Once again we are back to a family of four,  QT1 and QT2 being back from University for the summer holidays.

There was a major hitch in getting QT2 back from the USA when he missed his flight home from Chicago and we had to purchase another ticket (at 4 am our time) which brought him home a whole day late!

He has, however, managed to secure a few shifts pot washing and kitchen cleaning at a local pub so at least he may be contributing towards the household expenses (and food bill!) soon.

QT1 is volunteering at a local theatre to gain some experience to put on her CV so that she has a better chance of securing a placement with a professional theatre to enable her to complete her degree.

It has been a shock suddenly to have to shop, cook, wash etc for four when we have been having a quiet and stable life with the two of us!  Trying to think of meals that are healthy and made from scratch as far as possible that everyone will eat has proved the biggest challenge, I am really out of practice.

We are also trying really hard to cut down on waste and, in particular, on our plastic usage.  To this end we are using cloth sandwich wraps instead of clingfilm,  we are buying loose vegetables (using a string bag purchased specially) and we are trying generally to purchase items loose or only packaged in recycled or recyclable plastic.  QT1 has a bamboo toothbrush and travel cutlery and is moving onto tooth powders, shampoo and soap bars and so on.  She is really dedicated.

We hope that lots of people will be of like mind (certainly zero waste shops are springing up everywhere) so that a substantial effort will be made to prevent pollution and other environmental issues.