Good morning, everyone, and a very happy Easter Sunday to you all.
It's a sunny, still start to the day and I have no idea whether any of storm Dave crept as far this way. I think it must have been windy because my front door area is a bit of a trap for blown rubbish and there were three boxes and some polystyrene cluttering it up earlier! Plus my Oddbox, of course, and last time's flattened box that they should have taken but didn't. Oh, well.
It was exciting to get the final info from One Traveller regarding the Crete holiday yesterday. I now have to get some Euros - what's the best way of doing that, please? I think the last time I did any currency exchanging was when I went to France with Suzanne and, actually, I think she might have done the necessary and I just paid her.
Not so exciting but expected was a letter from the tax people telling me that they would be taking back the winter fuel payment. I would much rather pay it back as a lump sum given that I just chucked it into savings but it will be added to my income tax payments over the tax year, thus swallowing up some of my cost of living pension increases. Swings and roundabouts, I know, but . . .
It's a shame there's no choice.
Even better, not to get it in the first place - it must be costing a fortune to claw it back from everyone not entitled to it.
End of grumble!
I also got my voting card! Yippee-doo!
On to today and I've already been busy in the kitchen prepping the veg for the roast lamb dinner I will be having with Beth and Alex. The lamb is in a slow oven as Al and I both prefer slow roasted lamb and for dessert I will be getting out some of my not-cross-loaf slices.
I've just realised I haven't done potatoes. I'll do them when I've posted this.
Beth and Al's Easter hamper is all put together. The crocheted chicks don't really look like chicks but it's the thought that counts, isn't it?
Apart from that, Bubbles is bubbling so I will be starting Lindsey's sourdough load off and I need to do a load of whites. That's about it really - a very nice day, I think.
Have a very lovely Easter Sunday, however you celebrate it (or not). See you tomorrow.
Happy Easter. Yes a shame the fuel payment couldn't be paid back in one payment if you preferred or not paid in the first place. I suspect the government will have realised a lot of people will have already spent it, and maybe not on fuel so it would cost more to issue a claim!
ReplyDeleteThere is no easy answer to all this. I used to prefer when the building society deducted the tax rather than having to do it ourselves. Have a lovely day.x
I guess so, although Inland Revenue is happy to accept a one off for unpaid tax . . .
DeleteOh, well, it is what it is!
And me too, for sure. xx
Happy Easter-I am about to set the table for our lunchtime guests.I hope they can get here safely as we have had thunder snow this morning! If there’s any doubt, I’ll tell them to stay at home-everything can go in the freezer or be eaten by us over the next few days.Catriona
ReplyDeleteThunder snow - wow. That's dramatic and I'm serious. I've only experienced it once but will never forget it.
DeleteHoping your guests arrived safely and that you all had a lovely time. xx
I usually get travel money from Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s travel.money.co.uk or M&S.
ReplyDeleteOrder and pay online and choose to either collect in store (which is what I do) or have delivered to your home. It’s simple and I’ve not had any problems. Euros are normally available same day or next day but you can choose collection date. You’ll need to take the card you used for payment and an ID e.g. passport or driving licence, your confirmation email will tell you. Melanie
Thanks, Melanie, that's really helpful. xx
DeleteYou can opt out of the winter fuel payment entirely - either fill in the online form on the .gov.uk site or call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160, before mid-September.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter!
- Kate
Thank you so much, Kate. That's extremely helpful. xx
DeleteAnnoying that you have to pay the winter fuel allowance back in that way. Kate’s comment above is useful.
ReplyDeleteI always cook lamb in the slow cooker, much prefer it that way.
Happy Easter x
Alison in Devon x
Yes, very. I'm so grateful. Slow cooked lamb is so delicious and melt in the mouth. Alex and I so enjoyed ours yesterday. xx
DeleteHappy Easter. We normally get our Euro's at the Post Office, its easy as we don't have any banks left in Belper, only a Banking Hub and Nottingham BS. Our tea tonight is bacon and egg rolls as having a Roast Dinner at daughter's tomorrow to thank me for help in the garden Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gill. Your tea sounds lovely and have a really good time with your family today.
DeleteOne more thing on Winter Fuel Payment - only taxable income is counted in the £35,000. So, for example, any interest on ISAs, or winnings on premium bonds isn't counted as these income sources are tax free.
ReplyDelete- Kate
Thank you so much for this, Kate. SO helpful, not just for me but for others too. xx
Delete