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

maryb

I chop onions and dry them on a baking tray in a very low oven - my small oven has a slow cooker setting at 50 degrees C so it is about the same temperature as a dehydrator but I have also done it in the main oven which is a bit hotter. I use them for making onion bread so I don't know what they'd be like in other cooking. If you won't use them otherwise, maybe there would be nothing to lose by trying this?

thenanny2die4

GreyQueen wrote: »

Hmm, I wonder if these Tough Times will see a resurgence in repair companies rather than the trash-it-and-buy-a-new-one-its-cheaper state of play which had pertained for the last 20-30 years?

Be interested to know what the rest of you think/ have noticed.

I'm pretty sure this is beginning to happen. My DH became a self-employed handyman some five years ago and it's noticeable how the calls he gets have altered over the past year or so. People want things mended or improved rather than replaced. He's busier than ever (thank goodness) without the pattern of peaks and troughs which we came to expect in the first two or three years.

jamanda

Good post on the forum by JackieO which will be close to all our hearts, I think

paidinchickens

I think all of you should give yourselves a HUGE :T for coping so well with all your different problems. Hats of to you ladies!!!!

I went to a jumble sale this morning and bought two pairs of jeans, hopefully they will fit as I have had an expanding problem with my bottom lately :rotfl:

I absolutely adore jumble sales and all the different people you meet!!! I only started going last year and I must have saved £100s Apart from school uniforms and undies we have not bought anything new. If I need something for the house I always wait as I know something will crop up eventually. Unless the government start taxing jumbles next :mad:

Charity shops near me are now an absolute joke. People can't be paying those prices surely???

PIC xxx
I blame myself for the rubbish summer we have had this year as we fitted solar panels in March. DH bought three snow shovels cheap yesterday as we got snowed in for a week last winter and could not get off the drive. Would it be wrong to wrap them up for the three boys as part of their xmas gifts :rotfl::rotfl:;)

maryb

If the independent weather forecasters are right, you'll be able to given them the snow shovels as an 'early' Christmas present:rotfl:

mardatha

Not had time to read all posts properly. Smiley our new stove will take 3-4 weeks, and oh boy will I be glad when it's in. I love coal fired central heating and miss it SO much. Now I know what some of you go through on here, wearing jumpers and socks and fleeces. Bleuch.
Am worried about my wee hens too Smiley - they have stopped laying. Just stopped dead, both of them. I hope its the daylight hours reducing and nothing sinister. The wee things have been sodden, soaked and battered around the pen by gales for weeks - is a wonder they're still clinging onto life out there !
Feeling smug today - found layers mash £2 cheaper in a different farm supply shop and also got my sack of tatties at only £5.10 !! ;);)

fieldcricketmummy

Hello,all,

I am finally delurking to say hello. I am amazed by the stories, humour and lives you all lead. Thanks for the entertainment and advice.

I am trying to be more OS and instill that in my boys. My eldest loves shopping in the local CS and is always interested in how much things cost- hopefully this will stand him in good stead.

I was at my local Mr A's today and they had their value pasta in for the first time in ages. It is 18p a bag (500g) at the minute and in date until 2013. My store cupboard is a bit fuller. This is in contrast to Mr T's which is 41p per 500g. Don't know if this is a blip but thought I'd share as I was pleased to get what I felt was a bargain.

Sorry to have whittered on.

Have a good day, all

FCM

ginnyknit

Mardatha pop a spoonful of codliver oil in the chickens feed and some garlic infused cider vinegar in their water, this will either help them lay or prove its seasonal. Some breeds don't lay as many as others over a year.

Marmalade bubbling away nicely, fruit leathers drying out(slowly) and another 'c' word pressie finished.

Went to see Mum yesterday and she seems to be slowing down, still bubbly and enthusiastic though and besotted with my Dgs. this weeks haul included a pair of wellies for him and a bike for christmas - however its a Barbie bike ...hmmm OH will have to use those O/S skills of yester year in 'doing' up the bike. He had enough practice as a kid Its a grand little bike though complete with stabilisers and quite tiny so he should be on it around January - DGS that is not OH :rotfl:

Weather here is lousy, and the annoying thing is I have to have the lights on - more leccy :mad: burning away.

NualaBuala

Welcome FCM (and anyone else I missed delurking), have just been skimreading these days.

Just wanted to send big hugs and healing thoughts to those in need, human and animals alike.

The winds have died down here but it's been getting more and more chilly. No rain yet but it's coming by the looks of it. The shift in seasons has made me turn towards warming foods like soups and stews and also milk puddings (have had a slight tapioca addiction this past week!). I think I'll try that chickpea curry, it sounds scrummy so thanks for posting (and reposting it). I like to use spices a lot to feel warmer - I've started putting a little ground ginger into my porridge (ignore me Mardatha, I know it's not the proper way! ) along with cinnamon. And I am drinking gallons of tea but I do that year round, not just when there's a chill in the air. I'm quite nervous about the cost of heating this year - I used to love autumn and winter but now I'm just worried about the cost of staying warm and keeping the house standing (had a burst pipe last year and have 2 roof leaks that I need to get sorted). Anyway, I know it could be worse and I'm in a better position than lots of folk so I'll shut up now!.

oldtractor

I agree with NB, lots of stews and soups here and will make a rice pud tomorrow. heating still off , am sat here with a body warmer on. will be hot drinks and hot water bottle in bed tonight mithinks!