It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

tiddly_widdly

Thank you everyone for your encouragement already, I knew you were wonderful people. It helps to know others know what youre going through.

Sylvan

Slow cooker a resounding success. Coke gammon not quite such a success. (It has been given a "myehh"() - they'd eat it again but it's a little sweet. I didn't think this lot would ever find anything too sweet and it's happened 2 days in a row!)

Half the cooking liquid has been made into soup, with onions, tomatoes, mixed beans, spices and put into the fridge ready to have chorizo added tomorrow (thought it was best to do it while the stock was still warm and let them nuke individual portions over the next few days) and the other half was cooled and frozen for another time.
It's a very sweet soup. I'm trying to think of something else to add to make it a little more savoury.

The SC was absolutely marvellous. When my fingers started to go blue this afternoon I pulled my sleeves over them and laid my forearms and hands across the lid:rotfl:

Thanks for the warning Maxjessdru. I wonder whether that's why Mr A seem to have stopped doing the basic bacon bits.

elizabunny

Good morning everyone. I'm feeling a bit battered today as the 'bug' I managed to pick up earlier in the week seems reluctant to leave. Only managed to drag myself out of bed at 9.30am:eek: I am hoping to revitalise my self with some inspiration from you all, as I've just dragged my old slo-cooker from the back of the cupboard and now its just sitting there staring at me -I bet if it could speak, it would say "well get on with it and make something". The problem is the only thing I can put in it, if I try to avoid having another shop, is Sausages or Fish I've got a joint of lamb but that's frozen so no good for today but maybe another day. I know I had a slo-cooker recipe book somewhere, but like me this week, it's gone into hibernation and mysteriously disappeared.

I managed to pick up some lovely jars of Cranberry Sauce, Chestnuts and pickled quails eggs -don't know what to do with these yet, yesterday from Mr T's. So that's a bit more for my stock cupboard and they were all greatly reduced. I think some of you on here have already bagged these bargains, but if not it might be worth checking out your local Mr T.

I don't know if it's just me and this silly 'bug' making me feel a bit down, but I can't help wondering if we're just experiencing the tip of the iceberg at the moment regarding the 'down turn' and that maybe there's alot worse to come. Sorry , I'm not being a doom-monger because I know nothing. It's just that there seems to be a digging in of heels regarding pricing in some of the big supermarkets, for example, lots of basics being priced rapidly upwards and alot less reducing of things in general for example in the bakery department at the end of the day. I also can't help thinking these interest rate cuts are not producing the results they should be and we're all going to suffer the consequences in the long run, if we aren't already.

Roll on the spring when we can all start growing our own stuff again and watch out Mr T and others because hopefully we're going to grow a shed load and we won't want your overpriced, tastless, imported goods.

Sorry folks, rant over:o have a good day!

D&DD

Back home safe and sound DS2 is quite stiff and sore but bearing up
Will catch up later as I've got a PILE of washing etc to do
XX

Margaret54

Hi everyone. Yes the price of food has really shot up and looks as if it is still climbing too. Even the cheaper foods are expensive and it is awful. Our gas has been terribly expensive, over here we can't switch our suppliers as there is only one company called Phoneix Gas, and we are so careful with it yet we are constantly putting money into the meter. We pay for it upfront and the electricity as well(only one supplier too) and we have a prepaid meter for that as well. I really feel for the people who are losing their jobs and homes and thank goodness we have this wonderful site with so many good people posting with help and support. Yes we will get through this.

mummysaver

Afternoon all!

D&DD - glad you're back home safely and that DS2 is doing okay xxx

Maxjessdru - thanks for the warning, will be doing the great meat hunt on payday next week! Oh, I know how to have fun lol!

Eliza - just been to our little local Asda and they have the sp bacon pieces in, the cooking ones. I need to check the freezer for bacon before I do any stocking up, packs always seem to hide down the sides, except for when you actually want them that is!

Tiddlywiddly - thankfully everyone who posts here seems really grounded and is fully aware of the realities of life, even those who may not have experience things like redundancy still understand how it can feel, feel free to post away when you feel like it, it's a scary situation to find yourself in, but somehow you do survive. We can all offer a listening ear and support, sometimes even helpful advice!

I've just been into Asda, now the rice in the little one is cheaper than the rice in the big Asda near where I work, how can this be? Is it old stock do you think or have the prices returned to their earlier level? Prob old stock, as this is where I picked up cheap tinned toms after the price had risen!

I used my wind up radio that I had for Christmas last night for the first time, it's fab, but wow does the winding make a right old racket! It also has a torch on it as well, so handy for night time power cuts and emergencies.

Do you all remember when we talked about emergency car kits, well I was telling a friend about the tea lights, guess what, today he told me he'd put some in his car! He only ever drives around his town so not sure how much use they'll be to him, but best to be prepared lol!

Was also talking to a friend about her food bill a few months ago, I nearly fell over when she said she just chucked out leftovers! Anyway, she has now proudly told me that not only does she freeze her leftovers, she is cooking extra at the time so she has assorted veg and ready meals that simply need defrosting - time to start her on rubber chicken and streeeetchy mince I think! I love it when people discover how easy it is to save themselves time and money, much better than when they look at me like I'm some kind of eco nut!

Maxjessdru

Bad day all round ...

Had to let one of our staff go today - we have managed to give him a month's notice and he was not surprised to be let go, but still not a nice thing to do.

Then found out that someone I used to work (till last year) with killed himself in his office yesterday. I wasn't particularly close to him (was my boss) but I also knew his wife anc can't really believe it, if you know what I mean. I only spoke to him a few weeks ago .. Mind you, something like that really does put everything else in perspective doesn't it - there is always someone worse off then you.

Anyway, hugs to everyone who is having a bad day.

rosieben

mummysaver wrote: »

...
Was also talking to a friend about her food bill a few months ago, I nearly fell over when she said she just chucked out leftovers! Anyway, she has now proudly told me that not only does she freeze her leftovers, she is cooking extra at the time so she has assorted veg and ready meals that simply need defrosting - time to start her on rubber chicken and streeeetchy mince I think! I love it when people discover how easy it is to save themselves time and money, much better than when they look at me like I'm some kind of eco nut!

I think its great that you're helping her to see the light! I'm sure there are a lot of people who've laughed at us in the past who'll be taking it seriously in the future. We're trendsetters now

Maxjessdru wrote: »

Had to let one of our staff go today - we have managed to give him a month's notice and he was not surprised to be let go, but still not a nice thing to do.

Then found out that someone I used to work (till last year) with killed himself in his office yesterday.
...
that really does put everything else in perspective doesn't it - there is always someone worse off then you.

Max, I remember rounds of redundancies years ago, its soul destroying to have to tell someone they've not got a job, and even more so if its someone who really deserves the job and does it well; we had a suicide too, it was dreadful for the family but it did put things into prespective for many of us. sad times ....

ceridwen

Maxjesdru......oh god....thats b****y awful to hear about that poor guy (ie the one you mentioned killing himself in his office)...and I guess the location he chose says it all.....so sorry for even the observers of something like that. For the guy himself - my usual prayer of "Please ...take him to the Light...if he's not there yet". We will hear more of this sort of thing and I think its appalling that people can be driven to such a thing....

Do take care of yourself...its one heck of a shock to even hear of such a thing happening - even if there isnt a close connection.

Reverbe

Max my heart goes out to you. It is really hard when times are tough and like someone else posted I think we are just starting.I know personally I am finding it hard to keep going sometimes being single with no partner, kids, friends or family. it is just heartbreaking to see how low some people can get.

I can't add much - cerdiwen said a lot. Just hope everyone here stays strong. I personally have found the OS boards a big help and the os pleasures board helps me focus on the good things.

((((((((((((((((((everyone who is finding it hard))))))))))))))))