So poor I can't even pay attention

Piquant_2

Skint_but_Optimistic wrote: »

If you cancel the boiler insurance would you start an emergency fund incase it died?

Unfortunately not, I'm just trying to save money to live, nothing to do with debt-busting at all

ani_26 wrote: »

I was thinking that, but i guess the whole point of the exercise is to save on the expenditure, full stop? and if you are short of money, you will never set that money to one side? Difficult decision, unfortunately. But it sounds like you do need some sort of boiler fund. Still, you have THAT blanket, of which we are all envious ? :rotfl:

You're quite right, it is all to save on expenditure. If the worst happens, I have that blanket, an electric shower and a kettle....

bast wrote: »

I must admit Piq I cancelled the boiler insurance.. I live in fear of it breaking down. However we cancelled it over 2 years ago and I have spent money servicing it ... So it has worked out cheaper so far.... touch wood and please god lol I was chatting to a neighbour the other day and he has put me in touch with a guy who is really a lot cheaper than the chap we were using so if anything should go wrong, I will contact him. Please dont let my boiler go wrong now:rotfl:
We have only paid a small amount of the debts last month as it was a hellishly expensive month.. MOT, twins 21st birthday, My son needing help... :eek: So intending next 3 days to be NSD...
Hope work is okay today for you... x

My fingers are crossed for our boilers I've only paid off minimum amounts for a few months, can't manage anything more. We will come out the other side bast, really we will!

dorothy52

Oh Piq, I had tears in my eyes reading about gardening for the yard owner. You really ought to take some before and after pics and keep it for your portfolio, I have wondered for a while why you haven't put this very obvious skill and great passion to work for you. Can we have regular updates of this ilk please? I love reading your posts in general but when you describe the garden it really is special. Oh I feel really happy now, and here was me feeling rubbish cos I didn't get to see the grandkids today and now I am right cheered up so thank you!

Piquant_2

Finally here it is! I have already tweaked the recipe. You can, in actual fact bung the all the ingredients in the pan and leave it. However I wanted a more intense mushroom flavour so I roasted them with the onions and garlic in butter first. Because I've done it this way and used the big mushrooms, the risotto is a golden colour rather than the white risotto you would get with button mushrooms.

If anything it is creamier and richer than a hob risotto.

Ingredients

[IMG]http://[/img]

100g arborio rice
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
2 or 3 portobello mushrooms or lots of small button mushrooms
300ml vegetable stock
150ml white wine [not mse, but I have loads brought over from France by my parents ]
Parsley [optional as I don't like it!]

Method
Heat the oven 190 degrees.
Melt the butter in the oven in a pan.
Add the chopped onions, garlic and chopped mushrooms
Roast for about 10 minutes
Add rice, stock and wine - stir
Put the lid on and cook for half an hour.
Add chopped parsley if you like it!

]

bast

Desperately racking my brains to think of any help you can get with the boiler through JCP, but can think of none. The only people doing grants were the council and with the austerity measures I think they will have gone now.
Feel for you re work cannot say a lot on a public forum but I know the deal... do as I do Piq go in... smile.... leave.... and forget the mayhem.........:rotfl: Although fortunately I work with a lovely team of people...:T There are always a few problems....
Sounds like you made that chaps day... how lovely... it is so nice to put a smile on someones face... Well done you.. I like the fact whilst you might not have money you gave your time... and that is always precious....Says a lot about you Piq...:)
Everything else is sounding more promising... I am full of a cold and have been sick all day.. so feeling majorily sorry for myself...:)x
On the plus side the boys have been cuddled up on the bed with me all day... One under the duvet and the other on top... all of us snoring....O/h said it was noisy....:rotfl:

bast

o/h said mmmmmm to the risotto... I showed him the pics..he loves mushrooms can safely say that will be on the menu this week... thanks..... x

edited to ask you: When you say put the lid on and cook for half an hour is that in the oven or on top of the stove...???

walkers60

Hi Piq - Risotto looks delicious, love the picture of ingredients - like you did before with muffins. Isn't your worktop clear!
So pleased about the gardening you have done at the yard. Owner must have been quite overcome. I know you will plant it up well, use your quirky pots and labels, grow lots of herbs in your pots and who knows who may see it!! I sent off for some unusual herb seeds and spent time sowing them yesterday. When the time is right take plant cuttings and with your green fingers you will soon have lots to choose from. Well done, head gardener - it may well open another door for you. Someone who sees the transformation may well need extra help in their garden........ and you sing whilst gardening! I've always said that gardening should be the recommended hobby for relaxation and exercise. Hard work but rewarding as well.

NewLeaf_2

yes what a lovely clean worktop!

mary_hinge

stopping by to say hi!

I have luked for a while and loved reading your journey with Captain, I had tears in my eyes reading about the yard owner and your arrangement, nice to see there is still kindness in the world.

Mrs H x

cazmanian_minx

You might find these guys very helpful regarding taking the Captain barefoot:

http://phoenixhorse.myfastforum.org

If any tweaks to his diet are needed, it might be worth starting now. Have to say, my feed bills have gone through the floor since taking shoes off!

missrlr

I am so pleased you found something you can give back to the owner, and bless him again for the kind offer of total keep.
Yes pictures before and after for your portfolio
And makes use you sign the garden somehow .... Although your style will be part of that do a small thing which you can repeat and only genuine gardens have .... Thinking of when you hit the big time and are a sought after celebrity gardener ....