way of viewing enlarged photo's? Click on one and you get a slide show of all the photo's on that same post. Much better than having to click on them all individually. Well done Blogger.
We have a winner for yesterdays raffle ticket, the name drawn out is Linda. Well done Linda, and good luck. Your number is 735073
Oh bother and fiddlesticks, I've posted this too early, I hit the publish button and didn't mean to. My dates are all over the place. Must try and get the clock sorted out. This is Wednesdays post.
Anyone fancy going on a roller coaster ride? Will this one do you? This is my photo of Raptor, taken ten years ago at Cedar Point in Ohio. My boyfriend at the time was roller coaster mad, he had booked a place on a trip with the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain to the USA. I couldn't really afford it, £1,500 plus spending money, but I scrimped and saved and managed to scrape enough together to go with him. It was a fantastic holiday, two coach loads of coaster fans visiting 17 theme parks in 15 days. It was manic.
We had what they call Exclusive Ride Sessions, they open a ride early just for our group, for one hour, and we were able to ride it non stop. I managed nine rides on Raptor without getting off. Then I felt sick so I couldn't make the ten. Take a ride on it with me now, if you dare.
I love curling up on a comfy chair with a good book. Of course it's a library book so no cost there. The dress I am wearing today was given to me by my friend Helen, you can't get much more frugal than that. It's a jersey fabric, wrap around dress with three quarter sleeves, which is actually a size 16. That's the beauty of this style, one size fits all. It also doesn't crease so needs no ironing. My necklace was given to me as a gift from a friend, about 25 years ago. He went on holiday to New Zealand and brought it back for me.
Todays third commandment will make you feel great. Thou shalt put a smile on thy face, and speak to a random stranger. Then they will respond by giving you a smile back, making you both feel good. All you have to say is Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, or Goodnight. Smiling is infectious, spread a little happiness. You wont look like a weirdo if it is a friendly smile. Definately dont grin or leer, that might make people punch you in the face if they think you are odd.
Here is the LARF OF THE DAY. One of the great comedians of all time, Sir Norman. I bet you can't keep a straight face.
Just popped back to announce the winner of yesterdays raffle ticket. Toffee Apple has won ticket number 735072. Well done and good luck. Also Kath has told me how to unpublish a post if I mistakenly hit the publish button before I am ready. Thank you Kath.
It's a horrible day outside today, wet wet and wet. But the sun shines in my house so all is well. I accidentaly missed a pic of this kitty the other day when I posted about our rescue cats. Look at this little darling, so pretty. I have just heard that we may have found a home for him. Some people came yesterday to look, Janet has done a home check, and they picked out another kitten which they liked. A neighbour came with them and immediately fell for this little one, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that they come back with a big fat YES.
And here is Elmo who arrived yesterday. He is so lovely. His previous owners had two dogs, a small child, and mum is about to have another baby. It was all getting a bit too much for mum and Elmo to cope with. He likes people but he also likes a quiet place to snuggle down to sleep. He's a lovely boy.
Welcome to Costa del Cheapskate. Here I am on my sun lounger, soaking up the rays and sipping my martini. Bit of a pong coming from that gas fire, I haven't had it on for about a year. That's ten pence worth of gas it's cost me to take this photo, ha ha.
My summer fashion today is a pink teashirt, which is in fact the top bit of a pyjama set. Ooops, I've forgotten to take the price label off, 20p from a car boot sale. My mini skirt is the same one I wore at my 60th birthday party, bought specially for the occasion from a charity shop. Powder blue footless tights from the market, and earrings marked down to half price from a shop in town which was closing down. Cheap trainers I've had for years, only wear them when it's dry and sunny, so they don't get dirty. I'm sure you'll agree, this is a fantastic, up to date look, for the busy pensioner, ha ha.
I'm pleased you took on board my first commandment for a happy and gorgeous life.
Here is the second commandment. Thou shalt not stuff thy face with junk food. I can hear you groan, what no chocolate, no cake, no chips, no burgers :o( Aint that what life is all about, enjoying it? Well yes you should enjoy your life, but if you want to shorten it by 10 or 20 years, go ahead and eat all the crap you want to. Me personally, I would rather do without 90% of the food that the supermarkets push in my face.
So, I want the next 24 hours to be a day of abstinence, not a morsel of crap to pass your lips please. No takeaways, no ringing for a pizza, no popping into a McDonalds, and horror of horrors, no alcohol. Then when the 24 hours have passed, only consume miniscule amounts of crap, one biscuit, one glass of wine, maybe once a week. It's your choice, wreck your body, or worship it like a temple.
Right, I'm just about to draw a name out of the hat for the winner of yesterdays raffle ticket. Anyone putting a comment on that post now has missed the boat. You can comment every day during party time, and each one will be a chance to win a raffle ticket.
I'll leave you with my LARF OF THE DAY. One of my favourite comedians, Mr Bean. This has me creased up with laughing.
The winner of the first Bransby Horses raffle ticket number 735071 is..... CAMPFIRE I will keep all the tickets here, and check the numbers after the draw on December 19th. Good luck.
Well it's countdown time, all together now, 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 we have lift off. I've been a bit busy this morning so this is a bit late. I collected another cat who needs a new home. He's a gorgeous boy called Elmo and he is nearly three years old. He will stay in my room untill a place comes up for him in Sue's pens. He's a bit shy at the moment so I haven't been able to get a photo, but he's black and white, a lovely big softie boy.
To account for the time differences around the world the deadline for names going into the hat for the daily raffle ticket will be 12noon BST the following day. I am aiming to publish posts before midday, so that gives 24 hours for comments to be counted. Multi comments does not mean multi chances to win a ticket, that's me being mean, ooops, no fair, ha ha.
I seem to have upset one of my readers, Kath wonders where my pants have gone. I felt it was time to change the header again, I get a bit bored seeing the same one, so just for Kath, here is one last look at my pants :o))
I've had a look through my wardrobe, I am not one of the worlds best dressed, probably one of the worlds worst where fashions are concerned. Here I am modelling a multicoloured silk blouse, vintage 1996 charity shop find. Black leggins which have seen their best, the knees are baggy so I have put them on back to front. Pearls, and I use that term loosely, definately haven't come from oysters. It's very sunny in my bedroom, hence the shades. More summer fashions on a shoestring tomorrow.
Right, next. Commandment number 1 for a full and happy lifestyle. (With a short explanation)
Thou shalt get off thy backside and do something. I want you to jump out of bed in the morning, full of the joys of spring. I know it's Autumn, but use your imagination. Up with the lark, jogging shoes on, and a quick sprint round the block. You will feel a whole lot better, either that or it will knacker you up for the rest of the day, ha ha. No, seriously, busying yourself will keep your mind active and your body fit. Get rid of the tele, instead make a list of jobs to do, and work your way through them. You will feel a great deal of satisfaction when out of chaos emerges a neat and tidy house. If you don't like housework, like me, just say stuff it, and go out, ha ha.
And now we come to the LARF OF THE DAY. See you tomorrow. More fashions, more larfs.
Wednesday the 19th of October 2011 is a special day, no, probably more than special, it's a stupendous day. I might even go as far as saying it will be an exceptionally extraordinary day.
When I started I didn't think it would last this long. I didn't imagine this blog to be read by people all over the world. It gave me something to do while struggling to make ends meet, while downshifting, and making the transition between working less and living more. I had an operation in 2008, lost my job, became unemployed, and was managing on very little income. Juggling, oh I am brilliant at juggling, the only way I pulled through was to stop spending.
Some people might be frightened to death to see their lifestyle radically changing before their very eyes, but do you know, I didn't care. For me it was a relief. Gone was the pressure to earn money. At first I tried to find another job but I didn't beat myself up about it when no one responded to my applications. I gave up looking, I re assessed my life, and re adjusted to my new circumstances. I embraced frugaldom with arms open wide, as it was the only way I was going to survive.
Losing your job doesn't have to be a death sentence, it's not the end of the world, in fact it's the beginning of a new and better life. My bank balance was already at rock bottom when my job disappeared. Did I sit down and cry, did I hold my head in my hands and say, oh whoa is me, no I didn't. I just got on with it. It was a relief when I reached that great milestone, my 60th birthday, now at least the government was going to pay something towards my keep, after I had helped to prop up the benefits system for the last 45 years.
So, what's so special about Wednesday the 19th of October?
It will be my...........
< < < 1000'th post > > >
Tomorrow is the start of the ten day countdown. I want to make it ten days of fun. I want to bring back summer, so cast away all those black clouds and put on your brightest most colourfull clothes. I am going to dress up, a new outfit every day, so why don't you. We don't need reasons to be cheerful, because we are cheerful.
First there is a competition. I have ten raffle tickets at 50p each. I am going to send a cheque to Bransby Home of Rest for Horses for £10. The tickets are numbered 735071 - 080. Over the next ten days all those who comment each day will have their names in a hat and I will pull out one, that person will be allocated a ticket number.
The draw will take place on 19th of december. You never know one of you might be lucky. If we have a winner I will contact you via your link to ask for your address. Good luck everybody.
I think it is common knowledge that laughing is a great stress buster, therefore I will be trying my utmost to make you laugh. Even if you can only manage a titter, that will be enough. Life is too short to be grumpy, so look out for my Larf a Day.
I know a lot of you are looking for ways to lead a healthy and wholesome lifestyle, whether it be in mind, body or spirit. I have written my own Ten Commandments to give you some guidance on how you can work towards a long and lovely life. Just follow my wise words and you won't go far wrong.
And for the Grand Finale on the 1ooo'th post I will be giving away one of my lovely bags. To win it all you have to do is leave a comment on that day. Names will go into a hat, there will be a grand draw, and the lucky person will receive the bag, no matter where in the world you are. Howzabout that then, good eh!
So are you ready for the countdown? Don't forget, every comment during the next ten days will give you a chance of a raffle ticket. Midnight BST will be the deadline, I will let you know daily who the lucky person is.
I went to see our pussy cats this afternoon. Sue has started to give them some playtime together by moving them into each others pen for an hour, to see how they get on. It is all going very well, they enjoy each others company and it helps to socialise them. We have two little black kittens.
And another black kitten a bit older.
This is mum who came in pregnant and had knotted fur. She has been spayed and has a lovely soft coat.
This white kitten came in with it's sibling and mum. No photo of sibling, it wouldn't stay still.
This is mum.
This is Bow, she has been with us a few months. Still waiting.
Please find me a nice home.
All our cats are much loved while they are here, they have a nice life while they are waiting for a forever home. We do get some enquiries, but sadly we have to turn some of them down, usually because the house is on a busy road. We keep looking till we find the right one.
First of all I made this dog collar out of a belt. Can't remember where I got it, car boot sale I think. Alfie has lost his collar so I told Paul not to buy one, I would make him one. Cut it down to size, remove and re attach one end of the plastic clasp, and find a steel 'D' ring to put on before stitching the end up. A tip to stop the end fraying, waft it over a gas flame for a second.
Then go round to see the boys and try it on. Perfect, Alfie loves it. Now I think Ollie is jealous and wants one as well :o) I told Paul I might have enough strap left over to make a matching lead, but he wasn't too keen. Maybe a bit too pretty pretty for his macho image, ha ha. Paul gave me a big bag of spinach he didn't want, a fair swap I thought.
Next I went to town. Paid a bill at the bank and took out a bit of cash. I got my boots back from the cobblers, he has made a fantastic job of the heels. Cost £12, and hopefully many more miles will be walked in them. I love my boots, felt a little bit bereft while they were away for repairs :o(
I called in at the pet stall in the market, running low on Whiskas dry cat food, I will only buy it if it's a good price or on special offer. Won't pay full price for it. Luckily they have some big bags in for £3.99, so I got three bags. That has saved a traipse up to Pets at Home at the other end of town.
While I was there, I got a box of Bakers meaty chunks for the dogs in my life. This is nearly £3 a box in the supermarkets which I would never pay, it's £2.09 in B & M discount store. The market has some in for £1.50 a box, brilliant.
I have got Jessie blind dog for a few days, while her owner is at her daughters wedding in Greece. So I got her some of those pigs skin things. They are revolting, makes me feel sick, but she likes them.
It's lovely and sunny in the garden, a complete contrast from yesterday when it was a howling gale. Cats out enjoying it. Bugsy in his favourite spot.
Lily won't stay still while I take her photo.
And Mayze has gone AWOL. It's so funny to watch the cat's reaction to Jessie, they cant understand why she takes no notice of them at all. She bimbles about, sometimes walking straight into them. I think they might have an inkling that she doesn't know they are there. Mayze usually gets chased by Henry or Lady, but she is beginning to realise that this dog will not chase her. Mayze eyes her up with suspicion.
Publicity shots in France with Sir Alistair Morton on the Eurostar.
Time for a break in my truck
Guided tour of Barcelona Football Stadium
My 60th Birthday showing my first bus pass
Makeover for Chat Magazine
Trying out some roller blades I bought from a car boot sale
A walk over the Humber Bridge
Late evening charity walk for a Hospice.
Who am I ?
A retired lorry driver who is trying to keep my life normal, while those all around me are losing their minds. This is my diary. What I do and what I think about. You are welcome to read it. Toodle pip.
These are my good friends Julie and Frank, Aimee's parents. You couldn't wish for better friends. They are going to Spain for a couple of months soon, then they might move to Norfolk, or go back to Spain. I'm going to miss them, and Jessica their lovely blind spaniel. 
You know how I cant bear to see waste, well, there was food left over from the buffet last night, which incidentally Dustin prepared because that's his job, head chef. Look what I brought home. I am chuffed to little mintballs, this is my food for the week. 
