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

Winged_one

jfdi, When we got our attic converted last autumn, the builders went away one Friday evening having put in the 3 spots into the roof, complete with bulbs. Over the weekend, we had gotten LED spots to replace them and totally confused the builder on Monday morning!

What we found was that they are slightly blue light (the ones we got anyway) but they just went into the standard fitting no problem. And as they're on the attic stairs, we can leave them on all night if need be (there's a 5 year old up there and no loo), but they are slightly dimmer than the standard spots (plenty bright enough but not dazzling when you come from a pitch black room).

I think OH just got them in the local hardware store (like B&Q, but Irish chain called Woodies). We put them into the attic room too, as there's 3 spots along the ridge line as well. And they're great.

The leds for the light in the kitchen are more complicated to find though (2 lights, having 4 and 6 directional bulbs coming off them), although as the original ones get blown, we are replacing them with leds.

In fact, the only light fitting that is not energy efficient bulbs at the moment in the house (most are CFLs), are the 5 roof spots (large ones) in the extension at the back of the kitchen, and they are on a dimmer switch so I don't think we can change those.

modern_millie_2

Jackie G, GQ, thinking of you.

Taurus, good luck today.

Larumbelle, excellent news!

Quick query - I bought some wool in a charity shop last week, also bought a simple pattern, but have no needles. I'm going to try the charity shops, but if I'm unlucky, any ideas for finding them at a reasonable price? No rush, as this is intended for a winter project (unless I get bored before then!).

Rowan9

Ask in charity shops modern millie - sometimes they have them on display but others have them through the back or under the counter. Most charity shops have them somewhere i think. Good luck with your knitting. Mine is under the spare bed, where it's been for over a year. I am thinking of having another go at it. I just have to find where I am in the pattern. There are a few knitting groups near me so I might go along and join one - I'm sure they can untangle me.
Got a bit over confident with the disappearing of my cold sores yesterday so didn't apply much vinegar. Now they are nice and prominent and v crusty. eeeek. Serves me right. Will apply regularly today!
Thanks for the gammon advice - it was disappearing very fast so it is sliced up and frozen. Just a bit for DH to have tonight with chicken - the rest of the chicken is frozen too. I made some nice soup as well and froze portions of the odd tasting soup. Feeling very thrifty.
Heading out soon and will pick up Cadbury's Highlights tub at £land. We have got into the habit of having one at bedtime so we go through a tub quite quickly.
Been watering DD's tomato plants this week as they are away but today the door wouldn't open. Only have one key for it and not sure if it's the key or the lock. I think it must be the lock although the key goes round into the position ok and it *should* just open. Not sure whether to get a locksmith out or wait till they come back. Ah but that will be Sunday and locksmith will prob charge more + not a nice end to a holiday, having to wait to get in.hhmm will get DH to have a go when he finishes work and make a decision then I think. Or maybe ring DD and ask what she'd like us to do. Ah but that might spoil her hol. Or would it? Can you see how my mind is rambling today??!!
Ok off to do things!
Thinking of those here who are having troubled and worrying times.
W

Skint_but_Optimistic

Hi try squirting wd40 in the lock first and on the key. :-)

VJsmum

Try Kemps wool (online) for needles.

(assuming there are old ladies in the family or neighbours who don't have any)

Warning tho - kemps is addictive.

jackieglasgow

Nooooooooooooooooooo don't go onto Kemps, you will never escape!!! Try your local charity shop for knitting and crochet needles, my local ones keep them in a tin under the counter, at 50p a pop.

Thanks for all the good wishes. GQ I hope your mother is OK .x

Larumbelle

For knitting needles I would ask at charity shops too, ours can't display theirs so they're always out the back. Or I would ask around friends and neighbours, even people who don't knit seemed to have them stashed away where they've inherited them.

If I had to buy them I would try a local shop first, they'll almost certainly be cheaper once postage is factored in, ours is cheaper even than ebay, and I think it's important to support these small independent shops - you miss them when they disappear! Although I second that Kemps is addictive. I've never paid full price for anything, but sometimes you can find some proper bargains.

What size do you need? I bet one of us could give or lend some!

Jackie & GQ - :grouphug: I am thinking of you and your families today xx Also VJsmum, fingers crossed for you, I'm sure all will be fine, and Redlady, it's a difficult position to be in for you. Probably it would be no easier even if you had experienced bereavement yourself, people mourn in very personal ways and if I've understood correctly they are an unusual set of circumstances. The only thing you can do is be there for them.

I am still on cloud 9 but it feels funny having to get back into a routine. Luckily I work afternoons / evenings so it's not too bad. I got the New Look £1 offer again today :j and again, it's lovely. Off to do some washing, sewing and have a quick tidy round now.

annie123

Just in case anyone else like me is with British Gas http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14077651

Gas bills will rise by an average of 18% and electricity bills by an average of 16%

I may have to learn to like kale :eek:...............it grows anywhere, any time and it's healthy, there is only so far you can stretch the pennies!

Visits to kemps wool shop will be a distant memory, lights on in the evening a luxury and we could all sit in amazement at the heat given out by a gas ring on the cooker to keep warm!

shelley_crow

annie123 wrote: »

Just in case anyone else like me is with British Gas http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14077651

Gas bills will rise by an average of 18% and electricity bills by an average of 16%

I may have to learn to like kale :eek:...............it grows anywhere, any time and it's healthy, there is only so far you can stretch the pennies!

Visits to kemps wool shop will be a distant memory, lights on in the evening a luxury and we could all sit in amazement at the heat given out by a gas ring on the cooker to keep warm!

I've just read that on MSN :eek::eek: Is it too late to fix our prices now? I should have done it a couple of weeks ago when I htought about it.

jackieglasgow

the new BG fixed price is 5% ABOVE what the price will be when it goes up in August Looks like they think there will be another rise later in the year.

That's my unprofessional opinion BTW