make do and mend for tougher times

[Deleted User]

I've just posted this on the Prep Thread too - In THE WORKS they have paperback copies of Richard Mabeys FOOD FOR FREE at £2.99 if anyone hasn't got one yet, Cheers Lyn x.

7_week_wonder

Happy Samhainn everyone - I've just spent a happy 10 minutes googling all about it.

Now I need a bit of a shove to get going again. How does everyone motivation themselves to get on with stuff when it is cold, damp and yuck outside? I managed a trip to the charity shop and did this week's food shopping, but I've now collapsed in a heap after all that activity!

Also, how have people recycled/disposed of their old computers? Most charity places only seem to want them if they are less than 5 years old (no chance!). There does seem to be a system to return my computer back to its manufacturer, but that needs me to pack it all up and take it into work for collection - hmm.

Hope everyone is having a more productive day than me!

Uniscots97

7_week_wonder wrote: »

Happy Samhainn everyone - I've just spent a happy 10 minutes googling all about it.

Now I need a bit of a shove to get going again. How does everyone motivation themselves to get on with stuff when it is cold, damp and yuck outside? I managed a trip to the charity shop and did this week's food shopping, but I've now collapsed in a heap after all that activity!

Also, how have people recycled/disposed of their old computers? Most charity places only seem to want them if they are less than 5 years old (no chance!). There does seem to be a system to return my computer back to its manufacturer, but that needs me to pack it all up and take it into work for collection - hmm.

Hope everyone is having a more productive day than me!

If your area is anything like mine then there will be someone in your freecycle area who loves tinkering with old pc's. Here its a retired chap who gets someone's old pc and cobbles it together with other bits and pieces, puts free software on it (word processor, spreadsheet etc) and advertises it back out for those who need a pc for studies etc but can't afford one (apparently he likes to be busy and this keeps his mind active). He's quite well known for it and the pc's he puts together are great. I've known people in the past pop back with a thank you loaf, cakes, jam etc.

PipneyJane

Good afternoon All

I think I've caught up. (Probably not.) Thanks for the good wishes.

Had a chat with my Boss this morning. I'd been stalking Big Boss' desk but turns out my Boss got the dates muddled and he's in Glasgow. (Grrr....) Anyway, Boss had managed to talk to Big Boss on the phone and has been told that as far as he's concerned (Big Boss, that is) it's business as usual for me and my team. I'll report to a different Financial Controller but nothing else will change.

Boss will talk to my new FC tomorrow (when they'll be attending the same meeting) and push the same line. Friday, I'll phone the FC and arrange to meet him. I've already got a visit arranged to his office for the end of the month. The big worry is he'll palm us off to the other controller who's up there, which would downgrade my role and make things a nightmare for my team (those who've met him do not like him). Anyway, the latter is not what Big Boss wants so I'll drag him into the mix if necessary.

Fuddle Congratulations on the holiday. I hope you have a wonderful time. Personally, I find the French to be very nice people and I love wandering around their markets. My most used phrase is "Bonjour. Excuse moi madame/monsieur, je parle un petit peu Francais. Je voudrais...." which roughly translates as "Hello. Excuse me madam/sir, I speak a very little French. I would like..." and then I point and make lots of hand gestures if I dont know the word. They seem to love it that I've made the effort. Also, I was told that the correct etiquette is to always say "Bonjour" as you walk into a shop. (Don't wait to be spoken to.) It announces your presence.

Lyn/Mrs LW Good news about your daughter. Fingers crossed about her flight home.

PAH The housing association obviously sent someone who knows nothing about gardens. Publicity is your best friend.

Softstuff. It never rains but it pours, doesn't it? So sorry you're in pain with shingles. (I'm another sufferer.) You may never see a rash - some people don't. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thiing, but I hope yours goes away fast.

Possession. At least you can console yourself that all this job stuff is a good boost for your DH's ego. Being made redundant can hurt a lot so having companies fight over you is a wonderful tonic.

Monnagran. Good luck with the Legion catering on Saturday. It's lovely of you to step in at such short notice.

Nuttyp. Congratulations on the job. Good luck with the induction.

SQ. Sounds like you got a bargain with the tickets for the fireworks. Hope you have a lovely time.

Cheapskate. On the knitting/crochet thing, you're in West Yorkshire, yes? Anywhere near Ikley? I did a quick search and this shop run classes on knitting and crochet. Might be worth popping in and having a chat with them.

Pops. Your busses are a nightmare. Makes me wonder: are there any transport planners employed any more? What happens down here is that they find excuses to split routes so that they can charge you two fares.

Everyone else. Sorry if I've missed responding to you. I can never keep up.

- Pam

VJsmum

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

HAPPY SAMHAINN MAR!!!!!! Welcome to winter, I like winter too because I'm a January birthday and I love the wild, gusty winds and cold frosty weather when it comes, Have a good one, Cheers Lyn and Him!!! xxx.

I, as always, seem to be an exception that proves a rule as i am a December birthday and LOATHE winter!

Hope you all like bananas

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20126452

[Deleted User]

Happy samhain, I too like winter best and feel that this is what all my preps have been gearing towards. My birthday is in january too. Thanks mar re the meetup invite we are just having a 4 night stay in one hotel and there is a trip out every day but will always bear a meetup in mind if we come up your side of scotland on our own

The coach holiday is in a luxury coach and we will be picked up from our house and taken to the coach depot. So much better than flying and we are already packing lovely things to do on the journey. Dh wants me to knit a pair of arm warmers for cycling and I have loads of bright thin sock yarn plus a suitable tiny circular needle, lol much better than 4 very pointy needles while on the road, I mean you never know and don`t want an epitaph saying `she was gored by a double pointed needle while knitting on the motorway`

Am getting more adventurous re socks and am now following instructions from
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704
I love the way you can use whatever tension you like to create the pattern you want. Confusing at first though and not for the complete novice but it`s a gem of a book

nuttyp

Good afternoon everyone, had a very productive morning. Have done 2 loadsof washing this morning, and got them sort of dry. Damh rain has just started. Moved the large bookcase to the conservatory come dining room. Found a few cobwebs there too!!

DD has rang to say when she requires mums taxi to collect her, nice to be given a bot of notice. Need to do the ironing but its just not happening.

Found the biggest but nicest rung on the well known aution site, its not far away and currently £10. Will have to monitor how it goes, dont really want to pay much but it would be nice.

It sounds like everyone is on the way up, hope everyone has a lovely day. Will try and check in later.

[Deleted User]

VJsMUM - Wouldn't it be a boring world if we all liked the same thing? It's good to be different and it's good to be yourself!!! We like you just the way you are because you're fun!!!!!

PAM - Thanks very much, we are waiting to see if her flight goes this evening, it's currently listed as departing from JFK and is on the arrivals list at Heathrow, however, I'll be a relieved mum when I know she's back here again!!!!! Cheers Lyn xxx.

SDG31000

Happy Halloween everyone

I am sitting here trying to summon the energy to get all the Halloween decorations out of the loft. I have made a "Beware of the Rabbit" blood splattered sign and we have a toy rabbit with glowing red eyes on standby as this year we are going with a homage to Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I am just hoping that everything doesn't blow away. I am trying to decide if I want to paint an old sheet to put on the gates. I was thinking it could say "Home of the Former Knights of Ni" but I don't think anyone will get it.
I want DH to come home and deal with all this as he is the one that wants to do it. I just want to put the electric blanket on and to go to bed. I couldn't find any pumpkins so that has saved me one job.
I had better get my bottom in gear and do something, but it might be putting the kettle on and having some of the cake I made last night

Take care xxxx

nuttyp

Well i watched on bbc iplayer the programme about coventry's foodbank. What an eye opener, not sure i would be trusting the man who was the conartist as a courier.
The lovely Charlotte, what an inspiration. I hope she manages to complete her university course. The lady called sandra with 5 children, what i cant understand is why didnt she sell the 51" plasma and the mac computer she was proud of owning? I dont have either, but if i ended up in the same way, im sorry but on the auction site it would be going. They are luxury items, or they are in my world.

Sorry for the rant guys, will remember to take all the things that my kids decide they dont like anymore to the foodbank. Now where did the sweet n sour sauce go...........