Harold (next door neighbour/farmer/friend) came round today to see Hyacinth and diagnosed “egg bound”. He prescribed a spoonful of olive oil (orally thankfully) and isolation for 24hrs as apparently hens pick on the weak. So with help from Harold she has been oiled and is tucked up in the cat carrier for the night. Fingers crossed she will lay in the morning and return to her former plucky self. On the plus side the rest of the ladies (Agata, Beate, Monique, Margo, Phyllis, Harriet and Victoria Peckham took themselves to bed tonight! I went out just after 9pm to round them up and they were already in the hen house snuggled up – very impressed.
More good news; I discovered today that the monthly allowance I set myself before my new business is up and running should be more than sufficient. For example, the hairdressers this morning cost £60. Same colour, cut and blow dry in London – £130. My hairdresser also recommended a private dentist. Her last check up and clean cost £17 my last one cost £110. I dropped into the leisure centre this afternoon to check out the gym, swimming pool and class timetable. Monthly membership £28 with a 6 week trial offer for £35. The only gym near my office in London with a pool cost over £100 a month. I’m going to Glasgow tomorrow to hunt for soft furnishings for the bedrooms, maybe I can afford a few personal treats after all….
Today was also a good day for treasure hunting. I spotted a small shop opposite the hairdressers called Bitter Beck Pottery which was run by a lovely lady called Joan Hardie who makes beautiful and unique ceramics inspired by the countryside. I didn’t purchase today but may go back for one of her fern lights when I decorate my new office.
[pinterest]
Next to the hairdressers is Castle Antiques and Curios which delivers exactly what it says on the tin, an eclectic mix of antiques and curios. I often have a nosy round there when I’m in Cockermouth and this time I picked up two quirky framed cow prints for the landing. They reminded me a little of Nicky Harwood’s cow paintings and have lovely wooden frames. At £15 for the pair they were a bargain.
[pinterest]
Finally, I have been looking for some vintage china plates to hang on the bedroom walls. You see a lot of blue willow pattern and similar crockery but very little pink or green which is what I was looking for. But as I was in Keswick to meet my lovely friend Karen and her partner Matt for lunch I called into my favourite charity shop (Oxfam), and it didn’t let me down with two of these beauties at £2.99 each – another bargain.
[pinterest]
So a productive day; progress on the chicken front, a cheap haircut and the promise of more savings, a 6 week trial membership at the leisure centre and some new treasures. I also managed to sign up with a doctor!
