make do and mend for tougher times

homerdog

Aw Pops, try not to be so down, the grieving process is a long one and it's early days for you. Things will get better when you get all the first anniversarys and special occasions out of the way, birthdays, christmas, and special times you used to share with your mum. I know it's harder because you're on your own, try to concentrate on making your home, wherever you end up living, cosy and comfortable, if it's too big and cold you'll only feel worse, and try to keep busy, although harder for a man sometimes than a woman...have you thought of rug making or something along those lines or some gentle container gardening? Do you read, perhaps you could go to the library, or join a daytime club through the library - this would help you meet people and give you something to look forward to. Good luck!! xx

Possession

Thanks for thinking of me Homerdog! The velcro hasn't arrived yet and I can't find the press studs I'm sure I have, so at the moment we are stuck with bunchy duvet.
Just had toad in the hole and yet again I have flat toad (or is it hole?). It tasted lovely but I wish I could get it to rise every time. I sneakily made instant mash to go with it and the children ate it without a murmur - result!

homerdog

Toad in the hole...MMmmmm....my 'hole' doesn't tend to rise either, just end up stuck to the dish and soggy, don't think i have the oil or the over hot enough, so dont tend to make it nowadays. I think lisakay makes a mean one tho. I've decided on cheese on toast for tonight, son got iffy tummy so just wanted tomato soup and OH working til after 9.
Had 3 grandkids til about 230 from 745 so feeling pretty tired, should be doing all sorts of stuff but really cba. Oh well, back to work again tomorrow then off again Friday, can't be bad eh?
Hope the rain stays away, the garden's a bit waterlogged now.

homerdog

I did the 3 grandkids a lovely pudding after their lunch...golden syrup sponge from discount sm - 39p and custard from ald! - 45p, enough for some for me too and a slice over for later. Bargain and they loved it - baby too!!!

[Deleted User]

Delivery man came up the path huffing and puffing with two heavy boxes. Lol he said `another heavy one then`, dh`s eyes opened wide and I said `it`s better than money in the bank. It is too, as I only ordered stuff that I use on a regular basis, organic brown rice, almonds, apricots, spelt pasta and all that sort of thing. Stuff must have been flying off the shelves at the ethical superstore warehouse. It wasn`t armageddon stockcupboard filling but economics as I saved 25% on everything, so I went to town. I am aching now as I have spent 8 hours today, just working, washing boxes, sorting and labelling everything, to do with food, on my shelves and in cupboards in two different rooms as well as under the stairs. I started off not thinking that I would get the delivery today but it was so dark and I went into hibernation prep mode and one thing followed another

Local news has just been on and apples are 90% down due to poor pollination. They say wet weather but I say oilseed rape as that is a much easier source for bees. Anyway food does look dire this year and now it is on the radio and tv I am hoping that our three start to actually listen and do the sensible thing re accumulating a bit of a storecupboard

Mar you have time to get leeks in
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-Musselburgh-Leek-Plants-Field-Grown-Bare-Rooted-Leeks-/160866141648?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item25745e85d0#ht_500wt_1288
I got some from this seller once and they are superb plants

Popperwell

homerdog wrote: »

Aw Pops, try not to be so down, the grieving process is a long one and it's early days for you. Things will get better when you get all the first anniversarys and special occasions out of the way, birthdays, christmas, and special times you used to share with your mum. I know it's harder because you're on your own, try to concentrate on making your home, wherever you end up living, cosy and comfortable, if it's too big and cold you'll only feel worse, and try to keep busy, although harder for a man sometimes than a woman...have you thought of rug making or something along those lines or some gentle container gardening? Do you read, perhaps you could go to the library, or join a daytime club through the library - this would help you meet people and give you something to look forward to. Good luck!! xx

Thank you HD,
That is very kind of you and I do wonder whether to stay put as no one has said I have to do anything yet and get used to things. I could buy furniture for this place and still take some elsewhere even if it wasn't much.

My only remaining auntie thinks the CAB gave me good advice about finding somewhere smaller and looking sooner rather than later in case suddenly everyone is at or it takes a long time to find somewhere.

But again I am minded by what you and Shropshirelass said about getting used to be on my own that grieving takes a long time even if you think that you are alright and I should give myself approx a year before making such a big decision.

Popperwell

fuddle wrote: »

Just letting your thoughts out pops. Hope you feel lighter for thinking all that through

I could do with your input if you will. I'm saving for a kelly kettle and then an outside stove. My reason is 1) free heating of water for my cups of tea and 2) if power goes off I can basic cook meals.

I was thinking If I just got http://wildstoves.co.uk/survival-stoves-gear/vargo-stainless-steel-hexagon-wood-stove/


as it's cheaper and would do both jobs. Would it still work with twigs/dried leaves etc like the kelly kettle? Also If I stood it on a paving slab would that be ok? I have a bog standard camping kettle, would that go on the top of the hexagon thing?

Any feedback would be lovely. I would like an ozpig if I'm truthful but that's a long way off.

Yes letting my thoughts out, its a bit like talking on the phone but hard luck on those who have to listen to you/me:pbut you are such good friends and so kind even if you need to take a different view or give me a bit of kick up the you know what.:rotfl:

Now as to your other question...if it burns wood, why would it not burn twigs? But you probably would need a fair few. I suspect if it is placed on something really solid and your kettle is big enough so it is supported, I think it could work...

mardatha

Thanks kittie will go and order some right now. Also I have one other garden question - the kale and chard and turnip greens that I planted this spring for the hens is now tall and bushy and past its best. I've been using it over the summer but I want to know if I can pick the lot and freeze it for adding to soup?

SpikyHedgehog

Byatt wrote: »

Is it your birthday Spiky???

Double 21 today! Thank you for the birthday wishes, Byatt, Popperwell, Possession, Pooky, Kidcat, VJsmum and anyone I've missed - have some virtual lemon cake or cherry, almond & chocolate cake! Guaranteed no calories ;-) I was looking at some old photos yesterday as the friend that was round has just got a springer pup, & I was looking for the photos of our old springer & her pups; & saw photos from my 21st birthday. A lifetime ago...

Shropshirelass wrote: »

Pips Mum
Hope you can manage a rest twice a day, lying down properly if possible. Hugs and good wishes sent your way, and keep :cool:

Had to do an emergency de-frost of freezer last pm, as I had not closed it properly and the drawers froze shut. I think the seal on the door may be a bit perished, but reluctant to get another as we have just had to get a new washing machine. I'm afraid all our appliances are going to pack up now, we have been in this house for 12 years, and they are demonstrating built in obsolescence, just like I am. Btw this is the longest I have ever lived in one house, and counting evey place I have lived for over a month, is number 20. No wonder I appreciate staying at home!

Just finished prepping and freezing carrots and hm summer pudding fruit mix, picked up at S'burys yesterday. I think we will have a meatless NSD today, possibly jacket potatoes tonight, as summer pudding is quite filling.

Gloomy and drizzly now, we had a terrific downpour about 8am, so keep dry all of you

The seal packed up on my fridge last year, its a fridge freezer & the freezer door was still fine. I did some looking around, & got a new seal for about a fiver. I felt so proud of myself! The only thing I'd do next time, being confident in my abilities now ;-) is get 2 seals & change both the fridge & freezer at the same time.

Mrs_Chip wrote: »

Pops

Don't write yourself out of the picture - why should you not be able to live wherever you want?

There are lots of options, have you thought about a static caravan type home? I know a lot of older people opt for them, they are super dooper these days, and in lovely locations mainly. There are a lot in Wales . I know I would go into one like a shot, should it ever come to it.

And I am sure there are some places that are still not too gentrified to be affordable, I'm sure a bit of internet research could turn up places where someone with so few requirements (I mean space-wise) would be very happy, and you never know, you might be able to do a swap with someone who needs more room...

One of the chaps in the boys' Scout group has recently moved into a static caravan, the site seems to have a jolly busy social side to it as whenever we try to arrange meetings,, he's always the 1 saying ' can't do that, busy at the site'!

fuddle

Happy Birthday Spiky :bdaycake: