Morning. We had a cosy evening last night - lit the fire, played 'Game of Life' and watched 'Steel Magnolias' on Netflix. The soup turned out fine but was a tad garlicky - let's just say I won't have to worry about vampires this Hallowe'en 
. I'll only use half the garlic next time.
It was the most awful night here - wet and windy - so I left my recycling bin until this morning. I got up early and sorted out my recycling and put it out. Just hope I didn't miss the bin lorry now.
DD is going to her best friend's birthday party today, but it's just a small gathering in her friend's back garden - five friends including birthday girl. Strictly speaking it's against the rules (nobody is allowed in your garden) but I'm saying nothing and letting her go. She's had a very dull week off school. And I know the birthday girl's Mam will be strict about social distancing etc. This headline on the news this morning caught my eye www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/1030/1174827-coronavirus-retail/. Madness!
I was going to make a start on Christmas shopping this week but it's coming to the end of the month and I've had to order home heating oil (€230 for a half-tank). I also have to pay for DCat1's op next week (est. €400). So I'll hold off until pay day rolls around on the 5th. I made a list of who I've to buy for and I've put in suggestions for everyone. So I feel a bit more organized. I already have half of DD's present bought - concert ticket and XBox game. DD really missed Penneys when it came to buying presents for her friends - cheap things like slipper socks etc. She had to make do with the local pharmacy (body lotions) and Centra (tubs of Pringles and fruit pastilles and smarties etc.). She didn't want to wait until December when the non-essential shops re-open. In any case, the shops will probably be mobbed for the first few days.
Happier I'm sorry Ex is being such an arsehole although I shouldn't be surprised, given his past behaviour. It's your DD who will suffer if he withholds the braces money, not you. I'd like to think he wouldn't punish the kids by holding onto their presents, but who knows? If you can afford it, I'd be inclined to pick up a few things that can be returned if not needed. Your DC sound very kind but it's sad to think they're afraid of him and won't disagree with him in case he gets mad at them. Good saving on your Dunnes shopping.
em coffee (in a cafe) and Christmas shopping sounds like something from another lifetime! I'm also jealous of your day in London Camden. I caught a tiny bit of 'Haunting of Hill House' on Gogglebox - it was terrifying! DD and I were hiding behind cushions. I'm a wuss when it comes to scary stuff though.
Wolf I hear you on the bottle bank of shame. Whenever I've a workman in, I suddenly realize my glass recycling box is full of wine bottles 
. I have to refrain from babbling, "Oh, I really must take a trip to the bottle bank soon". I wouldn't mind but half the time, I have a generous glass of wine on a Saturday night and then forget the bottle is there and end up throwing out two thirds of a bottle of wine. It's quite wasteful so I'm not buying any more wine until Christmas - I'm literally pouring money down the sink.
north lovely work with your crocheting
@Laska2Meryls how lovely to see you again and to know that life is going well for you. Priscilla is fab - wishing you many years of happy travelling in her. Are you planning to stick to the UK or travel further afield? When Covid is over, obviously.