Hello everyone, have been on the downlow for a couple of weeks because a) parents' sale and purchase finally went through and the last couple of weeks were innnnteeennnnsssse. Actually, really horrible, and all down to their cowpat of a buyer. i*a o*e, you know who you are, and that you behaved in an abominable, bullying way to two rather frail old people (86 and 91, actually) and there was just no excuse for it. There has to be something wrong with a system where everyone can work and spend money for 3 months, and it's not until exchange that you actually find out if someone intends to make good on their promises. She was a c**t up to the very last minute, wanting to keep everyone dangling and continue her power play.
But in three weeks time, I will be driving my parents to their lovely, new flat just down the road from us all, and they will start a happy, safer and more sociable life. I'm very proud of their resilience and determination to start again rather than simply moulder on.
The other thing that has been keeping me busy is the changeover between tenancies at my rental flat and god yes, the cleaning needed. It wasn't left in a bad state, but neither was it left in the state that the outgoing tenants took it on. I clean every inch, and wash everything, and steam it all, before I even start on the repairs and new painting. It's always a busy time.
So I haven't really been keeping a very close eye on finances, except I haven't been spending much, because we've been eating what's in the house, we've not been going out, we've not turned on the heating, and I haven't had time to get my hair done! We are, however, planning holidays for next year, and will soon be booking; I'm will be overpaying on the mortgage from January while DH has begun saving into a car fund. I will also be trying to build my cash reserves, save for holidays, and clear a credit card within the 0% period, so lots of financial goals for 2023 already.
I did have a birthday though! DH bought me some earbuds, so I can listen to my French app and block out the noise from others passengers on the buses and trains; and a lovely rechargeable lamp from Pooky, to light up gloomy corners, of which there are many in this house. I treated myself to some hydrangeas and eucalyptus for the house, and a pair of trousers with money my parents sent me, bless them. And DS called me on the day and I had a lovely chat with him.
I have been having vivid and not very pleasant dreams, so I think the stress of the house purchase/sale has been leaking out of me. I'm sure that will subside. We are still having lovely weather, and I tidied up the front garden on Sunday, which was long overdue.