When is packed really packed?

This is the icy frosty we will miss ~ for a moment... 

Well ~ we're packed, almost. I think.  It looks like I'm going for a month, SmallBoy is going for a week and Husband has a few days wear and might be buying clothes there!  *grins*  Not exactly, but I've definitely got the most!  I aimed to pack for three days each - spring time weather, nice warm some days, cool to cold at night, possible rain, definite beach regardless.  Cater for a nice restaurant, sweet.

I have so many choices!  Will I want a skirt, how long, how short?  Light tops able to carry a long sleeve, or a singlet with a cardigan, what about vests...??  And pants - sure jeans are in, wide leg or straight, or both? As I am avoiding black and using colour in my clothes to help brighten my outlook and thus my spirit, I have brown leggings, purple leggings, green jeans, tan cords.  I could wear an olive & burgundy skirt with floral opaque stockings and boots.  Or something to go with my sparkly slipper shoe, or is Imelda taking sandals - in pink, green, red, white or blue?  Holy crapola ~ choices choice *grins*  It is fun you know.

We are taking lunch with us - so dinner tonight is some spinach and ricotta pastries, hot chicken rolls and lunch will be cold chicken rolls with salad, dips, biscuits, plus I am taking 'my' muesli and we've got other cereals ready to go.  We will need milk when we get there.  Might even take bread and it will be defrosted for toast or something when we get to Wyndham. I'd be bubbling with excitement if I didn't need to save energy for things still to do!!  Urgh ~ I must get back to it.  Husband's items need to be considered ~ he'd just take a pair of jeans, a tshirt, maybe two, shorts, nice shirt, coupla jox and that is probably it.  As soon as the table is free from dinner, back to my wardrobe.  

I've not planned well on the medicine front.  I've got my patches, the wet cover as well.  Paracetamol in big boxes, so right there, enough antiDs for two weeks, a few heat patches and then the herbals.  Among that is horseradish, calcium, VitD, B, A, iron and more.  I must take a little magnesium & potassium - it rubs in well and aids the bones.  I might even start using comfrey more.  I've got the hemp oil, emu oil, mentholated oil, so ideally I won't squeak.  Must say I find I dont use many perfumes at the moment because of the smell of the oils.  No point really. Oh am I taking a really big risk not bringing endone or codeine???

Part of the conference is readings, spirit guide messages, feeling crystals, a little of the angels, fairies, healings and other things holistic.  More butterflies and rainbows than cauldrons and potions. This being the first one for me, I would like to remember and feel anything within without the interference or block of medications stronger than necessary.  Bit of a sacrifice but if there is benefit or some true gain that can be seen, sensed or found that eases the pain, provides that clarity or calm or whatever might happen due to lower pain medication, great.  *breathes* That was the long way around...

So the hair has been coloured chestnut - bit darker than expected, but it is night, still damp so it might be fine in the day light, sunshine, warmth... wee hee he he hee  It's better than heading off to see the wizard ~ although that used to be fun too *winkwink* 

Crap - out of time, still packing.

If I dont go now I'll keep coming back so love to all

... ٩(̾●̮̮̃̾•̃̾)۶ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵Ʒ
.. ٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶ .(ړײ)♥

Finally the time's come to pack laptops away

We're heading off on our warm holiday

To places all sunny, sunscreen will slop

Fine wining and dining until we go pop

Meeting with friends from far and near

Glowies are together, our laughter you'll hear

To the Gold Coast we gather away from this cold

Meeting the first time with online friends old

ℒΦϑє, ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ 

ռﻪოﻪรϮε

So excited...

Only two sleeps . . . crap

Sometimes you do need a crane to drag the sun up...

Oh I could be the ultimate misery guts today, not that I haven't been in some ways.  Nothing - absolutely nothing - has gone to plan.  Not a good morning, grumpy pants fit well.   'scuse my french, but it shits me that I can't find that bloody oomfph because we leave the house on Friday and without a few things in the suitcase at least, well, we're screwed.  Or naked and therefore likely to be screwed. *chuckles*  Bad ~Mands!  

Yes, yes - I am catastrophising just a little, but this headache will not go away and I know part of it is flu and part is withdrawal from meds.  Plus I've been having late nights - and it all adds up.  Yes, need to kick me up the butt if this would help with motivation, but its not.  Also it would possibly end up hurting me in some way unexpected and then I would not be getting away from this miserable, cold, wet area of the world known to some as 'the coldest place'.  Its 7.5c but the wind, rain and elements have it set at an ambient 1.2 and it is going down fast.  *sniffs*  No snow, only rain and wind.  Come on snow - make the cold worth it with your pretty whiteness. It's expected overnight.

Well, I have made an attempt to get things into the Treasure Chest.  I might just go for things that I don't care about losing the fee on, adding postage if things can't be collected is going to be the hassle. That will be things like this Avon, maybe some of the clothes, gifts still in boxes.  Plus really, a garage sale is going to be a great way to go if and when it ever happens so this is the interim de-cluttering method of choice.  Time does cost money - I guess.  I really need to find the one that is a donation or unspecified amount.  Yes, I think I mentioned that a few days ago.  See - procrastination.  Head is full. Need a holiday.  You know, made a decision - through September we will be in organisation mode.

Its not about putting things off, for one thing, there has been progress in the kitchen.  Good, almost total progress with emptying the cupboards, sorting, cleaning, washing the shelves, plastics and moving items away!!  There are four baskets of Tupperware, waiting for a new storage unit to go in the renovated pantry - it is a goer.  So that means the walls need removing, a shelf or two needs to go, a storage unit in, some door replacement (I have ideas for that, just need to know if it can work)

That means clothes that are clean can be folded, sized, favoured, cast aside, put away, photographed for selling and stored somewhere accessible.  Start in the lounge/alcove; on to our bedroom - we affectionately call it Hiroshima, sometimes, other times in disgust, often frustration... Then there is the spare room *inserts horror music*  It's not getting a look in before next week, September even - its already got an order, it's mostly boxes, clothes, boxes of clothes , it can all go...

Thanks to that little brain wave, the SmallBoy's clothes are set, my choices and options are being streamlined and reconsidered.  Options requiring washing are currently being done so as a dark/jeans load, then a light/pales load.  With no wood for fire until tomorrow, piss poor weather forecast, this can start drying before the firewood delivery tomorrow.  So we delved into the holiday funds to heat the house, I just cant do the cold thing as it hurts too much to shiver,  I can do things in the lounge room where the gas heater is, and here in the office with the oil heater, its a cold trip down the hall between the two - and the tantalising smell of a lamb roast is wafting through so I know I am going to need to brave the chill shortly.  Sadly, no potatoes, so its just with veggies tonight.  Bravely I washed the dirt & a bit of celery slosh from two carrots, so it roast carrots, broc, cauli, peas & corn.  Yum.  Might even make a gravy from the veggie water.  

After dinner time will be spent putting items into suitcases, and out and back in.  We are only taking two, SmallBoy's boogie-board fits, only a few changes required over separate groups of people, some warm, mostly spring wear with something warm to go over.  Lovin' it. I am expecting the hotel to have towels, we will bring for the beach.  Pack some foods, wine, things to share.  I know last time everyone gave each other something, butterflies, angels, gems, jewels, (lolly) worms.  I've decided to write a Glowie poem.  Not one to share to you all just yet.  Glowies' first. *grins*

Again, I prattle.  So much northing and everything happening it is mental. Watched the Gruen Transfer - had to laugh.  Its about conscripting 18yos to national services - this one's audience is definitely the parents.  If I knew how to put youtube videos into this blog post I would - but I don't - so I can't.  

The Pitch : Victorian Youngbloods 

What else can I whinge about?  Nothing really - weather and health have been covered, everyone knows Centrelink are frustrating second only to Telstra and we dont really deal with Telstra any more.  $2 per month - incoming and service type calls only, but with Skype, Husband on mobile and Node, care factor is zero.  We saved close to $300 by changing his mobile plan AND he gets a new phone, which means I will too.  His old one!  Beats the little ol' Nokia I've had for around 8 years now.  I use a mobile as intended, for calls, text and taking pics to send via email...  None of this fancy mumbo jumbo.  Plus the games are boring.

I also am about to save us $30k on the life of our mortgage if I get the rate dropped by 0.6-1.5%.  Its sitting at 6.85% which is pretty good, its not a big amount so I think the bank's don't find this so attractive but if the cash rate is 4.2% and then 5.5% would be achievable. Anything else is cream. I must do this to the credit card - I had been doing this every six months or so before the laminactomy, bringing the rate down to 7% or less - but its crept up to 8.9% over the past three years of non-reminding.  Must do that too.  Where can I put in a list of things to do?  Margin is getting a little long and loaded.

One thing I promised myself was to put up words of affirmation, positivity, goals and aims.  Losing the old desktop lost my vision board, I must go back and get the original from my mate Oprah.  She does have some cool tools (and total tools) on that website of hers...

Now - as I plan an early night and a good day starting at 730am, bright and sparkly, along with Husband feeling the same, it is time for the poem before bedtime.  Feel like I've not been on top of that.  And one day, 'someone' will say - interesting chickie.  Love your lyrics.  Can we use some?  What a kicker that would be.  Then the book.  Oooh - got a great scene developing on paper. Hubba hubba, who knew I wrote bad so good!

The decision of Hawke McLastin

And Hawk held his lowly rod up high

His knees gripped the witch he mounted

This fight had barely just begun

Yet he knew all moments were counted

As a memory formed from a time long past

When he was but a wee lad

Drawn down by his mothers' evil words

The torture and death of his dad

He'd heard the tales so many times

Each time the fault of another

He wished they could have saved her pain

Stopped the lies said by his mother

But friends so dear to him as well

His brother lost, stopped fighting

Mother made sure her secret treasures held

Her poison tears fell with false crying

Soon mistruths were told of humans all

Friends, Family, all but she

Was corrupt, a cheat, not listening to her

Mother told Hawk it would be

Still Hawk, in his heart, saw true evil words

Spilling out the mouth of the whore

Today was the day trauma ended forever

His mother lay dead on the floor 

-ஜ۩۞۩ஜ-♥ 

lΦϑє, lℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ 

✿ ռﻪოﻪรϮε ✿

Hello there ~ love your work...

 

Look, really over this flu.  Enough.  I can't cough laying on my back, I need to be on my side or the pain of the op site is unbelievable. I can't keep coughing, it just plain hurts now. Each time I cough, my head hurts.  I have the most terrible headache...

But up at almost sparrows fart this morning - it was a wonderful morning, even if it was raining just a little.  Even had my muesli for breakfast, did a little this and that, warmed up in front of the heater, switched on the TV for a moment - and dozed off.  My head, face and throat are definitely saying ~Mands! is not a well chook.  As I said to the Husband, thank goodness I knew what we were having for dinner.  It was a quandary what we could have tonight, but we are having another 'freezer surprise' pie adding some extra beef in for the iron. *grins*  The sauce might be the remains of a slow cooker meal, we shall find out.

Trying to 'kill' this beast of a flu I've been taking horseradish & garlic tablets which made me think about the benefit of extra garlic, raw or cooked.  We have a 'witches brew' I probably should have, its been a few days, because it is an evil cousin to the lemon and honey drink.  It's crushed garlic, crushed ginger, a little cayenne, honey, a few other bits, orange juice and a little boiling water to make it tepid to warm.  Stir it up and drink it, bits especially.  The Brew does help, it packs a punch and eating some parsley or celery gets rid of the garlic odour and taste.  I've also had a spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar most days, can't go the olive leaf extract and haven't bought tablets.

In a way old copy of the Readers Digest, there was an article on the power of raw garlic - how it prevents blood clots and lowers blood pressure - pondering the benefits of cooked garlic.  So, as all good American and Argentinean scientists do, they checked the benefits of both.

They heated the herb several ways and found that when baked or boiled for up to three minutes, it’s just as healthy as raw. Crushed garlic is even better: it retains some benefits when cooked for up to six minutes (crushing seems to release more of the healthy thiosulphinates). Microwaved garlic, however, was no good: nuking it for even a few minutes neutralised garlic’s anti-clotting effects.  The next time you’re making a garlicky dish, such as pasta sauce, add the stinky stuff near the end of cooking, and crush it for more taste and benefit.  Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties: it even seems to kill bacteria that are resistant to pharmaceutical antibiotics. Six or more cloves a week can also slash your risk of colorectal, prostate and stomach cancers in half.    ~ Readers Digest - Oct 08  

Interesting that the microwave, yet again, seems to do something dodgy to food.  Also interesting the suggestion to add garlic to the end of cooking the dish.  We tend to add it after onions, a few moments before the meat to heat but not cook the garlic.  Garlic is one of those herbs you can grow yourself and have on hand all the time.  Ideally you would pop a clove into soil between April and July for bulbs later in the year.  We've planted as late as November and had success.  A tip when it comes to harvesting, like onions, make sure they get no water for 3-4 days before pulling up.  

We have been getting Readers Digest for about 15 years, evident by the amount of issues we are finding during the cull.  The toilet reading has never been so good!  Proudly admit to having RD at hand when you need to sit a while.  Can be frustrating when a child is 'occupied' after breakfast on a school morning...

Bit annoyed . . . 

It is getting frustrating to not have a set routine going when one was developing and trundling along so well.  Having this flu has added to the blah, it is taking a lot of energy, it is zapping me especially when you add cold weather to the equation.  Plus I have returned to the bad shocking habit of the odd smoko or 10 each day.  This is a real bummer because I got to nothing or 3 at most in a day.  Having the Husband home, who does like quite a few more, means he's having one or two so I'll have one, or a half (bugger the expense) so today I start the wind back to none again, if only for health, motivation and energy.

Oh I do procrastinate.  Even more so I put off, defer or simply refuse to get those clothes off the table, folded and away regardless of how much it annoys me and therefore keeps me out of the Alcove - so things to be 'dealt with later' are moving into here.  No fair - that's supposed to be the spare room's role.  For me it is a lack of motivation, boredom almost, that stops things getting done.  Embarrassment means I won't take up the offer of help getting it done, so its all cool and doesn't worry me - and sometimes this is true, it doesn't.  Hope keeps me going, thinking now Husband is home all these millions of things are going to be fixed, covered, done in an instant and we'll talk and plan while being so productive.  But lethargy, boredom and procrastination all intervene at some point.  

So how do we beat that? OK - yes, the biggest hurdle is this lack of sleep pattern, going to bed at reasonable o'clock, even if just four days a week, and it needs to be a team effort.  Perhaps we need a printed up reminder to see every day what it means to be refreshed and complete a full day as planned.  But then this little voice of 'why start now when you are about to go to sun and rest' and it is stronger!  I hope to set an early up, early bed while away, it should be easier in the warmer weather and then continue it to work with the school term.  The day must start and keep going. But I've got a terrible headache.  And it is cold.

There are going to be times when the budget is going to worry the crap out of me.  At least for our break I have the $600 for car hire, $1000 for spending and hope to stay under on both so it only from when we return I need to start panicking a little.  If we get tax done quickly for the past two years, there is the instant Family payment $600 or something, plus any difference in DSP entitlements and family entitlements if there is a refund due.  There should be an over estimation of about $5k, maybe that will alter the tax threshold.  That would be nice! :D

Head like cotton wool - thanks for sharing the fog inside my head, today I feel like I've flipped and flopped about nothing more that usual...

Might quit while I think about it and Go To Bed...

It's a little known story

A hardly spoken tale

The spoilt little princess

The ruin of betrayal 

Of giving forth a kindness

Returned ruined by the lies

Twisting all the helpfulness

Forces tears fall from her eyes

A wise wizard waits

Knowing her time will come

Truth and honesty always prevail

The lies of princess' get undone

And the trusted heart

Pushed pulled for too long

Will turn back to the one

Who gave it her song

  -ஜ۩۞۩ஜ-♥ 

lΦϑє, lℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ 

✿ ռﻪოﻪรϮε ✿

Every day is a new one

Some times I wake up, hear the calling of birds, see the day has arrived and leap (or auto-pilot up/rotate) out of bed.  This morning, I didn't hear the alarm or the noise of the morning as Husband and SmallBoy started a new school week.  I heard nothing until midday.  And I am still pooped, not hit any second wind, stuffed and going to bed after this ~Meandering entry of the day and thoughts.

All I want to be able to do is know I have $650 coming in each week, $1300 a fortnight, be able to earn an additional $150-$250 to save each week, get the veggie beds up, planted, providing us with variety and plenty of produce before Christmas, de-clutter and reorganise the house, home and garage.  The Treasure Chest stuff is not income, its paying it's self back so to speak.  Arrgh it is a nightmare to set up and load all the pics - I might be better getting people to gander through my ~Mands Meandering FB page thing.  At least it works and there are no fees attached if its pick up.  I know there must be someway to have a flexible amount to be entered, otherwise I'll be making this 'too hard' and like work - the big thing of the now is learning to relax, to be kind to myself and those close to be, others that come in contact...

I swear if I had one of those magic wish fairies who can come in and get things done while you're sleeping ~ poor little thing would need to come back every night for a good week, ideally with a posse of magical help - it is no little hob, any disgruntled visitor to the house could have told us that over the past few decades!! Friends come to visit, looking passed the myriad of mess and confusion because they've come to see us, talk not criticise yet even knowing that, an embarrassment still sits there.  As the healing of my back has progressed, the sorting and soothing of my mind started, improving the fuels and fitness for this poor little body finding its routing and the enthused  desire to improve so much at once, knowing that is a huge deal to be managing any way, but I feel like I need to do more now (Verruca) 

To end that thought, well - get it out of the front of my mind, I have had a lovely hot shower ~~ might actually dye my hair tomorrow or the next day with the kit I bought weeks back.  The bed has new sheets and covers (Thank You Husband), there is a load of 'in anticipation of being packed' dirty clothes washing, quite possibly ready to hand - but I am hoping at least half of those warmer items will not need to be packed.  Best thing is everything I wear at GlowCave Convention I can re-wear in Coffs.  Different group of people. It is not like anything is going to get filthy dirty and SmallBoy just wants the waves - little waves, for the boogie board, not surfing. How much space will two pairs of boardies take up?  Big surfing - no. That would mean too greater a likelihood of going under water and, subsequently, getting water on his face.  Still hates the ol' shower but he is getting better, especially showering after sport, including the shampoo.

Plastic Fantastic gone spastic...

The invasion which was Tupperware has been semi-arranged and is still going through sorting, matching, washing and putting somewhere with another of same or similar type and/or purpose grouping and placement.  The crockery has been brought down lower, especially as there are no toddlers and the higher corner cupboard is just out of the SmallBoy's reach for some items.  He tries, nothing has been broken but things don't get seen or used.  Half of those things are going - Mug sets, Glasses sets, egg cups, who knows what else is up there.  MudGuts kindly stood, took everything out from the cupboards above the oven, wiped them out and I've put only cake and baking trays back.  Silicone is under the stove as is the casseroles, pie and other such pottery-ware type things. 

  

Such an image - you know, this is what would greet a Tupperware Lady at the Pearly Gates, only 100 fold, and she will know if she has gone to heaven or hell.  I love the stuff, just hate the organisation of it, and another piece here and there. I would love to get back into demonstrating but not in the Eureka householdship. No, didn't like the way that 'ship operated after being with New Horizons (Tupperware businesses)  Returning to the Titanic Tupperware Tidy, I've decided I'm not too keen on the wire basket set up I've got going as a temporary come sorting and grouping method. Reminidng myself often it is 'temporary'.  So many different tops, bases, colours.  Ultimately a pull out shelving system will be needed to fit the length and width of the left side of the pantry. This can be happening at the same time we pull off the front wall of the pantry to remove a shelf, extend the door access, perhaps add a utensils bench - - oh my - yes, that sounds like the start of a kitchen reno. Under $500 and about 4-5 days work.  Start with the pantry corner which will eventually lead into the window (lighting) and cooking area.  This could really do with some work you know... *cheeky grin*

If anything, I am inspired to get into the pantry and sort it.  However, as I know I also want to get into the freezer before the weekend away, I am focusing only on the completion of the kitchen cupboards and getting one freezer compartment set up with MudGuts' variety foods and meals so he does not need to go into any other and it will all be waiting, as left, for me to come home.  If I can, I may do similar in the pantry, although it may be easier to just use one of the now empty higher cupboards.  It is only 2-3 days.  *gulps*

Time to hit the hay.  It is almost on pumpkin o'clock and I think I need to shut up shop now.  Waffle more rubbish and mutterings tomorrow.  Bit of a strange old day ~ ready to sleep now.  Darn it - just into the witching hour - hope all runs smoothly tomorrow.  I've doctors, exercise therapy and something else I can't remember this late at night.  Husband has to smile for the dentist - he will be going and doing just that!

Sharing to you all, thinking of my fairy friends especially.  I'll shake this flu and be back visiting soon, wishing you the love...

ི♥ྀ ĜɚяĐeη کթгﻨռĸlεร ི♥ྀ

✿¨`*•
. (ړײ) . ~ good night fairy friends ~

Oh joy - another frantic, crappy day
Feel crook, tired, no time for play
My fairy friends ♥ well they know me
I'd have rather been out gardenin'

Until the morning here starts new
Wishing love and gentle dreams to you
Hello to visitors ~ welcome ~ good friends
Let me know what you thought Hope to see you again ♥

Chat my tomorrow morning, your afternoon, tonight
ℒΦϑє, ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ
ռﻪოﻪรϮε 

Where did that Sunday sleep in go...

 

Wish it could have hung about ~ if the Federal election can hang on a Sunday morning then... Still, mowing has to be done while the sun does shine ~ regardless of the ambient temperature.  Ice gone, engine running.  Husband and MudGuts will share the main mow but when it is the second run I am hoping to have a bit of a turn.  
Might I add, gorgeous morning!  So sunny, bright, crisp but not chilly like it has been.  I slept a little badly, seemed to wake up every 90mins to cough or move although I did fall back to sleep at 7am after I'd got up and watched the house doze. Got woken just after 9am by Rossi who was gently badgering at my ear and neck.  I don't think she was trying to say 'and while you sleep I shall lay here and claw your ear, prick at your neck and bite that ear' but wet, slobbery, biting is not the most welcome wake up that Johnny Depp is not ravishing you... *sighs*  Could have gone back to that dreams thank you!  
Chookies did need a bit clean out too - few more than normal since we 'inherited' the Jonah's four Isa Browns.  Gee they are funny, so friendly too. But it is really not in my plans to get in there an muck out - I'll take out compost/food scraps, move the attention down to my end of the yard and encourage Skip and the girls to leave the menfolk alone while cleaning, sprucing and refilling their home.
Silly Skippy the mad randy rooster thinks everyone is there to conquer.  I am sure if diagnosed it would be something like 'floppy-legged' cock syndrome. He's grown this out of proportion twisted spur to compensate for his inability to walk or strut, or a result of FLCS.  He seriously can only hop or skip or occasionally miss the ground on one side entirely needing to throw out his wings to save from falling on his side *chuckles at the vision*  Oh now wait - don't feel pity for him too quickly, that bird can still pick up speed and distance before you know it and he is not a small, docile little beast - and there is that OPP twisted spur...

  Bashing the budget ~ the bane of one's existence...   

Well, it is when you know what you will be budgeting with, know what is coming in within 4-6 weeks, and what you do not have right now. Oh for a piggy-bank full of gold coins to smash, open and count.  That might be something fun to save for a short trip or camping over the Christmas/New Year holidays. Lordy Jimney ~ cannot believe I am thinking about Christmas holidays at this time of year.  September starts the silly season of birthdays, weddings and catch ups.  All the way through until December.  But September is the doosie with 7 immediate family members birthdays in 5 weeks - Mudguts and the Husband included.   

Sidebar: The Variety Bash started here in Ballarat last week, I mentioned it previously.  Here are some of the brilliant bash vehicles:

   

Back on the budget, organisation and planning to avoid any unnecessary spending, and that includes the using of the petrol required to get to the shop when you think bit picture, I need to undertake the following weekly and maintain it:

• Pantry stock-take
• Fridge and freezer stock-take
• Menu plan
• Grocery budget - basics, bulk, budget n bargains!

For a while I'd like to menu plan around the items we have, groceries being only fresh fruit and vegetable requirements, toiletries, cat food, cleaner needs, other sundries.  I truly believe we can stay below $100pw until Christmas if the boys all come on board ~ that's before the vegetable garden is producing anything to contribute. The ability to bake, make yummy stuff with an organised pantry, kitchen, cupboard area will encourage this immensely.  Yup - that's definitely got a pantry/kitchen reno kinda ring hasn't it... *grins*

Menu Plan ~ 23 Aug - 27 Aug

• Monday:  Spaghetti Carbonara
• Tuesday: 
• Wednesday: Roast Lamb & veg
• Thursday: Leftover Lamb curry & veg
• Friday: Out for dinner ($25pp)
• Saturday: Dinner together 
• Sunday: Out for dinner

To make/bake: Biscuits, muesli slice (all leftovers) 


Items at hand
Cereal, bread, milk, variety L/O muesli 


Shopping list
(ideally nothing, but:) Water, Milk,
Start looking: Bulk rice specials, Juice 


Grocery Budget : Month September $450

1. Week: 1/9 - 7/9 - $100 
2. Week: 8/9 - 14/9 - $100
3. Week: 15/9 - 21/9 - $100
4. Week: 22/9 - 28/9 - $ 25
5. Week: 29/9 - 5/10 - $100  

Bulk/Stockpile/Bargain
Assessing for Week 4 - potential $25

Need to be looking for bulk rice, sugars, spicy tomato salsa, soil

I like to aim to be under the target, knowing if I need to I've got an extra $20 on hand to bank or use later on a bulk side of beef(say). Or stays on the card, not having to be budgeted in the end of month swipe.  If we stay under by $20 each week, not likely but not impossible, that is $360 toward Christmas, or over $1000 saved on already low shopping bills.  While I'd love to say put it on the mortgage, it already gets a little extra and I'd much rather use less/pay more on the credit card and get it to zero again.  When the concert tickets are paid for, that's $430 straight off the balance.  By paying in what we use and a little more, it brings that stupid expense and 'loan' down.  *grumbles*  Feel a bit used, but in the live and learn pile...
There is debt, without the mortgage it is a reasonable $11,000 ~ not too huge in the scheme of things.  Mortgage is under $165k, just a little teeny bit under, however under is!  If all things go to budget (please) there will always be $200 over at the end of the month.  This is outside of the extra mortgage payments, the little savings account, pocket money for us each week.  
Oh poop - eaten all the giant chocolate freckles my HOFO buddy gave me.  I did share a few.  Thank goodness there is rocky road icecream in the freezer.



A lovely fruity dessert
Cheesecake No Fuss, All the Glory... 

1 cup apricot puree - mango and passion-fruit works well too (puree tinned fruit) 
1 tin of condensed milk 
1 dessertspoon of lemon juice (squeezed lemon) 
1 teaspoon of brandy 

Packet Crushed/smashed biscuits (plain arnotts, choc ripple, sanitarium, ginger nuts, anzacs and/or rice cookies, teddy bears and marie always work - any or all ) 
30-50g Melted butter
Grated chocolate or crushed violet crumble

Mix crushed biccies with melted butter.  In a foil lined pie/flan dish press biscuit mix into the base for your crust. 
Mix the fruit puree, condensed milk, lemon juice and brandy together. Pour into the biscuit lined  pie dish. Sprinkle with chocolate and refrigerate till set. 


Biscuits on the side
Might need make the ginger biscuits too
4 oz butter 
4 oz sugar 
1 egg 
1 large cup SR Flour 
1 cup preserved ginger cut into small pieces and/or powdered ginger 
1-2 cups of crushed(ish) cornflakes 

Cream butter and sugar and add egg and then ginger.
Drop teaspoons of mixture into a bowl of cornflakes and roll in to balls. 
Bake at 180 degrees on a greased baking tray till golden ~ about 10-12 mins
This is one you can whip up the night before, or in the morning if that's your thing, ready for dessert in the evening.  It's yummy with a Baileys over ice, or a botryise type dessert wine.  Oh I love that sweet thick golden liquid.  I can imagine how the birds and animals you read about which get stonkered on some rotting fruit crop and are a danger to themselves and community.  I do on two glasses, imagine being a little bird gorging on alcohol apricots!  Lucky bird...
I tells ya ~ *big thinking kinda sigh* its all been a bit of a slip into the same old patterns this past week.  No, not sitting about drinking - only those virtual Baileys on ice to keep the ~meanderings spilling forth. Some of those easy to change, easier to fall back to habits. Like the old later than usual to bed on a school night, breakfast late morning, lunch/snack mid afternoon, dinner all good. Yes, I am eating - good things as well as a few treats. Moderation. Some might still say small portions, but I dont think it is.  Yes, Richard's home, we've all been crook, almost time to go away and a zillion things to do all while slowing it down...
The trouble lies working on the balance - finding an even field of getting things done without it being too much and berating myself for it being too little.  Still writing, blogging and putting up the poems.  It's been helpful for both of us to know where the other is heading without wading through fear, embarrassment, pointlessness and talking oneself out of things before they start. Even when you'd think things were slow, its chaotic and not all about trying to get things back to an order or routine.  There is no routine.  I've just realised I needed to send an email two weeks ago... drat.  Will still ask...
Hoping to do another open mic in September - away from Friday until the following week.  Please put on the sun and warmth oh Kirra & Coffs gods.  Mandy wants to be warm.  Lots of plans, lists, incentives, simplifying of events.  If you want to know the daily(ish) prattles and goals - keep me on track, praise me, feed me chocolates and spinach, happy to have you visit and read the ~meanderings.  Follow at your own risk...

Look I've sat here a good while and nothing is coming.
Not a cracker.
I got started on a line and even it didn't finish.
Now I've forgotten it - so obviously not the night for poetry of any type.
Sleep well.  

We'll make it an early night...

I shall leave you with some sensible words from The Happiness Institute 

~ 7 Simple Thoughts on Happiness ~

Happiness is...

• knowing what's REALLY important
• taking care of yourself
• taking care of others
• being kind and considerate
• looking for the good in yourself and in others
• having fun and not taking things too seriously
• maintaining perspective in good and bad times

Happiness is so many things that there's always a way to find happiness in any and every sitaution!

-ஜ۩۞۩ஜ-♥ 

lΦϑє, ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ 

xx

So much done ~ what happened...?

And this is where TeddyCat decided comfortable was...

wait until you see how he got here! :D

Today the plan was to wake 930ish, breakfast and being in the pretence of doing while getting it together and really be up by 1130.  This 'man-flu' thing has a terrible headache that goes with it, the feeling your face is fatter than it is, eyes that say oh yup, back to bed, you're sick.  Strangely, at 930 I was up, had breakfast, beat the SmallBoy even! "~Mands, Its not a race.." And we've have been doing all sorts of online, off-line, reading, cleaning, tidying - removing those which alas must go, fixing crap said, planning a day...

Mudguts is here, we've all had lunch, weeding has been under way in the front gardens and some of these daffodils, jonquils and bulbs are in.  Between the purples of the lavender and green of the stems, the yellows and creams will go nicely. Husband and MudGuts have moved the wardrobes dumped into the garage.  Such an awkward and inconvenient place to have had them plonked and a day of shame for me, although that end catapulted the new beginnings. Must be grateful for that which I have (you know you all amazed me).  Both robes look well cared for, and we've not been in the shed much. Moving uncovered not just the Tupperware I've been talking about - oh those 2-3 monster boxes are there - it was all the kits, limited edition sets and cool stuff won over time. *shines Tupperware Lady star* Still boxed up and wrapped.  Silicone, Modular Mates, too sweet!!

I've pulled every piece of everything out from kitchen cupboards because it is plastic out of control. Washing that which had drifted to the rear of the cupboards has been a long, slow job today. *groans*  With heating water to rid the dust and grime on some seals and bases, bits and bobs, I've had time to do other tidying, organising and popping here to natter, look about the Simple Savings forum, potter for items for the Treasure Chest.  All coming along nicely ~ and no fighting, arguing, problems, not even when we all went to vote.  Such an exciting, chatty experience when undertaken with MudGuts, or Mr Have-A-Chat as he becomes on these public occasions 'spruikers' want to get your attention and talk up their preferences... *sighs and chuckles*

Looking a lot nicer in the kitchen.  I am pleased with the job done.  There is room to put some regular crockery down lower and some regular food items lower and closer.  I like the idea of both - however I really don't want to know just how much more is in these boxes!!

So that was the election . . . 
I think everything is set for next week's date with escape.  We will be away a little less than originally planned, but we arrive early in the morning and come home late at night so maximum sunshine is allowed.  And wasn't today a glorious display of maximum sunshine!  Give me that with a 22-25c instead of 7-10c, a mild evening breeze and a bit of rain even - I'd be happy as the proverbial. *grins with anticipation*  If we were to move to a more northern part of the country, my only issue with NSW residency is there seems to be so many extra taxes paid in the state - Games Tax, Bridge Tax, Road Tax, $50, $100, $45, $80 - just a bit much on top of that horrid green slip for the car.   

Having the ambulance cover as part of your ?electricity service is a great idea run in QLD, but does it work if you are on alternative electricity, or if in fact totally self-sufficient?  Bar telecommunications, we'd like to be able to have our own every things and get into once/bi-monthly shopping for staples and treats that we're not producing.  This isn't a tomorrow dream.  Even with a healthy savings account and some good emergency money up our sleeves, it's a good 5-10 and then possibly still some years away outcome.  I've been thinking about ways to reach that goal sensibly, and sooner than when I am 50. *whistles a quiet little tune* One thing I'd like to do is have a sort of collective, a committed neighbourhood, working on a large property for a common goal.

I'll put it out here, would love some insight if you 'see' where we are coming from, thoughts of your own, feedback or suggestions to help make this achievable. *gulps - and keeps going*  While it does look after ones 'self', some might say it has elements of selfishness, there is an ability to share, barter tools, resources, produce and skills with others locally.  The numbers aren't set; the sizes and shares aren't defined; it's not about being greedy - its about a future, a retirement and life, quality for the kids without being in the middle of Upper Come-Buktor West, slightly left to the back of Burke.  It will, however, be warm.

Using 4-5 families (baby, primary, teen, grandparent, aunt eg), couple and retiree(ing) couple involved, all 'members' must have available as actual savings or cash 20% of their share of a land parcel of not less than 28ha or larger than 80ha valued at no more than $1million.  There must be beach/ocean within 20-30mins, mountains within similar and ability to gain income by 'traditional' means - be it admin, legal, teaching, plumbing, retail, market produce.

The land has water, the ability to be divided reasonably equal and include a central, group area - ultimately to be used to start from and get each and everyone set up; where the communal veggies start up and develop into a market garden producer, the orchard of fruit, nut and berry trees, bushes; we all prepare, establish and maintain hot house and cool area crops, aquaponic and other horti-organi-ponic-tal, self-sufficient stuff.  With the chance to move onto, planning and development, work loads, get together, share meals, catch up then as the 'first round' of neighbours get longer in the tooth, have a group entertaining area, trade hall, chat area that's not online!  

Ideally this is a group of people around 35yo-50yo, without or with children to come through to 24.  It's not about sitting around growing long hair, smoking dope, having sex-fests and forming a cult.  There would be an expectation all adult members have an income other that insurance payouts, lotto wins, full benefits, but could be studying something relevant to the neighbourhood.  Having an existing home/mortgage with 50% equity will be treated favourably *grins* Your 'parcel' is for your house, your home, the personal veggie bed, flower garden, a good 5-20ha (20-80ac) of your own to include your aging parents, adult children - and everyone has a share in the communal area with the expectation they are involved in some way, be it in the market garden, environmental waste management systems, waterways' care, baby-sitting littlies while parents garden, maintain, build homes and have the occasional alone time to enjoy what is developing... *sighs*

Can you see it?  It's green, lush and happy hey!?  I figure, not being the '20-30yo lithe limber energetic little dynamos' we once were *chuckles - at the memory of course ;D * we would use small scale digger things for garden set up, starting by living in a container house and building a mud/straw bale house around it works just as well as a DIY Colonial style barn set up, or a couple of caravans while you build your own 7-9star rated home, or not and stick with the vans...  ALL homes would have to supply environmentally friendly power, water, heating, cooling, sewerage, waste removal, rah rah, you get where I am coming from. Not doing it all on a dollar, muscle and unlimited time.  We'd have some form of own residence, an established communal garden and developing market garden, dairy, eggs, meats, bottling, storing of produce for all at the end of twelve months, if not before.  Each neighbour would have an external income being generated from employment or all that which was said before until all paid and cleared, with something set for 99yrs before all divide as separate per the original break up, and some clause on the communal area for another xyz time to the community, or something. 

Just a little greenie at heart, but not with the vaa-voom coinciding with the learned lessons of life lived.  

Until tomorrow... xxx

 ♒   No More No More   ♒ 

Will the one in the corner with the daggers in her eye

Move over to the left, I got past your little lies

And the chap in the back with the gun aimed at my shoulder

Give it up you little creep, I'm not that kid, I'm so much older

Hey you right there bitter sister in the wings

I'm supposed to say I'm sorry because I didn't let you win

Well it aint gonna happen not now or any day

Just because you didn't like it doesn't mean I have to play

By your rules, Poor Fools

Kick em in the crown jewels

Listen and you'll hear me scream

I don't want you on my team

I've set new rules, too cool

Go take it back to Play School

I don't seek your love no more

Moved up and dusted off the floor

-ஜ۩۞۩ஜ-♥ 

lΦϑє, ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ 

yup