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Housekeeping

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Darkness drawing in, Fledgling flying through November

598 replies

HillsBesideTheSea · 31/10/2021 12:13

So another month another thread.

first things first: Naughty corner is over there ----> stocked with comfy chairs, blankies, cupboard of comfort food of your desire, something strong if you require and a nice warming fire.

Right next up the formalities.
We loosely follow the fly lady system. It does work if you follow it, but many of us have found that it works better if you combine it with an additional decluttering system to speed up that process. Flylady is more of a maintence system and build routines to prevent system

This is a loooooong running thread. We seem clicky but welcome new blood to the brood, and you will soon catch up. We don't leave fledglings behind. But also we would like to remind you that perfectionism and comparison can be thieves of joy.

This year has been hard, this winter looks like it will also be hard. So remember to be kind to yourselves. We are all juggling a lot. The house, work, kids, animals, partners, bills, being the family brain. This thread is here to support. So if it looks like sometimes we chat more than we fly, then that is ok. Life is more than living in a show home, and real life is chaotic, messy and loud and that is just what it is.

So welcome to November's thread

OP posts:
Thread gallery
16
Redsquirrel5 · 30/11/2021 01:09

Upwhat cake are you making as in whose or family recipe?
Shame about roof as long as you can keep it waterproof.

Hills glad you are back safe and sound. It is tiring driving like that.
Zoo I will try and get a photo of them. We have to put cover over the pen tomorrow no use today because of snow.
Tan Hill pub made it into the NewYork paper.
Sing tricky morning for you but seems to have panned out ok.

Woolly That is so mean of them. Hope it is just a bug. Not a Christmas surprise! Hope he has done it now.

Mc oh yes play pen good idea. He will love all the lights. Don’t get him presents just a box and lots of wrapping paper 🤣😂🤣 fingers crossed for the house.

That I don’t envy you.All those presents and trying to hide them.

Went very cold at 3:30pm then warmed up so after an hour in the pub we came back to hardly any snow and I didn’t take aphoto.😠
Damn.
Had Booths Chicken Kiev, left over new potatoes (ours) and garlic mushrooms. It was yummy.

No one mentioning Hoe bleugh.

Ta da
Bed made, didn’t changed as I did it Friday.
S&S
DW
Decluttered one bin and one bag from boudoir. Vacuumed rug but stopped. DH🙄😠hadn’t charged it after using.
Put on charge.
Sorted some craft mags. Going to make cards tomorrow. I have finally drawn the partridge for my Lino print so will do some tomorrow.
DH is going to DS1’s house tomorrow to wait in for mechanic to collect car and bring one.
Went to visit friend to help her but wasn’t allowed she wanted a chat and she had made lovely chow mein, sent home some so lunch tomorrow.
Don’t even know which zone we are in. Bloody restless legs

ED have you had more baked potatoes? Think we might or potato wedges. DH bought steak but it should be a fish day. He never thinks or perhaps he does.

HillsBesideTheSea · 30/11/2021 02:28

Apparently we are in the living room, and then the entrance, porch and dining room for the second half of the week.

OP posts:
HazelNuttyElf · 30/11/2021 03:21

Sorry to hear about the damage the high winds caused for so many of you. I really hope repairs can be made soon.

mc I'm excited for you for a new house. I hope it all works out for you.
Sing I hope you get some answers about your degree, I'm sure it's probably just a button they have to click on their end (I hope, anyway).

I have been busy, and I won't remember when I posted last 🤷‍♀️
Friday
🎄 vacuumed whole main level
🎄 mopped
🎄 cleaned both bathrooms
🎄 handwashed the dishes from Thanksgiving (that were handwash only)
🎄 toys purchased for breakfast (a way to provide new toys for the less fortunate in the community)
🎄 Christmas lighting event, where the lights get turned on and fireworks mark the start of Christmas events (in the town I work, not live in).

Saturday
⛸ went to breakfast with the toys we bought (I took my breakfast to DH, who was working)
⛸ learned our Harry Potter tree was one of the 1st to sell (was at this event)
⛸ went ice skating, well took DS to go ice skating. We checked out the Christmas market while he was skating. I may have spent too much on more Christmas presents, but they're local so I feel good about that
⛸ dinner was leftovers at our house, followed by games

Sunday
💰 worked almost 7 hours at my 2nd job
💰 put up outside Christmas lights (took 3 hours)
💰 took a bath to get warm, but had to wait forever for the water to get hot. It hasn't been a problem in this house, until then.

Monday
☕ worked 10 hours at my main job. I had a headache until I took ibuprofen at lunch time, I must not have drank enough water yesterday.
☕ moved the sideboard out of the living room, into the dining room, ready for the tree (which is still not up yet 😭) DH helped me
☕ drank a cup of chamomile tea with honey since I'm really not wanting the cold everyone in this house seems to have

Sorry for the book! I really must reply more often

ExcessiveIyDisorganised · 30/11/2021 06:37

Red - yes, I've been having jacket potatoes on my day off work quite regularly, so tasty. I did my first roast in the EH on Sunday as a try out for Christmas (we only have roasts a couple of times a year normally) and all went well.

Decorators are coming today to finish off the kitchen, which will be nice, it's been 4 months since we started the renovations so it will be nice to have it all finished.

I'll get a new thread started tonight.

SingToTheSky · 30/11/2021 07:27

:o I’ll gladly take maths and psychology, anything else is likely to lead to disaster :o

I am a bit annoyed that I’m awake now, but I am hungry 😳

po3.1
❗️Meds dressed breakfast
❗️Make sure DS gets some work done early before going to chemistry with DH (I think this will be a regular thing - early start on Tuesdays)
❗️Log on by 9.15 to check emails before staff meeting at 9

SingToTheSky · 30/11/2021 07:28

9.30 I mean. I’m not deliberately being late. 🤣

StillUp · 30/11/2021 10:01

Morning!

Very frustrating about the uni issues Sing. Hope it’s sorted soon!

I thought the tree would sell quickly Hazel, it was amazing. The toy breakfast sounds interesting. Our local supermarket have a donation point and I’ve taken DD to choose some gifts the last two years. She loves it and pops them in the trolley no bother, although this year there was a small craft set that I could tell caused a bit of sadness so hoping Santa puts one in her stocking Wink

Thanks for the offer of am the new thread ED. I’d thought a couple of weeks ago I might volunteer as I’d be having a lovely relaxed December on maternity leave. Ha! It’s definitely going to be better in your hands Grin. It’ll be lovely to have the kitchen all finished eventually.

Hope you got your feet up eventually Woolly. I got some good packs of chocolate coins in aldi, with chocolate notes in too, if you’re still looking and can face another shop.

I’m doing This Cake Red. I used this recipe last year in combination with the recipe from the 1930’s handwritten recipe book that was left with the house and it was gorgeous, but this year I couldn’t remember what exactly the combination was so just followed the bbc one. Still used the mixing bowl and cake tin that were left in the house too though Smile. I know it’s a bit later than many people make it but I’m only a week behind last year, and if it’s ok for Nigel slater it’s ok for me!

Roofer didn’t turn up yesterday and there’s more rain forecast so really hope he makes it today. I can’t blame him, the school run is littered with broken slates and everyone wants it sorted ASAP.

YesTaDas:
Christmas:
🎅 cake made

Baby:
👶 erm… took delivery of cot mattress

House:
🏠 did a proper clean and tidy of the living room, so at least one room in the house is at its best.
🏠 littered in DD’s room a bit

Today:
✅ DW on
✅ made myself french toast and a cuppa.

Must try the insurance company again, and wash the car seat covers. I’m also going to pick another room to get ship shape.

StillUp · 30/11/2021 10:02

*pottered. Littering DD’s room would not have been useful.

Stilllivinginazoo · 30/11/2021 10:11

up nesting setting in ?I need to see Xmas baking projectsGrin
Ed good luck with painters today
Hazel I'm not surprised tree was snapped up quick.was beautiful
Red how's your Xmas baking/prep going?
Hill do not get me started on teen attitude
Sing how longs scout trip?
Willow sounds extra busy at yours.did geography get done in the end?I'd be furious over book order too.i ordered some from Amazon on Sunday and after order accepted date of arrival is 15-20 DEC.wtaf?!usually couple days,and was saying so prior to paying.seriously piddles me off when that happens!I had email last night saying "might" be sooner.bloidy better be.a couple years dad ordered everything early December and I had last gifts arrive 9pm Xmas Eve which included a main gift for dd2.i do not need those levels of stress again.EVER!!

Well big news here was D's attended school with transport yesterday.he text me a few times as upset,but he did it.school message me he did great and was fine.i has text back wasn't when got in and they agreed keep an eye for ASD masking today.he wanted lots big hugs then was exhausted and upset.gamed an hour then lay sofa with migraine.thankful he gets bad aura and bit headache but that's all(touch wood) was much better by bedtime.more anxious than yesterday but he's gone off again today
My first day home alone in over 3years as usually dad's here D's at school.it feels..... strange.

StillUp · 30/11/2021 10:13

Enjoy the peace Zoo. I had an Amazon order a couple of weeks ago that said mid December but it actually arrived within a week so you might be lucky.

HillsBesideTheSea · 30/11/2021 12:21

it's been 4 months since we started the renovations so it will be nice to have it all finished. can't even say 4yrs. More like 10yrs over here and still more to do.

OP posts:
ExcessiveIyDisorganised · 30/11/2021 13:26

Only the kitchen renovations @HillsBesideTheSea, we've still got others to do. But thinking we might delay until after GCSEs/A levels now.

SingToTheSky · 30/11/2021 13:34

Afternoon. The morning has gone quickly although the meeting really dragged today?! 😳

Realised I have maths at 2 rearranged from yesterday’s no show. So better get moving. Really not feeling it today. Any of it. Tired and blah. Quite glad piano is cancelled today, much as the money would’ve been nice!

po3.2
❗️Have beta blockers (today’s heart rate can only be described as “problematic”) and go upstairs
❗️Set up resources for today’s topic
❗️Send zoom link

Redsquirrel5 · 30/11/2021 15:09

Hills did I miss the boudoir last week?
Living room is a good choice as scheduled a big clean ow then tree up. Never put it up this early.
Hazel you have been super busy.
ED it is one of our go to things nows as long you have time to cook them. Good idea about pre run. Roasties on the bottom of top oven. I turn the rack upside down. We bought an extra shelf this year.
Up that sounds good. I made one Classic and soaking for Creole Cake. Might set another off today then three Australian Golden Cakes to make. Only two to marzipan and ice as others don’t like it.

Zoo 1 1/2 Christmas Cakes
3 lge jars of Mincemeat plus two in fridge.
Ordered seafood platter
Turkey
Ham

Buy chipolatas and stuffing day before. You can’t order as not enough room to store it.
Decided on stuffing.

To do
Shortbread
Fudge
Mince pies
Pavlova
Stollen, bit early yet.

Sing hope everything gets sorted.

🍒👋🍒👋👋🍒👋🍒👋👋🍒 to Dancing, Hope, Merry, Bramble, SC if you are looking in and anyone else.

Redsquirrel5 · 30/11/2021 15:11

Hills thank you for leading the thread.🌻

ExcessiveIyDisorganised · 30/11/2021 15:56

So far we are managing with three shelves Red (90i). In fact that is one thing I do find a bit annoying, I go to put something big in, then realise there's a second shelf in the way and nowhere to put it because it's too hot to go on the counters and can't just slot it in lower down like a conventional oven so have to move it to the other one, and they are a bit stiff to get in and out. Very minor niggle though. I did the roasties as you describe and they were just right.

HalfHope · 30/11/2021 17:54

Thanks for leading the thread Hills and sorry I was not posting much. A lot went on in November - health issues etc all sorted now. I have done a Tesco shop and hoovered and washed floors downstairs. Must, must, must clean shower room tomorrow - it's too dark to do it now even with the light on. I need day light.

IWillWearThatGlitteryWoolly · 30/11/2021 18:26

Evening all! Tried to post this morning and the bloody phone ate it. To recap:
Hazel hurrah for your HP tree selling quickly! It was great. Don't knock yourself out cleaning ahead of Christmas.

Red sounding very efficient on the Christmas front there! Wish I had the time to make mincemeat, I've done it in the past but it's not going to happen this year.

Hope the betablockers helped Sing.

Mc I too endorse the tree-in-playpen idea. Also, all of my DC went through a phase of pulling books off shelves. MrMC may need to invent protection, or get used to it!

🍒👋 to ED, That, Up, Hope, zoo, foxes, Bramble, Goth, Honey and everyone else. Brain has gone dribbly.

Ta da:
❤️ Dog walk with DS3
🧡 Morning routine
💛 Kitchen cleaned
💚 Dog fished out from under kitchen sofa, so swept under there too
💙 DS2 came to be here while his car had its MOT
💜 Did some actual research!
❤️ Received endless parcels DH had ordered. My parcel with DD's birthday present in is still missing
🧡 Receive and put away Tesco order
💛 3 more LOLs including kitchen sofa throw and cushion covers because the dog chose to wipe his mucky bottom all over them 🤮🤬
💚 Take DS2 to tutoring as his car was not ready
💙 Sort clean washing and remake our bed
💜 Collect DS2 from tutoring. Discover his car has failed its MOT spectacularly and needs about £700 of work on a car worth £1.2k at most
❤️ Begin crisis level discussions around how DS2 and GF are going to run a business / work 7 miles from home with a single bicycle between them.

DH is now washing the dog's bottom while I sit outside the garage and DS2 works out what to do with his paperweight car. It's going to be a long evening.

THATlittleBANGER · 30/11/2021 18:32

Omfg how is it december tomorrow

Mc3209 · 30/11/2021 20:57

I will need to think how best to arrange the tree and the playpen. It's a huge playpen that fits his soft play cubes, activity table, giant soft toy, and an assortment of random toys. And he still has space to walk in there.
That I was actually going to buy that half free, but DH vetoed the idea saying we don't need to buy more things. Who knew he suddenly turned minimalist.
I can't believe it's December tomorrow.
Woolly I'm sorry about the car. At some point they do turn into money pits.

Ta das:
🎉Living room tidy up
🎉Filing paperwork
🎉 Recycling out. Purged all the freaking cardboard boxes that were accumulating.
🎉Kitchen clean up
🎉Few LOLs
🎉Fold and put away clean laundry
🎉Future friended loads with nursery bags, clothes for tomorrow etc.

SingToTheSky · 30/11/2021 21:17

Sorry about the car woolly :(

Thoroughly lacking motivation this evening

po3.3
❗️Check what we’ve got for a packed lunch tomorrow
❗️More beta blockers Hmm
❗️Bring down some more stuff to photograph for selling

THATlittleBANGER · 30/11/2021 21:37

mc is it the type that can be set as a room divider? We have one like that so our tree is safe

ExquisitelyDecorated · 30/11/2021 22:20

New thread here

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/housekeeping/4415326-Fledglings-Flying-into-the-Festive-Season?watched=1

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

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