For our family, we've had some changes. Darren lost his job on Monday. I've lost half of my cleaning work and will possibly loose some more as time goes on.
This poses some new challenges for most of us - so much spare time on our hands. What to do ? What to do ? So far Darren and I have kept fairly busy. That long list of jobs in my head will be put down on paper and we hope to complete most of them.
So I thought I'd share the things we do around here in the hope it will motivate and inspire you to keep on keeping on no matter what. I'll try to post everyday with at least one photo. The posts might be very short. Some days we might only do one or two things. Other days we might just watch tv. Whatever we do, we'll share. We hope you'll join us and share your daily adventures too.
* Wednesday we planted a few shrubs purchased about a month ago. Darren planted them along the chicken coop fence line..
* I got out all the little bottles of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel from our hotel stays last year. They have been put in the shower and we've started using them.
* I've taken all the packaging off the hotel soaps and put them into a container. Over the next week or so I plan to finely grate them to make laundry powder.
* Darren pruned a few rose bushes.
* I did four big loads of washing ( 2 babies in the house) and got most of it dry on the line.
* Megan and Darren went to a local supermarket and were able to get a packet of toilet paper and a few small groceries.
It's wonderful to see you back, Wendy. Your posts are always inspirational.
ReplyDeleteFor the hotel bottles of shampoo, etc: are any of the same brand and smell? You get more out of those if you decant them together into a larger bottle. You can swish out the small bottles with some water and get the very last bit out. Usually, these bottles have been laying about for some time, and the shampoo/soap has gone gloopy, so the water will help. Besides, I always find those tiny bottles a nuisance in the shower, they won't open, and they flip out of my fingers when I try to squeeze them!
Yes they are the same and I've decided to squeeze them into the big bottles we already have in the shower. They are tubes so I'll be squeezing them as much as possible.
Deletelots of gardening, tidying and some exercise. Im a hermit by nature, so Im coping OK so far. All the best.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your news. If anyone can make it through this, you can.
Do you think you could post what you’re doing in your garden eg: pulling raspberries out etc so that those of us that have a garden can follow along and get tips?
Thanks, take care
Maureen
Hi Maureen. Yes I'll be posting all gardening activities We have to fill our days somehow.
DeleteI missed Wednesday but today I got my veranda cleaned off. I still had lots of the Grandies toys sitting around. The catalyst for this was me stepping on a plastic tea cup when I took the dog out for her night time wee walk. So today saw lots of work to turn the veranda into a lovey pleasant chill zone.
ReplyDeleteHey Wendy , troubling times for many of us , I’m so sorry to hear of Darrens job loss and your reduced cleaning jobs as well , I also had a cleaning job and have lost that as well , never mind we will soldier on and work on getting all those odd jobs done .
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are very busy with two little ones in the house.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that Darren lost his job. It hurts that y our hours have reduced too. All is so uncertain at present. I wish you well.
Keep positive, if you can. This time will pass and our lives will return again!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing with the hotel bottles of shampoo as Siebrie above. Your family certainly knows how to be frugal and stockpile however what has happened is next level that's for sure. Maybe Darren could do some lawn mowing in the streets around you even 1-2 per week could be $40-$80. Like you everyone has those jobs at home that seem to go on the back burner because of life. How wonderful to have your whole family together in this trying time. Another tip from a very organized person is to just complete 3 things a day and you will feel like you have accomplished something on your list. All the best and stay safe, we are in this together.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry to hear about Darren losing his job, and your work slowing down. I just can’t begin to imagine the horror of such a thing. We are so lucky in some respects both our jobs are secure (nurse and paramedic) but the flip side is the risk, even though it is quite small as we have protective equipment, it’s still there.
ReplyDeleteTimes like these your preparedness through being debt free and stockpile of groceries pays off big time!
We were as prepared as we could be. Our main concern was nappies and formula but we now have enough.
DeleteSo wonderful to see you are back Wendy!! Sorry to hear Darren lost his job! You sound like you have your hands full with two babes in the household. If anyone can meet this challenge head on, it's definately you Wendy! Many people will find hope,inspiration and encouragement here in your blog. You provide a wonderful ministry to so many Wendy, and God will Bless you, Darren and your family for doing so. Best wishes Robyn S.A
ReplyDeleteI'm still working from home. In addition I had to pick up a prescription for my DH. Listened to a lot of classical music while I was working. Talked to both of my adult children
ReplyDeleteLife is very different in USA too.
ReplyDeleteWe are retired and don’t believe our income will change and we are very thankful for that.
All schools and most businesses are closed. My parents are locked into their retirement home and no visitors allowed.
Husband and I both over 60 so we’re isolating at home. It’s hardest not seeing my grandchildren.
Being out is public is just scary anyway right now. I did a Walmart grocery pickup yesterday
I’m so sorry about your family’s loss of income.
Let’s hope this is a short situation
Great to see you back Wendy. And the second baby has come! My husband continues to work as he is a supermarket manager, but I am at home. Missing my grandkids something fierce! Have gardened, cleaned, made bread & yoghurt and like you, have made a list of things to do, but need downtime too, just to think and be thankful. Love to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you writing here again, Wendy. Very sorry that both you and Darren have lost work. I think people who are struggling now will find lots of good advice here in your posts and archives. This week, I was unwell, and so the split-pea soup in the freezer came in very handy. We had it several times during the week with toast. It was so nourishing and delicious.
ReplyDeleteAt our local bakery, they have a stand just inside their door where they put 'yesterday's bakes' for sale at greatly reduced prices. Hubby picked up a large fruit and cinnamon loaf. We toasted this and had it with butter. I sliced up half of it and made it into bread and butter pudding. In the pudding, I used pouring cream that we got for greatly reduced price because it was close to use-by date.
Stay well!
MegXx
I am glad to see you back, Wendy. I am in my early seventies so most of the time I am self-isolating - I live in a town on the NSW south coast. On Wednesday I spent time in my garden weeding my vegetable patch - picked two tomatoes and two tiny zucchini. Also pulled out a knitted rug and am finishing it off. I do hope you and your family stay well. Best wishes Lyn
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Darren job and your loss of work.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your posts have missed them.
Welcome back sure have missed you. Day 1 I have 3 pantries so set 1 up for baking things only. Tidied the other 2.
ReplyDeleteDay 2. Did some baking and knitting dishcloths to sell at my next market. Haven't got anything planned for day 3.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your employment has been reduced or stopped. So much more stress at an already difficult time. Remember your are admired and appreciated by so many people.You have always thought of and shared hints for getting the most out of life and things will eventually change.
Like so many we have a TO DO list for the house and garden and enjoy ticking things off although outdoor work in 39 degrees C is limited to early morning or late afternoon.
Keep safe,
Deborah
Thankyou for your kind words Deborah. We will be fine. I now have more time to write lists.
DeleteI want to share something so very uplifting. My son works as a contract chef. His work dried up long ago. He doesn't like not being busy so went to a meal on wheels. He used to work for this place as holiday relief and he volunteered. They rang today and said they cannot operate under the social isolation rules...and offered him work starting Monday.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the birth of your second grand baby.
I'm sorry to hear of Darren losing his job and your reduced hours. I work as a casual at a childcare centre and my boss has told me there are no hours for the foreseeable future.
I was going to QLD for Easter and my grandson's first birthday. Heartbroken that I can't go now.Take care Leanne.
I'm sorry to hear about Darren's job loss and the loss of some of your cleaning jobs. Best wishes to you both. I am sure you will not only survive, but thrive!
ReplyDeleteThe governor of Idaho on Tuesday put the state on lockdown for 3 weeks. (We had already been self-distancing for 10-14 days). I live in the northern part of the state, about 15 miles from Nancy in eastern Washington. Our county has 16 confirmed cases of the corona virus. We are in our 70s.
We still have Heather, who helps us with housework, gardening and special projects every Friday. Heather lost her part-time job and new gigs aren't forthcoming. Besides wanting to keep food on her table, we love her and need her help. My son is concerned, but she is the only outside person we are seeing. She used to be a nurse and has a 6-week-old grandson living with her, so we know she is being careful.
Stay well, everyone, and God bless!
It's so nice to see you back Wendy :). We need your thrifty tips and positivity more than ever.
ReplyDelete