make do and mend for tougher times

Popperwell

meme30 wrote: »

Popperwell:- We loved the Elgar but the rendition of Jerusalem made me fill up! Equally 'Abide with me' was a real stand alone moment!

It's always going to get to me...even days before I lost Mum she could Jerusalem that as clear as a bell and always told the story how as a child she had taken part in a concert in the town hall and sang that song...once I am no longer here these memories are lost.

I'll always wonder if I could have saved her and she may still be here(natural thoughts)

Wish I knew more of her early life, can't ask now...:(

I wonder how I will deal with the Last night of the Proms and Rememberance Sunday when it comes around...when these are played...

prepareathome

Pops the time to worry when you have used up your mums savings, you have at least that as cushion - ok will not last long, but its a lot more than a lot have.

Why would not having DLA stop you renting your home? Your rent is paid by HB not by your DLA and you don't get HB because you get DLA so even if you did lose your DLA it will yes give you less money to live on but will not affect the HB that will still be paid.

You are not sleeping or eating well and you are getting yourself into a total tizzy over things that have not happened yet, nor will happen( as I said DLA going will not affect your HB).

You need to have a nice long soak in the bath and relax and get some sleep.

I know you have can use the internet as much as you want at night but you will get your allowance whether you use it or not - you do not need to use the full allowance every month, its just I guess you cannot carry it over till the next month, but each month it will restart.

You need a good meal and sleep my friend.

Hugs xxxx

Popperwell

kidcat wrote: »

welcome elche

Pops - were you registered with your local carers centre, ours has a social group for ex carers as it were, they offer a coffee morning,a lunch every now and again subsidised coach trips and a few other bits too. Most of the group here are male I believe, one of the trips is to Llandudno and has cost £5 and lunch is included too.

Thanks for the advice on hedge cutters, unfortunately I went literally straight from posting and have purchased the cordless one, so it will have to do.

I think the carers association here and only two streets from where I live were hopeless, they did not really help or give advice when Mum was ill and as someone said on the radio when Mum passed away all contacts with those who supposedly help us just disappeared over night and you are totally alone.

As you've probably seen I did not rate the Social Worker and main District Nurse were poor and if I say that take it as read because you could nothave anyone more easy and willing to fit in with the plans of others. I was asking for advice about thecare I thought was poor from said people and I found out they shared the same building(so they probably are working hand in hand)

There probably are soem meetings I can attend and make some friends so I won't dismiss the idea.

Most seem to happen in the church groupMum's funeral took place, a couple of streets from the Nursing Home she passed away but taxi fares(buses are not reliable)will add approx £10 to the look out. Had it been in the town centre near me that would come down to £5 or I could try and walk it slowly.

Popperwell

Bobbykins wrote: »

Pops - if you do decide to have a go at something outside the home, it might be worth checking if there is a "University of the Third Age" run in your area - google U3A - it's a social group for people over 55 and they have all sorts of groups that might interest you. Our local one has walking/singing/knitting/cycling/bridge/whist etc, as well as short courses in all sorts of interesting stuff - languages, science, philosophy, art, crafts, etc.

Thank you Bobbykins,
What a great idea...I'm taking all these ideas onboard.

Popperwell

Mrs_Chip wrote: »

Oooh, I'm 'esteemed' :rotfl: (flaps hands madly and goes *pink*). Never been called that before, I'm flattered!

Hi Elche, welcome ! - 1 cup flour is 150g/5oz, and a cup of water is 250ml/approx half a pint. Hope the bread works for you as well as it does for Fuddle!

Wooo bliddy hooo !!!!!!!!. Just been to see the owner of the garden above ours, and he says we can use it!!!! And he would be happy for us to put chickens on it :T:T:T:T:T:T:T. It is a terrible tangle (but sour lemons and all that, there will be a great blackberry harvest) but will be perfect. He took us the way he has to go to get to it which is to cross a road, up an unmade and overgrown steep path (very steep in parts!), then along and down. Luckily he does not mind us cutting his wire fencing and going in straight up and over from the back of ours. We will need a ladder for now until we can get steps made, HOORAY I can finally get some chickens, so will be asking a lot of chicken related questions .

If I moved through choice and won the lottery(Not likely)I'd have a detached house and love to have chickens.

fuddle

pops I'm not up on it really but I think pah has hit the nail on the head. It looks like you may? will? have your housing benefit cut? Is that correct? I know it's a worry but a cut doesn't mean it will stop does it? It won' make you homeless at all with it? Will it? What I worry is that the cut will not allow you to put the heating on or eat as much but surely it won't loose you your house?

Oh, I don't know any thing about it. I'm trying to help but can't because I'm clueless. Pops I'd make sure you have thermal undies, plenty of jumpers, blankets, thick socks and maybe a treat of an electric blanket. I think it's a good idea to throw yourself into buying food and warmth etc in prep for an income decrease, you;re doing that already. Hope to help, although I doubt I have.

As with the going out thing. It's difficult. Yes, I have my kids and DH but during the day, other than the school run and shopping trips, I'm pretty much a home bird. I do chat to others, and have a couple of friends in the village but I don't don't really socialise. I tend to think it's what I'm comfortable with so what's the harm. I do think you must get out though. When I'm in hermit mode I spiral deeper and deeper into cant be bothered, down and blinkered. I need a walk, a shopping trip, some fresh air. Out, wherever it is, even on your own down the street is good.

meme30

Popperwell:- http://www.darlingtonu3a.com/index.php?p=1_4_GROUPS

This is U3A in Darlington, don't know if you are near Bondgate Methodist church. They have Classical music and Easy Listening groups.

Popperwell

Evie74 wrote: »

I have just been to Mr T

I said I'd stay out of there for the next week but was there tonight.

I bought some plants to try and make the garden nicer, Mum loved her garden...bless her!

At least the front garden has some tubs and a hanging basket.

But I stll spent another £7 and then because I did not take my shopping trolley I had to get a taxi home :mad:

I originally went out to get the following at Argos but they had closed early...seems good enough for me as a single person...what do you think?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4228187/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CKitchen+and+laundry%7C14418476/c_2/2%7C14418476%7CSmall+kitchen+appliances%7C14418587/c_3/3%7Ccat_14418587%7CHealth+grills%7C14418596.htm

Popperwell

fuddle wrote: »

Want a buddy Evie? Me too, one week of no school runs and I feel the podge. I'll be back to a size 16 in no time I think. I can't walk fast walking the dog as I have the sproglets in tow.

The only way to beat it is smaller portions and less biscuit dunking.

I'm eating less...but if you are not burning the calories off you don't need as much.

You'll be fine...

Mrs_Chip

Pops - I really honestly don't think you need one of those? I have had them in the past, they can be a pain to clean, and I really didn't like how meat came out of mine (steak for example just seemed to steam and went grey?). For one person you have all the cooking kit you need for now I think. Why not save the money you would spend on this toward some of the things you have said you might not be able to afford?

I also meant to say that when the Aldi opens near you, their chocolate is delicious and so much cheaper than the brands, so you will be able to have treats!