Today Charlotte's first tooth has come through. Earlier this week (or was it last?!) we got our first gas and electricity bill since moving to the new house, and our gas consumption is five times what it was before (electricity is a mere twice what it was before). We are now all 'energy savers' and measures that have been implemented since the weekend include:
- energy saving lightbulbs
- Barely switching lights on
- Hot water on for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening
- No more childrens' showers - one shallow bath for all four
- Five minute limit on adult showers
- Use of tumble dryer balls
- More use of washing line to dry clothes
- Un-plugging of appliances (even though we never use standby!)
We'll wait and see what impact this has on our energy consumption. Still to be looked at: jacket for hot water tank, reflective panels for behind rads, draught-proofing throughout, possibly thermal curtains throughout... possibly fire/heaters downstairs?
That shock aside, we've been busy with various tasks. I've bought Annie Sloan chalk paint to 'upcycle' the old dresser from the kitchen into a wardrobe for Sarah, and have used up the first tin... so that is ongoing. We've been busy with the garden, two hanging baskets are hanging outside the garage and various things have been planted by the children (rhubarb - Edward, tomatoes - Elizabeth, a bean - Sarah) and a couple of flowers by myself. Composting is in full swing. We've got two bins on the go at the moment, the left hand side bin is awaiting transfer to the metal bin, the right hand side bin is taking in grass clippings and household waste daily. Grass-cutting season is here, and I'm painting the garden furniture set with woodstain.
I've been sewing (although lot less at the moment). Made a cape for William, and a bag for baby Molly. Made a sleeping bag for Sarah's owl, and a pillow, and a small bag. Keep wondering about the viability of a small crafty business, but suspect its all hard work with very little profit. Also wondered about a second-hand clothes business, but again... not sure there is any profit there.
Have let work know I'll return on 29th August, we've booked our holiday for 20th July - two weeks near Bigbury. Still looking for a new car, but the big ones with sliding doors are too expensive, smaller ones e.g. Galaxy, SMax etc don't have sliding doors.
Sarah started using the buggy board this week, so I've left the double buggy in the garage since before half-term. She is generally ok - although continually wants to be off the board and walking!! Edward's behaviour continues to test, on a daily basis. Threw a stick which hit a baby sleeping in a pram the other day, threw broken pots over the garden fence... grrrrrrrr.
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