Well, I've been rather bold. And not just in failing to update this page. Had to apply to the Bank of Mum last week in order to get the cogs of the de Winter economy rolling again until my invoices were paid on Friday. When I got a fresh shock. One-third of my income being swallowed up by taxes. As a result, my 'income' is less than the carefully calculated 'outgoings'. I hate being poor...

hick... well, hickory actually

Guh. Not a good day. Fretful night's sleep. Really not liking Netherland at the moment. Then, late afternoon, I headed for Blanch shopping centre to buy a present for my niece and ended up spending e55 at Borders, e40 at TK Maxx, e10 at Smyths and e11.20 at Bombay Pantry on way home. In a fit of domestic fiscal efficiency, I'd already whipped out the credit card to pay for my long-overdue TV licence (e160) and my mobile phone bill (e61). Worst of all, I started the day by going over to the Centra at around 8am, buying a packet of hickory rashers, and eating them all. That's not a good sign, is it?

A pretty good day for cash-conscious old people like myself. Fairly modest outlay over the day: about e5 went to the Centra across the way for paper, bread, milk; another e2 to the chemist for plasters and tissues; and about e1.50 for yogurt (to go with homemade curry) and an apple (because I've been skimping on fresh fruit). AND the pensioners got their medical card back! Yay! You see? Who needs a pension? *sticks fingers in ears* La la la la

Candle light supper burnout...

I'm tired. Feel like I'm approaching the end of some nasty project. Woke up with scratchy, burning eyes. Need to get going and prepare for the three friends who are calling over this evening. Found myself under a bit of pressure yesterday. Thought it would be thrifty to invite my cousin over for lunch. Which it was. And it was kinda smart in that I was forced to make a nice midday meal AND I partially cleaned the flat. So the burden ahead of tonight isn't so great. But there's been a lot of washing up in the last few weeks.
After a lot of too-ing and fro-ing, the menu tonight will comprise a vegetable moussaka and - perhaps - broccoli in red wine. Easing the pressure a lot is the fact that Soos has to leave at 9 and it won't be a late night for any of us.
Meanwhile, a friend who has loads of holidays to take has suggested a quick break away in the sun for next month... Mmm, tempting...

Hillwalking... It sounds so worthy and cleanliving and cheap - doesn't it? Sigh. It should have been. The e12 for the bus and walk, nobody could begrudge. But the taxi ride from my office (I had to swing in to do a favour for a friend) to my thrifty friend's dinner was a waste. And the 90 minutes it took me to get home, with my sore legs, was not pleasant. Still, I slept like a log. And had a pleasant day with my Mum, badgering her to buy much-needed sensible sweaters and jackets. It's the pensioners of this country who are keeping the economy afloat, you know...

Well, it's one way of beating the recession...

... Forgetting your wallet when you leave for work, that is... It was lunchtime before I realised I'd left it at home. Took car to work, didn't buy a paper or coffee on the way... it happens. Thanks to the girl I was sitting beside, I was able to get my lunch of a E4.95 bowl of soup (with 1 slice of brown bread, hm) so I owe herself E20. No, it's not quite the cost cutting I was hoping for. At any rate, at least I was obliged to go straight home after work. Though, facing into a dinner comprising a defrosted homemade coq au vin, I decided to treat myself to an apple and posh-looking potato with gruyere cheese from Tesco. How swish, I thought. Harrumph. Stodgy, greasy, heavy as a brick... so not worth the E2.99 the portion cost me...

falling off the wagon

Okay, I've slackened my hold on the purse strings. Going to the hairdresser to day was a non-negotiable - a e135 (e145 with tip) non-negotiable - buying four balls of wool yesterday probably wasn't. But there are days when expenditure is inevitable. Sending a birthday package to a friend had to be done. That card to a former colleague who recently lost his mother, ditto. But at least I talked myself out of visiting that fortune teller. Right? And resisted the temptation to drop into Penneys. Right? Amn't I right?