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

shelley_crow

Love to FTM and anyone else.

Horrendous day today, ds1 has been playing up all day, ds2 grumpy due to teething. They are both in bed now, yay! I'm sat watching hollyoakes with a jubbly lolly (both guilty pleasures). Can't get too comfortable, I haven't been able to do anything today.

I've had the unholy three due within a few days of each other, pet insurance, contents insurance and AA cover. I got a good deal through M&S and quidco for contents, £65 per year plus £45 cashback, let's hope it works! I've paid £99 for the full works on the breakdown cover, RAC were much cheaper so they bettered it. Pet insurance left to go, eek.

I'm thinking about starting to prepare for winter and have a load of decorating to do in the meantime too

3v3

smileyt wrote: »

I know :(:(

Here is a link http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=45793074&postcount=2442 to a post I have just put on the 'let's keep chickens' thread about possibly needing to rehome my remaining hen. If anyone has any bright ideas, I would be very grateful!

Actually read that post before coming to read this thread. No bright ideas, sorry

Did have a think about how much you have spent - I'm not saying you were wrong to do that, but it did make me think: "Would a chicken farmer have done that?" and I can't help thinking, no, they would not (and farmers also love their animals). Still, as you said, its not obvious until it is advanced. I really feel for you

hornetgirl

So sorry to hear about your dad FTM. Take care, I'll be thinking of you.

Hope everyone isn't wilting too much in the heat. If only we could bottle it and save it for the winter like we do with so many other abundant things at this time of year.

Looks like we may actually have a crop of figs this year, as opposed to only one ever ripe at a time, so I was thinking of making this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/figandgingerjam_13700.pdf Please can anyone help me with a couple of questions. It says the figs need to be washed and diced. Does this mean leave the skins on? Also the recipe calls for white wine vinegar, which I don't have. I have malt, balsamic and (very elderly) raspberry. Would any of these, or something else, be a suitable substitute?
Many thanks for any assistance.

[Deleted User]

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lizzyb1812

FTM - will be thinking of you and your dad and mum

hornetgirl - I've seen a recipe for raspberry vinager that has cider vinegar as an ingredient so I'd use the raspberry vinegar I think - ie cider vinegar/wine vinegar seem similar?

shelleycrow - I got the price of my pet insurance right down by looking at no frills policies. My dog is now insured for public liability and for illness at a decent rate of cover. I had to fiddle around with the comparison websites unticking stuff like advertising if lost, payment on death, etc. Ended up at 40% cost of old policy and 30% of cost of renewal "offer".

I got out of the house at last - leg wound starting to heal and bruises more bearable when walking than sitting. Got a few more blackberries but will wait until the weekend to do a real picking session.

We've got a bit of a thunderstorm here now - not surprising after the very high temperatures and humidity we've had today. Hoping my veg will get enough rain to avoid having to water by hand - it's enough having to do all the bloomin' tomatoes (worth it though )

Have a good evening all

shelley_crow

lizzyb1812 wrote: »

shelleycrow - I got the price of my pet insurance right down by looking at no frills policies. My dog is now insured for public liability and for illness at a decent rate of cover. I had to fiddle around with the comparison websites unticking stuff like advertising if lost, payment on death, etc. Ended up at 40% cost of old policy and 30% of cost of renewal "offer".

I got out of the house at last - leg wound starting to heal and bruises more bearable when walking than sitting. Got a few more blackberries but will wait until the weekend to do a real picking session.

Glad to hear your leg is feeling better :T
Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it. I resent paying an inflated £13.99 a month (an increase of £3 a month) for a perfectly healthy and young dog, he's been insured since birth and we've never had to claim yet (long may that continue!)

littlecal

((((FTM)))) thinking of you and your family tonight.xx

Lizzyb1812 - glad you are up and about!!

HariboJunkie

Smiley I am sorry I have no advice for you. I have been lucky not to have had vets' fees with my hens and I understand why it's been so hard for you.

FTM. Hope your Dad is ok. x
Hope you're on the mend Taurus. x
Glad you're able to get out today lizzyb. x

Managed quite a productive day today. Chased up some bills and am finally beginning to see signs of the money owed to us rolling in. :j
Got loads of laundry dried outside pottered in the garden, picking more toms, tatties, broad beans and lettuce. Then went fishing with OH and the girlies and took a picnic. Was a really lovely day and am just popping in quickly before a snuggle on the sofa with OH and a soppy film.
It may be tough but some days it pays to remember the good things.;)

7_week_wonder

FTM - just to say I'm thinking of you and your family. I hope your dad improves and remember to take care of yourself as well as your parents.

nicki_2

Just a quick post to link to a local newspaper article that shows just what can be achieved in an alleyway when you put your mind to it

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/in-the-mix/2011/06/08/award-winning-back-alley-garden-that-brought-a-community-together-100252-28839340/

Only just realised how local this is to me A number of people around here do this to their alleyways, but it couldn't happen in ours as its right next to a public footpath & people are constantly dumping stuff over the wall into it :mad: Not to mention the local *thinks of a polite way of describing them*... ASBO kids would probably destroy it :mad: