As The Workhouse Approaches....How To Do Everything To Avoid It, the Old Style Way

scottishminnie

jackieglasgow wrote: »

I'll join in with the moaning about the weather too. The grass in my back garden is knee high, in just three weeks and has been far too wet to cut. Its only fit for dogs and boys, which is just as well really, seeing as I have some of those in the house. My DS2 is back from his camping expedition, with a suntanned face and clothes filled with mud. Only in Scotland could you get that particular combination.

Couldn't agree more on the weather - it's soul destroying. Looking likde a typical bank holiday right now - sunshine one minute and p**ing rain the next.

Well I'm sure it was BIlly Connolly who said something like "if you don't like the Scottish weather just hold on 15 minutes and another season will be right along" - he couldn't be more right!

I propogated spring onions inside for 6 weeks and planted them out last week before the storms, I don't have a single one left. I'd love to save for a big solid greenhouse but it's at the back of the line behind the generator and the stove now:(

HariboJunkie

As times are tough and we can't afford to move we are going to extend this house. OH wants to do it himself but I won't let him. I'd be really grateful if anyone has got any tips on how to survive the building work and how to get the best out of our contractors?

sammy_kaye18

Thanks Ceridwen - I may try and venture into the loft later today once Owen is home to see what is up there as I'm sure we have bags of teddies etc in Ben's room that can possibly be re-homed up there and not missed.

Apart from that I will looks at pots etc that will be suitable for what I want to grow - Im thinking just trying our stables at the minute - so onions, carrots, possibly swede ---- which BTW The coop no longer sells - as I was informed yesterday - how random is that!

Also the bookcase idea would be good but the dog has access to the kitchen at night and Ive no idea what my kitchen would end up looking like if he got to supplies. The cupboard upstairs is probably my best bet and the little room itself has a window too which in winter I could possibly keep cracked open to keep it cool. I'll post a picture later if I manage to find the door behind boxes!

Think I need to invest in some glass jars and cereal containers.

ceridwen

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

Think I need to invest in some glass jars and cereal containers.

Must admit I have a strong preference for lock-and-lock containers myself (:o - as they're plastic:o).

Over the years I've gone through a range of different types of storage containers - metal to tupperware-type etc. I've now settled on those lock-and-locks (as one can even hold them upside down and no liquid drips out - the only type of container I've found to date that one can say that about....). This is supplemented by some large glass coffeejars (from years ago and the days when I drank instant coffee - which I dont like these days - so no more of them available). I have some cheap Kilner-type jars from a discount shop - but wouldnt buy cheapie ones again - as the tops are useless.

overall best bet is those lock and locks though - cleanable/stackable/non-breakable/non-leakable....and yes there is quite a difference between ones from discount shops and ones from, say, Lakeland. The few discount shop ones I've got arent much cop...so I would say "Be careful what quality you are buying of them".

mardatha

:rotfl:IS just getting a sack inside a freezer that we have to crack now !

grandma247

Sammy make sure you put some kind of mesh over the window if you want to leave it open to keep out bugs and tiny four legged squeaky pests.

Cheap greenhouse solution here.

Bugs and freezing flour here Although it refers to grains as many Americans buy and grind their own wheat the freezing would still apply to flour.

HoneyBee83

Runner Beans- Great now i have slugs etc munching on them!
Looked up Nitrogen deficiency on the web and Yes! Thats what my once lovely green beans look like...
I may get on to Grandad about this. He used to have farms and now helps on local ones with their gardens and veggie plots...I'll play dumb and pretend i know nothing about whats wrong...Will keep you posted GreyQueen he may have more tips etc
Good news- Mums friend has brought 12 chickens so free eggs whenever i want (depending on how they continue to lay). Mum and i really want to pay her somehow but she wont take money and already grows veggies and bakes... Heads together i think!! Any ideas welcome.

redlady_1

HariboJunkie wrote: »

As times are tough and we can't afford to move we are going to extend this house. OH wants to do it himself but I won't let him. I'd be really grateful if anyone has got any tips on how to survive the building work and how to get the best out of our contractors?

Oh yes...having just restored my cottage I can tell you lots about these people! Dont think that by feeding them and giving them cups of tea they will do a better job - they wont! You do get what you pay for so dont scrimp. It will cost more in the long run. Make sure you get references from people who they have done work for before (as you are having major structural works). Go and look at the work. Also, they work on a different time zone. If they start getting funny because you want to see their work, then step away. Tradesmen have big egos and are quite happy to show off their work if genuine. Make sure they are someone with a good reputation. It sounds obvious but my worst mistake was in getting so desperate for a carpenter (after 9 had come to quote!) that I took the one who wanted the job...I knew nothing about him. A very big and very costly mistake. Keep your eye on what they are doing but make sure its subtle. If you leave them alone you may find they will try and fit other jobs in around yours. Make sure you have a definitive time scale and also get a written estimate, not quote. Ask whether they have factored in for any problems that may arise. Make sure you have some extra money put by just in case. Get a local guy so if anything does go wrong you can get him back (yep, learnt that one!) and also I would go for a company. Just my preference and dont forget that alot of quotes exclude VAT so double check. Make sure that you agree to pay them in stages upon completion of the building work. Finally, nip to Tescos and buy something called "patience". I hear it can be invaluable in this situation!!! :rotfl:

Good luck. I seriously do not envy you!!!

redlady_1

mardatha wrote: »

:rotfl:IS just getting a sack inside a freezer that we have to crack now !

You see my problem!!!

redlady_1

HJ - the best guy I had was a plumber. He was old school, VAT registered, had an excellent reputation and cost me double what everyone else quoted. But he turned up, took measurements, did drawings and was throughly professional. I gave him the keys and moved out for two weeks whilst he created a bathroom. Two weeks later I moved back in (I kept nipping home to check on the work) and I have had no problems. He was worth every single penny. He is the only person I have used who I would recommend to anyone - and I have used alot of tradesmen.

I will think of other things no doubt.