Author: Vivi

Another day out and about in Swanage…..this time towards the old harbour area and Peveril Point…..with boats, yachts, the life boat and one of my favourite quiet spots. And a few more thoughts on the possibility of living here. To make a donation to our wonderful RNLI click here: https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate

Today I’m out and about taking my sister to some of our favourite places in Swanage Old Town. As I leave these special spots my path leads me to a ground floor flat I have had my eye on for a while……a possible new home?

Yay! My longed for trip to Dorset is happening. Today it’s all about getting there….the first glimpse of the sea…..and exploring my digs. Welcome to a few days in beautiful Swanage on the south coast of Dorset.

Are you having a low-spend year? perhaps panning one for next year? Today I’m talking about how I manage my low-spend life when it comes to holidays and day-tips. Including: where to stay, how to get there, getting out and about, food and drink……and avoiding gift shops and spending.

As we near the end of the summer, and as the weather changes, certain jobs become a priority. Join me for a day of getting on with the jobs and organising my day to fit in as much as possible…all the while keeping myself frugal.

On this year’s hottest day I’m doing a stock-take of my food; both stored (frozen and in the cupboard) and fresh to come from the garden. I’ve grown a little less this year so I want to see where I’m at and see if I have enough to get me through to next Spring.

Today I’m all about camping, the countryside and planning my trip to Dorset. A letter I received prompted memories of camping and running wild in the woods….it coincided with watching a series of programmes about the British landscape and its influence on artists, writers and composers…..it all seems rather perfect in my run up to planning a trip back to Dorset…..and possibly a bit of house hunting…..

Today I needed to find my spanner……which sparked memories of the game of Rattlebag. Spanner located, yay, in readiness for fixing the new bath taps which have just arrived……and then I have a bit of a moan about a recent customer service experience – grr! Plus a book review and it’s an absolute corker.

The fridge is almost empty, it’s time to go shopping……the frugal way. Once my shopping is done I can start planning meals for the next two weeks using a little from my store cupboard to supplement today’s ‘basket’.

At last! It’s time to harvest some tomatoes…..a moment I dream of for 10 months each year! My first fresh tomato since last October. But, first, I need to give the plants some care…bearing in mind how much longer they will have before the weather changes for the worse and the warm sunny days disappear. I’m also chatting about blight and how to spot it…….and the pros and cons of ‘Gardener’s Delight’ (the only variety I’m growing this year). Also, cucumber seed saving.