Live on £4000 for a Year, 2009 Challenge, part 2

patchwork_cat

Really 6" am surprised I suppose that is because the crops don't stay in very long and don't have time to develop a deeper root system. This might cause a problem with longer term crops, possibly. It may be why there isn't much info on fruit. I believe that strawberries though do grow well in vertical planters. We recently changed from bins to wheelies and I did consider drilling holes in the sides of our bins and planting up with strawberries, but I couldn't get over the yuck factor!! You could grow them in vertical hanging grow bags mounted more than 2' off the ground! As I don't suppose they would taste as sweet any lower with your dog! I have a !!!!!, so my main concern is dead grass patches! (Silly Edit - I have a female dog!)

Very stressed today I have major gynae problems and have been referred for a hysterectomy, but I feel they haven't explored other less drastic avenues, I really don't know where to turn as my GP has some serious gaps in her knowledge- would go into it, but it is a public forum and people don't want to read about women's problems!! That together with the solicitor and step brother mucking about with the trusts/will and the infighting going on between my 2 step brothers + other usual pressures, son's GCSE's, and both kids changing schools and getting worked up about it means I am in a bit of a fug.

However when you read about other people's problems you feel ohh I am a drama queen!

cw18

Potatoes it says you need a 12" deep box (if I remember rightly), and if you want the long thin carrots instead of the shorter stubby ones then these need the 12" as well. As it mentions those as 'exceptions' I'm surprised at the total lack of any fruits.

bails

Hugs Patchwork Cat, can you get a second opinion from another doctor if you feel yours doesn't have adequate knowledge? Hope you feel more upbeat soon x

The little corner of Frugaldom seems to be coming along nicely, I'm not sure I've been around to say how fab it is that you're now neighbours Nyk and SM :T That fixy-up sounded appealing til you mentioned the road Nyk...

I had a lovely birthday yesterday, OH started work at 11 so we could have a lie-in and he could make me breakfast in bed, which actually ended up as breakfast in the garden as the sun was shining. Despite the weather forecasts it was beautiful all day so we had a picnic in the evening with some Prosecca from Sardinia, yum. I also went for a swim (the same no of lengths as my age ), had a free hot stone massage and facial and met a friend for coffee and cake. A perfect day! Oh and my present from everyone was a camcorder to take travelling which is exactly what I wanted:j

Today is a massive to do list and trying to knock some of the boring things off it so I can do something fun later. We're out tonight to see some alternative jazz as part of the Fringe Festival here, should be good.

I'm still trying to maximise my money as much as possible and we have a very good standard of living for our income, I just can't help feeling my efforts are a little sidelined by going away. I'm not growing anything or stockpiling etc but I'm still very much with the challenge and will be getting fully back into it once we're back next year.

Look forward to seeing your tabby Lynda and I really will try to locate the lead for the pup photos Nyk Have a great day everyone and here's to a weekend of sunshine x

whitewing

bails wrote: »

. I also went for a swim (the same no of lengths as my age ),

That reminds me of when DS decided to invite himself along to our weekend away. 100 lengths of the hotel pool and he was still wide awake and chatting at 10pm and didn't want the day to end as DH and I were getting somewhat frustrated!

Must not spend money this weekend. Got to be good.

Pauper1

shaz_mum_of__2 wrote: »

Just as a rough guide since following this challenge since last summer and joining in proper in January we have managed to save £8,000 plus we have spent quite a bit on home improvements and the garden . we don't feel deprived either...........the opposite if anything

Wow! That's brilliant!! I'm very jealous of everyone saving so much! I can't wait until I can start to do that - must feel like such an achievement!
(too many exclamation marks - I do apologise :rotfl:)

re potatoes; (I can't work out how to quote more than one person..!) I would love to grow pots in my mini-veg garden, as we spend so much money on them at the moment, but my garden is mostly stone and paving (and as we're renting, there's not a whole lot I can do about it! ) Which means that I have to grow everything in pots and planters.

Someone suggested growing them in a bin/large bucket - has anyone tried this and does it work? Do they have to be in any special kind of conditions?

Also, as I mentioned on the GC board, I just want to say thanks to everyone for being so welcoming on here, and giving me so many ideas
Laura x

shaz_mum_of__2

For those that asked it was a mr T credit card one of those junk mail things that came with a clubcard statement.............finally useful junk mail!

Patchwork cat dont worry about your gp's lack of knowledge your consultant will discuss all options with you and surgery is always a last resort.............well around here it is



Shaz

patchwork_cat

Shaz - surgeon didn't that is my problem, it was a 5 min cons and 1 st stop surgery! (not even been offered a mirena!) . I spoke to consultants secretary today and she said he is sometimes very busy and doesn't have time to talk things through - very telling that she admitted that I think.
I have managed to get my surgery put on hold and a referral to another consultant though - so I will try and get all avenues covered as I really don't want my depression to come back (which it might well do if I have major surgery that I don't want or haven't accepted)

Sorry earlier post on re-reading doesn't make it clear that I have seen the consultant and the visit to the GP was after this to say - hey what is going on!.

Feel more positive though - need to be sure I am doing the right thing. Nearly went to Costco with my misery andfell off 2 wagons then - diet and spends!

shaz_mum_of__2

patchwork cat

sounds like you have it covered, 2 opinions better than one


Pauper i grow new potatoes in black plastic buckets that Mr M sell(flowers delivered in them ) usually 8 for 99p but usually more in the pack

This is last years




we are eating this years already! getting about a pound and half to two pounds per bucket (enough for 1 meal for 3 people) 2 seed potatoes per bucket to start with


Shaz

Savvy_sewing

Now that I have moved into the cottage with DS, and he is leaving school in a matter of weeks, I have no choice but to live on my ESA benefit,! This is scaring me. But as it seems that so many of you are managing it gives me hope that I will too.
Was a bit worried today though when I picked up a few bits at tesco and found I had spent £34 odd!.
Definitely got to go back to basics here!.
I also have a kitchen full of odd stuff that will not fit into the small cupboard in the cottage. Think I may have to rethink whats in the cupboard under the stairs! It may be needed for my kitchen gadgets!.

cw18

Mooloo - how old is your son? Is he going to college in September?