Very lazy of me!

I haven't updated my blog for almost a month. Been busy, mainly working and baking. And making lemon curd and mincemeat. I love messing about in the kitchen - maybe I should spend all day creating fabulous foods instead of creative accounting?!

We had a weekend in Woking & Walsall, firstly at a model railway exhibition, and then visiting my Mum and catching up with some old school friends. Not seen them for 34 years! Great fun and much laughter ensued.

Daughter is enjoying being at university, as there is so much to do right on her doorstep. We live in a quiet rural area so activities have always needed a lift from Mum or Dad, or a long walk to the bus stop. Now she has an on-site gym, cinema, and loads of people to chat to. In just 5 weeks she will be home again for the Christmas holidays. We are hoping to go to see her in a week or so.

New office has slowed down a lot, as hubby has loads of model engineering projects and consultancy work on. Managing to get through quite a bit of work with help from my friend.

Half term this week for my son, so have been to the dentist and various other jobs that needed to be done.  Back to the VAT returns now!

All's quiet on the western front...

...well, in our house at least! Daughter was duly delivered to Warwick University just over a week ago, and her slightly tearful parents returned home alone. To the sole company of our son anyway. I think we have got used to her not being here now, but thanks to the wonders of technology she is only a mouse-click away on skype. Very handy for impromptu cooking advice!

I feel much less stressed now she is gone, and have managed to complete a few jobs. Thanks in part to my lovely friend, who is coming over once a week to give assistance.

The Macmillan Coffee Morning also has passed for another year. We managed to raise £442 in total, which was brilliant.

The weather has improved, ie it has stopped raining at last, so the building project is progressing again. Typically, hubby has been asked to do some consultancy work which is getting in the way! Our new all-singing all-dancing electricity meter was fitted yesterday, so when the solar panels are generating enough power we have to dash round switching on washing machines and tumble driers so as not to waste the "free" electricity.

I don't know how I find time to work with all these jobs to do!

Busy this week!

Managed to sort out quite a few loose ends this week. It always feels good to get things boxed off when they have been hanging around.

We are busy making lists for the impending trip to Uni on Saturday. My daughter hasn't even done her washing and clothes packing yet. I would really like to see how much stuff there is so I can judge if it will go in the car. May have to take the campervan.

It seems a really long week as most of her friends have been gone a week or two already.

This Friday is the Macmillan Coffee Morning, in our village hall. Thanks to Seb for sending T-shirts, cake stands, cup cake cases and buntings for us to put up. I just need to sort out a few things for the sale table, and check that someone will be able to let us into the hall at 8.15am. I have made loads of marmalade to sell, and a friend is making posh cakes. Yummy!

Finally it has stopped raining after 3 days of non-stop downpours. So glad that we live on a hill, and not at the bottom of it!

Time Flies!

It's ages since I posted anything. We've been busy sorting out the stuff that my daughter needs for uni. New duvet, pots & pans, stationery, laptop to mention a few things! Anyway, I think most of it is now purchased. Just need to get her a bit of food shopping at the last minute. We will take her down to Warwick on September 29th, and call at her Nan's on the way. Dentist appointment out of the way this morning (she has to pay once she is 19 in 3 weeks), and haircut next week.

My new assistant came over on Monday and finished one job whilst she was here. I sent her off with 3 others which she has almost finished. She will come back on Wednesday.

Yesterday I went to a Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning host event in Accrington. I have held one of these in our village hall for the past 12 years. Got some freebie teabags, biscuits, buntings & badges.

This is me in the centre, with the local fundraising team.  The main event is on 28th September. We hope to raise at least £300. Apparently I am one of the top fundraisers in our area.

I will try to liven up my blog with a few pictures and other stuff, once I have worked out what to do! Off to make coffee now !

All change!

I've been a bit fed up this last week or so, as there seemed no end in sight to the work I have piling up round me. Worked out that I can afford to retire at 60 (9 and a half years away!) and not sure if I can stick it that long.

However, my lovely friend, whom I used to work with when my daughter was tiny and who has helped me out before, has decided that she is leaving her job in industry and going back into practice. She needs some guaranteed work, so is going to help me out on a regular basis. I can now afford to take on new clients knowing that it isn't just me who has to deal with them. Last week I was all for selling off a few of the larger ones to reduce stress.

I am currently working (on bank holiday Monday) as I need to get a few things finished off to get some money in. Spent yesterday tidying up the office - now just need to tidy my desk!

My new office now has doors on and is almost secure, but it will be a while before the floor and roof are done, and the walls are plastered. I really hope it will be before Christmas.

A level results!

My daughter got her results yesterday. A* in further maths and in chemistry, A in maths and in physics. Not good enough for  Cambridge, but she has a place at Warwick to do maths which was her 2nd choice. Happy!

Son got a C in maths so is going to have to work hard this year if he wants to do engineering.

Glad the waiting is over!

Exam nerves...

Only 2 more days until the A level results. Not much outward sign of stress from the teenagers, but I'm sure they are feeling it. I certainly am!

We had a lovely weekend with the family in the Midlands. The sun shone the whole time so we were able to sit in the garden at Mum's. When we got home the new window had been installed in the kitchen in place of the old back door. Amazing how much better it makes the room look. With any luck, the french doors can be put on the new office, then we will be able to keep the naughty cats out of the house at night. They keep finding their way in through any available gaps at the moment.

Busy week as we are minding 2 lots of hens whilst their respective owners are on holiday. As a result we are inundated with eggs. So far there has been quiche, chocolate ice cream, and fruit cake. Maybe bread and butter pudding later?

Another week over...

Well, I didn't get as much done as I would have liked this week. Instead spent half a day finishing "50 Shades"., and too much time browsing the Internet. Also I had a eureka moment - realised I can afford to retire at 60 after all! Plans need to be formed!

We have an anxious few days wait, as A level results are out on Thursday. Both kids are a little nervous. But not as much as me and their Dad!

Off to spend the weekend with my Mum and brothers and sister in the Midlands so hope the lovely sunshine holds.

The new office is coming along nicely as we have had a few good, dry days this week. Can't wait!

Epic Weekend!

Had great weekend watching all the fantastic athletes winning gold medals at the Olympics. It would have been fantastic to be at the track cycling, but had to make do with watching on TV. And the athletics was fantastic! Jess Ennis did brilliantly.

Managed to get a load of weeding done and dug up the first few new potatoes. Plants I put in the other day are still there. Not been eaten by rabbits, deer or slugs!

Need to work hard this week as the A level results are out next week, and I will probably need to have a couple of days off.

Roadworks!!!

Finally went to see the new client in Darwen on Monday and discovered there were temporary traffic lights and a massive tailback. As a result I was late. thankfully the client was stuck in the same jam, so I had a cup of tea with his wife whilst we waited for him. I consulted my map and came back another way.

Yesterday my daughter did 4 hours work for me! Amazing! I finished some accounts and started another set.

Managed to sell 2 books - one for £14 on Amazon. Really pleased.

Today I have been to see another client in Great Harwood and guess what? More temporary traffic lights but thankfully not such a big queue. Hoping to finish another set of accounts this afternoon, then off to Zumba this evening.

Gardening leave...

No I haven't sacked myself! I finally managed to get out in my garden on Friday and Saturday. Dug over a good part of my vegetable patch so I can plant the cauliflower, cabbage and sprout plants which have been sitting on the windowsill for 4 weeks. Got the plants in this morning in between showers. The rest of the garden is chock full of weeds so there is a lot more work to do. The sweetcorn and broad beans I planted a few weeks back are doing well, and I have a fennel plant in a pot which is taller than I am! Unfortunately it has started raining again, so the rest of the day will be spent watching the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Olympics. Might also try to do some reading or writing.

My daughter has promised to do some work this week, so may be progress will be made. Hopefully will be able to complete a few small jobs and get some returns filed.

Clients... Arrghh!!

My new client rang at 2.20 yesterday, 10 minutes before I was about to set off to see him.  Can I come on a different day? Visitors are coming over. Surely he knew before then? Anyway, I am now going on Monday afternoon. Not too sure about him as he thought my quote was too much, and he wants to change because his current accountant charges £400. What planet are you on?!!

Got a call from another client yesterday - his company had been dissolved by Companies House and the bank account frozen. I have been asking him for information for ages so we can do the accounts. Anyway, sent him to find out the procedure for getting reinstated, and he came back with a load of forms and instructions. He came round with the information he has this morning, but there isn't much. Got all the forms completed whilst he was here. Now just waiting for some bank statements so I can attempt some accounts for him.

So much for the arrival of summer! In Lancashire it has rained. All yesterday afternoon. And again this morning. The forecast never mentioned rain, and the rest of the country is basking in sunshine. The progress of my roof has been seriously hampered. The sun is only just coming out now, at 2pm.

Worse, I can't do the washing as the seal has gone on the machine door causing a minor flood. On a good note, it is peaceful as the teenagers have gone to see the new Batman movie. Feel a bit less stressed as I completed 2 sets of accounts yesterday. Best not relax too much, as the backlog will soon accumulate again!

I want to be on holiday!

The school reunion was great fun. There were only 7 of us, but it was just the right size of group to chat to everyone. We stayed over with my Mum, visited my favourite cousin in the afternoon then my best friend from when I was aged 12-13 arrived. She looks the same as when I last saw her in 1979! We didn't get back to my Mum's until 2am. I'm sure we could have talked all night!

Another noisy day on the building front today. The roof girders went up on Friday and the timber is arriving tomorrow, so lots of preparation work needed today.

Had an appointment with my breast surgeon yesterday. I think I will have my implant removed as it is in totally the wrong place and makes my boobs look a very odd pair indeed! I have to see her again in November so will sort it out then. That means yet another stay in hospital.

I have a client to see this morning, and a new client tomorrow afternoon, so will be busy this week. I wonder if I will be able to fit in my 3 sessions of Zumba? We shall see...

Very noisy here this week...

Lots of building noise going on this week. The beams are going in the roof on Friday so all the preparation has to be done. This has resulted in a few large holes in our back wall, so someone has to be in residence at all times as we can't lock up properly. Hopefully this now means that the bath can be re-installed some time soon. Can't remember the last time I had a bath!

On the work front, I'm plodding along slowly. My assistant has got bored so it's just me working. I still have 2 sets of accounts to file by the end of the month, and some small accounts to do before the tax credit deadline. As we probably don't have time or the resources for a holiday I'm likely to be working through the whole summer.

However I'm off to a school reunion in the Midlands this weekend. should be fun, and I will have time to call in and see my cousin who has been poorly.

Out tonight to a badminton club meal - I haven't actually played for over 12 months but they keep inviting me along. Not good for the diet, but I have been quite good today, so should have enough points left to eat something tasty. Not enough for wine, sadly! I have to miss my usual zumba class to go, which is stressing me out. But I have managed to do the "30 day shred" dvd this morning so all is not lost.

Fed up of this weather!

Managed to get some time in the garden picking redcurrants on Saturday. There is an absolute glut of them. I picked 2 and a half pounds in total, and there are still loads left on. Unfortunately I got bitten by a horsefly on the arm which has lymphoedema so had to take antihistamines and antibiotics. Didn't manage to pull out any of the weeds which seem to have over-run the potato patch. Then it started raining again!

Had a lazy day watching the British Grand Prix and men's Wimbledon final on Sunday, then yesterday I managed to get 4 hours work out of my daughter. My son worked all day for his Dad, and is doing so today too. Daughter has gone off the idea however!

I still haven't done the late accounts or the others for the month end, but I did audit the Village Hall accounts. the AGM is this Thursday. When did I get them - last Tuesday!! Happens every year. Anyway, need to get some jobs finished so that I can bill them, and hopefully get paid.

Another week gone!

Well, I didn't get the rush job finished. Some bank statements were missing. We were also out on Saturday. I don't work Saturdays anyway. Too stressed on Friday, daughter scraped the side of my car. I know, that's why I traded in my lovely mini & got an old cheap thing! Not much damage done and no-one hurt, so that's ok.

So now I have to do the late accounts, and also a set which have to be filed by the end of this month. along with various people wanting to know figures for tax credits and if they can reduce their payments on account.  I was hoping that I could take a bit of time off, as my kids finish school for the summer tomorrow.  I did have a day off on Tuesday - went to York with my daughter who has left school after A levels. She also helped me with a VAT return, so am hoping that she will be willing to do a bit more ticking and bashing, then we can all get some time off!

Arrrgh! Clients - who needs 'em?

Just as I'm getting on top of things a client decides to send me his stuff. It only needs to be at Companies House by Saturday!!  I should leave it and make him pay the fine, but I find this really hard to do. So I will most certainly put down the job I was doing, and ignore the P11Ds for another day or so In order that someone who has had 9 months to send me some info doesn't get a fine!  Does everyone do this?  Or do you just say "tough - it's your own fault"? 

Daughter's final exam today - STEP paper for Cambridge maths admission. She is very nervous about it, which is so not like her. I'm sure she will be ok. All her friends have finished their A levels already as she is the only one applying to Cambridge and Warwick for maths. Fingers crossed that it goes well for her.

Son has his sports day at school, but it has just started raining, so who knows whether it will take place!

Need to get some work done this morning as I must watch Heather Watson play in the 2nd round of Wimbledon later on.  About time the Brits had some success!

Another Monday!

I got my other set of accounts done last week, so that made me feel a hell of a lot better about work! The jobs waiting don't seem nearly as daunting now.

Hubby returned on Saturday evening, wet but in one piece, from his Scotland trip. At least my building work might get moving a bit now. At least the torrential rain of last Thursday and Friday has stopped now, without too much damage occuring. Dry today but quite dull. I thought they said it would be sunny! I need to get some gardening done and some sprouts and cabbages planted. The cauliflower plants don't look as if they will survive unfortunately.

Planning on taking a day off soon to go to York with my daughter. Her last exam is on Wednesday, so maybe next week sometime. Hopefully will be able to sort out her student railcard before we go, then we can save a bit of money on the trip.

Back to work now!

Woo Hoo! Got some accounts finished!!

That's a turn up for the books! Actually finished a job! Then I went through all the jobs I have in, and they don't look as bad as I thought. Picked up another which had been mostly ticked off by my daughter a few weeks back, and almost got the bank done. If I can get that one out of the way this week then I'll be really pleased.
Hubby went off this morning on his motorbike trip to Mallaig, so no-one to distract me from working for the rest of the week. Weather been great today, and should be tomorrow. Ideal for building! Typical! Expect it'll be raining when he is back on Saturday.

4 and a half years to go...

Just pointed out to my hubby that I can claim my personal pension in 4 and a half years time. Seems like a lifetime away!  Why can't i just pack in work now? Boo hoo!!

Went to get new tyres on my little car, and popped to a friend's house for lunch whilst I was waiting. Came back absolutely stuffed after 2 sausages, scrambled egg, baked beans and tomatoes. Ended up having my planned light lunch for dinner as I didn't have enough space for casserole.

Managed a bit more work in the afternoon,. On a course about Corporation Tax in the morning, so probably get nothing done tomorrow!

A sneaky day off...

Daughter had her first exam yesterday, next one not until Monday so we went to town to see if we could find her a job. No luck! Everyone is either "not recruiting" or says "you have to look on the website". When you look there is nothing available. She only wants part-time temporary employment as she is going to university in September.  The only slight possibility is a client with a sandwich bar who might need someone to cover holidays. Otherwise she will be working for me. Oh well, we shall have to wait and see.

Son is now back in school starting his A Level course. He is grumpy as he had no lessons this afternoon but wasn't allowed to go home.  Need to find him some work too. He is meant to be helping his Dad with the office construction once the summer hols start.

Spent a few quid on some Mills & Boon books to research style (not new - charity shop). They really are cheesy. Also bought a couple of nice mugs to replace one which got bounced off the quarry tiled floor. Quite cute and only 50p each from Cancer Research.

Last of the big spenders, that's me!

Wish i could take the summer off!

Well, I'm just not in the mood for work again! However bills need to be paid so I will have to soldier on. I worked all morning on Friday, but was a bit down as it was the 18th anniversary of my Dad's death. Weather has been wet and horrible for a few days so that didn't help either.

I have managed to sell a book this week ( online book sales is one of my other hobbies!) and have also listed some lego on ebay for my Mum. Her church is raising money to rebuild the hall, which is falling down round their ears!

My other passion is writing. I have managed to get 2 letters and a "top tip" published in magazines in the past 12 months. This has earned me a subscription to one, and a £25 cheque. I am now busily reading Mills & Boon type books, hoping to have a go at something similar eventually.

At least the sun has re-appeared today. Just been outside to discover that my son has strimmed all the tops off my potatoes. He thought they were weeds! Still, I expect they will grow again. I have just harvested a bumper crop of rhubarb, and the asparagus is now about 2 feet high! Will need to sprinkle some slug pellets round the beans and sweetcorn later, or they will disappear!

New office building is still coming along, although not much has happened this week due to the rain. Hopefully this week will be drier.

Yet another week has flown by. Enjoyed a lovely long bank holiday weekend, having afternoon tea with the neighbours. Unfortunately it was raining so we had to go indoors. Watched some of the Jubilee celebrations on TV. Mum came to stay from Saturday until Tuesday.

Needless to say, not got a lot of work done over the last week. To top it all, the penicillin I was given in hospital has caused an outbreak of Athlete's foot on my hands and feet. Very uncomfortable.

Managed a small VAT return and loads of payrolls today. Looks like I will have to work tomorrow, even though Friday is usually my day off. Otherwise I will be bogged down again in a couple of weeks.

Can't believe I haven't blogged since 15th May! Been a bit busy working, sunbathing, supervising revising teenagers and that sort of thing.
The building project is coming along nicely now the weather is good, although hubby is complaining it is too hot to work outside.

Got a couple of pesky jobs finished off, thankfully.

Had a phone call on Thursday afternoon asking if I could be at the hospital for 7.30 on Friday morning for the (hopefully) final bit of my boob reconstruction operation. Sadly I had to miss my daughter's final day in school lunch. But at least I now know what I'm up to for the rest of the summer.  Didn't even have to stay overnight.

Son has one exam left (maths) on Thursday, and daughter's A Levels start on the 18th June I think. Soon will be all over and we can enjoy the summer hols.

One Down!

Yay! 17 year old passed his driving test yesterday. The insurance company didn't want any extra money for him to drive my Seat Arosa. He and his sister are already on the policy . A snip at £1600 for the year ( compared to what friends are paying anyway)!

Still tons of work to do, and 2 more VAT returns have crawled out of the woodwork. Had a reasonable day yesterday but hardly anything done today so far and it's 11.39am already. Need to go out to take son to school for his first AS level exam shortly. His sister has taken the car today.

On a plus note, the office rebuilding is coming along, albeit a little slowly, due to other things getting in the way, and not very nice weather.

It's all going mad again!

Despite getting a load of work done, I still have too many jobs with deadlines this month. There are two to be at Companies House by 31st May (not even started!), someones bank manager doing his nut for interim figures, a lady after a mortgage, a CIS case wanting his refund in time for his holidays in June, and a couple of VAT returns.

To top that 17 year old has his driving test next Monday and starts AS exams on Tuesday!

Back to work

Back to normal now, after a lovely 3 days in Lanzarote visiting some old friends. They spoilt us and chauffeured us round all the sights. Far too much eating of tapas and drinking wine!

Managed to get a set of Ltd accounts done before I went. They have been hanging round on my desk for ages. At last I can get on with some other work. Once I have done a tax return which should have been in at the end of January,  that is! As soon as that is out of the way I have some nice little jobs in, which is more to my liking. Oh, and there are still some P35s to file.

Still not back to school...

Why do kids get such long holidays? Mine don't go back to school until Thursday,  then both finish for exams in 4 weeks or so. Needless to say, I have hardly got anything done in the past 2 weeks.
I really need to get back on track with work this week, as have 2 consecutive weekends away starting this week! Diet has been going well - I have managed to lose half a stone by following weight watchers and doing loads more exercise than usual. I think the weekends away may spoil it though!
My son failed his driving test last week so have had to re-book that. thankfully he doesn't need any more lessons. Won't be seeing much of my little car from now on as my daughter is using it to get to school for her final term before Uni. Then my son will be after it, I expect!

A bit of progress

Finally finished the VAT return! Also have got on well with payroll year ends, and printing P60s for everyone.
Had a relaxed weekend, with friends round for Sunday lunch. Completely blew the diet! Needless to say I had put weight on this morning at weigh -in. Must try harder. Brother - in - law here tomorrow night so will probably go horribly wrong again. Need to do a fair bit of exercise to get some points back!

Just managed to get a cancellation so 17 year old can take his driving test next week, instead of waiting until May. A bit scary!

Struggling on...

Struggling through a VAT return. Not difficult, but I'm just not interested.

So far have taken adverts to the village shop for a bike and roller skates that the kids have outgrown, logged all my food on weightwatchers, and read through the forums on GreenMetropolis (book-selling website). One of the cats has to go to the vet at 3 o'clock. Hope I can find her!

CPD course in the morning. Blahhh!

Weekend break

Had a lovely weekend away with hubby, at some friends' in Norfolk. Lunch in Swaffham on the way down & Kings Lynn on the way back. Weather was gorgeous.

So why am I not raring to go on the work front now I am back?

Very excited that I got a letter published in Good Housekeeping this month! The start of my writing career, perhaps?

Still fed up!

Why? The sun is shining, it's spring. I can't get going on this work. I just want to do something else! Suppose I could go and pull weeds from the vegetable patch.

Bought some books on ebay hoping to resell at a profit. They should arrive next week.

Tomorrow I'm off to see Calendar Girls in Manchester as a birthday treat from 2 friends. Should be fun!

Don't feel like work today

I can't seem to get motivated at the moment. It would be great to take a week or 2 off to do something else, but it isn't possible as there are payroll year ends looming and VAT returns to be done, as well as Limited Company accounts to be filed. Also I am currently the main breadwinner in the house and the bills need to be paid.

On the book selling front I have managed to sell 2 more this week, including one for about £10. I'll never make a fortune at that. I was very excited to pick up 3 almost pristine Ladybird science books at the school fair for £1. They go for at least £5 each on Amazon.

The weather has stayed fine so the building work is still progressing well. And the sun has been out so the solar power generation is doing well.

Beware...

...the Ides of March!  The only thing I remember from Latin at school.

Thankfully 17 year old son has decided that completing his A levels is the best option. He is hoping to get into motorsport engineering, and university is the best route for this.

Took some books and accounts back to a client this morning, and came back with a cheque. Yay! Banked it on the way home.

Called in Lidl for milk, and made more tea for the builders. Work is progressing well and it isn't raining. Engineer came to look at our solar panels yesterday, and apparently we had a loose connection. Will have to see if generation improves over the next few days.

Teenagers!!!

Whilst I was at Zumba last night, 17 year old told his dad he didn't want to stay in school. He is about to sit AS level exams. As a result I was awake most of the night. Not had a chance to speak to him yet. Parents evening tomorrow so need to sort it out before then.

Managed to finish the accounts which I was doing, now to start another set which have to be filed by the end of March. I hate deadlines!

Started to bake bread this morning. Will put in the oven after I've been to help my friend with her VAT. After that, need to feed chickens for my other friend, and go to the post office to bank some cheques.

Builder's mate!

The building work still goes on at the back of the house.  In between working I am baking cakes, making toast and brewing lots of cups of tea to keep them going. The weather forecast has given dry and warm for a few days, so progress should be able to be made.

I didn't finish the accounts which were almost done last week, so will get them done today, & hopefully see the client later in the week. Have a VAT return to help with tomorrow, & a client to see on Wednesday morning.  Son's parents' evening on Wednesday also.

Must crack on - Zumba this evening to look forward to!

Mud and more mud!

The part of the house referred to as the "spare office" has now been demolished. That is where I used to work before I moved into our dining room. I'm hoping to move back into it before the summer is out, all being well. It will be great not to be able to see my pile of work every time I go to the kitchen. Maybe we will even get a dining table!

The garden is currently churned up and muddy, and home to a large digger and dumper truck. Hubby tells me that he will be ready for the concrete base by Tuesday, weather permitting.

Working on a Friday?

Don't usually work on a Friday, but I have some stuff to finish off. Can't go out as I'm on tea making duty for hubby & assistant with digger out the back!

Son is going to pay for his own driving lessons so he can start now. I let him drive me back from school last night, & think he needs some proper tuition before he gets too many bad habits.

Teenagers - who needs 'em!

17 year old passed his driving theory test 2 days after his birthday! Just wish he was as good at school exams. He isn't allowed to start lessons yet, as just came out with a C in his Maths exam. Don't know what to do with him.

Coffee with Chris next door, who has just started up on his own. He qualified a couple of years ago. Not many clients yet, so will be able to do some work for me.

Slowed down yesterday by a bug in the wages program. Fixed this morning. Now a little charity audit to do, then try to finish of the accounts which have been on my desk since Monday.


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Working hard

Quite a productive day yesterday. Did a full set of accounts, several paye runs, and a big wages summary. I can finish that job in the next day or so. Even got paid from a client who has been dragging his feet since Christmas.

Today I have a hospital appointment, so won't get much done this morning. Son is taking his driving theory test this afternoon. Dad is taking him so I don't need to take time off.

One of my occasional helpers has packed in his job and gone self employed, so may be able to use him a bit more often until he builds up his client base.

And even better, the sun is shining again today. Yesterday our solar panels generated 18 KWh - best since they were installed at the beginning of October!

I have just started using this new book-keeping and accounting software,Kashflow. Dead easy to use and can be accessed online by the accountant and the client. The client can be barred from certain transactions so as not to mess it up! Follow the link.
http://www.kashflow.com/?code=AFF2103333

Scary!!

My 17 year old (birthday today)  has just gone out for a drive on the roads with his Dad for the first time! Very scary!

Busy baking cake for later.

Need to work hard next week as I seem to have another load of deadlines looming ...

Busy day

Picked up my little Seat car yesterday morning. It only has a 998 cc engine so will be noticeably slower than the 1600 cc mini I have been used to driving! And it's petrol not diesel so a bit different.

Went to see a lovely new client next, then to Tesco for a few groceries. Pottered in the house in the afternoon, sorting out car insurance for the teenagers. No too bad - only £1260 extra to pay.

Today I am going to B & Q to buy paint for the kitchen, then hoping to pick up a cheque from a client. In between times doing a bit of baking.

Another day off

Went to the Midlands on Monday in order to attend my great aunt's funeral on Tuesday. Stayed with Mum. Had a luxurious dip in her bath - ours is currently uninstalled whilst bathroom being renovated.

Nice catch up with my Dad's family and some cousins.

Off out today to do VAT for a client. Picking up little car tomorrow.

Day off!

Took my car to the local garage for someone to test drive it, then went to Boundary Mill with a friend. Looking for a new handbag, and some storage canisters.

Bought birthday pressies for Mum & my 17 year old, handbag, canisters and work trousers.
Whilst we were eating lunch got a call to say that my Mini Clubman is sold! Never expected it to go so quickly. The lady is collecting it in the morning. At the same time we are getting a cheap little Seat Arosa which can be insured for me, the 17 year old and the 18 year old at much less than our other car. Not sure if I can get used to driving an old car, but it is in good condition so should be ok.

Out to lunch

A little bit of work, then a trip to the village to bank some cheques. Off out to lunch with a client at 12.30. We sat in the window of the Spread Eagle looking across the Ribble Valley. The sun came out so really nice. Lunch was ok - salmon & prawn cocktail, followed by chicken & chorizo tagliatelle. A bit too salty for my taste.
Whilst I was there got a call to say someone wants to test drive my Mini in the morning. Didn't expect results so quickly. Unfortunately the car I was hoping to get instead may be sold. Hope it isn't as it would be perfect for the teens to drive.

Back to work

Slow start yesterday. Still feeling ill so took myself to the doctor. Just told that it will get better on its own. Take paracetamol.

On a CPD course in the afternoon. Pre- 5th April tax planning. Only managed to stay till the tea break as I was struggling to keep awake!

Today I am off to do some book-keeping and VAT on the other side of Preston. Probably will take most of the day. Think I will have some extra breakfast before I go as am feeling peckish.

Feeling ill

Hardly any work done this week as I 've had some sort of flu bug. Too weary to think! Spent 3 days lounging on the sofa shivering and sneezing.

Miserable wet day here so think I will light the fire & settle down with my new Kindle (birthday treat!!).

Sniffles have started...

Well the sniffles and fuzzy head have finally started. Thought it was too good to be true. This is the first cold I've had this winter. At least it's a nice quiet day - hubby & son have gone karting, so just me and daughter here.

I really need to do some work but I don't feel like it. There is a monthly payroll to do today.And I would really like to finish a set of accounts that I started last week.

Weekend

Had a nice relaxing weekend doing a bit of DIY, a bit of baking and a bit of housework. Swam 30 lengths of Westholme pool on Sunday, which is very good going for me!
On the minus side too much food and wine. Oh Dear!

It's half term this week so the kids are home, but I haven't seen much of them yet. They did offer to do some work for me, but so far nothing has happened.

I seem to have acquired a sore throat and stuffed up nose, so hope I will be able to fight it off rather than succumbing. There has been a nasty bug going round amongst my friends.

A Day Off

I like to take Fridays off if at all possible, and at this time of year that isn't usually a problem. There are several things I like to do when not working.

One of them is selling second-hand books. I don't make a lot of money from this, but I enjoy picking them up at various sales, and from friends wanting a clear out. I often find something I want to read before I sell it. Most sales are via Green Metropolis or Amazon.

One of my other passions is reading. I particularly like biographies, and also am a great fan of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. What am I currently reading, you ask?

•  Margrave of the Marshes by John Peel - I am finding this quite hard going, but will finish it eventually
• The Almond Blossom Appreciation Society (sequel to Driving over Lemons) by Chris Stewart
• The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett

I would love to break into writing, and for the past 4 years I have been (very slowly) following a creative writing course. I am currently working on writing fillers and letters for magazines, and have been thinking of having a go at Flash Fiction (very short stories of around 500 words).
I spend a lot of time browsing magazines looking for suitable places to send my work to. So far today I have written the draft of a review of Broken Music, Sting's autobiography, and sent a couple of readers tips in to magazines.

As I get a bit older I would like to wind down on the Accountancy front, and concentrate more on these other things, but whether anything will come of it, only time will tell.

Chilling Out

Not worked too hard this week, although I have completed one of the sets of limited company accounts needing to be filed. the other set is almost done. Just waiting for my lovely friend Anne to give me a list of outstanding debtors.
Anne used to help me out when I was busy, but she has recently taken a new full time job, so I'm having to manage without her. It will be difficult later in the year. I did manage to get 3 hours work out of my 18 year old daughter last week (ticking a bank). She and her brother have both promised to do some work next week during half term, as they don't have any money. We shall see if that materialises or not!
Today I'm planning on carrying on with the job started by daughter as they need the figures for the bank. Then I'm off to The Millstone for lunch with 2 friends. Might take the day off tomorrow if the weather is fine.

Anyway, time for a coffee before I start.

Made It!

Yay! Got all my returns done. Last one was filed yesterday, which was ok as there was an extension to 2nd February due to industrial action by Revenue staff.

So far this week I have been to get my hair cut, been on a shopping expedition with my 18 year old daughter (boots and coat - expensive) and done a load of baking. Not planning on doing much tomorrow. I need to sort out my stock of books for sale into a better order. And I need to make an attempt on the next part of the writing course which I have been doing for almost 3 years! And I need to clean the bathroom!

On the work front I have 2 sets of Company accounts to be filed by the end of this month, and a couple of VAT returns to do. Also promised some accounts to a client who is trying to renew their overdraft (RBS in case you wondered) as the bank is being difficult. Next week I have 2 new clients to see, and a lunch out with friends.

It sounds more exhausting than actually working!

The light at the end of the tunnel

Almost there! One small tax return and one slightly messy set of accounts to do, then 2 amended returns needed. Still 2 clients for whom I have no books, and one brother with a rental property to put in an appearance.

Not bad considering I took Thursday off last week as I was 50, and Friday off to tidy the house and shop for the party which took place on Saturday. I'm busy planning what to do with all the free time I shall get next week!

Think I will make a start on the messy accounts this afternoon, then its off to Zumba this evening.

Yippee!

Day off tomorrow!!

Got through a lot of work last week, not as productive this week as I had to go and help out a client with book-keeping and VAT. So far today I have done some wages, been to the post office, collected a prescription and made a pie for tea. Now I really need to do some work. Feels like I have a cold coming on too, which is NOT good!

No more work until Monday then, as tomorrow is my big 5-0 and I feel I should take the day off. Going out to lunch with hubby, then on Friday will be cleaning and preparing for the party on Saturday. Why have I ended up with 56 people coming? Thankfully my little sis will arrive early on Saturday to give a hand.

Anyway, it's almost lunchtime...

I'm winning!

Whizzed though 12 tax returns yesterday, and one set of accounts completed.Ticked the bank on another job, so that should be done soon too.

A beautiful sunny day, so at least we are making solar power for a change!  British Gas thought something was wrong with our system because it did so badly last month.

If I wasn't waiting in for Fedex to bring a parcel (they couldn't find my house yesterday), I might go for a walk. Will live in hope that it arrives soon.

Think I'm going down with something

Got up feeling really achy this morning, with a stuffed up nose. Bought some fizzy vitamin C tablets to try to fight it off. I don't have time to be ill, and its my BIG birthday next week. I don't want to be ill for that!

Another thing - why do clients think it's ok to send back their signed tax returns to be submitted, but fail to pay, or even mention that they might pay soon? I'm not a charity you know!

Also have a teenager at home on study leave for an AS physics module which takes place tomorrow. Not much  progress apparent!

The pressure is on!

Just as it seems that there is light at the end of the tunnel, 2 clients decide that their returns need amendment. Its as much as I can manage to keep up with the outstanding ones, never mind those supposedly already completed.

Oh well, I shall have to get them sorted out first, I suppose.

Monday again!

Really didn't want to get up this morning. Had friends round last night to celebrate our daughter & their son getting offers of a place at Cambridge University. Drank too much for a Sunday & feel really weary today.
Both kids now back at school, so no excuses for not working today.

Still several people who haven't brought their books in.  There is a fine of £100 for all tax returns not filed by 31st January, and if they are 3 months late the fine goes up by £10 a day. This is new from last year, & a lot of people won't realise. They are going to get a very nasty shock!

...and more tax returns!

Managed about 12 tax returns since last post, and looks like I will get through the ones I have in.
But why have so many people not brought their books and info yet? Some of them are going to get fined methinks!

One teenager back at school today, the other not till Monday, so at least its a bit quieter on the Western Front!