It was getting tough in 2006 and the workhouse still threatens us in 2011

Softstuff

Scottishminnie, (((HUGS))) and here's a G and orange (no T sorry!)

I had a period a couple of months ago where everything broke, in fact I'm still sitting on a broken sofa (a new one has been ordered), but have managed to resolve much of that. The boiler cost seems excessive for one thing, but I reckon the insurers are trying it on and a good read of the fine print there might help.

scottishminnie

toottifrootti wrote: »

scottishminnie who needs enemies with mothers that come up with those kind of bright comments - I bet she is related to mine:rotfl:

I feel for you with all that added expense - I wasnt around for the 1st saga - the insurance company is having a larf - thats appalling:eek: I suppose they say its wear and tear and therefore not actually covered.
I dont mean to offend because I dont know your circumstances but could you put the repairs/new boiler on your mortgage? it may be possible without a lot of extra expense? just igmore me if I am talking through a hole in my head - it happens:D

toots x

unixgirluk wrote: »

I'd check your insurance policy as that seems pretty stingy for your boiler.

meanmarie wrote: »

Scottishminnie....check you insurance policy document....if it has a 'new for old' clause they should pay you the total cost, IME insurance companies will try to get away with giving you the least money they can, so read carefully and then you have your ammunition.

Tootifrootti - thankfully after a lot of sacrifices we paid off our mortgage about 18 months ago. Unfortunately it's been a series of repairs since then so my big plans of what I would do with the money we'd freed up each month have come to nothing.

We had ring fenced £2000 to buy a generator so it looks like we will have to use that. The cheapest generator we could find that was suitable was £5000 anyway. Looks like we will be having another winter of power cuts, defrosted freezers and ice on the inside of the windows if we can't get the gennie though

Meanmarie/Unixgirl - the get out the insurance co seem to have is that it's the water jacket which has led to the situation. That has a seperate clause in the policy so I don't seem to have a leg to stand on. I certainly won't be taking another policy though, At well over £100 a year plus a compulsory annual boiler service which was around £150 I'd rather take the risk.

I'm planning to get some other quotes - I'm very cynical so I'm definitely having a second and maybe third opinion.

I'll keep you all posted on progress!

JenniO

Maryb - sloes should be picked just after the first frost if you can wait till then.

Mrs_Veg_Plot

Have been mixing being industrious with relaxing as I am on leave this week. I am also making the most of a few days off by working extra shifts at the weekends on top of the extras I am already doing so hopefully I can put something aside for christmas.

On Thursday I cooked a 14lb turkey (£5.99 aldi) cooled it and stripped the meat off it. This has done a sunday roast, sandwiches and soup (stock made from the carcass). There is soup and stock in the freezer along with the rest of the meat portioned up to make meals at a later date. I have boiled and honey roasted a ham which is now all sliced into portions in the freezer for sandwiches and used the stock to make pea and ham soup. Whist soaking and boiling the peas I did the whole packet and froze what I did not need for the soup into portions ready for soups/stews etc.

Yesterday I picked four pounds of wild plums, which I am going to make chutney with for family christmas gifts. I also fell over when I stood on a tree stump, which turned out to be rotten and crumbled underneath me. I am nursing several bruises and a sore head this morning .

I am off to the lottie this morning to do a bit of weeding and to collect some salad produce. I am also hoping to pick some more blackberries that are growing both inside the lottie enclosure and outside of it although I am not the only person picking from these spots so I am not sure if there will be any left.

Sun is shining at the moment but showers are promised fro later so I will make tracks to the lottie now whilst it is nice.

Have a good day

Mrs VP

toottifrootti

scottishminnie wrote: »

We had ring fenced £2000 to buy a generator so it looks like we will have to use that. The cheapest generator we could find that was suitable was £5000 anyway. Looks like we will be having another winter of power cuts, defrosted freezers and ice on the inside of the windows if we can't get the gennie though

Meanmarie/Unixgirl - the get out the insurance co seem to have is that it's the water jacket which has led to the situation. That has a seperate clause in the policy so I don't seem to have a leg to stand on. I certainly won't be taking another policy though, At well over £100 a year plus a compulsory annual boiler service which was around £150 I'd rather take the risk.

I'm planning to get some other quotes - I'm very cynical so I'm definitely having a second and maybe third opinion.

I'll keep you all posted on progress!

that s seems ridiculous - i would be looking to change your boiler maintenance insurance - i am with Hydro Elec and they dont charge for the service - they come every yer without fail and its 16.90 a month - ok a bit more than yours but still less than having to shell out for the service?
I would def be hunting for quotes.
with regard to the genny - my brother has lots of power cuts and their genny can only run the heating and the hot water - he says as long as they are warm they are fine. might be worth re-considering or even 2 smaller ones - like a small suitcase type genny for the freezer alone?
good luck honey
toots x

SDG31000

Many, many thanks to everyone for their advice with regards to my former neighbour Noreen.
I have to say that I was dreading seeing her in case it brought back memories of how bad things had gotten last year. Thankfully my worries were unfounded, as she looks very well cared for and happy. The care home's assistant manager came with her and it was obvious that she cares about Noreen and that Norren thinks the world of the care home and staff and that she now views it as home.
We went through all the cupboards and sorted out the things that Noreen wants to keep. Noreen has been assessed as capable of making decisions and kept trying to give me things. So I have witnesses to that fact and have arranged with the lady that came with her that I will take what I want and then bring some money to the home. We didn't want to upset Noreen by talking about money. This way she gets money for things that would have ended up in landfill otherwise.
On a more OS note, I now have Noreen's sewing basket and button pot. Now I just have to learn to make something to use them. My knitting needs to improve to cardigan level I think.
Now I'm going to go and bake some chocolate and orange bread and make some pizza dough for dinner.
I hope everyone has a good day xxx

toottifrootti

SDG i am pleased for you that Noreen was ok and happy - and even better that she could sort stuff herself - I am sure that must have helped her too - its nice that you will be able to have your momento with her blessing. and every time you use the button box you will be reminded as well

Mrs_Veg_Plot

Lots of blackberries left at the lottie so have picked about 31/2lb to make some jam with. It got quite windy and the brambles were swaying all over the place so I am now sporting some nice scratches.

Off to see a friend this afternoon who has terminal cancer. Will take some of the wild plum jam I made the other day.

Have brought home some more chard, beans, broccauli and pak choi. Off to search for some more chard recipes.

SDG I am so pleased that things went well with your neighbour yesterday. It must have been a weight off your mind to see her happy and well cared for. I am sure you will be able to use her things and smile when you do.

ginnyknit

SDG what a lovely conclusion to your worries, and how nice that the lady seems so well cared for - gives you hope that there are many good care homes.

Just been to Manchester on a mini shopping trip in the Northern quarter, got lots of bargains I ma happy to report. Ventured into primark to stock OH up for the winter, vest, t shirt and a wooly then bought a bag full of reduced jewellry to take apart and make into other stuff. Am getting on well now with the 'C' word. Manchester is still a bit tense and there is a large police presence. Ran out of energy - or rather my feet did so will have to go back and stock up on socks, just couldn't face standing in the queue again:o

So the rest of today will be a craft day, as soon as I dry out as the heavens opened as I got off the bus and it was that very wet rain - you know what I mean :rotfl:

grandma247

sdg google buttons on knitted cushions and click images. Some very nice ones came up and I am sure some were made from sweaters recycled. It has inspired me to have a look at what I have.