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

born_blonde

I've just found in my bookcase ( don't ask) Domestic Preservation of Fruit and Vegetables published in 1944 price 1s 6d.
It covers bottling, canning, pulping, jam.jellies. marmalade, fruit cheese, syrups, juices, candied fruit, chutneys, pickles and the drying of fruit and vegetables. Plus Fruit preservation with chemicals !

westcoastscot

So sorry to read about folks struggling with ME and arthritis - I have arthritis and just ache everywhere today. I was diagnosed two years ago in rather spectacular fashion - my lower spine went and I fell down the stairs - and I've struggled ever since with acknowledging that I can't keep going as I did. I do, however, have a much greater insight into my youngest's life and just how amazing he is to have stayed positive over the years with his ill health.

Anyway a waffling way to ask if anyone is familiar with the spoon theory? It was explained to me by a friend with lupus, and really resonated with me - its a great way to explain how debilitating this kind of ill health can be, and how much day to day management it requires. Linky below -

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/

WCS

oldtractor

((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) to all in need of a hug. TAke care of yourselves peeps,be gentle on yourself.

short_bird

charlies-aunt wrote: »

the C-word is on its way ....Sainsburys have dscreetly started stocking fancy tins of biscuits already!

And the :xmassmile cards are in the Cancer Research shop I went to on Saturday, when I was in Norfolk.... they always appearto put them out the week before August Bank Holiday:rotfl:

mardatha

I got glandular fever too, and then post-viral syndrome for 16 years. Then woke up one Thurs morning very tired and it never went away.Nevermind, soon we'll all be hitching up our knickers and getting started on xmas ...!

lizzyb1812

Squashes - as a "seasoned" grower - ie I grew them last year :rotfl:

Leave them to mature now until the first frost approaches. They will be edible now but very bland/tasteless - they need the maturing time. When you do harvest them don't cut them like you would a courgette at the stem but make 2 cuts either side of where the stem joins the vine so you've got a T handle with a squash attached to the bottom of it. Then dry them like you would onions, but for quite a bit longer to allow the skins to harden as much as possible. You should not be able to push a fingernail into the skin if they are hardened properly. Store in a cool, frost-free place - they should keep for months depending on the variety and conditions.

Butternut squash - if you are roasting and then making a liquidised soup don't bother to peel them - the roasted peel is like paper and comes off easily or you can leave it on and liquidise the lot. I don't know about other squash but I'll be trying the technique on one of my buttercup squashes.

As a newbie grower last year I did all the above after a good deal of research and it worked for me.

scottishminnie

Redlady - I think completing your study is a massive achievement in itself and deserves the right recognition. Don't dare forget that!

The exam is a small piece which you will sail through next time - as the others said this was just the practice run so you know what to expect. Chill out and celebrate how far you've made it:) and I'm a great believer in "what goes round comes round". The office hags will get their day - with any luck their cauldron will boil over when they are stirring it and scald them. I know - I'm a nasty piece of work;)

I think I may have a go at making granola later in the week. The ones I've been buying are ok but a little sparse on raisins etc so maybe I should make my own. I have porridge oats, honey, syrup, raisins, flaked almonds, cinnamon and dried plums so that should give me a nice mix. I'm sure I saw a recipe on here so I will search and see what comes up.

I "found" a huge jar of pitted green olives at the back of my tim cupboard last night and was so excited. I just love olives, so that was to be my Sunday evening treat along with a G&T. I have no idea where I bought the olives as they are a foreign brand but they are vile - seriously vile. They taste like plastic and musty and I could hear squeaking as I ate them. Truly so awful I nearly binned the whole jar - then I thought maybe someone on here would have a suggestion for using them. Hubby hates olives so just me that eats them - actually on second thoughts I'm not sure they are worth saving. To the bin tomorrow then.

I had a very un MSE moment at the weekend - it even shocked my mother which is saying something. I had taken her to a homeware shop through in Fife which she wanted to visit for ages and they had a huge kitchen and cooking section. I spotted something I've always wanted - 2 plastic egg poachers - £2.99 each. Mum was aghast that I couldn't poach an egg in the normal way but I've wasted so many eggs over the years I think my £5.98 is well spent.
Hopefully I can offset the savings from the homemade granola against the egg poachers:)

Off to read back through the pages before I head off - yawning my head off so I really should be making tracks to bed.

I'm back - happy very belated birthday Charis!

bonnie_bumpkins

short_bird wrote: »

And the :xmassmile cards are in the Cancer Research shop I went to on Saturday, when I was in Norfolk.... they always appearto put them out the week before August Bank Holiday:rotfl:

I had a catalogue selling :xmassmile stuff come through my door in mid-July. I am a contender for the biggest scrooge ever competition so I was mightily upset. Bah humbug

Reverbe

mardatha wrote: »

I got glandular fever too, and then post-viral syndrome for 16 years. Then woke up one Thurs morning very tired and it never went away.Nevermind, soon we'll all be hitching up our knickers and getting started on xmas ...!

we dont do Xmas here anymore

ginnyknit

Am hitching up my knickers next week and starting Xmas :rotfl:

WCS yes the spoon theory was explained to OH last month and he has found it a great help in explaining how he feels. Its a fab idea .

I do count my blessings even on days like today when Im in pain. I always thought arthiritis was aches and pains but now know better! I forgot I was babysitting for DGS tonight as his mummy and daddy are working non stop at the mo and needed to go on a date. I cannot believe the change in her OH since she told him to leave. She calmly told him he could stay if he pulled his socks up and my goodness he did. He got a job as a chef after doing a few months on the bar and his boss actually cares about him and appreciates his help - can you believe such a person still exists - so rare! Cuddles with my little man made me feel much better. He is my bliss