A new 'tougher' thread... and so it continues

mardatha

PAH, I'm the same. Don't get out much and don't talk to many people in RL most days, but the friends and help I found in this forum are beyond price. Well done pet !

modern_millie_2

PAH, great news! So pleased for you.
Mardatha and SDG, hope you are both feeling better soon.

Better go and have a look for those Northern Lights!

katieowl_2

Oh Bless you PAH... I'm so pleased you got your MP involved.
((((Hugs)))) from me too!

Well I'm full as a gal can be of goat curry I did have a second helping which I rarely do these days, as I know darn well if DS comes back with the munchies later it will all go!

Decided to use the bananas I had that needed using to try the Butterscotch Banana Cake again, rather than make the other one I want to make, as I thought the caramelised banana could have been a bit lighter and slightly less 'burnt sugar' tasting, and while I was at it I also made some of my oaty banana bars - using some dates that were still knocking around from Xmas and a few dried apricots, so there is plenty of noms for those who are inclined.

Took the dogs out, which was a bit of an ordeal as the back lane was full of sheeps poo, and for some reason the foul beasts decided this would make a tasty snack, and I had to put them both back on the lead and keep telling them off! Yuk. There will be no dog kissing for a few days!

I then nipped into work as one of the office staff had printed off the poster I designed for my Credit Crunch cookery lessons. I'm going to pop into town tomorow and ask a few places to put it up. I've settled for four lessons to start with, Storecupboard meals, Love your leftovers, Spice up your life (a curry one) and Frugal Far East. They are three hours long and we will eat what we cook in the class. They are a month apart, so I have time to work out what to do in each as I go along. I thought people could opt for what they are interested in, and maybe suggest some stuff they'd like to do later.

I've just had my DD at uni on Skype again, she's been really poorly over the weekend, the stress of finishing uni is getting to her, and she's having panic attacks. I managed to get her a Dr's appointment yesterday, and they've given her some medication, but it's really hard trying to support her over the phone. Her BF is going up to see her tomorrow, for the weekend, and poor lad, he is primed and awaiting a weekend of tears. Three weeks and she'll be home for Easter, then she only has another few weeks until she's finished for good.

Kate

ginnyknit

Katieowl I do hope your DD makes it through these last few weeks at uni. I can totally understand why she is so stressed, but sounds like she has a good BF, and of course your support.

PAH Im so pleased you got what is rightly yours, I hate the DWP with a passion and have spent lots of time fighting them. They cannot comprehend what devastation they cause and its nothing to do with money. You keep up your blog if it helps you, but if you can put some pics up of lifes nicer moments or things that make you smile and when you click on it you will feel good (thats what I do).

I dont get out much due to Oh's ill health and because we are frantically saving money - dont know what for, but we feel we need a cushion against the world. So when I feel hemmed in I stand on the back door step and take a deep breath and feel a bit better. The money we would spend going out would not be on anything important anyway - just clutter and things we dont really need.

Byatt

So glad for you PAH...and keep up the blog ([STRIKE]do you have a link[/STRIKE] found it, never knew it was there before ), as you will be an inspiration for others as it's often so tempting just not to fight.

meme, hope your DD continues to be well.

xxxxx

mardatha

Ginny, as always, yur very wise!

Winchelsea

PAH - so glad to hear your news! It's always worth contacting your MP.

When it's necessary they can step in to move mountains, but often their aides have the knowledge and experience to sort the problem - as yours has.

Mrs_Chip

So pleased about your good news PAH, I thankfully have never had any dealings with DWP, I fear the day I do, it's like a faceless monster it seems, and victories hard won.

Kate - sorry DD is down, hope BF is able to help, it must be terribly hard to be so far away. The classes sound brill - x fingers for them! Was the goat good (not too goaty iyswim?).

I got a bit down this evening, totally feeling sorry for myself in a very indulgent way. Then I read your post Ginny and it made me realise I should be very grateful for everything we have, and not be wishing for superficial gratification. I did treat myself to half a bar of Lidl 39p chocolate though .

(((Hugs))) for everyone not feeling the done thing, and hope all mystery ailments are resolved soon.

katieowl_2

Mrs_Chip wrote: »

So pleased about your good news PAH, I thankfully have never had any dealings with DWP, I fear the day I do, it's like a faceless monster it seems, and victories hard won.

Kate - sorry DD is down, hope BF is able to help, it must be terribly hard to be so far away. The classes sound brill - x fingers for them! Was the goat good (not too goaty iyswim?).

I got a bit down this evening, totally feeling sorry for myself in a very indulgent way. Then I read your post Ginny and it made me realise I should be very grateful for everything we have, and not be wishing for superficial gratification. I did treat myself to half a bar of Lidl 39p chocolate though .

(((Hugs))) for everyone not feeling the done thing, and hope all mystery ailments are resolved soon.

The goat was fabulous!!! Not too goaty at all. I'm so pleased to have found a local source. I used Poudre de Colombo Linky for the curry as I had an untried packet in the cupboard...nom nom. I had to boost it with a bit of chilli powder to get the heat I remembered but the flavour was spot on!

Sure a visit from the BF will help...She's just been away so long, the degree was four years...this is the last couple of months.

Kate

VJsmum

katieowl - it really isn't unusual for students to "fall apart" a bit at this stage of their degrees. One lad on my course when I was a student suddenly started stealing other people's assignments right at the end of 4 years. Another was set to jack it all in cos he couldn't cope with the stress.

A chat with her course director might help - we are always aware of how tough it is but it's important for them to keep their eyes on the prize and it will all be worth it in the end.

PAH really pleased for you.

I am as tired as Mr Tired from Tired town. I have worked 10 hours today - 5 of it on my feet teaching. I don't usually have to do that, I know it doesn't sound that tiring, but it is. I still have to mark 7 assignments, ice and decorate MIL's birthday cake, wrap her present, ice some cupcakes, pack, get my "bits" waxed and eyebrows tinted, do a bit of shopping, hoover the floors, and juggle some washing before 3.30 tomorrow. I might at least try to ice the cake tonight. cuppa tea first tho.