The start of the Simple Life Audit.

We have been busy with the audit over the last few day and am sorry to say I realised how much we have slipped from our simple life path. Thanks to Rhonda we are hauling ourselves back.

Living deliberately.

Our goals have changed beyond recognition over the last year or so, thanks to our children and their families. When our eldest went to Australia three years ago to study little did we know this would change our life so much.

Our long term goal is now to retire to Australia to be with all our children who will be living there by that time.

Money.

Pampa is over viewing the budget and producing a simpler format that we can both read at a glance.

We are also implementing a virtual 'envelope system'. I'll let you know how we are doing this later as not sure myself yet.

Food.

The other areas we have been looking at seriously are our stockpile and kitchen storage. The 'pantry' is untidy and order has been lost recently. I haven't been very careful when putting away stock. My storage space needs a makeover, I would like some racking instead of the hotch potch of shelves and boxes I use now.

I had a turn around in the kitchen a couple of months ago but although somethings are working well others are not and need re-thinking.

I'm going to re-arrange the baking/breadmaking area so all ingredients and equipment is in one place.

The breakfast area, china, tea, cereals and toast making supplies also need moving together by the toaster.

We will see if these changes make for a smoother work area.

Growing.

Although we were late planting up the veg garden this spring everything is growing well. It's the first full year on the allotment site and we fully expect that changes will need to be made to the list of produce.

Changes for next year.

• Start earlier.
• Order seed potatoes before all are sold out.
• More beans and a greater variety.
• Protect the peas from bird damage.
• Establish a fruit garden with raspberries, blackcurrants, rhubarb and more strawberries.
• Larger water storage tank and a watering system to carry the water to other areas of the allotment.
• Establish a potting, planting up area at the allotment.
• Build cold frames for raising seedlings.

I am enjoying this at the moment, by taking each area and examining the way we work is so satisfying, even when fault is found. Knowing that through careful thought new simpler ways can be found to do just about anything.

Tomorrow Rhonda is look at disposable items. That is going to be tricky for me as I do like kitchen roll, try not to buy it but often fall down.