Wednesday, 1 August 2018

This and That

 The wind has dropped a little this morning but for the past few days the wind has been blowing a gale around this little cottage.  Thankfully there has been no real damage done, just a few overturned plant pots to contend with.  There was a short power cut yesterday as well, reminding us to start the checklist in readiness for the Autumn.  The Summer months have certainly been short and sweet and although we are still having 16 and a half daylight hours we are not getting the high temperatures that the rest of the British Isles are enjoying.  By the end of the week we will start losing a few minutes of daylight a day.

We were once again at the hospital yesterday, getting the results from the recent holter monitor.  There was still a few minor hiccups but there is still room for manoeuvre with medication.  A trip into town gives us the opportunity to have a stroll around the harbour and this week there was a European market.  We didn't loiter in that area long as the rain started to come down in buckets so once again the treat of the bratwurst was postponed.  We do enjoy a browse in the charity shops and we did get lucky once again picking up cotton yarn and a couple of books.  I was tempted by a couple of tops that still had the tags on but resisted the temptation as I don't need any more clothes.



The grand total of £2.60 was spent, so quite the bargain.

Our food bill seems to have escalated over the past few months.  We have made a few adjustments to our diet, but nothing that would justify the sharp increase so we are going to reevaluate our eating and shopping habits to try and tighten our belts a little.  We are eating a lot more fish and was quite surprised at how much this adds to the shopping bill.  I took a lot more notice of the prices as we were putting things into the trolley yesterday and was quite taken aback at how much inflation has affected the prices.  Since downsizing our household bills have been cut drastically so thankfully we don't have to worry too much but I do like to have control.  I need to take stock and sort out the pantry but tomorrow is another day.

I recorded some of the Christmas in July films so I am going to get some crochet out and enjoy one with a nice cup of tea and a biscuit.  Gerard is pottering so I will leave him to it...

See you soon.













32 comments:

  1. I've been monitoring our food expenses as well. Seems that the food prices go up no matter what! I know for us, eating out while being a convenience ends up as a huge disappointment in quality of food. So I've been trying to add more to our menu rotation.

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  2. Shopping bills are scaring me to death at the minute MM.
    Things are going up every week and not just by small amounts either.

    Wishing Gerard well and hoping that they can adjust his medication to suit him.
    Hugs-x-

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  3. I'm always happy when I can find some yarn at the charity shops. I like the bundle you brought home. Enjoy.
    xx Beca

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  4. Looks like some good buys. Food prices have really gone up here, yet they say we have very little inflation.

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  5. Great bargain finds xx The weather here was promising to be hot but alas no it's very dull and overcast but I actually like it :)

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  6. Same thing here in the US, it seems I am only getting half of what I used to for the same amount of money and I am not talking about years ago, just in the last couple of years. Great finds in the charity shop. I think I may just have the bug again and foresee another visit to ours in the very near future!

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  7. We too have noticed over the past few months that the things we buy regularly are going up in price yesterday three things we looked for weren't in stock with bare shelves where the items should be, it is all very worrying. You always find some lovely things in the charity shops:)

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  8. Have you got a small fish merchant? We have a few in Fraserburgh. They tend to be cheaper than the supermarkets, as we have also found, our 'proper' butcher. Supermarket is Lidly, and yes even there prices are increasing.

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  9. Happy August, lovely lady! It was such a joy to visit with you today.

    I must agree with you that even here in the USA prices are going up {{sigh}}

    Hugs to you!

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  10. Prices seem to increase every week, there used to be a time when I knew how much certain items cost before I got to the supermarket but not any more. I wish I could find yarn in the charity shops, I've never come across any yet, you got a great bargain there.

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  11. I'm glad you were able to find bargains at the charity shop. Food is so expensive. Fish particularly so. Even though we live fairly near the ocean it doesn't seem to matter. Even our local farmer's markets have increased their prices this summer. I guess everything is more expensive these days. ♥

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  12. Good morning Lorraine. It’s nice to stop and have a chat with you this morning before I start my day. I hope that they were able to get Gerard's issues taken care of with medication. I do know how worrying it can all be.
    Food prices have increased greatly here also. I buy in the bulk bins as much as possible. That way you don’t have to pay for the packaging and you can get as small or large amount as you wish. I buy all of my spices, flour, sugar, cereal, nuts and other things that way. We have cut down drastically on our consumption of meat because of the high prices.
    I hope you have a lovely time enjoying your movie and crocheting. Many blessings, Betsy

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  13. That's my kind of shopping!

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  14. Not only has good food gone up, but the cost to can my garden bounty has gone up too. I have jars, but need lots of lids yet.

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  15. Sounds like a nice mooch around in spite of the rain. We've had some too but greeted it with shouts of joy as we were as dry as dust. And what bargains you found. I hope Gerard's new meds will prove to be just right for him.. Good idea to record some films I might do that!

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  16. It always saddens me when the days start getting shorter. Our summers are never long enough! We try to buy what we can in bulk to save pennies, but there is no doubt that if you want to eat healthy it costs a lot more.

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  17. We too have started eating more fish in the past few months, and you're right, it's quite a bit more expensive. I can afford it, but it's a little painful. I keep telling myself that spending more for better food now will save me a lot of trouble (and money) later on...

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  18. I particularly like that pretty mint green yarn you picked out.

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  19. Spero che a livello di salute tutto migliori presto L'estate è orribile anche qua in Italia a causa invece del caldo torrido a 35 gradi con umidità del 90%!!!! Fa caldo dalle 9.00 e non c'è tregua di notte...Anche da noi i prezzi sono aumentati tra i generi alimentari più cari è il pesce invece. Per fortuna ci sono i nostri hobby creativi a allietare le giornate. Un abbraccio 😘

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  20. We are also feeling the same here. Prices have gone up especially for fish.

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  21. You've found some good bargains again to offset the price rises. It's a good idea to keep a check of the prices.

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  22. I'm glad Gerard's health is being closely monitored and medication can be adjusted to help him. You did well to find some bargains in the charity shops, especially with the yarn. The rise in food prices is a worry as we've been told even the cost of basics will continue to increase or be in short supply for various reasons. We tend to buy the same products when we do a weekly food shop and usually we manage to keep within the same price bracket so that we know where we stand with budgeting. We have to be careful about using the car, but it's not easy when it's needed for necessary trips and the occasional time out which then becomes a treat.

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  23. Bargains and, even better, you will have hours of fun from your finds. Thanks to you, I am gradually getting back into my crafting frame of mind, so keep up the good work and inspiration!!

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  24. Always planning ahead...
    And projects from everywhere...
    Have fun !
    Anna

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  25. Summers are so very short - more so for you, particularly. One must be deliberate in enjoying the swiftly passing days.
    Food costs are on the rise everywhere, it seems. Eating healthily is expensive, no doubt.
    Good for you for starting on Christmas!

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  26. Isn't it hard to "not buy" things in a thrift shop. I mean, the prices are so good. I stopped at one this morning and found 9 pieces of fabric for about $3.00. Your find was good!

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  27. Bargain cotton yarn there Mama! Enjoy your film. Jo x

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  28. Thanks so much for stopping by!! I deleted the comment that you spoke of in your comment. I actually laughed about it because I feel that whoever wrote that must have a sad little life and has nothing better to do and I feel sorry for such sad little people!! So don't worry about me!! I have very thick skin and it did not bother me at all!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  29. Looks like you are finding wonder things at the charity shop and of course enjoying your summer. We eat loads of fish and you would think it would be cheaper in Florida but it isn't.

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  30. When I think that we are melting in the heat here so unusual for Belgium ! We always have around 30° !! and everything is yellow ! It hasn't rained since at least a month. Usually it rains every day !!
    I am not surprised that the costs have increased, that's thanks to the Brexit politic ! The pound dropped drastically ! It's a pity ! I used to pay for one pound 1.50 Euro, now one pound is worth 0.90 £ ! Now for me it would be interesting to go to the UK !

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  31. I love your charity store finds. Many of those near me have shut down.

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