Fledglings are Flying into April, there's no fooling us.......

[EventuallyDistracted]

Welcome fledglings old and new, to April's Flylady thread!

For any newbies who have stumbled across us, we are following Flylady’s housework system which is based around routines and short bursts of activity to try to keep our houses and lives in order. (Sometimes we follow it more loosely than others). Feel free to join us, the more the merrier! We post our ‘ta da’ lists for motivation (no matter how long or short), and enjoy some random chatter along the way.

The link to Flylady’s ‘flying lessons’ is here Flying Lessons. Have a read, and if you have any questions, just ask. You can sign up for emails but be warned there are lots so most of us rapidly unsubscribed.

I’ll be posting links daily to keep us all on track. Jump in wherever you are, remember you are never behind.

This is a long running thread and we’ve developed some lingo along the way:
LOL = load of laundry
S&S = swish and swipe, a quick daily clean of the toilet and sink
PO3 = power of 3. When motivation is on the low side or you’re overwhelmed just pick 3 things at a time and do them
DNLMS = did not lose my shit
Ned = our mythical mate who helps with the laundry (hasn’t paid a visit to me for a while)
Pointy stick —-> = for when a fledgling needs a motivational prod (we can be gentle if required)
The naughty corner = a relaxing haven where we hang out when motivation is low, we are on strike, or we need a rest and some TLC

KCC - we don't do so many of these now, but these are little stories, photos, memes, off-topic questions, just to keep us all distracted from the general tedium of lockdown life. Feel free to chip in.

Thanks to Up for guiding us gently through March .

And off we go into April.

Glad you had a good time zoo!

Sing I chucked the bath mats away when they got mouldy, I could never seem to shift it but I probably didn't try the right things! We swapped to those round stickers instead but that doesn't help if you want a fun one! Also, they have lasted much longer than the mats but they do now have black spots on which I need to try and clean up.

I lost my first two posts I attempted and now can't remember what else I was going to say 🤦‍♀️

ta da
wash a load of sofa throws
run work trousers load
fold already washed clothes
delegate tech support on wifi to teen
retrieve face masks from around house and set to wash
delegate dw loading
convince someone to take down the christmas curtain thingy
discuss garden plans
start clearing out my car
retrieve washing up from my room
retrieve laundry from my room - requested teen to put his out
strongly request dehumidifier lent to someone was returned - emptied on return
make a start on pairing the sock pile of doom
put beans into sock ready for planting
figure out what size i am likely to need when i face the bra shopping
start collecting the recycling to go out
stand on scale - look at weight - sigh and get off scales again
spray curtains in my office with moth killer
Transfer paperwork to correct room before sorting and filing
Towel wash
finish emptying car
Plant ALLLL the seeds. Yes yes I know peas say not to plant in April, but really what is the worst that is going to happen? I can only grow max 6 plants at a time.
Face masks to dry
Hang laundry out
wash teen's duvet
Put beans onto soak for ham and white bean soup tomo
clean cooker top
Set 3 lots of bread dough to rise
Put ds' electric tooth brush on to charge
deal with internet issues
Paint black board side of ds' old ikea easel

Right I am about to take 2 pain killers and go find the bits for making pizza and convince the teen to move just long enough for me to put the seeds in their germination place.

Not as much as I wanted to get done today. But ouch. So yeah I am going to do something that requires little moving and just sitting after tea.

Crikey Hills what a list.

To borrow one of Hills comments...

The person will be going under the patio tonight if he isn’t careful!

Going back to read everyone’s posts.

Red- will you need the shovel?

Hills- hope you are ok.

My DD was ill last night with runny nose then temperature, chattering teeth and then a high temp and both ear aching. Lots of tears through the night, calpol, cuddles and water. I had bits of light snoozing.
Ds awake at 6am. Dd wanted to go downstairs at 7am because her ear hurt her so much. She settled when I put the tv on - god bless cbeebies... i love that channel.

🤖breakfast
🤖took uniform darks out of dryer
🤖uniform whites lol
🤖tidy bits of kitchen everytime i go in there
🤖dishwasher emptied
🤖dh tidied kitchen and loaded disherwasher
🤖sew hem- ds sch trouser in sitting room
🤖check on dd lying on sofa every 10mins🤖watch modern family while sewing
🤖uniform onto hangers then into wardrrobe
🤖feed kids snacks encourage to drink to keep fluids up
🤖dh takes kids upstairs to xbox games
🤖2 hours task of trying to pick up litter of toys, cut up paper, cardboard, pencil crayons, books, small cars.
🤖Loaded tables up with stuff so I could at least vaccum the floor.
🤖wiped sofas down
🤖learnt IT stuff
🤖dd refused jacket potato
🤖spinch pancakes for kids
🤖cooked 1 cup of rice for tomo
🤖roasted butternut squash, carrots for soup tomo
🤖took bins out
🤖roasted all red peppers and red onion to make pizza in the week.
🤖dd calpol as her ears still hurt.
🤖gave kids egg custards and juice for dessert.
🤖get kids ready for bed
🤖read a story
🤖get kids to sleep phew....

🍒👋everyone. Sorry for my lack of personals...i will try read all ans catch up!

Agree with what people have said about the getting out. I used to be an outgoing person DH is somewhat introverted. He is going out a lot more than me! Partly losing trust in people because of what happened in job( another one has left over 20 now) and partly Covid. I felt ok when I went to pub garden with DS2 and DH as no one was near us think about 6m at least. Waiting staff were great and moved back and let you know when going to take the plates. However I wouldn’t have felt comfortable in the marquee. Don’t feel very comfortable in nearest Co op as some customers are not following arrows and if you say anything might be aggressive or smack you one. The staff in there have had to call the police a few times and locked themselves in the store once. So I am ok as long as only a couple in. The village one further away is fine different people and the butcher there is great and the fish shop. I find I either don’t say much or I get carried away. I notice another lady do this then she apologised and said it is because I don’t see anyone. So as someone said up thread it is a new way for all of us. Dip your toe in the 💦 water.

Bath mat if is green the bleach will make bits white. Never been successful. I buy white ones now and put in hot wash 60 every week sometimes more often. Have one duck egg one. Hang it up each time finished. DH is still “in training”! 🙄

I could have cheerfully murdered him today. I am painting the back door frame. I ask him to tape some of it. Well I actually asked were the tape was?🙄 later he started telling me how I should paint it. I finished and went down the garden giving him a few choice words. I went out this morning after painting and weeded some of the garden, planted the ones we bought bar two. Deheaded the camellias and primroses, swept the path, did a bit more tidying up and then painted the old fire black. Warning: do not use the rust cover paint unless you wear gloves. Scrubbed and scrubbed and I can’t get it off. I knocked off and made lunch as 1:30 pm and no sign. Later I made tea as well. I did have a glass of wine at 4:45pm because I was some p—— off. Then I watered the garden. This morning I did three loads of washing and hung it out. DH had made coffee when I got up. He took one load of Laundry off the line and put his on. Don’t think I saw him do anything else. Oh and I made my bed and vacuum all of downstairs and washed up.
I actually woke up aching this morning. Think I might be in for it again.

That shall I do away with him.

Zoo that sounds blissful.
Sorry severe headache just came on will have to go. Oh I finished my book.

🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒🙄🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋⛲️🍹🍹🍸🍸

Red sorry to hear DH is being less than helpful. I hope your headache goes away quickly.
hills that's a mighty long list you have. I hope you got some rest.
zoo tulip picking sounds fun!
dancing I hope your DD is better, you had a long ta da list too!

YesTaDas:
🦒 Worked my regular job (10hrs as normal) 7am-6pm
🦒 Worked my 2nd job as there was a lot that was delivered and needed to be put out (3 hours) 7pm-10pm
🦒 Had a nice relaxing bath
🦒 Yoga, then bed

Ta Das (Saturday):
🦥 Slept in until 10am!
🦥 Took DD shopping
🦥 Went to see the realtor about inspection and the buyers repair requests. We'll get a plumber and electrician in to make repairs as requested, but that's it.

To Do;
🐷 Cook bacon, as requested by ILs since their grill isn't working still
🐷 Go to ILs for dinner

Not much to report clearly, but it's been a nice relaxing day

Morning
Dancing how's DD.ear issues plagued dd2 as a little one.awful see them so distressed.cbeebies held things together here then too!
Red hope headaches gone when you wake

Busy day here.dd1 managed get 2 plastic drawer units yesterday.theyre very dusty,so good scrub needed before put to service.aiming one understairs cupboard replacing broken one

Morning all

Happy to report dishwasher is up and running 🍽

Dancing hope your dd is ok, my dd suffered with ears alot until she was about 4 years old. I tend to find Nurofen better than Calpol for teeth or ears plus it can last up to 8 hours.

Red you could paint him with the rust cover paint?

Zoo your trip out sounds lovely 🐑

Hazel glad you got to relax after working 13 hours!

Yesterday Ta Da
⚡went out for dw stuff
⚡sorted dw
⚡picked up piece of flatpack i wanted and some storage boxes
⚡added some dw tablets to amazon s&s order
⚡helped dc clean out pets
⚡three loads washing washed and line dried
⚡pots washed (before dw set up)
⚡bins emptied
⚡moved some stuff from hall
⚡checked and supervised dc1&2 homework
⚡table and highchair scrubbed x3
⚡kitchen swept
⚡started tesco order
⚡emailed OU tutor to sort extension
⚡made bed

Today i need to finish sorting the kitchen out, some stuff needs rehoming due to dw taking over space. At the moment we can't all sit at the table and there is definitley not enough space to cook a roast! I think we might struggle a bit when we have people over to eat e.g. Xmas but we will just have to make do.
Also need to sort the dcs stuff for school tomorrow and hopefully start the reading for my OU work.

Morning all. Woken up by Cagletini waving a book (Max the Brave) in my face at 7.10 and we are now downstairs with Little Einsteins on. Pleased she’s already getting used to a bit of a morning routine too and that Sundays are different. I need to make a calendar for her, probably just the days of the week for now so she can move it each morning.

Ali G. Ator update: bleach improved the situation a bit but it’s still definitely ick. So alas we shall retire him and I’ll go to town later and get a new mat.

Oops.

So pleased you have a dishwasher that - total game changer for sure!

to do
🎯put laundry in dryer and then away later (there is no backlog as I put some away yesterday!!! 😱)
🎯towel LOL
🎯shower/hair wash
🎯clean non-recurring bits off planner board and add in stuff for the week ahead (and explain Saturday’s plan to Caglets)
🎯sort my/DD1’s meds for the week... actually I might start making DD1 do hers while I do mine
🎯DS needs to empty DW and put his laundry away
🎯DD1 needs to do her laundry and tidy her room or she’s not allowed to meet her friend later
🎯make paper airplanes with Cagletini
🎯park trip as we are going to have a paper airplane race!
🎯town to get a bath mat and look in a couple of other shops
🎯order tesco
🎯write a paperwork/admin to do list, probably won’t actually do any of it today but I have a lot in my head so need to organise my thoughts

Tada
Wash on
Cats fed
Harpic lav
Wiped outside drawer units.literally black cloth
Took out all drawers and wiped.also super grimey/grim
As one will house food OCD not happy with that,given how grotty they are
Start pulling stuff out of cupboard understairs,attempting to not get slayed by spiders free falling into me defending homes!
Brushed cobwebs off self
Cooked crumpet mountain
Wash up
Wash in drier
More in
I now about to scrub out each crate with hot soapy water then Dettol wipe and leave dry before putting in cupboard and reloading..

Morning!
Shame about the mat sing but they are very difficult to keep clean I find
Ooh didn't realise you have a dishwasher now that , that's excellent!

Got so much to do today despite it being a Sunday day of rest and yet I'm still in bed drinking a cup of tea ...I've got a few hours work to do, we need to basically declutter the entire kitchen and empty the remaining old cupboards, then get rid of all the old kitchen and attempt to tidy up a bit ready for next stage of works. Plus swimming lessons later. Plus the usual washing etc. And I had wanted to make a cake but I think that is very much wishful thinking and might have to be postponed for my next day off.

Hope you all have a lovely day

Oh and how could I forget the meal plan 😂

Day of rest my arse! I always find Sunday is THE busiest day

Sundays are crazy here

I might try nurofen for dd thank u!
He temp has gone but saying ear hurts.
Trying to get everyone out door to park...so we get some sun b4 the crowds.

Was lots i was going to say...but its gone....havnt caught up yet as slept like a log...then awake at 8am with kids....arghhh its 9.23am already.....crumbs.

🍒👋 everyone

Yeah Sunday day of rest was definitely said tongue in cheek 😂

Having said that I still haven't done anything useful

What is the done thing with dishwashers and drying? I have rinse aid in there which apparently helps but will it be dry when it stops? Do i leave it to dry? Do i need to towel dry?

Dancing I am definitely sleeping better since the gardening started. Being outside in the fresh air helps too. Hope DDs ear ache improves it is horrible.

That great you have a dishwasher now you will love loaded it unloading not so much. I tried cheaper tabs and found the Co op ones quite good but must say I prefer Finish. Someone on the Hoousekeeping corner, maybe here suggested buying in bulk on special offers. DH got a good deal with Amazon so we have loads and decanted some to a tub under the sink.

Foxes frustrating but exciting at the same time. I think/ suspect a bit of our kitchen is still packed somewhere.

Zoo can’t remember but if you have a shower what about putting them under there on a hot wash to remove the worst disinfect then rinse.

Sing you took me back to a memory of being accidentally hit in the face with a book and woken up early.

Hazel and others. Headache has gone thank goodness still getting the same one after Astra Zennicka sp? Not every day but several a week.

DH has just got up and brought me a mug of tea. No verbal communication, typical. Need to get up and go to Mass had shower last night so won’t take long. Need to find purse and buy batteries after church at newsagents. No meal plan here so need to think about that. Might get a chicken to roast from Co op we haven’t had one for ages. Or might go for a drive on my own.😲 otherwise time in garden. Someone at door 😳

Leave it to dry. It steam dries most things. Occasionally things like plastic cups flip over and need water poured out and towel dry. Enjoy your maiden voyage 😃

Good Morning!

I would up bright at early at 6:30am. Which was not the plan, i was planning for a lie in because absolutely exhausted and not been sleeping well.
Made coffee, reheated left over pizza for breakfast, ate pizza, forgot coffee and went back to sleep. For about 2 and half hours. So cold coffee and moving is my next plan. Another massive list for today, so I should probably move.

ta da so far
🐛morning routine (of sorts) with Cagletini
🦋checked progress of bath mat cleaning and rinsed it and the bath
🐛put yesterday’s LOL in dryer
🦋towel LOL
🐛got DS to empty DW
🦋put newly dirty stuff in DW
🐛quality time with Cagletini (colouring and a board game)
🦋woke DD1 up and made sure she put her breakfast things away
🐛made DD1 do her meds for the week (bit of a grimace but she did get on with it)
🦋did my own meds for the week
🐛quick wipe down of kitchen counters
🦋altered DS’ weekday screen time limits so he can’t go on his phone until he’s done his morning work (I need to sort out DD1’s new phone still)
🐛ordered meds for me
🦋sent DD1 up to tidy her room

Morning. I’ve been hiding in the naughty corner when not at work so will need to reclaim the house today. I always aim for Sunday to be a day of rest but it rarely is!

That everything is usually bone dry when I open mine, except plastic items like tupperware. I use finish dishwasher tabs which I buy in bulk from groupon/wowcher etc. I usually get two boxes of 110 of the basic ones for not much more than £20. Our kitchen is tiny and we usually do xmas lunch for around 8 people. It is a struggle but doable, and the DW helps as dirty pans etc can go straight in to create a bit of space for serving.

Sorry work has been so tough Hills.

Yesterday sounds lovely Zoo. I don’t think there’s anything like that near us but you’ve reminded me I want to go strawberry picking this summer.

Sing Tht book looks beautiful. I might be too late to save Ali, but I use white vinegar mixed with bicarbonate of soda and scrub with a toothbrush to get rid of mould from our shower head, and it works a treat. I agree with Hills about not feeling bad for not being out and about. I generally do like to be busy at weekends and often used to feel guilty if we didn’t do much one week. The last year has changed that a bit - I’ve realised it’s absolutely fine not to force myself to see people or be out if I can’t be bothered, and nobody else notices or cares. It’s stupid because I’ve never looked at another family and though “wow they don’t do much” and yet for some reason struggled not to feel obligated to 🤷‍♀️

Hope DD is feeling better soon Dancing.

Eeek at leak Hazel

Waves to Waders, Red, Foxes, ED, Hope, Mc, Ice, Ships, Tidy, Merry and any other fledgling I’ve missed.

I am feeling like a new woman this weekend. Had a blissful glass of wine in a beer garden with a kid’s park on Friday, followed by a haircut and tea out with DH while DD was entertained at the beach by my DF yesterday. This morning was a lazy one as DD slept til almost 9 (unheard of!) and then we had an hour on the beach before the tourists fully descended. I have managed to tidy up downstairs and wash my work clothes. Sunday lunch is being delivered shortly and then I am going to have to tackle the home bleurgh and ironing. Yak.

Ah thanks up I really should get some vinegar. Afraid I CBA to try scrubbing the mat right now though 😳 it also looks like the edges of some of the suckers have disintegrated a bit. It’s weird how it was absolutely fine for ages and then got gross very quickly - maybe the warmer weather?! 🤔

And thanks again for all the reassurance re going out (or not). I’m not worried about “should” from other people’s POV I guess it’s more that I don’t want my own MH to slip through not seeing people. Having said that I am actually doing quite well right now MH wise (I think the new combination of meds is working pretty well) and I’m focusing more on getting productive in the house, so maybe that’s just what I need right now.

In any case once my training has finished I’ll be going to home ed meets on Wednesdays which will be nice!

ta da continued
🐛downloaded some activities to try with Cagletini (actually did that earlier but forgot to write it)
🦋made DS put laundry away
🐛reminded DD1 to actually tidy and bring down crockery instead of making decorations for her room... sigh
🦋ran DW
🐛cleaned non-recurring stuff off weekly board
🦋discussed various ideas and plans with DH
🐛booked tesco shop (could possibly do with editing it later)
🦋emptied trolley we keep fruit/potatoes on and took it upstairs to clean in the bath as it was a bit gross (threw away some of the contents)
🐛got DS to vacuum the gap where the trolley lives
🦋simple lunch

That sounds lovely up so nice you've had some time for some fun stuff

Sing great ta das!

I have finished my work for the week, phew! Glad that's something done. Dh and the dc have mowed the lawn, tidied the kitchen rubbish from the garden and put grass seed down so garden is looking much, much better. We've had an indoor picnic lunch as we had so much leftover from yesterday's outdoor picnic! So the dc are very happy with that.

Washing has been hung outside. Dh has started removing more bits of old kitchen. Next up, I need to start on the decluttering and tidying so that we can actually use the new kitchen a bit better (it's far from done but it's going to take time so it needs to at least be functioning even if everything isn't exactly where I will end up keeping it!)

And then swimming lessons to end the day!