make do and mend for tougher times

fuddle

Quick question: I have put tinned kidney beans in with my chilli in the slow cooker. Will they cook ok on low from 10.30am to around 5.30pm this evening? I'm having a wobble as something is telling me they're going to be rock solid :eek:

Thanks toughies

Edit: oh Thank you bonnie Going to try chilli ones

kidcat

Fuddle tinned kidney beans are already cooked so are soft when you open them, so they will be fine. Its dried beans that need loads of soaking etc and take ages to cook - but I have also used soaked dried beans in SC and they have been fine after a days cooking.

bossymoo

GreyQueen I have given up on freecycle too. Too many times I receive blanket emails from the same people saying exactly the same thing, am sure they collect for carbooting or whatever. Either that, or they don't collect, or start messing about changing their minds. I was giving away one of those wooden chair / table things that converts into a kiddy highchair. I specified it had to be collected by a certain date. One lady gave a lovely sob story and silly me took pity on her. She was supposed to email me by a certain time to arrange, but didn't. So I took it to the Sally Army shop. About 10 days letter she emailed me. I told her I presumed she had changed her mind, given that more than 2 weeks had elapsed since the original offer. She replied with some very harsh, unpleasant language. I forwarded to the mods but they never replied, so I have cancelled my subscription. It's not used with best intentions any more.

Rant over, lol

bonnie_bumpkins

Hello bossymoo

It can be really hit and miss with freecycle / freegle. Last week I lugged a mini stereo on the train, to work, then back to the station where I'd arranged to meet the collecter. He didn't show. Gave a good reason and lots of apologies so he's arranged to collect it between 11.30 and 12 today. Hmmmm. Wonder if he will show! If not, it's going to my CS on Wed.

I've complained about people before and forwarded emails to mods etc and not had a reply but I've not seen the 'offenders' posting again so I think they do act. But if it's becoming a hassle and you have doubts about the collecters then it's not for you, and the CSs can benefit

Byatt

bossymoo wrote: »

GreyQueen I have given up on freecycle too. Too many times I receive blanket emails from the same people saying exactly the same thing, am sure they collect for carbooting or whatever. Either that, or they don't collect, or start messing about changing their minds. I was giving away one of those wooden chair / table things that converts into a kiddy highchair. I specified it had to be collected by a certain date. One lady gave a lovely sob story and silly me took pity on her. She was supposed to email me by a certain time to arrange, but didn't. So I took it to the Sally Army shop. About 10 days letter she emailed me. I told her I presumed she had changed her mind, given that more than 2 weeks had elapsed since the original offer. She replied with some very harsh, unpleasant language. I forwarded to the mods but they never replied, so I have cancelled my subscription. It's not used with best intentions any more.

Rant over, lol

I've given up too. Have had some horrible people emailing abuse when they haven't been offered something. And then the ones who email to ask, get offered the item and then nothing. :mad:

I don't especially mind if people want to sell on but at least reply when asked if they still want it. I think people just like to be able to be offered before someone else is, and it's a self esteem/psychological issue they have. Sort of hoarding by proxy.

bonnie_bumpkins

My freegler has emailed and is on his way...

Byatt very interesting your point about the psychological side, people getting angry as they feel they've been passed over (not good enough) or that they've missed out on something so they feel hard done by. Hmmmm. Material for a thesis there

Nellie*in*her*wellies

Hullo all

It's soooooooo grey outside and the house is a little brrrrr - oh for a fireball to be in the sky!

Anyhoooows, DS & DH both packed off to school/work.

WM filled with towels that I need to find indoor space to dry (where did I put those over door hanger thingys??) and have another dark load to do too.

Mondays are usually my day for re-jigging the house after the weekend when things get a little lax but today am still not feeling too well and CBA so may just have a day to myself and relax in the bath without being interupted.

We've got the Olympic Torch coming to town on Wednesday and DS has been granted leave from school, so what-ever-the-weather we'll be there to catch a glimpse and take a photo for his scrap book.
Depending on the crowds, hoping to be able to take him into £land whilst there and buy some bits to take to the caravan holiday - some sweeties/glo sticks/bubble makers etc etc as these are sooooo expensive on site.

We managed to get a great deal through DH works discount scheme for a mini break to a caravan park up in Yorkshire. DH is originally from SA so we try to visit a different part of Britian when-ever we can and the camping/caravan breaks offer us the most value for money. DS is happy with a picnic and an ice-cream treat in exchange for being 'dragged' around on countryside walks, seeing castles etc etc. Not every 5yr olds cup of tea but he loves it and takes some beautiful quirky seen the the eyes of a child photos!
We bring the sc on hols with us, as we don't pay extra for gas/elec, so I take full advantage and we'll have some yummy dinners waiting for us after our trips out!
This site has got a huge waterpark on it so hoping DS will enjoy the slides/wave machines etc, I know DH will!!

Right-o off for a soak before I get soaked on the school run!

Hope everyone stays safe & dry if the weather is incliment near you x

bonnie_bumpkins

My freegler has been and collected the stereo :T

He seemed very happy. Realised when I sat down that I must have given him an eyeful when I bent down to pick up the bag for him :eek:

Anyway I'm pleased it's gone. Off to update on the decluttering thread

[Deleted User]

got to be grateful for small mercies, on and off misty drizzle now but much better than last week. 17 degrees out but am hot cos I have been making jam. I managed to scrape 500 g of strawberries together 430g dry from the planters and 70 g too wet from the allotment. 1/2 pack of pectin, 1/2 lemon and 500g sugar. Made it in a saucepan and a bit shallow for the thermometer so judged when the bubbling looked right and then tested on a frozen saucer, Into plastic boxes as it isn`t a jam I trust to keep for months due to the wet berries. It will go into the fridge and will keep for weeks in there. Will make scones this afternoon and have some cream in. so cream teas at tea time

Will read and drink tea after making scones cos we`re worth it

fuddle

We're saving The Sun coupon's again to get a weekend break at the Haven site near the Lakes. Haven isn't our cup of tea kind of thing but it's cheap, they take the dog, the kids get some fun and we all get stress free time together. It will be Oct/Nov this time though so we'll need the electric radiator for the bedrooms.. brrrrr (but fun!) I think I will take slow cooker too Thanks for that.

I have been able to get two things on Freecycle. First was a bundle of wool from a mum at the school gates would you believe and the second I posted a wanted for a breadmaker. A gentleman contacted me to say would I like it and very excitely I replied yes please. He contacted me again to say I sounded very immature and that he hopes I did actually collect it because the young ones always mess him around. I apologised and felt the need to write a whole long email about me, my family and what I was trying to do. I was so nervous going to pick it up but he waved to the kids in the car and gave me some bread mix too. I guess if he's been messed around then he is going to be guarded. I have a wanted on right now for a bed base and offering my little ones trike. Not heard a thing on either. I don't use it much. I haven't had any abuse though.

Just had a man knocking at the door selling freshly filleted fish. I didn't buy as you know I have a meal plan and stick to it. I felt a bit mean not supporting people who are trying to make some money but then again, how do I know it's 1) kosher and 2) safe to eat. Would you have bought?