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

ceridwen

www.trusselltrust.org/foodbank-projects

NualaBuala

What a lovely post Red Doe, you woke up my warm and fuzzy spot this morning!

Marie - and anyone else near Dublin. Not sure if you're interested but there is a charity craft event called Handmaid today near St Stephen's Green. Here's a linkie. I'm booked in for one of the classes ... just as well as it's so gloomy looking outside that I don't think I'd move if I didn't have to!

Big hugs Jedi - I can't imagine what a fright you must have had. I'm so glad the wee one is on the mend.

Ah Ceridwen, isn't that always the way with self belief and confidence. Your friend, your mother and I can all see your super-powers... but it can be harder to see ourselves that way. And I know just what you mean about when we look at our parents' houses. I grew up in a lovely place (I am back there until it sells) and I doubt I will ever manage to afford somewhere as nice in my lifetime. So I will be practising a lot of contentment and equanimity!

(((Mrs VP))) - gosh, you've really had a lot to deal with and your GP doesn't sound very helpful, a great idea to book in with someone else. I keep hearing stories about how people only got proper attention when they kicked up a fuss - maybe that's just over here but I suspect not. At least you can do something about some of the risk factors for high BP - not always easy though. I think the Mayo Clinic is a good reputable site for arming yourself with information on the options before you talk to your Doc and a good backup if he isn't forthcoming with lifestyle advice!.:mad: You might know all this stuff already but just in case anyone else is interested, here's a linkie. Best of luck and hope your thyroid results come back ok.

Right I'd better get cracking - or I will never get moving. Have a great day everyone and gentle morning hugs to anyone who'd like one!

NualaBuala

Ceridwen, I'm not sure that you need any books as you seem to be a walking database of information! But from your descriptions I wonder if your house looks something like this?

taurusgb

Red_Doe wrote: »

Is it worthwhile forcing him to stay in at nights and letting him out during the days, or would that be cruel?
Dogs are easier, gotta say!
Does anyone kindly have a foolproof recipe for a simple corned beef hash please? I followed one from online and it wasn't very nice *blush*
I have no bacon, but have onions, tatties, and corned beef and can make gravy.

Would it be feasible to provide an outdoor shelter (sort of cat sized dog kennel) for the colder months? that might provide a sort of halfway house. Our cat just stops going outside between the months of October and March - even during the day...she's a real wuss (but I love her I do!)

I have a lovely corned beef recipe I do in my remoska but am sure it would work as well in a slow cooker or in the oven...

• slice potatoes, onions, and carrots.
• fry onions (I do this because I like the taste but would work raw if [STRIKE]you can't be bothered[/STRIKE] you're short of time)
• slice 1/2 tin corned beef
• layer potatoes in base of dish
• then onion, carrot, corned beef
• finish with layer of potatoes
• pour over 1/2 pint of beef stock (made from stock cube is fine)
• cook until knife slides through layers easily (about an hour in a Remoska using the shallow pan bit longer if using the deep pan)
• serve with green vegetables

I'm resting in bed this morning while DH washes floors and makes cakes. Have to say that although I am hating being ill and useless, one upside is DH relishing the learning curve. Because he works a lot of hours and I work part time I've always done most of the household chores and the cooking. I've also handled all the finances too. My being ill has been a forceful reminder that it is not a good idea for only one person to know how to do these things. So we have made a pact that from now on we BOTH learn about everything we can. Even if we do go back to our usual roles, it will be in the knowledge that we can substitute for each other when necessary.

He is absolutely loving making bread - says it makes him feel like the cavemen must have felt being able to supply a vital necessity for the family table :rotfl: bless him! says he's going to teach me how to change the oil in the car and other manly things when I'm able ......:eek: is all I can say to that!

Mrs_Chip

Red Doe

Cats are crepuscular - they like to hunt at twilight and daybreak. They will sleep during the night if they are out, finding a nice cosy place. General concensus is that it is better to keep them in at night because there is more risk of being run-over at night, and also to avoid fights which can transmit diseases. But try telling a cat that! As they get older cats seem to be content with less 'out' time - our's is an indoor cat but we give him access to the garden. On lovely sunny days he will sleep out all day and into the evening, when it is cold and wet a quick 10 min check on his territory and he is back indoors!

HariboJunkie

Morning everyone

I am so pleased your little boy is on the mend Jedi. Thre is nothing worse than the worry of a sick child. Please stop feeling guilty about your daughter. She will have had a ball with her grandparents and won't even remember this time in years to come.

I am sure there was someone else I wanted to mention but my brain is foggy this morning .

Red Doe, cats aren't really nocturnal I don't think. They actually sleep for about 20 hours a day but because they have perfect night vision and their prey is nocturnal they tend to hunt at night. We have a cat flat so ours comes and goes as she pleases. Is that a possibility?

I am decidedly under the weather again (yawn) but am going to force myself to get out for the good of my mental health. The girls want to go nut and mushroom hunting so we may try that in the woods near our office. OH wants to take some photos of his boat so we can put it up for sale and use the money more wisely.;)

Am of to try to shake myself :cool:. I promise to reply to pms today too. :D

taurusgb

Ah my precious I wants it.........

ceridwen

We'll share it Taurus - plenty to keep both of us reading for some time:rotfl:

VJsmum

Morning.

What a couple of weeks I've had - I is knackered innit

Took brood + a bonus one (niece) to Wales caravanning for a week last week. Kids did volunteering on preserved steam railway, which involved me getting up at stupid o'clock delivering them here there and everywhere (and being in an engine shed at 7 in the morning cooking bacon butties for engine drivers, firemen and navvies). Got a bit put upon by wider family members also staying there ("well, if it isn't too much trouble, could you.....?).

Came home and niece stayed last week and that's involved trips to theme parks, day out in london, local visits. Very MSE though as Tesco vouchers have taken a hammering (the only thing i have had to pay money for, apart from food, was going to see Wicked in London and even that was reasonably priced), and OS as picnics have been the order of the day. Amongst all that I've had to go to work for some of the time!! :eek:

Niece has had a wonderful time and is going home later today we will miss her I think (she's 14 but there has been no sign of stroppy teenager - I'm sure my sister tells a different tale!). She said she's had the best week of her life, job done then :T

House is a tip, washing is clean but not put away, garden is overrun. Kids back at school on Tuesday - I'm back at work properly then - for a rest

mardatha

I have a cat who lives in my stick box RD. I put in a polystyrene box that came as packaging and filled it with straw, and he sleeps in there most of the time. He was at deaths door last winter & we took him to the vet, who found he was chipped and was born in 1996 further up the village. So he's not got a lot of winters left, the wee soul.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51405939@N02/5405273619/in/set-72157624620273109#/