Recently, I filled in an online benefits calculator to see if I’d be eligible for help with my rent, or further council tax deductions. I filled it all in, only to be told I’m paying too much rent, and that I am penalised for that and therefore don’t qualify for any help. Yes, that makes sense; penalise people for having greedy landlords, and greedy estate agents.

On the plus side my income, or lack of, does mean that I qualify for help with NHS costs. If I had a partner, they would qualify too, however my son doesn’t count as he’s not a dependant (gets student loans) so he still has to pay. Makes little sense to me as he lives at home, pays me rent, and has no income aside from student loans. Anyway, it is what it is, and we’ll cope; we always do. Once I qualify for the State Pension, things will be a lot easier though that’s quite a way off yet. In the meantime, I’m looking for a part time job. Full time would mean I’d have to pay too much tax, NI, and student loan, which would offset the extra income so financially, it’s not worth it. We’ll cope even if I can’t get a job, however it would be nice to build up some savings again following the move.

My son could get a job; however, he has a lot of studying to do. When I was a full-time student I had a part time job and did some other adhoc work, but it was hard going, and I was often awake at stupid O’clock writing an essay. I’m sure it adversely affected my grades and although I had a good pass, I feel I could have done better if I’d had more free time. I don’t want my son having those same thoughts once he graduates if he doesn’t get the grades he needs due to working at the same time.

Of course, I could always revert to piracy though floating a Ship around here would be tricky lol. Maybe a smaller Ship on the waterways? That could work… I’d need the Deckhand to work any locks and maybe a First Mate though these days I think they’re more trouble than they’re worth. No offence… Would a barge work? I could fit it with a plank that could be stowed unobtrusively for when I had visitors. Being low in the water, scurvy dogs wouldn’t make a good splash though and I doubt most canals are that deep. What’s a wannabe pirate to do? Would a small speedboat work? Maybe no plank, just shove scurvy dogs overboard and leave them floundering in my wake? I like that thought…

We have some rum here now, as befits my pirate ways ;) and other spirits and some wine (finally). I’ve been buying a single bottle of wine on our weekly forays, and had rum left over from after the move. We stocked up after receiving a prepaid card for signing up with a broadband provider. I could have just bought groceries, but treated us to some wine and spirits instead – I’m a bad pussycat… LOL

Following our little bit of rain, it’s been quite cloudy here and cooler which is well received. It’s certainly nice being able to sleep better now that it’s a tad cooler and I’m looking forward to autumn to be honest; I’m done with summer now. This is also the time when schools, colleges and universities are starting to advertise for staff that they need for September start of term. I have my eye on a college that’s within walking distance if the weather isn’t too adverse, and it would be just like before the ‘merger’ at my old place of work. It looks lovely and isn’t far from open fields with horses; could be a nice place to work. I’m feeling optimistic.

I hope you have the weather that you like, and that you enjoy the rest of the week.