make do and mend for tougher times

jackel

Elisamoose - Used to buy Veg. rennet (until a couple of years ago) to make goats cheese. Got it usually from Sains and once from Tes. Easy to use (instructions provided)Unless you are going to make it in a big way I think a kit would be an expensive way as you probably can find things in your kitchen which would do. Called Vege-ren.
jac xx

Popperwell

Kouzapastella,
As others on here know, I have health issues and I lost Mum late April.

I am helped but the worry is that with changes coming in I may not continue to fit the criteria for the help I get. Then it will stop for a time because Mum had a small amount of savings but enough to change my circumstances. It will not last long paying bills, rent and CT. Then I have no idea if when I apply for help again I will be able to get it.

The worry of keeping a roof over my head is always there.

I have already had the shock of worrying about that(it was an error)and the panic that set in when a letter dropped on my doormat to tell me I was £500 in rent arrears and all benefits had been suspended approx 4-5 weeks after Mum had passed away. That arrived on my first birthday without her and I have to admit I broke down on the phone, even at my age. I felt so helpless and vulnerable.

It won't take long to use up Mum's savings...months I would guess.

And last week the DWP told me they had overpaid Mum's state pension by one week so I had to pay that back. It just wasn't worth questioning it and it was for the week following her passing so they were right.

I feel as though I am in limbo, I am coping with the loss and going through the grieving process and have surprised myself, I am thankful I have had the time to do so but it's that knowing something is coming but you don't quite know what. I appreciate the support shown on here too.

Popperwell

Katieowl, I won't print your long post again here but you are so right with what you say. I have put a link to it fo anyone who wants to read what you said...

I know if things get tight for me I will be using the CAB again and will appeal...whether successful or not...in my case I have health issues but that counts for little now.

Evie74_2

Hello everyone!

I've had a manic couple of days at the coalface and consequently haven't been able to post (managed to read a little each day, but just had a mammoth catch-up). (((Hugs))) to all those in need, especially Kidcat - pneumonia :eek: - hope you feel better soon!! - and to all those facing job losses/income cuts one way or another. Very worrying times - I don't know how politicians can stand there and claim that unemployment is down when its quite obvious to everyone that the stats are being "massaged" and people who are, in fact, out of work, are not being classified as "unemployed" for the purposes of Govt statistics.:mad:

Evil gastropods continue to decimate my veggies - one baby pumpkin has already been consigned to the veg plot in the sky, and it won't be long before others follow. I've put more pellets down, and am despatching as many of the blighters as I can myself, but it's a losing battle.

My storecupboard is getting quite respectable now - DH is getting concerned about the number of packets of instant mashed potato in the cupboard, but I keep telling him that he will thank me in the long run when spuds are £10 each or something ridiculous!

Right, another cup of tea beckons I think.

Evie xx

Popperwell

Kouzapastella wrote: »

Mishmogs duly understand about noticing things more when you have time on your hands,nhaving just moved into my bungalow a few weeks ago I ve noticed that next doors cat is using my plant pots as a loo it got a surprise this morning. Holly had sprung up overnight...won't be coming back I think....

And yes I'm a cat lover just don't want it plopping in my plants ...

Funny but also so very true...if only the work and life balance was better, that you work to live not live to work, being able to is another matter.

fuddle

Some dire reading today. I'm really sorry for the loss of jobs and the angst it brings.

Kemps wool was ok for me. A bag of chunky red and some green ear market for a christmas project, DK khaki that I'll make into socks. Some very bright orange mohair that i'll use for halloween along with dk black. Some blue dk and a little chunky rose pink. All will be used but not anything to be excited about.

The food for free book by richard mabey that I had reserved by the library is no longer stocked. The email said they would charge me £11 to get it from another council so I have to make sure I get that cancelled.

My loaf today has come out lovely, I have sussed it Mrs C

Beans on toast for tea tonight. That's what I get for buying cwappy wool lucky bags!

mardatha

Can anybody tell me before 6pm (!) how long and at what gas number do I bake a loaf? Its 70% WM and I'm trying it in the oven for the first time ever, to see if it comes out better than the BM.

smileyt_2

I can sympathise with people having trouble with benefits. I claimed on 31st May and so far have been messed around so much I haven't received a penny of either JSA or HB. Luckily I have some money from the supported lodgings I do for my LGBT charity, which covers the rent and council tax. The rest is all coming out of my savings and my storecupboard. It's a bl**dy good job I'm so frugal or I'd be in a right mess now.

It has just rained torrentially for over an hour. It was supposed to be lovely here today and for the next few days. Well, it has stopped now so I am going to dash out with the dogs before it starts again.

Thinking of having a civil ceremony ..... to my wellies. You're all invited, bring copious quantities of tea and cake! xxx

Possession

mishmogs wrote: »

No don't answer that, it will come eventually, that all elusive job. My personal advisor at the JC said it generally takes 12-16 months to find employment. Hopefully, it wont be that long. Still, I now know the wild birds in my garden and their habits and that pesky cat from across the green which flattens my plants when hes sleeping (when its not raining of course).

Oh dear I hope it doesn't take DH that long to find a job. We can't last that long without losing the house I don't think. : (

smileyt_2

mardatha wrote: »

Can anybody tell me before 6pm (!) how long and at what gas number do I bake a loaf? Its 70% WM and I'm trying it in the oven for the first time ever, to see if it comes out better than the BM.

Mardatha - gasmark 8 or 9. You need the oven to be hot. Pre-heat the oven before sticking the loaf in.